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The sun burned in a brilliant ribbon on the horizon. The sky overhead stretched from one end of the world to the other; deep blue, softening to purple, eventually melting back into watery gray just above the morning light. Life in the forest woke in slow, sleepy waves. Above, birds flitted from branch to branch, twittering to each other; the first songs of morning slipping into the humid air.
Achnos’s hooves swished through the leaves as he moved idly over the paths through the woods. Stephanos let his horse go where he would. It didn’t matter exactly where they wandered because he wasn’t entirely sure he would meet Dorothea. For the last few days he’d ridden through these trees at different times during the day, half hoping to run into her by fate but he was beginning to wonder if she’d dare venture out at all. Last time they’d met he’d won their bet; probably she was not eager to encounter him again soon.
He liked the chase. It would be too easy to show up at her father’s door, asking to see her. She wasn’t at court much. Mostly she stayed home or came out here to practice, according to his memory of her routine but he was beginning to wonder if he was right. During the past few days, he’d tried in the late afternoon, like the first time they’d met. Then he’d attempted to ride in the evening, after that, late morning. Now he was riding at dawn, when the world was still quiet.
His sister, Xene had advised him to leave Dorothea alone. Messing with one of the daughters of the Dimitrou house was different than teasing someone of a lower rank but he couldn’t concede. Not here. He rather liked the way she wouldn’t accept him right away. It was irritating as much as it was refreshing. He’d nearly forgotten what it was like for a woman not to say yes to anything he asked.
Presently Achnos’s steps were not the only ones he heard. He twisted around in the saddle, looking around to see if he’d finally encountered Dorothea or if this was just another fox wandering through the underbrush.
This character is currently a work in progress.
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This character is currently a work in progress.
Check out their information page here.
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The sun burned in a brilliant ribbon on the horizon. The sky overhead stretched from one end of the world to the other; deep blue, softening to purple, eventually melting back into watery gray just above the morning light. Life in the forest woke in slow, sleepy waves. Above, birds flitted from branch to branch, twittering to each other; the first songs of morning slipping into the humid air.
Achnos’s hooves swished through the leaves as he moved idly over the paths through the woods. Stephanos let his horse go where he would. It didn’t matter exactly where they wandered because he wasn’t entirely sure he would meet Dorothea. For the last few days he’d ridden through these trees at different times during the day, half hoping to run into her by fate but he was beginning to wonder if she’d dare venture out at all. Last time they’d met he’d won their bet; probably she was not eager to encounter him again soon.
He liked the chase. It would be too easy to show up at her father’s door, asking to see her. She wasn’t at court much. Mostly she stayed home or came out here to practice, according to his memory of her routine but he was beginning to wonder if he was right. During the past few days, he’d tried in the late afternoon, like the first time they’d met. Then he’d attempted to ride in the evening, after that, late morning. Now he was riding at dawn, when the world was still quiet.
His sister, Xene had advised him to leave Dorothea alone. Messing with one of the daughters of the Dimitrou house was different than teasing someone of a lower rank but he couldn’t concede. Not here. He rather liked the way she wouldn’t accept him right away. It was irritating as much as it was refreshing. He’d nearly forgotten what it was like for a woman not to say yes to anything he asked.
Presently Achnos’s steps were not the only ones he heard. He twisted around in the saddle, looking around to see if he’d finally encountered Dorothea or if this was just another fox wandering through the underbrush.
The sun burned in a brilliant ribbon on the horizon. The sky overhead stretched from one end of the world to the other; deep blue, softening to purple, eventually melting back into watery gray just above the morning light. Life in the forest woke in slow, sleepy waves. Above, birds flitted from branch to branch, twittering to each other; the first songs of morning slipping into the humid air.
Achnos’s hooves swished through the leaves as he moved idly over the paths through the woods. Stephanos let his horse go where he would. It didn’t matter exactly where they wandered because he wasn’t entirely sure he would meet Dorothea. For the last few days he’d ridden through these trees at different times during the day, half hoping to run into her by fate but he was beginning to wonder if she’d dare venture out at all. Last time they’d met he’d won their bet; probably she was not eager to encounter him again soon.
He liked the chase. It would be too easy to show up at her father’s door, asking to see her. She wasn’t at court much. Mostly she stayed home or came out here to practice, according to his memory of her routine but he was beginning to wonder if he was right. During the past few days, he’d tried in the late afternoon, like the first time they’d met. Then he’d attempted to ride in the evening, after that, late morning. Now he was riding at dawn, when the world was still quiet.
His sister, Xene had advised him to leave Dorothea alone. Messing with one of the daughters of the Dimitrou house was different than teasing someone of a lower rank but he couldn’t concede. Not here. He rather liked the way she wouldn’t accept him right away. It was irritating as much as it was refreshing. He’d nearly forgotten what it was like for a woman not to say yes to anything he asked.
Presently Achnos’s steps were not the only ones he heard. He twisted around in the saddle, looking around to see if he’d finally encountered Dorothea or if this was just another fox wandering through the underbrush.
Although unable to say for certain, Dorothea felt like something within her had changed. Her persona was known to be rough on the exterior. A resting facial feature look for the woman could send the weaker of heart away believing they had done something to make her angry. She was quiet, but her eyes and lips often revealed how she felt- That about her had not changed. Still reserved, her gaze had begun to take the world in with different colors, and her lips now held a smile-like curve to them whenever she found herself slipping off into her thoughts.
The sky that early morning matched her new perception of the world. Perhaps not everything was as horrid as she once thought it to be. With this foreign feeling in her chest, Dorothea could almost justify why people drank when sorrowful: So that they could feel the way she did. Being able to do so was quite a change of heart, as she had looked down upon drunkards in the past. With her chest lighter than it ever had been before, however, she truly found herself comprehending the essence of it.
They were responsible, all the feelings she was attempting to sort. They were why she was out so early. Sure, it was easy to mask under the guise of her usual hunt at its usual time, but the woman had never been skilled at self-deception. Dorothea was upon Abraxas, but for now her bow remained unloaded and resting atop her quiver on her back. Her hands gripped the reigns as she led the colt forward at a canter, and her head swiveled on her neck.
She was searching for him.
For the past couple of days, the woman had not left her family home to go on a hunt at any time of day. She knew Stephanos, and knew that he would be wanting to cash in his prize from their deal at some point. While she had gone about her daily duties, the brunette enjoyed the idea of him searching for her and not finding her in the forest.
And now, hopefully she would be the one to find him.
Spotting him was not difficult, even in the low light of dawn. The white of his garments and of his horse placed him bright against the forest’s backdrop. Once she had laid her eyes upon him, the woman was able to tell from his posture, his own searching movements, that he was looking for something. Was it possible that he was looking for her?
Her heart skipped, and she could not help the smile that blossomed on her lips. Bringing her horse to a gallop, the woman moved to dart by him in a similar manner to how their last encounter had gone- Partly. Abraxas raced down the path large enough for two or three horses, the earth below giving her away; Dorothea did not care. If anything, she was glad for it, for she saw the look of surprise blending with hope upon his features as he turned his head to look at her.
Even though her heart wished to order her horse to halt next to his, she urged the animal instead to continue forward. It was then her turning to look over her shoulder, a wide beam on her lips. She wasn’t sure if she had ever smiled that wide, much less at Stephanos before. “Try to keep up!” she shouted, lips still tugged back as she shifted to once more face forward.
The woman led them to the same clearing they had been at a couple days before and, fortunately for her, nothing stopped her from arriving first this time. Her head start resulted in an obvious advantage, but she still allowed herself to look rather smug. “Good morning, Stephanos. Since when did you become a morning trainer? It is so often rumored in court that you never wake before the sun is high in the sky. What brings you to the woods so early?”
Dorothea had an inkling that she knew what did, but she wanted to hear him say it. The brunette wanted him to confess all that she had hoped was true: That he was thinking about her just as much as she was thinking about him.
JD
Staff Team
JD
Staff Team
This post was created by our staff team.
Please contact us with your queries and questions.
Although unable to say for certain, Dorothea felt like something within her had changed. Her persona was known to be rough on the exterior. A resting facial feature look for the woman could send the weaker of heart away believing they had done something to make her angry. She was quiet, but her eyes and lips often revealed how she felt- That about her had not changed. Still reserved, her gaze had begun to take the world in with different colors, and her lips now held a smile-like curve to them whenever she found herself slipping off into her thoughts.
The sky that early morning matched her new perception of the world. Perhaps not everything was as horrid as she once thought it to be. With this foreign feeling in her chest, Dorothea could almost justify why people drank when sorrowful: So that they could feel the way she did. Being able to do so was quite a change of heart, as she had looked down upon drunkards in the past. With her chest lighter than it ever had been before, however, she truly found herself comprehending the essence of it.
They were responsible, all the feelings she was attempting to sort. They were why she was out so early. Sure, it was easy to mask under the guise of her usual hunt at its usual time, but the woman had never been skilled at self-deception. Dorothea was upon Abraxas, but for now her bow remained unloaded and resting atop her quiver on her back. Her hands gripped the reigns as she led the colt forward at a canter, and her head swiveled on her neck.
She was searching for him.
For the past couple of days, the woman had not left her family home to go on a hunt at any time of day. She knew Stephanos, and knew that he would be wanting to cash in his prize from their deal at some point. While she had gone about her daily duties, the brunette enjoyed the idea of him searching for her and not finding her in the forest.
And now, hopefully she would be the one to find him.
Spotting him was not difficult, even in the low light of dawn. The white of his garments and of his horse placed him bright against the forest’s backdrop. Once she had laid her eyes upon him, the woman was able to tell from his posture, his own searching movements, that he was looking for something. Was it possible that he was looking for her?
Her heart skipped, and she could not help the smile that blossomed on her lips. Bringing her horse to a gallop, the woman moved to dart by him in a similar manner to how their last encounter had gone- Partly. Abraxas raced down the path large enough for two or three horses, the earth below giving her away; Dorothea did not care. If anything, she was glad for it, for she saw the look of surprise blending with hope upon his features as he turned his head to look at her.
Even though her heart wished to order her horse to halt next to his, she urged the animal instead to continue forward. It was then her turning to look over her shoulder, a wide beam on her lips. She wasn’t sure if she had ever smiled that wide, much less at Stephanos before. “Try to keep up!” she shouted, lips still tugged back as she shifted to once more face forward.
The woman led them to the same clearing they had been at a couple days before and, fortunately for her, nothing stopped her from arriving first this time. Her head start resulted in an obvious advantage, but she still allowed herself to look rather smug. “Good morning, Stephanos. Since when did you become a morning trainer? It is so often rumored in court that you never wake before the sun is high in the sky. What brings you to the woods so early?”
Dorothea had an inkling that she knew what did, but she wanted to hear him say it. The brunette wanted him to confess all that she had hoped was true: That he was thinking about her just as much as she was thinking about him.
Although unable to say for certain, Dorothea felt like something within her had changed. Her persona was known to be rough on the exterior. A resting facial feature look for the woman could send the weaker of heart away believing they had done something to make her angry. She was quiet, but her eyes and lips often revealed how she felt- That about her had not changed. Still reserved, her gaze had begun to take the world in with different colors, and her lips now held a smile-like curve to them whenever she found herself slipping off into her thoughts.
The sky that early morning matched her new perception of the world. Perhaps not everything was as horrid as she once thought it to be. With this foreign feeling in her chest, Dorothea could almost justify why people drank when sorrowful: So that they could feel the way she did. Being able to do so was quite a change of heart, as she had looked down upon drunkards in the past. With her chest lighter than it ever had been before, however, she truly found herself comprehending the essence of it.
They were responsible, all the feelings she was attempting to sort. They were why she was out so early. Sure, it was easy to mask under the guise of her usual hunt at its usual time, but the woman had never been skilled at self-deception. Dorothea was upon Abraxas, but for now her bow remained unloaded and resting atop her quiver on her back. Her hands gripped the reigns as she led the colt forward at a canter, and her head swiveled on her neck.
She was searching for him.
For the past couple of days, the woman had not left her family home to go on a hunt at any time of day. She knew Stephanos, and knew that he would be wanting to cash in his prize from their deal at some point. While she had gone about her daily duties, the brunette enjoyed the idea of him searching for her and not finding her in the forest.
And now, hopefully she would be the one to find him.
Spotting him was not difficult, even in the low light of dawn. The white of his garments and of his horse placed him bright against the forest’s backdrop. Once she had laid her eyes upon him, the woman was able to tell from his posture, his own searching movements, that he was looking for something. Was it possible that he was looking for her?
Her heart skipped, and she could not help the smile that blossomed on her lips. Bringing her horse to a gallop, the woman moved to dart by him in a similar manner to how their last encounter had gone- Partly. Abraxas raced down the path large enough for two or three horses, the earth below giving her away; Dorothea did not care. If anything, she was glad for it, for she saw the look of surprise blending with hope upon his features as he turned his head to look at her.
Even though her heart wished to order her horse to halt next to his, she urged the animal instead to continue forward. It was then her turning to look over her shoulder, a wide beam on her lips. She wasn’t sure if she had ever smiled that wide, much less at Stephanos before. “Try to keep up!” she shouted, lips still tugged back as she shifted to once more face forward.
The woman led them to the same clearing they had been at a couple days before and, fortunately for her, nothing stopped her from arriving first this time. Her head start resulted in an obvious advantage, but she still allowed herself to look rather smug. “Good morning, Stephanos. Since when did you become a morning trainer? It is so often rumored in court that you never wake before the sun is high in the sky. What brings you to the woods so early?”
Dorothea had an inkling that she knew what did, but she wanted to hear him say it. The brunette wanted him to confess all that she had hoped was true: That he was thinking about her just as much as she was thinking about him.
The first glimpse of her was not clear and in a second, she was a blur galloping past. Without hesitation he dug his heels into Achnos’s flanks. Achnos leapt forward, hooves pounding the dirt, nostrils flaring, and tail flying. The stallion sensed the race just as his master did.
He had the impression that she’d smiled but didn’t quite believe it until she threw him a look over her shoulder and playfully shouted at him to keep up. That he could do. Together they raced through the wood but the game was different than before. It didn’t matter if she beat him and he didn’t put undue strain on Achnos to try.
The familiar path turned slowly, leading them to the clearing. Because he did not push for the lead, she was always a horse length ahead. This gave him a chance to study her back as they rode. She kept a good seat; not too rigid. She did not fight her horse's gait and instead moved with the beast in tandem. Obviously she’d been in a saddle before she could walk, which wasn’t in the least surprising, considering her father.
As he crossed into the clearing, he tugged back on Achnos’s reins, bringing him to a gentler walking pace. Dorothea’s smug smile was wholly ignored as he leveled her with one of his own. He let her tease him because, in truth, he liked it. It meant that she had come for the same purpose. She wouldn’t toy with him if she was trying to avoid their agreement. Instead, she’d do what she always did; coldly ignore him.
“Morning, Dorothea,” he answered pleasantly, arching an eyebrow. “I wake early when there’s something to get up for.” Momentarily he let his gaze linger on her face before he turned to dismount from his horse. HE unhooked the bridle again and slung it over the saddle so that Achnos could wander and graze if he wanted.
“I fancied an early morning ride through the forest. That’s all.” He crossed over to her as she still sat on her horse, looking up at her and smoothing his hand down Abraxas’s neck. “There’s a rumor at court that some high born woman also rides from time to time. Thought I might run into her. She I and I have…” he paused, looking away from her to the horse. “A few things unsettled between us.”
Now that she was here, he had no intention of hurrying anything. The game, this dance, was the best part. How long would she put him off? Or, would she put him off at all? She was a little more difficult to read than most and he’d never seen her smile like that before; most certainly never in his direction.
“Perhaps you’ve seen her. She’s about this tall - about your height. Not quite as beautiful as you but, then again, she never smiles. And she hates me with a cold fury that defies description. Would you be kind enough to wait with me until she arrives?”
All this was said in a mock serious tone, which he could not maintain. He was smirking by the end in an effort to stifle a grin. At last he said, “I wasn’t sure you’d ever be brave enough to leave your house. Am I that bad that you’d refuse to leave for almost a week?” This time, he was not teasing. He honestly wondered if she was that scared of a kiss, which, in his experience, was nothing to be frightened of.
This character is currently a work in progress.
Check out their information page here.
This character is currently a work in progress.
Check out their information page here.
Badges
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The first glimpse of her was not clear and in a second, she was a blur galloping past. Without hesitation he dug his heels into Achnos’s flanks. Achnos leapt forward, hooves pounding the dirt, nostrils flaring, and tail flying. The stallion sensed the race just as his master did.
He had the impression that she’d smiled but didn’t quite believe it until she threw him a look over her shoulder and playfully shouted at him to keep up. That he could do. Together they raced through the wood but the game was different than before. It didn’t matter if she beat him and he didn’t put undue strain on Achnos to try.
The familiar path turned slowly, leading them to the clearing. Because he did not push for the lead, she was always a horse length ahead. This gave him a chance to study her back as they rode. She kept a good seat; not too rigid. She did not fight her horse's gait and instead moved with the beast in tandem. Obviously she’d been in a saddle before she could walk, which wasn’t in the least surprising, considering her father.
As he crossed into the clearing, he tugged back on Achnos’s reins, bringing him to a gentler walking pace. Dorothea’s smug smile was wholly ignored as he leveled her with one of his own. He let her tease him because, in truth, he liked it. It meant that she had come for the same purpose. She wouldn’t toy with him if she was trying to avoid their agreement. Instead, she’d do what she always did; coldly ignore him.
“Morning, Dorothea,” he answered pleasantly, arching an eyebrow. “I wake early when there’s something to get up for.” Momentarily he let his gaze linger on her face before he turned to dismount from his horse. HE unhooked the bridle again and slung it over the saddle so that Achnos could wander and graze if he wanted.
“I fancied an early morning ride through the forest. That’s all.” He crossed over to her as she still sat on her horse, looking up at her and smoothing his hand down Abraxas’s neck. “There’s a rumor at court that some high born woman also rides from time to time. Thought I might run into her. She I and I have…” he paused, looking away from her to the horse. “A few things unsettled between us.”
Now that she was here, he had no intention of hurrying anything. The game, this dance, was the best part. How long would she put him off? Or, would she put him off at all? She was a little more difficult to read than most and he’d never seen her smile like that before; most certainly never in his direction.
“Perhaps you’ve seen her. She’s about this tall - about your height. Not quite as beautiful as you but, then again, she never smiles. And she hates me with a cold fury that defies description. Would you be kind enough to wait with me until she arrives?”
All this was said in a mock serious tone, which he could not maintain. He was smirking by the end in an effort to stifle a grin. At last he said, “I wasn’t sure you’d ever be brave enough to leave your house. Am I that bad that you’d refuse to leave for almost a week?” This time, he was not teasing. He honestly wondered if she was that scared of a kiss, which, in his experience, was nothing to be frightened of.
The first glimpse of her was not clear and in a second, she was a blur galloping past. Without hesitation he dug his heels into Achnos’s flanks. Achnos leapt forward, hooves pounding the dirt, nostrils flaring, and tail flying. The stallion sensed the race just as his master did.
He had the impression that she’d smiled but didn’t quite believe it until she threw him a look over her shoulder and playfully shouted at him to keep up. That he could do. Together they raced through the wood but the game was different than before. It didn’t matter if she beat him and he didn’t put undue strain on Achnos to try.
The familiar path turned slowly, leading them to the clearing. Because he did not push for the lead, she was always a horse length ahead. This gave him a chance to study her back as they rode. She kept a good seat; not too rigid. She did not fight her horse's gait and instead moved with the beast in tandem. Obviously she’d been in a saddle before she could walk, which wasn’t in the least surprising, considering her father.
As he crossed into the clearing, he tugged back on Achnos’s reins, bringing him to a gentler walking pace. Dorothea’s smug smile was wholly ignored as he leveled her with one of his own. He let her tease him because, in truth, he liked it. It meant that she had come for the same purpose. She wouldn’t toy with him if she was trying to avoid their agreement. Instead, she’d do what she always did; coldly ignore him.
“Morning, Dorothea,” he answered pleasantly, arching an eyebrow. “I wake early when there’s something to get up for.” Momentarily he let his gaze linger on her face before he turned to dismount from his horse. HE unhooked the bridle again and slung it over the saddle so that Achnos could wander and graze if he wanted.
“I fancied an early morning ride through the forest. That’s all.” He crossed over to her as she still sat on her horse, looking up at her and smoothing his hand down Abraxas’s neck. “There’s a rumor at court that some high born woman also rides from time to time. Thought I might run into her. She I and I have…” he paused, looking away from her to the horse. “A few things unsettled between us.”
Now that she was here, he had no intention of hurrying anything. The game, this dance, was the best part. How long would she put him off? Or, would she put him off at all? She was a little more difficult to read than most and he’d never seen her smile like that before; most certainly never in his direction.
“Perhaps you’ve seen her. She’s about this tall - about your height. Not quite as beautiful as you but, then again, she never smiles. And she hates me with a cold fury that defies description. Would you be kind enough to wait with me until she arrives?”
All this was said in a mock serious tone, which he could not maintain. He was smirking by the end in an effort to stifle a grin. At last he said, “I wasn’t sure you’d ever be brave enough to leave your house. Am I that bad that you’d refuse to leave for almost a week?” This time, he was not teasing. He honestly wondered if she was that scared of a kiss, which, in his experience, was nothing to be frightened of.
Their gazes locked, and although hers remained strong and steady, the beating of her heart did not. Leaping in her chest, the organ showed how she truly felt to be in his presence once more. The man was the first to look away, and even when he did, she allowed her bright eyes to remain on his figure unabashedly, taking in the way his muscles contoured due to his dismounting movements. She couldn’t help the smirk that found her rosy lips.
“You contradict yourself, Stephanos,” she retorted, chin high as ever as the man made his way off of his horse and beside hers. His hand pet Abraxas’ coat, and the animal seemed not to mind as he flinched to no degree. “First you say all you wished for was a ride through the forest, that is all. If that is all, then why do you wish to run into this woman you speak of? It sounds to me as if you either are committing self-deception, or are attempting to lie in order to seem collected.” Her smirk only grew, unable to hold back something she was not used to retaining. “Tell me, Stephanos. Has this woman been on your mind recently?”
While both of their words were feigned seriousness with the intent to tease, his were warmer than hers. Compliments filled her, and she allowed her cheeks to grow just a tint or two darker. “Although I know I will not be enough to fill the desire you have for this woman, I shall wait and pray I can hold you off for the time being.”
At last, the man dropped the act, and she did the same. Shifting on her colt, she dismounted the animal gracefully, only a few inched between her and Stephanos, who questioned just why she had not left her home. The woman rolled her shoulders back and turned, moving to remove the equipment on her horse in a similar fashion to Stephanos, granting him permission to move about. “How exactly do you know that I did not leave my house, Stephanos?” she questioned, raising her brow at the man. “Do not tell me you or extensions of you were watching my residence. Did you really miss me that much?”
Her grin formed back into a smirk, and she removed the bow from across her chest, as well as the quiver of arrows, attaching them instead to Abraxas' saddle. The movement gave her something to do besides stare at Stephanos, which kept her composed. “I had familial dealings to attend to, and they required me to remain indoors. Would a full itinerary of my last week suffice in appeasing you, my lord?” After their last encounter, their formalities had dropped. Dorothea employed one here to continue her teasings.
Once Abraxas sauntered away, she was left with no choice but to turn and face the man, her hands slipping to her sides as she looked up at his face. Chin high, bright eyes locking with his, her smile took over again. She couldn’t help it. No matter how hard she tried to hide it, seeing him now made her smile, and uncontrollably. “You requested me to wait with you. Does that mean I also must entertain you until she arrives?"
JD
Staff Team
JD
Staff Team
This post was created by our staff team.
Please contact us with your queries and questions.
Their gazes locked, and although hers remained strong and steady, the beating of her heart did not. Leaping in her chest, the organ showed how she truly felt to be in his presence once more. The man was the first to look away, and even when he did, she allowed her bright eyes to remain on his figure unabashedly, taking in the way his muscles contoured due to his dismounting movements. She couldn’t help the smirk that found her rosy lips.
“You contradict yourself, Stephanos,” she retorted, chin high as ever as the man made his way off of his horse and beside hers. His hand pet Abraxas’ coat, and the animal seemed not to mind as he flinched to no degree. “First you say all you wished for was a ride through the forest, that is all. If that is all, then why do you wish to run into this woman you speak of? It sounds to me as if you either are committing self-deception, or are attempting to lie in order to seem collected.” Her smirk only grew, unable to hold back something she was not used to retaining. “Tell me, Stephanos. Has this woman been on your mind recently?”
While both of their words were feigned seriousness with the intent to tease, his were warmer than hers. Compliments filled her, and she allowed her cheeks to grow just a tint or two darker. “Although I know I will not be enough to fill the desire you have for this woman, I shall wait and pray I can hold you off for the time being.”
At last, the man dropped the act, and she did the same. Shifting on her colt, she dismounted the animal gracefully, only a few inched between her and Stephanos, who questioned just why she had not left her home. The woman rolled her shoulders back and turned, moving to remove the equipment on her horse in a similar fashion to Stephanos, granting him permission to move about. “How exactly do you know that I did not leave my house, Stephanos?” she questioned, raising her brow at the man. “Do not tell me you or extensions of you were watching my residence. Did you really miss me that much?”
Her grin formed back into a smirk, and she removed the bow from across her chest, as well as the quiver of arrows, attaching them instead to Abraxas' saddle. The movement gave her something to do besides stare at Stephanos, which kept her composed. “I had familial dealings to attend to, and they required me to remain indoors. Would a full itinerary of my last week suffice in appeasing you, my lord?” After their last encounter, their formalities had dropped. Dorothea employed one here to continue her teasings.
Once Abraxas sauntered away, she was left with no choice but to turn and face the man, her hands slipping to her sides as she looked up at his face. Chin high, bright eyes locking with his, her smile took over again. She couldn’t help it. No matter how hard she tried to hide it, seeing him now made her smile, and uncontrollably. “You requested me to wait with you. Does that mean I also must entertain you until she arrives?"
Their gazes locked, and although hers remained strong and steady, the beating of her heart did not. Leaping in her chest, the organ showed how she truly felt to be in his presence once more. The man was the first to look away, and even when he did, she allowed her bright eyes to remain on his figure unabashedly, taking in the way his muscles contoured due to his dismounting movements. She couldn’t help the smirk that found her rosy lips.
“You contradict yourself, Stephanos,” she retorted, chin high as ever as the man made his way off of his horse and beside hers. His hand pet Abraxas’ coat, and the animal seemed not to mind as he flinched to no degree. “First you say all you wished for was a ride through the forest, that is all. If that is all, then why do you wish to run into this woman you speak of? It sounds to me as if you either are committing self-deception, or are attempting to lie in order to seem collected.” Her smirk only grew, unable to hold back something she was not used to retaining. “Tell me, Stephanos. Has this woman been on your mind recently?”
While both of their words were feigned seriousness with the intent to tease, his were warmer than hers. Compliments filled her, and she allowed her cheeks to grow just a tint or two darker. “Although I know I will not be enough to fill the desire you have for this woman, I shall wait and pray I can hold you off for the time being.”
At last, the man dropped the act, and she did the same. Shifting on her colt, she dismounted the animal gracefully, only a few inched between her and Stephanos, who questioned just why she had not left her home. The woman rolled her shoulders back and turned, moving to remove the equipment on her horse in a similar fashion to Stephanos, granting him permission to move about. “How exactly do you know that I did not leave my house, Stephanos?” she questioned, raising her brow at the man. “Do not tell me you or extensions of you were watching my residence. Did you really miss me that much?”
Her grin formed back into a smirk, and she removed the bow from across her chest, as well as the quiver of arrows, attaching them instead to Abraxas' saddle. The movement gave her something to do besides stare at Stephanos, which kept her composed. “I had familial dealings to attend to, and they required me to remain indoors. Would a full itinerary of my last week suffice in appeasing you, my lord?” After their last encounter, their formalities had dropped. Dorothea employed one here to continue her teasings.
Once Abraxas sauntered away, she was left with no choice but to turn and face the man, her hands slipping to her sides as she looked up at his face. Chin high, bright eyes locking with his, her smile took over again. She couldn’t help it. No matter how hard she tried to hide it, seeing him now made her smile, and uncontrollably. “You requested me to wait with you. Does that mean I also must entertain you until she arrives?"
“I don’t have your house under watch,” he laughed, as she removed her bow and quiver. There was little distance between them and he pressed into his horse to give her room to turn and attach her weapons to her saddle. She told him that she had family things that had kept her busy but he narrowed his eyes. “All week, hmm?”
Court was a constant swirl of rumors and intrigue. If someone wasn’t there to defend their own name, then the snake pit would either spread facts, or invent ones. It was all about taking someone’s name and dragging it through the mud to elevate oneself. The process was wearying and his own name was often mentioned but hers? Well, she was on the fringes enough that she didn’t come up much of the time. But to not be seen for a whole week by anyone? That in itself was interesting, and so rumors abounded.
Her horse sauntered away, giving them room to step away from each other to a less intimate distance. At last, she turned around and he was surprised to find her smiling at him again. His own smile mirrored hers. It was a nice change of pace to see her happy; one he wanted to continue. She teased him, asking if she was to entertain him until the woman he was waiting for arrived.
Cocking his head to one side, he looked her up and down. “You’ll do,” he said. “If she’s going to be this late, she’s not coming, I don’t think. Besides, I like your smile better than her frown.” His eyes lingered on her mouth for a moment but he turned away and started walking slowly so that she would walk with him. Their path was directed nowhere in particular. Looking down at her, he nudged her with his shoulder. “So tell me. What family obligations kept you from riding? I’ve been trying to catch you for a week.”
The morning air was still cool around them. Life in the forest was awakening. Birds flitted from one branch to another, chittering and squabbling while the two of them walked beneath, blithely unaware of anything else.
Though he had known her all his life, it wasn’t the same thing as ever having a real conversation. In the past, they’d spoken nothing but pleasantries and meaningless nothings if they passed each other in the palace. Until he’d offended her so badly last year, they’d been friendly, but not friends. Now, he was interested in getting to know her beyond what was said about her, beyond rumors of her prowess with a bow, or the not so nice ones that said she was made of marble beneath her skin instead of flesh and blood.
Surely she had desires like everyone else. He wanted to know what they were, what she wanted, what she did every day. She was a mystery and this, he found intriguing.
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This character is currently a work in progress.
Check out their information page here.
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“I don’t have your house under watch,” he laughed, as she removed her bow and quiver. There was little distance between them and he pressed into his horse to give her room to turn and attach her weapons to her saddle. She told him that she had family things that had kept her busy but he narrowed his eyes. “All week, hmm?”
Court was a constant swirl of rumors and intrigue. If someone wasn’t there to defend their own name, then the snake pit would either spread facts, or invent ones. It was all about taking someone’s name and dragging it through the mud to elevate oneself. The process was wearying and his own name was often mentioned but hers? Well, she was on the fringes enough that she didn’t come up much of the time. But to not be seen for a whole week by anyone? That in itself was interesting, and so rumors abounded.
Her horse sauntered away, giving them room to step away from each other to a less intimate distance. At last, she turned around and he was surprised to find her smiling at him again. His own smile mirrored hers. It was a nice change of pace to see her happy; one he wanted to continue. She teased him, asking if she was to entertain him until the woman he was waiting for arrived.
Cocking his head to one side, he looked her up and down. “You’ll do,” he said. “If she’s going to be this late, she’s not coming, I don’t think. Besides, I like your smile better than her frown.” His eyes lingered on her mouth for a moment but he turned away and started walking slowly so that she would walk with him. Their path was directed nowhere in particular. Looking down at her, he nudged her with his shoulder. “So tell me. What family obligations kept you from riding? I’ve been trying to catch you for a week.”
The morning air was still cool around them. Life in the forest was awakening. Birds flitted from one branch to another, chittering and squabbling while the two of them walked beneath, blithely unaware of anything else.
Though he had known her all his life, it wasn’t the same thing as ever having a real conversation. In the past, they’d spoken nothing but pleasantries and meaningless nothings if they passed each other in the palace. Until he’d offended her so badly last year, they’d been friendly, but not friends. Now, he was interested in getting to know her beyond what was said about her, beyond rumors of her prowess with a bow, or the not so nice ones that said she was made of marble beneath her skin instead of flesh and blood.
Surely she had desires like everyone else. He wanted to know what they were, what she wanted, what she did every day. She was a mystery and this, he found intriguing.
“I don’t have your house under watch,” he laughed, as she removed her bow and quiver. There was little distance between them and he pressed into his horse to give her room to turn and attach her weapons to her saddle. She told him that she had family things that had kept her busy but he narrowed his eyes. “All week, hmm?”
Court was a constant swirl of rumors and intrigue. If someone wasn’t there to defend their own name, then the snake pit would either spread facts, or invent ones. It was all about taking someone’s name and dragging it through the mud to elevate oneself. The process was wearying and his own name was often mentioned but hers? Well, she was on the fringes enough that she didn’t come up much of the time. But to not be seen for a whole week by anyone? That in itself was interesting, and so rumors abounded.
Her horse sauntered away, giving them room to step away from each other to a less intimate distance. At last, she turned around and he was surprised to find her smiling at him again. His own smile mirrored hers. It was a nice change of pace to see her happy; one he wanted to continue. She teased him, asking if she was to entertain him until the woman he was waiting for arrived.
Cocking his head to one side, he looked her up and down. “You’ll do,” he said. “If she’s going to be this late, she’s not coming, I don’t think. Besides, I like your smile better than her frown.” His eyes lingered on her mouth for a moment but he turned away and started walking slowly so that she would walk with him. Their path was directed nowhere in particular. Looking down at her, he nudged her with his shoulder. “So tell me. What family obligations kept you from riding? I’ve been trying to catch you for a week.”
The morning air was still cool around them. Life in the forest was awakening. Birds flitted from one branch to another, chittering and squabbling while the two of them walked beneath, blithely unaware of anything else.
Though he had known her all his life, it wasn’t the same thing as ever having a real conversation. In the past, they’d spoken nothing but pleasantries and meaningless nothings if they passed each other in the palace. Until he’d offended her so badly last year, they’d been friendly, but not friends. Now, he was interested in getting to know her beyond what was said about her, beyond rumors of her prowess with a bow, or the not so nice ones that said she was made of marble beneath her skin instead of flesh and blood.
Surely she had desires like everyone else. He wanted to know what they were, what she wanted, what she did every day. She was a mystery and this, he found intriguing.
