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Linos made his way through the bustling marketplace. He absolutely detested large crowds. They made him feel completely out of place and uncomfortable. There was nowhere for him to get a clear breath of air as he glanced from stall to stall, continually moving as to not block anyone else. Usually in situations like this, he would block out the sound and those around him and focus on his thoughts. What else was a scholar to do? However, today was different. He had to pay attention to where he was going. Why? Well, he was in need of a gift for a friend. A friend who he had spilled one of his deepest secrets to. He had felt ashamed and embarrassed ever since then and felt that he needed make it up to her.
But what kinds of gifts would the lady like?
The question wracked Linos's head for any inkling of an idea. Gifts were definitely not his strong suit, as were most social situations. He felt as though his mind was being jostled around as he looked from stall to stall. Makeup? Jewels? Silk? Food? No, not food. That would surely perish by the next time he saw her.
He eventually decided he did not want to be idle in making a choice and settled on a jewelry stall and timidly approached it. He sucked in air, preparing what he would say in his mind, but instantly falling flat after seeing all the options there were. Now he was totally lost. Why was there so many different types of jewelry?! Rings, necklaces, bracelets... All of it. The scholar felt a bit overwhelmed looking at the selection this stand provided.
After standing their, oblivious to the sales pitch he was hearing, for what felt like an eternity, Linos finally decided a bracelet would probably be good enough. After all, bracelets seemed simple, nothing could go wrong with a bracelet. Right? Looking at the selection of bracelets, he decided on a simple cuff bracelet. After paying, and thank the gods he remembered his coin purse this time, he took a few steps back to admire his selection.
However, upon walking backwards, he stumbled into another man. Linos's eyes widened as he spun around. He was quick to speak, still holding the bracelet carefully in his hands, "I'm sorry, sir. I didn't mean to run into you." Feeling more embarrassed by the second, Linos could feel his face turn red as he diverted his eyes. He hoped that there wouldn't be others staring. It was all too much. "Again, my sincerest apologies."
JD
Staff Team
JD
Staff Team
This post was created by our staff team.
Please contact us with your queries and questions.
Linos made his way through the bustling marketplace. He absolutely detested large crowds. They made him feel completely out of place and uncomfortable. There was nowhere for him to get a clear breath of air as he glanced from stall to stall, continually moving as to not block anyone else. Usually in situations like this, he would block out the sound and those around him and focus on his thoughts. What else was a scholar to do? However, today was different. He had to pay attention to where he was going. Why? Well, he was in need of a gift for a friend. A friend who he had spilled one of his deepest secrets to. He had felt ashamed and embarrassed ever since then and felt that he needed make it up to her.
But what kinds of gifts would the lady like?
The question wracked Linos's head for any inkling of an idea. Gifts were definitely not his strong suit, as were most social situations. He felt as though his mind was being jostled around as he looked from stall to stall. Makeup? Jewels? Silk? Food? No, not food. That would surely perish by the next time he saw her.
He eventually decided he did not want to be idle in making a choice and settled on a jewelry stall and timidly approached it. He sucked in air, preparing what he would say in his mind, but instantly falling flat after seeing all the options there were. Now he was totally lost. Why was there so many different types of jewelry?! Rings, necklaces, bracelets... All of it. The scholar felt a bit overwhelmed looking at the selection this stand provided.
After standing their, oblivious to the sales pitch he was hearing, for what felt like an eternity, Linos finally decided a bracelet would probably be good enough. After all, bracelets seemed simple, nothing could go wrong with a bracelet. Right? Looking at the selection of bracelets, he decided on a simple cuff bracelet. After paying, and thank the gods he remembered his coin purse this time, he took a few steps back to admire his selection.
However, upon walking backwards, he stumbled into another man. Linos's eyes widened as he spun around. He was quick to speak, still holding the bracelet carefully in his hands, "I'm sorry, sir. I didn't mean to run into you." Feeling more embarrassed by the second, Linos could feel his face turn red as he diverted his eyes. He hoped that there wouldn't be others staring. It was all too much. "Again, my sincerest apologies."
Linos made his way through the bustling marketplace. He absolutely detested large crowds. They made him feel completely out of place and uncomfortable. There was nowhere for him to get a clear breath of air as he glanced from stall to stall, continually moving as to not block anyone else. Usually in situations like this, he would block out the sound and those around him and focus on his thoughts. What else was a scholar to do? However, today was different. He had to pay attention to where he was going. Why? Well, he was in need of a gift for a friend. A friend who he had spilled one of his deepest secrets to. He had felt ashamed and embarrassed ever since then and felt that he needed make it up to her.
But what kinds of gifts would the lady like?
The question wracked Linos's head for any inkling of an idea. Gifts were definitely not his strong suit, as were most social situations. He felt as though his mind was being jostled around as he looked from stall to stall. Makeup? Jewels? Silk? Food? No, not food. That would surely perish by the next time he saw her.
He eventually decided he did not want to be idle in making a choice and settled on a jewelry stall and timidly approached it. He sucked in air, preparing what he would say in his mind, but instantly falling flat after seeing all the options there were. Now he was totally lost. Why was there so many different types of jewelry?! Rings, necklaces, bracelets... All of it. The scholar felt a bit overwhelmed looking at the selection this stand provided.
After standing their, oblivious to the sales pitch he was hearing, for what felt like an eternity, Linos finally decided a bracelet would probably be good enough. After all, bracelets seemed simple, nothing could go wrong with a bracelet. Right? Looking at the selection of bracelets, he decided on a simple cuff bracelet. After paying, and thank the gods he remembered his coin purse this time, he took a few steps back to admire his selection.
However, upon walking backwards, he stumbled into another man. Linos's eyes widened as he spun around. He was quick to speak, still holding the bracelet carefully in his hands, "I'm sorry, sir. I didn't mean to run into you." Feeling more embarrassed by the second, Linos could feel his face turn red as he diverted his eyes. He hoped that there wouldn't be others staring. It was all too much. "Again, my sincerest apologies."
Rafail was rarely in a particularly charitable mood. He was far more a taker than he was a giver but, every so often, the tables turned, and he felt ever so slightly more generous. Admittedly, there was usually some underlying reason for the kindness, most commonly some manipulation involving a pretty lady who had yet to fall for his charms. On this particular occasion, however, this was not the case. Today Rafai had an ulterior motive.
For many a year now, he had found his youngest niece to be quite problematic, for lack of a better word. It was almost as though she tried her darnedest to break out of the position her social status and gender had placed her in and, although she was apparently attempting to put on a facade during most public appearances - thanks, in part, to Rafail's copious lectures on the matter - she was still severely lacking in such etiquette. As a result, he had invented a solution he was sure would aid her at least in part. He was quite convinced that, if made to feel like one, then Daniil would begin to act more like the lady she was and, hence, was visiting the shops on this beautiful day amongst other things, to pick up a gift for her. Something similar to what he ordinarily presented to his mistresses. Elegant and expensive.
When he had arrived at the marketplace, the summer sun was bright and hot that day, something Rafail did not appreciate in the slightest. Although his pale yellow and black-trimmed silks were light enough for the weather in question, he could still feel the heat, and the only saving grace he had was the way his guard kept the masses away from him and cleared a comfortable path. Honestly, how people managed to get around in life without any personal security, he would never understand.
After some browsing and few purchases at other stands, a jewellery stall had caught his eye, if only because Rafail adored jewels, not solely for the manner in which they enhanced his looks but because they made pretty gifts. Few ladies had turned him down after being offered a carefully selected jewel.
Opting to ignore the merchant as he handled another customer - a young man who seemed to be favouring some of the saddest pieces on offer - Rafail ran his gaze over the trinkets. There were all the standard items: rings and pendants and hairpins and all manner of things, though this merchant preferred simpler designs than the young lord might have liked, modest and less decorative. He ignored the majority, drawn instead to a necklace in gold with small pearls embedded within to resemble flowers. The mild pink tinge in the jewel worked nicely with the shine of the metal, and he instinctively took a liking to it.
"I'll take this," he requested as soon as the other customer was silent a moment, only waiting to barge in to be heard over the bustle of the crowds. "Hurry, I have other places to be." After all, Rafail couldn't be expected to waste his entire shopping trip buying accessories for one relative he wasn't even drastically keen on.
Turning away from the stall only a moment later to make his way elsewhere - a booth across the square boasting some bright fabrics was practically calling to him (if you discounted the vendor who was actually shouting in an advertisement of his wares) - he suddenly found his path interrupted by some incompetent idiot running into him and, as a result, provoking him to drop the necklace he had only purchased a moment before, afore he had been given the opportunity to pass it over to the safety of his companion. Despite his fumbled apologies and red face, the man had still committed what Rafail considered to be nothing less than an absolute felony, and his features contorted into an indignant expression.
"I do not appreciate being attacked in such a way," he retorted, placing hands on his hips and staring him down. "You have caused me to drop my wares. Do you know who I am or is your intelligence not on par with your clumsiness?"
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This character is currently a work in progress.
Check out their information page here.
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Rafail was rarely in a particularly charitable mood. He was far more a taker than he was a giver but, every so often, the tables turned, and he felt ever so slightly more generous. Admittedly, there was usually some underlying reason for the kindness, most commonly some manipulation involving a pretty lady who had yet to fall for his charms. On this particular occasion, however, this was not the case. Today Rafai had an ulterior motive.
For many a year now, he had found his youngest niece to be quite problematic, for lack of a better word. It was almost as though she tried her darnedest to break out of the position her social status and gender had placed her in and, although she was apparently attempting to put on a facade during most public appearances - thanks, in part, to Rafail's copious lectures on the matter - she was still severely lacking in such etiquette. As a result, he had invented a solution he was sure would aid her at least in part. He was quite convinced that, if made to feel like one, then Daniil would begin to act more like the lady she was and, hence, was visiting the shops on this beautiful day amongst other things, to pick up a gift for her. Something similar to what he ordinarily presented to his mistresses. Elegant and expensive.
When he had arrived at the marketplace, the summer sun was bright and hot that day, something Rafail did not appreciate in the slightest. Although his pale yellow and black-trimmed silks were light enough for the weather in question, he could still feel the heat, and the only saving grace he had was the way his guard kept the masses away from him and cleared a comfortable path. Honestly, how people managed to get around in life without any personal security, he would never understand.
After some browsing and few purchases at other stands, a jewellery stall had caught his eye, if only because Rafail adored jewels, not solely for the manner in which they enhanced his looks but because they made pretty gifts. Few ladies had turned him down after being offered a carefully selected jewel.
Opting to ignore the merchant as he handled another customer - a young man who seemed to be favouring some of the saddest pieces on offer - Rafail ran his gaze over the trinkets. There were all the standard items: rings and pendants and hairpins and all manner of things, though this merchant preferred simpler designs than the young lord might have liked, modest and less decorative. He ignored the majority, drawn instead to a necklace in gold with small pearls embedded within to resemble flowers. The mild pink tinge in the jewel worked nicely with the shine of the metal, and he instinctively took a liking to it.
"I'll take this," he requested as soon as the other customer was silent a moment, only waiting to barge in to be heard over the bustle of the crowds. "Hurry, I have other places to be." After all, Rafail couldn't be expected to waste his entire shopping trip buying accessories for one relative he wasn't even drastically keen on.
Turning away from the stall only a moment later to make his way elsewhere - a booth across the square boasting some bright fabrics was practically calling to him (if you discounted the vendor who was actually shouting in an advertisement of his wares) - he suddenly found his path interrupted by some incompetent idiot running into him and, as a result, provoking him to drop the necklace he had only purchased a moment before, afore he had been given the opportunity to pass it over to the safety of his companion. Despite his fumbled apologies and red face, the man had still committed what Rafail considered to be nothing less than an absolute felony, and his features contorted into an indignant expression.
"I do not appreciate being attacked in such a way," he retorted, placing hands on his hips and staring him down. "You have caused me to drop my wares. Do you know who I am or is your intelligence not on par with your clumsiness?"
Rafail was rarely in a particularly charitable mood. He was far more a taker than he was a giver but, every so often, the tables turned, and he felt ever so slightly more generous. Admittedly, there was usually some underlying reason for the kindness, most commonly some manipulation involving a pretty lady who had yet to fall for his charms. On this particular occasion, however, this was not the case. Today Rafai had an ulterior motive.
For many a year now, he had found his youngest niece to be quite problematic, for lack of a better word. It was almost as though she tried her darnedest to break out of the position her social status and gender had placed her in and, although she was apparently attempting to put on a facade during most public appearances - thanks, in part, to Rafail's copious lectures on the matter - she was still severely lacking in such etiquette. As a result, he had invented a solution he was sure would aid her at least in part. He was quite convinced that, if made to feel like one, then Daniil would begin to act more like the lady she was and, hence, was visiting the shops on this beautiful day amongst other things, to pick up a gift for her. Something similar to what he ordinarily presented to his mistresses. Elegant and expensive.
When he had arrived at the marketplace, the summer sun was bright and hot that day, something Rafail did not appreciate in the slightest. Although his pale yellow and black-trimmed silks were light enough for the weather in question, he could still feel the heat, and the only saving grace he had was the way his guard kept the masses away from him and cleared a comfortable path. Honestly, how people managed to get around in life without any personal security, he would never understand.
After some browsing and few purchases at other stands, a jewellery stall had caught his eye, if only because Rafail adored jewels, not solely for the manner in which they enhanced his looks but because they made pretty gifts. Few ladies had turned him down after being offered a carefully selected jewel.
Opting to ignore the merchant as he handled another customer - a young man who seemed to be favouring some of the saddest pieces on offer - Rafail ran his gaze over the trinkets. There were all the standard items: rings and pendants and hairpins and all manner of things, though this merchant preferred simpler designs than the young lord might have liked, modest and less decorative. He ignored the majority, drawn instead to a necklace in gold with small pearls embedded within to resemble flowers. The mild pink tinge in the jewel worked nicely with the shine of the metal, and he instinctively took a liking to it.
"I'll take this," he requested as soon as the other customer was silent a moment, only waiting to barge in to be heard over the bustle of the crowds. "Hurry, I have other places to be." After all, Rafail couldn't be expected to waste his entire shopping trip buying accessories for one relative he wasn't even drastically keen on.
Turning away from the stall only a moment later to make his way elsewhere - a booth across the square boasting some bright fabrics was practically calling to him (if you discounted the vendor who was actually shouting in an advertisement of his wares) - he suddenly found his path interrupted by some incompetent idiot running into him and, as a result, provoking him to drop the necklace he had only purchased a moment before, afore he had been given the opportunity to pass it over to the safety of his companion. Despite his fumbled apologies and red face, the man had still committed what Rafail considered to be nothing less than an absolute felony, and his features contorted into an indignant expression.
"I do not appreciate being attacked in such a way," he retorted, placing hands on his hips and staring him down. "You have caused me to drop my wares. Do you know who I am or is your intelligence not on par with your clumsiness?"
Upon realizing who it actually was he bumped into, Linos's expression, which was already full of complete and utter mortification, also surged a look of anxiety. His eyes widened, his heart pace increased, the whole nine yards. It was none other than Rafail of Markias: the uncle of the woman to which he was to present his thank you gift to. The scholar bit his lip, awaiting the other man's response, and oh did it come.
After being practically yelled at in the middle of the market, people began stopping and turning their heads toward the spectacle that was made. These ostentatious remarks made Linos feel even more insecure and he quickly searched for a response in his mind. At the mention of dropping wears, Linos looked toward the ground to spot the necklace the man had been carrying. Linos then looked back up at him, realizing he had no intention of picking it back up. At this rate, anyone could just snatch it...
Linos licked his lips before he himself bent down and picked it up gracefully from the ground, despite his embarrassed and nervous state. He held it out to the man, expecting him to rip it out of his hands. "I'm incredibly sorry, Lord Rafail. I promise it was not made in malice. It was purely accidental."
It was then that he looked at the bracelet he had purchased and the necklace Rafail did. His seemed to be quite beautiful and much more dazzling and colorful than Linos's own selection. The scholar was curious as to why he selected that piece out of many others. After all, there were so many things to choose from, how could he know what to choose? Comparing the two it was obvious who was much more used to shopping for such exquisite items, and it wasn't Linos for sure.
Hoping to quickly change the subject, the scholar quickly scrambled for words, "My, you have such lovely tastes. How do you know what sorts of jewelry should be purchased over others? It is an incredible skill, I must say. I am completely incompetent when it comes to such matters. Would you mind explaining the process you go through when making your selections?"
The noble wanted anything but to be on Rafail's bad side, mainly because it seemed that being on it brought shame, something that Linos desperately wanted to keep away from his family. However, there always seemed to be embarrassing trouble just around the corner for Linos. Especially when he paid attention to anything but his books.
JD
Staff Team
JD
Staff Team
This post was created by our staff team.
Please contact us with your queries and questions.
Upon realizing who it actually was he bumped into, Linos's expression, which was already full of complete and utter mortification, also surged a look of anxiety. His eyes widened, his heart pace increased, the whole nine yards. It was none other than Rafail of Markias: the uncle of the woman to which he was to present his thank you gift to. The scholar bit his lip, awaiting the other man's response, and oh did it come.
After being practically yelled at in the middle of the market, people began stopping and turning their heads toward the spectacle that was made. These ostentatious remarks made Linos feel even more insecure and he quickly searched for a response in his mind. At the mention of dropping wears, Linos looked toward the ground to spot the necklace the man had been carrying. Linos then looked back up at him, realizing he had no intention of picking it back up. At this rate, anyone could just snatch it...
Linos licked his lips before he himself bent down and picked it up gracefully from the ground, despite his embarrassed and nervous state. He held it out to the man, expecting him to rip it out of his hands. "I'm incredibly sorry, Lord Rafail. I promise it was not made in malice. It was purely accidental."
It was then that he looked at the bracelet he had purchased and the necklace Rafail did. His seemed to be quite beautiful and much more dazzling and colorful than Linos's own selection. The scholar was curious as to why he selected that piece out of many others. After all, there were so many things to choose from, how could he know what to choose? Comparing the two it was obvious who was much more used to shopping for such exquisite items, and it wasn't Linos for sure.
Hoping to quickly change the subject, the scholar quickly scrambled for words, "My, you have such lovely tastes. How do you know what sorts of jewelry should be purchased over others? It is an incredible skill, I must say. I am completely incompetent when it comes to such matters. Would you mind explaining the process you go through when making your selections?"
The noble wanted anything but to be on Rafail's bad side, mainly because it seemed that being on it brought shame, something that Linos desperately wanted to keep away from his family. However, there always seemed to be embarrassing trouble just around the corner for Linos. Especially when he paid attention to anything but his books.
Upon realizing who it actually was he bumped into, Linos's expression, which was already full of complete and utter mortification, also surged a look of anxiety. His eyes widened, his heart pace increased, the whole nine yards. It was none other than Rafail of Markias: the uncle of the woman to which he was to present his thank you gift to. The scholar bit his lip, awaiting the other man's response, and oh did it come.
After being practically yelled at in the middle of the market, people began stopping and turning their heads toward the spectacle that was made. These ostentatious remarks made Linos feel even more insecure and he quickly searched for a response in his mind. At the mention of dropping wears, Linos looked toward the ground to spot the necklace the man had been carrying. Linos then looked back up at him, realizing he had no intention of picking it back up. At this rate, anyone could just snatch it...
Linos licked his lips before he himself bent down and picked it up gracefully from the ground, despite his embarrassed and nervous state. He held it out to the man, expecting him to rip it out of his hands. "I'm incredibly sorry, Lord Rafail. I promise it was not made in malice. It was purely accidental."
It was then that he looked at the bracelet he had purchased and the necklace Rafail did. His seemed to be quite beautiful and much more dazzling and colorful than Linos's own selection. The scholar was curious as to why he selected that piece out of many others. After all, there were so many things to choose from, how could he know what to choose? Comparing the two it was obvious who was much more used to shopping for such exquisite items, and it wasn't Linos for sure.
Hoping to quickly change the subject, the scholar quickly scrambled for words, "My, you have such lovely tastes. How do you know what sorts of jewelry should be purchased over others? It is an incredible skill, I must say. I am completely incompetent when it comes to such matters. Would you mind explaining the process you go through when making your selections?"
The noble wanted anything but to be on Rafail's bad side, mainly because it seemed that being on it brought shame, something that Linos desperately wanted to keep away from his family. However, there always seemed to be embarrassing trouble just around the corner for Linos. Especially when he paid attention to anything but his books.
It took a long moment before Rafail heard any response to his outrage, drumming his fingers on his waist as he waited for the man to speak. Instead, he was left anticipating nothing as he watched the idiot quietly reach down to pick up the jewellery that now lay forgotten by their feet. The Marikas watched him with continued expression of disapproval, honestly unconcerned by whether or not the necklace was returned to his possession. All he was interested in at this point was receiving the apology to which he felt so entitled. People were staring, after all, and they could not be allowed to assume Rafail of Marikas would let anyone off so quickly.
Still, nothing was said as the other held out the gift and finally apologised. It did not matter whether or not he had interrupted him by accident or out of spite: he had already annoyed the man enough that he did not care. Snatching the necklace out of his hands, Rafail held it out to the merchant, though he did not turn to face him, eyes still furiously fixed on He-Who-Had-Dared-Bump-Into-Him. "Make me another. I cannot gift my niece something that has been on the ground. I will return this evening to collect it."
Once this situation had been handled, and not interested in waiting for any response from the vendor that might confirm or deny the request, he turned back to the original offending party, an eyebrow raising at the question he had so suddenly blurted out. While Rafail would not deny he appreciated the praise - his taste was delightful, that much was undeniable - it appeared to have come out of nowhere, especially given that he hadn't been given any indication that it was alright to change the subject away from his faults just yet. People were becoming far too forward and forgot their place nowadays.
"Who are you?" the man questioned, ignoring the flattery for a moment and returning to the matter that was bothering him so. "Were you not raised with the knowledge of how to behave in public?"
Clearly not, given that he followed his query by insulting his ability to choose jewellery. Rafail glanced down at the bracelet in his hands once more, snorting at the apparent difference between it and the necklace he had picked. 'Incompetent' was an understatement. "It is not a complicated process. If you are buying a gift for a lady, they prefer to be shown that you care for them enough to spend more than a few sad coins on their presents." Quite honestly, he would barely consider it a process at all, given that all Rafail tended to do was choose whatever appeared to be the costliest or most extravagant gift and match it to how much he desired to impress the lady in question. Today's purchase had been a different matter from most.
Holding out a hand so that the bracelet might be passed to him and he might be able to inspect it, Rafail added: "I am quite skilled in that regard, however. I suppose I can guide you in making a more appropriate acquisition. Who is the gift for? I would assume a close relative because no lady would accept an invitation to your bed in exchange for this."
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This character is currently a work in progress.
Check out their information page here.
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It took a long moment before Rafail heard any response to his outrage, drumming his fingers on his waist as he waited for the man to speak. Instead, he was left anticipating nothing as he watched the idiot quietly reach down to pick up the jewellery that now lay forgotten by their feet. The Marikas watched him with continued expression of disapproval, honestly unconcerned by whether or not the necklace was returned to his possession. All he was interested in at this point was receiving the apology to which he felt so entitled. People were staring, after all, and they could not be allowed to assume Rafail of Marikas would let anyone off so quickly.
Still, nothing was said as the other held out the gift and finally apologised. It did not matter whether or not he had interrupted him by accident or out of spite: he had already annoyed the man enough that he did not care. Snatching the necklace out of his hands, Rafail held it out to the merchant, though he did not turn to face him, eyes still furiously fixed on He-Who-Had-Dared-Bump-Into-Him. "Make me another. I cannot gift my niece something that has been on the ground. I will return this evening to collect it."
Once this situation had been handled, and not interested in waiting for any response from the vendor that might confirm or deny the request, he turned back to the original offending party, an eyebrow raising at the question he had so suddenly blurted out. While Rafail would not deny he appreciated the praise - his taste was delightful, that much was undeniable - it appeared to have come out of nowhere, especially given that he hadn't been given any indication that it was alright to change the subject away from his faults just yet. People were becoming far too forward and forgot their place nowadays.
"Who are you?" the man questioned, ignoring the flattery for a moment and returning to the matter that was bothering him so. "Were you not raised with the knowledge of how to behave in public?"
Clearly not, given that he followed his query by insulting his ability to choose jewellery. Rafail glanced down at the bracelet in his hands once more, snorting at the apparent difference between it and the necklace he had picked. 'Incompetent' was an understatement. "It is not a complicated process. If you are buying a gift for a lady, they prefer to be shown that you care for them enough to spend more than a few sad coins on their presents." Quite honestly, he would barely consider it a process at all, given that all Rafail tended to do was choose whatever appeared to be the costliest or most extravagant gift and match it to how much he desired to impress the lady in question. Today's purchase had been a different matter from most.
Holding out a hand so that the bracelet might be passed to him and he might be able to inspect it, Rafail added: "I am quite skilled in that regard, however. I suppose I can guide you in making a more appropriate acquisition. Who is the gift for? I would assume a close relative because no lady would accept an invitation to your bed in exchange for this."
It took a long moment before Rafail heard any response to his outrage, drumming his fingers on his waist as he waited for the man to speak. Instead, he was left anticipating nothing as he watched the idiot quietly reach down to pick up the jewellery that now lay forgotten by their feet. The Marikas watched him with continued expression of disapproval, honestly unconcerned by whether or not the necklace was returned to his possession. All he was interested in at this point was receiving the apology to which he felt so entitled. People were staring, after all, and they could not be allowed to assume Rafail of Marikas would let anyone off so quickly.
Still, nothing was said as the other held out the gift and finally apologised. It did not matter whether or not he had interrupted him by accident or out of spite: he had already annoyed the man enough that he did not care. Snatching the necklace out of his hands, Rafail held it out to the merchant, though he did not turn to face him, eyes still furiously fixed on He-Who-Had-Dared-Bump-Into-Him. "Make me another. I cannot gift my niece something that has been on the ground. I will return this evening to collect it."
Once this situation had been handled, and not interested in waiting for any response from the vendor that might confirm or deny the request, he turned back to the original offending party, an eyebrow raising at the question he had so suddenly blurted out. While Rafail would not deny he appreciated the praise - his taste was delightful, that much was undeniable - it appeared to have come out of nowhere, especially given that he hadn't been given any indication that it was alright to change the subject away from his faults just yet. People were becoming far too forward and forgot their place nowadays.
"Who are you?" the man questioned, ignoring the flattery for a moment and returning to the matter that was bothering him so. "Were you not raised with the knowledge of how to behave in public?"
Clearly not, given that he followed his query by insulting his ability to choose jewellery. Rafail glanced down at the bracelet in his hands once more, snorting at the apparent difference between it and the necklace he had picked. 'Incompetent' was an understatement. "It is not a complicated process. If you are buying a gift for a lady, they prefer to be shown that you care for them enough to spend more than a few sad coins on their presents." Quite honestly, he would barely consider it a process at all, given that all Rafail tended to do was choose whatever appeared to be the costliest or most extravagant gift and match it to how much he desired to impress the lady in question. Today's purchase had been a different matter from most.
Holding out a hand so that the bracelet might be passed to him and he might be able to inspect it, Rafail added: "I am quite skilled in that regard, however. I suppose I can guide you in making a more appropriate acquisition. Who is the gift for? I would assume a close relative because no lady would accept an invitation to your bed in exchange for this."
Linos silently watched him practically force the jeweler to remake him a whole entire new necklace. He couldn't help the awkward smile that etched itself onto his face and the cold sweat that went down his back. It was for sure... This man was ridiculous. He obviously had no care for the work that was put into something like that by the common folk. Linos looked over at the bamboozled merchant and gave him a sympathetic smile. What else was he to do? He wasn't quite off the hook himself at the moment, either. They both were on hot coals as far as he was concerned.
He looked down at the bracelet in his own hands. It was of a simple crisscross pattern. No jewels, no pearls, nothing but smooth golden crosses. It was rather shiny as well and reflected the afternoon's sun. It made Linos feel warm, like gold often did. He didn't find the wearing of jewelry or gold himself very necessary, but he did appreciate the beauty of such objects and found their properties to be quite intriguing.
Soon, the attention was turned back on the scholar himself. He listened to the inquiry for his name. A tad apprehensive to give it, not wanting to shame his family, Linos, nonetheless, spoke in a soft voice, "Lord Linos of Nikolaos, sir. Scholar and Royal Tutor." He quickly closed his mouth as Rafail continued with his insults. How much he just wanted to leave and retreat home. It would be so much better than this onslaught of misery he was experiencing.
It appeared that his attempt at flattery backfired on him as now he was going to be trapped in not only a longer conversation with this man, but also was being taught lessons of sorts. While Linos was most certainly open for gaining knowledge, he didn't think this encounter would go down as smoothly as most other educational conversations went. However, he had to reap what he sowed and he exhaled the breath he didn't know he was holding. He would go through with it.
When practically ordered to hand over the bracelet, Linos, reluctantly and meekly, placed it in Rafail's hands. He watched as the other man looked at it. The scholar himself didn't see anything wrong with it at all. In fact, he thought the simplicity of it made it more beautiful. There was something remarkable in the plain. However, it seemed that the other man didn't agree in the slightest.
As soon as Rafail mentioned that his bracelet wouldn't lead women to his bed, Linos felt the heat rise, not only in his cheeks, but practically everywhere. What the fuck. What. The. Fuck.
What.
The.
Fuck.
Of course he didn't want to bed anyone with a bracelet. What did that even mean? Who beds people with just a bracelet? ...Oh wait... Maybe that was one question he didn't want the answer to... "No, it is not for any purpose such as that. I'm purchasing this for a friend." A friend that this man knew all too well. However, he did need to thank her some how, and he was sure a gift such as this would suffice. After a deep breath, Linos steadied himself for what was to come.
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Linos silently watched him practically force the jeweler to remake him a whole entire new necklace. He couldn't help the awkward smile that etched itself onto his face and the cold sweat that went down his back. It was for sure... This man was ridiculous. He obviously had no care for the work that was put into something like that by the common folk. Linos looked over at the bamboozled merchant and gave him a sympathetic smile. What else was he to do? He wasn't quite off the hook himself at the moment, either. They both were on hot coals as far as he was concerned.
He looked down at the bracelet in his own hands. It was of a simple crisscross pattern. No jewels, no pearls, nothing but smooth golden crosses. It was rather shiny as well and reflected the afternoon's sun. It made Linos feel warm, like gold often did. He didn't find the wearing of jewelry or gold himself very necessary, but he did appreciate the beauty of such objects and found their properties to be quite intriguing.
Soon, the attention was turned back on the scholar himself. He listened to the inquiry for his name. A tad apprehensive to give it, not wanting to shame his family, Linos, nonetheless, spoke in a soft voice, "Lord Linos of Nikolaos, sir. Scholar and Royal Tutor." He quickly closed his mouth as Rafail continued with his insults. How much he just wanted to leave and retreat home. It would be so much better than this onslaught of misery he was experiencing.
It appeared that his attempt at flattery backfired on him as now he was going to be trapped in not only a longer conversation with this man, but also was being taught lessons of sorts. While Linos was most certainly open for gaining knowledge, he didn't think this encounter would go down as smoothly as most other educational conversations went. However, he had to reap what he sowed and he exhaled the breath he didn't know he was holding. He would go through with it.
When practically ordered to hand over the bracelet, Linos, reluctantly and meekly, placed it in Rafail's hands. He watched as the other man looked at it. The scholar himself didn't see anything wrong with it at all. In fact, he thought the simplicity of it made it more beautiful. There was something remarkable in the plain. However, it seemed that the other man didn't agree in the slightest.
As soon as Rafail mentioned that his bracelet wouldn't lead women to his bed, Linos felt the heat rise, not only in his cheeks, but practically everywhere. What the fuck. What. The. Fuck.
What.
The.
Fuck.
Of course he didn't want to bed anyone with a bracelet. What did that even mean? Who beds people with just a bracelet? ...Oh wait... Maybe that was one question he didn't want the answer to... "No, it is not for any purpose such as that. I'm purchasing this for a friend." A friend that this man knew all too well. However, he did need to thank her some how, and he was sure a gift such as this would suffice. After a deep breath, Linos steadied himself for what was to come.
Linos silently watched him practically force the jeweler to remake him a whole entire new necklace. He couldn't help the awkward smile that etched itself onto his face and the cold sweat that went down his back. It was for sure... This man was ridiculous. He obviously had no care for the work that was put into something like that by the common folk. Linos looked over at the bamboozled merchant and gave him a sympathetic smile. What else was he to do? He wasn't quite off the hook himself at the moment, either. They both were on hot coals as far as he was concerned.
He looked down at the bracelet in his own hands. It was of a simple crisscross pattern. No jewels, no pearls, nothing but smooth golden crosses. It was rather shiny as well and reflected the afternoon's sun. It made Linos feel warm, like gold often did. He didn't find the wearing of jewelry or gold himself very necessary, but he did appreciate the beauty of such objects and found their properties to be quite intriguing.
Soon, the attention was turned back on the scholar himself. He listened to the inquiry for his name. A tad apprehensive to give it, not wanting to shame his family, Linos, nonetheless, spoke in a soft voice, "Lord Linos of Nikolaos, sir. Scholar and Royal Tutor." He quickly closed his mouth as Rafail continued with his insults. How much he just wanted to leave and retreat home. It would be so much better than this onslaught of misery he was experiencing.
It appeared that his attempt at flattery backfired on him as now he was going to be trapped in not only a longer conversation with this man, but also was being taught lessons of sorts. While Linos was most certainly open for gaining knowledge, he didn't think this encounter would go down as smoothly as most other educational conversations went. However, he had to reap what he sowed and he exhaled the breath he didn't know he was holding. He would go through with it.
When practically ordered to hand over the bracelet, Linos, reluctantly and meekly, placed it in Rafail's hands. He watched as the other man looked at it. The scholar himself didn't see anything wrong with it at all. In fact, he thought the simplicity of it made it more beautiful. There was something remarkable in the plain. However, it seemed that the other man didn't agree in the slightest.
As soon as Rafail mentioned that his bracelet wouldn't lead women to his bed, Linos felt the heat rise, not only in his cheeks, but practically everywhere. What the fuck. What. The. Fuck.
What.
The.
Fuck.
Of course he didn't want to bed anyone with a bracelet. What did that even mean? Who beds people with just a bracelet? ...Oh wait... Maybe that was one question he didn't want the answer to... "No, it is not for any purpose such as that. I'm purchasing this for a friend." A friend that this man knew all too well. However, he did need to thank her some how, and he was sure a gift such as this would suffice. After a deep breath, Linos steadied himself for what was to come.
Nikolaos. Obviously, Rafail recognised the name. Not only did he know the family well but one of them attended to his sister-in-law, although what relation she was to this man he could not say he knew. His education might have ensured he was aware of all the noble families and their members, but he would not lie and say he had paid all too much attention to how their individual members related to one another. As far as he was concerned, there was a great divider between those families who had held the throne in the past and those who had not, and that divider determined just how in-depth his knowledge of each family needed to be.
"Royal tutor yet you clearly were not taught how to behave around those of royal blood, hm?" he countered, secretly quite pleased with himself for coming up with such a clever remark. Rafail did normally consider himself to be quite quick-witted when it came to those sorts of insults but it was a different matter when his mind was in other places (namely, when he was so distracted by his anger). "Be grateful I am even keeping this conversation with you."
The bracelet was passed into his hands, and Rafail took a moment to glance it over, turning it over a few times so that he could inspect every inch of it, a hope deep within him that it would be at least a little more interesting than what it appeared at first glance. He was wrong. The bracelet was in a dull gold with no other decoration outside of the basic cross pattern. It was ugly and boring, as far as the Marikas was concerned, and he could not imagine every buying something like that for anybody, not even his cousin, and all knew just how he felt about her.
And it was for a friend. Rafail wasn't stupid: he knew this wasn't the sort of thing one bought a friend. This was very clearly a gift for a woman because men didn't wear things like this. "A friend?" he repeated in some disbelief, his lips twitching upwards into an amused smirk at the suggestion. "This is obviously a gift for a woman, and if you claim she is neither a relative nor that you are trying to fuck her then you must be lying in some regard." Friendship was not an option.
Whether or not he was lying was not the issue, however. The issue was that he had awful taste, and that had to be rectified. Holding the jewellery out to drop it back into Linos's hands, he made no secret of just how little he thought of it, both through his lack of care in handling the item and the unimpressed look he wore on his face. Someone severely needed this lesson in buying gifts. Gesturing for his guard to pass him one of the soft cloth pouches from an earlier purchase, he pulled out the golden bracelet designed in the shape of a serpent and decorated with small red gemstones he had bought for one of his mistresses, holding it in front of Linos for the man to see. "This is the sort of bracelet you should be purchasing for your woman."
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Nikolaos. Obviously, Rafail recognised the name. Not only did he know the family well but one of them attended to his sister-in-law, although what relation she was to this man he could not say he knew. His education might have ensured he was aware of all the noble families and their members, but he would not lie and say he had paid all too much attention to how their individual members related to one another. As far as he was concerned, there was a great divider between those families who had held the throne in the past and those who had not, and that divider determined just how in-depth his knowledge of each family needed to be.
"Royal tutor yet you clearly were not taught how to behave around those of royal blood, hm?" he countered, secretly quite pleased with himself for coming up with such a clever remark. Rafail did normally consider himself to be quite quick-witted when it came to those sorts of insults but it was a different matter when his mind was in other places (namely, when he was so distracted by his anger). "Be grateful I am even keeping this conversation with you."
The bracelet was passed into his hands, and Rafail took a moment to glance it over, turning it over a few times so that he could inspect every inch of it, a hope deep within him that it would be at least a little more interesting than what it appeared at first glance. He was wrong. The bracelet was in a dull gold with no other decoration outside of the basic cross pattern. It was ugly and boring, as far as the Marikas was concerned, and he could not imagine every buying something like that for anybody, not even his cousin, and all knew just how he felt about her.
And it was for a friend. Rafail wasn't stupid: he knew this wasn't the sort of thing one bought a friend. This was very clearly a gift for a woman because men didn't wear things like this. "A friend?" he repeated in some disbelief, his lips twitching upwards into an amused smirk at the suggestion. "This is obviously a gift for a woman, and if you claim she is neither a relative nor that you are trying to fuck her then you must be lying in some regard." Friendship was not an option.
Whether or not he was lying was not the issue, however. The issue was that he had awful taste, and that had to be rectified. Holding the jewellery out to drop it back into Linos's hands, he made no secret of just how little he thought of it, both through his lack of care in handling the item and the unimpressed look he wore on his face. Someone severely needed this lesson in buying gifts. Gesturing for his guard to pass him one of the soft cloth pouches from an earlier purchase, he pulled out the golden bracelet designed in the shape of a serpent and decorated with small red gemstones he had bought for one of his mistresses, holding it in front of Linos for the man to see. "This is the sort of bracelet you should be purchasing for your woman."
Nikolaos. Obviously, Rafail recognised the name. Not only did he know the family well but one of them attended to his sister-in-law, although what relation she was to this man he could not say he knew. His education might have ensured he was aware of all the noble families and their members, but he would not lie and say he had paid all too much attention to how their individual members related to one another. As far as he was concerned, there was a great divider between those families who had held the throne in the past and those who had not, and that divider determined just how in-depth his knowledge of each family needed to be.
"Royal tutor yet you clearly were not taught how to behave around those of royal blood, hm?" he countered, secretly quite pleased with himself for coming up with such a clever remark. Rafail did normally consider himself to be quite quick-witted when it came to those sorts of insults but it was a different matter when his mind was in other places (namely, when he was so distracted by his anger). "Be grateful I am even keeping this conversation with you."
The bracelet was passed into his hands, and Rafail took a moment to glance it over, turning it over a few times so that he could inspect every inch of it, a hope deep within him that it would be at least a little more interesting than what it appeared at first glance. He was wrong. The bracelet was in a dull gold with no other decoration outside of the basic cross pattern. It was ugly and boring, as far as the Marikas was concerned, and he could not imagine every buying something like that for anybody, not even his cousin, and all knew just how he felt about her.
And it was for a friend. Rafail wasn't stupid: he knew this wasn't the sort of thing one bought a friend. This was very clearly a gift for a woman because men didn't wear things like this. "A friend?" he repeated in some disbelief, his lips twitching upwards into an amused smirk at the suggestion. "This is obviously a gift for a woman, and if you claim she is neither a relative nor that you are trying to fuck her then you must be lying in some regard." Friendship was not an option.
Whether or not he was lying was not the issue, however. The issue was that he had awful taste, and that had to be rectified. Holding the jewellery out to drop it back into Linos's hands, he made no secret of just how little he thought of it, both through his lack of care in handling the item and the unimpressed look he wore on his face. Someone severely needed this lesson in buying gifts. Gesturing for his guard to pass him one of the soft cloth pouches from an earlier purchase, he pulled out the golden bracelet designed in the shape of a serpent and decorated with small red gemstones he had bought for one of his mistresses, holding it in front of Linos for the man to see. "This is the sort of bracelet you should be purchasing for your woman."
Now it was conclusive. This man was insane. Absolutely crazy. Linos gave him an awkward smile as he felt his head begin to burn. What a headache he was causing. What did he mean that it either had to be for a relative or somebody he wished to sleep with? That made no sense. Women were people too. They could be friends with him. However, he had to remind himself that it wasn't a common thought. Most people did see women and men as very different, rather than similar as the scholar saw them. At the moment, it didn't matter. All that Rafail could see was that he wished to bed Daniil, which wasn't the case. He just enjoyed spending time with her. That was all... Just talking... Right...? Mmm... Well... Anyways...
As the bracelet was dropped back in his hands, Linos felt more relief. He still wanted to give her this bracelet at some point, even if he ended up purchasing another one. After all, this was the one he originally selected. "Believe what you must, I suppose. However, this woman is not a relative of mine if that helps you with teaching me." He said the statement with a defeated sigh, and his mind began to wander to what the older man had said... And oh, did it wander far.... Urk! Curse Rafail for putting such degrading thoughts in his mind! The scholar gritted his teeth, clinging to anything else that would pull him from this misery. Nothing was worse than a mind tainted.
It was almost as if the Gods had answered his prayers when Rafail practically pushed another piece of jewelry in his face. The shiny gold encrusted with the most vibrant of jewels was just the distraction he needed. Gaudy would be an understatement for the piece. The snake was beautiful in it's own reguard, perfect craftmenship. However, it was obscured by the sheer amount of red gemstones that plastered it's surface. It could be called beautiful, however it seemed much too busy. There was no focus of it and the pattern the stones lied in seemed intrusive at best. However, not wanting to cause any more problems, Linos nodded, "It's very... extravagant." He then paused, giving it a once over. "You do have a fine taste in gifts. Perhaps, I could try my hand at selecting one again with your guidance this time." He then began to cautiously move to the table, not wanting to repeat any other scuffles from bumping into people. He awaited the other man to give him pointers.
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Now it was conclusive. This man was insane. Absolutely crazy. Linos gave him an awkward smile as he felt his head begin to burn. What a headache he was causing. What did he mean that it either had to be for a relative or somebody he wished to sleep with? That made no sense. Women were people too. They could be friends with him. However, he had to remind himself that it wasn't a common thought. Most people did see women and men as very different, rather than similar as the scholar saw them. At the moment, it didn't matter. All that Rafail could see was that he wished to bed Daniil, which wasn't the case. He just enjoyed spending time with her. That was all... Just talking... Right...? Mmm... Well... Anyways...
As the bracelet was dropped back in his hands, Linos felt more relief. He still wanted to give her this bracelet at some point, even if he ended up purchasing another one. After all, this was the one he originally selected. "Believe what you must, I suppose. However, this woman is not a relative of mine if that helps you with teaching me." He said the statement with a defeated sigh, and his mind began to wander to what the older man had said... And oh, did it wander far.... Urk! Curse Rafail for putting such degrading thoughts in his mind! The scholar gritted his teeth, clinging to anything else that would pull him from this misery. Nothing was worse than a mind tainted.
It was almost as if the Gods had answered his prayers when Rafail practically pushed another piece of jewelry in his face. The shiny gold encrusted with the most vibrant of jewels was just the distraction he needed. Gaudy would be an understatement for the piece. The snake was beautiful in it's own reguard, perfect craftmenship. However, it was obscured by the sheer amount of red gemstones that plastered it's surface. It could be called beautiful, however it seemed much too busy. There was no focus of it and the pattern the stones lied in seemed intrusive at best. However, not wanting to cause any more problems, Linos nodded, "It's very... extravagant." He then paused, giving it a once over. "You do have a fine taste in gifts. Perhaps, I could try my hand at selecting one again with your guidance this time." He then began to cautiously move to the table, not wanting to repeat any other scuffles from bumping into people. He awaited the other man to give him pointers.
Now it was conclusive. This man was insane. Absolutely crazy. Linos gave him an awkward smile as he felt his head begin to burn. What a headache he was causing. What did he mean that it either had to be for a relative or somebody he wished to sleep with? That made no sense. Women were people too. They could be friends with him. However, he had to remind himself that it wasn't a common thought. Most people did see women and men as very different, rather than similar as the scholar saw them. At the moment, it didn't matter. All that Rafail could see was that he wished to bed Daniil, which wasn't the case. He just enjoyed spending time with her. That was all... Just talking... Right...? Mmm... Well... Anyways...
As the bracelet was dropped back in his hands, Linos felt more relief. He still wanted to give her this bracelet at some point, even if he ended up purchasing another one. After all, this was the one he originally selected. "Believe what you must, I suppose. However, this woman is not a relative of mine if that helps you with teaching me." He said the statement with a defeated sigh, and his mind began to wander to what the older man had said... And oh, did it wander far.... Urk! Curse Rafail for putting such degrading thoughts in his mind! The scholar gritted his teeth, clinging to anything else that would pull him from this misery. Nothing was worse than a mind tainted.
It was almost as if the Gods had answered his prayers when Rafail practically pushed another piece of jewelry in his face. The shiny gold encrusted with the most vibrant of jewels was just the distraction he needed. Gaudy would be an understatement for the piece. The snake was beautiful in it's own reguard, perfect craftmenship. However, it was obscured by the sheer amount of red gemstones that plastered it's surface. It could be called beautiful, however it seemed much too busy. There was no focus of it and the pattern the stones lied in seemed intrusive at best. However, not wanting to cause any more problems, Linos nodded, "It's very... extravagant." He then paused, giving it a once over. "You do have a fine taste in gifts. Perhaps, I could try my hand at selecting one again with your guidance this time." He then began to cautiously move to the table, not wanting to repeat any other scuffles from bumping into people. He awaited the other man to give him pointers.
She was not a relative, therefore, she was a love interest of sorts. Given Linos's awkwardness and the inability to choose an appropriate gift himself, Rafail would have to assume that he had not taken part in any kind of intimacy with her as of yet and, most likely, he had yet to express his feelings for the woman. This was the sort of thing you purchased when you were hoping to show a girl your intentions but barely had the confidence to do so without the assurance that you could seduce her otherwise. Besides, those stutters and the discomfiture he could sense from the man only made the situation he was in more clear. Rafail did have some ability to read people, especially when it came to the circumstances they now found themselves in.
"Very well. She is not a relative. Then I shall aid you accordingly." Although, given that the reaction to his serpentine bracelet had seemed less than thrilled, he did not exactly feel that Linos was really appreciating his help as much as he should have been. Rafail's assistance did not usually come so freely and, when it did, it deserved to be acknowledged. "Women are easy to handle. They have very basic loves. And if you cannot be tall or blonde or handsome then you shall have to cater to those interests. Gold and jewels are usually the best. Anything that might show you have some wealth."
"Mm, it is rather lovely. I am sure either Elissa or Althaia shall love it. I have yet to decide which has earned it." Rafail smirked proudly at the comment, unable to resist the opportunity to show off to his new companion that he had more than one mistress privy to his affections. "I do have excellent taste. Papa says I take after Mama in that regard." He turned to drop the bracelet back into his guard's hand, still smug as he heard the following request.
As Linos began to look back over the stall, he did the same, running his gaze over all the options on display. Nothing particularly caught the young lord's eye, else he would have bought it when he had initially approached the store. Still, he supposed he could help the man until it seemed too tedious an activity. Rafail had nothing better to do at that moment and, besides, you had to be charitable every so often.
"I need more information on this woman and what she likes," he told Linos, given that he had been given barely any information up until then. As he waited for a response, allowing the man some time to come up with a suitable list of traits to describe the object of his desire, he faced the merchant instead, not entirely bothered by the fact that he was evidently occupied with some other customer and the task he had earlier demanded he complete. Rafail did not have time for other people. "I want to see all your finest pieces. Emeralds, perhaps. Nothing cheap."
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She was not a relative, therefore, she was a love interest of sorts. Given Linos's awkwardness and the inability to choose an appropriate gift himself, Rafail would have to assume that he had not taken part in any kind of intimacy with her as of yet and, most likely, he had yet to express his feelings for the woman. This was the sort of thing you purchased when you were hoping to show a girl your intentions but barely had the confidence to do so without the assurance that you could seduce her otherwise. Besides, those stutters and the discomfiture he could sense from the man only made the situation he was in more clear. Rafail did have some ability to read people, especially when it came to the circumstances they now found themselves in.
"Very well. She is not a relative. Then I shall aid you accordingly." Although, given that the reaction to his serpentine bracelet had seemed less than thrilled, he did not exactly feel that Linos was really appreciating his help as much as he should have been. Rafail's assistance did not usually come so freely and, when it did, it deserved to be acknowledged. "Women are easy to handle. They have very basic loves. And if you cannot be tall or blonde or handsome then you shall have to cater to those interests. Gold and jewels are usually the best. Anything that might show you have some wealth."
"Mm, it is rather lovely. I am sure either Elissa or Althaia shall love it. I have yet to decide which has earned it." Rafail smirked proudly at the comment, unable to resist the opportunity to show off to his new companion that he had more than one mistress privy to his affections. "I do have excellent taste. Papa says I take after Mama in that regard." He turned to drop the bracelet back into his guard's hand, still smug as he heard the following request.
As Linos began to look back over the stall, he did the same, running his gaze over all the options on display. Nothing particularly caught the young lord's eye, else he would have bought it when he had initially approached the store. Still, he supposed he could help the man until it seemed too tedious an activity. Rafail had nothing better to do at that moment and, besides, you had to be charitable every so often.
"I need more information on this woman and what she likes," he told Linos, given that he had been given barely any information up until then. As he waited for a response, allowing the man some time to come up with a suitable list of traits to describe the object of his desire, he faced the merchant instead, not entirely bothered by the fact that he was evidently occupied with some other customer and the task he had earlier demanded he complete. Rafail did not have time for other people. "I want to see all your finest pieces. Emeralds, perhaps. Nothing cheap."
She was not a relative, therefore, she was a love interest of sorts. Given Linos's awkwardness and the inability to choose an appropriate gift himself, Rafail would have to assume that he had not taken part in any kind of intimacy with her as of yet and, most likely, he had yet to express his feelings for the woman. This was the sort of thing you purchased when you were hoping to show a girl your intentions but barely had the confidence to do so without the assurance that you could seduce her otherwise. Besides, those stutters and the discomfiture he could sense from the man only made the situation he was in more clear. Rafail did have some ability to read people, especially when it came to the circumstances they now found themselves in.
"Very well. She is not a relative. Then I shall aid you accordingly." Although, given that the reaction to his serpentine bracelet had seemed less than thrilled, he did not exactly feel that Linos was really appreciating his help as much as he should have been. Rafail's assistance did not usually come so freely and, when it did, it deserved to be acknowledged. "Women are easy to handle. They have very basic loves. And if you cannot be tall or blonde or handsome then you shall have to cater to those interests. Gold and jewels are usually the best. Anything that might show you have some wealth."
"Mm, it is rather lovely. I am sure either Elissa or Althaia shall love it. I have yet to decide which has earned it." Rafail smirked proudly at the comment, unable to resist the opportunity to show off to his new companion that he had more than one mistress privy to his affections. "I do have excellent taste. Papa says I take after Mama in that regard." He turned to drop the bracelet back into his guard's hand, still smug as he heard the following request.
As Linos began to look back over the stall, he did the same, running his gaze over all the options on display. Nothing particularly caught the young lord's eye, else he would have bought it when he had initially approached the store. Still, he supposed he could help the man until it seemed too tedious an activity. Rafail had nothing better to do at that moment and, besides, you had to be charitable every so often.
"I need more information on this woman and what she likes," he told Linos, given that he had been given barely any information up until then. As he waited for a response, allowing the man some time to come up with a suitable list of traits to describe the object of his desire, he faced the merchant instead, not entirely bothered by the fact that he was evidently occupied with some other customer and the task he had earlier demanded he complete. Rafail did not have time for other people. "I want to see all your finest pieces. Emeralds, perhaps. Nothing cheap."
Linos raised a brow to his mention about women having simple desires. Was he sure of that? The scholar wasn't completely buying his claim. After all, he did have a younger sister who had many desires other than just jewelry and frivolous items. And, he knew that he had complicated desires of knowledge. No doubt, however, that some people did want a simpler life. There were people with so many outlooks on life. How could he just generalize half the population with such a stereotype? It didn't make sense. And he now knew why it didn't make sense... It was a fallacy. A weak point. However, Linos held his tongue. He knew better than to cause another scene.
Gold and jewels... What women want, according to Rafail of Marikas. Linos nodded, taking notes in his mind. Note one: Rafail makes fallacious arguments. Note two: he over simplifies the desires of human beings. Note three: he thinks he can buy other people's affections with shine and sparkle. These were things that Linos disagreed with. He always had thought of women as equal to himself, mainly because he knew of many of women who were stronger than him, quicker than him, and even smarter than him. What made men of more value to this world if women could do everything a man could do and more? It always made him feel uncomfortable when people showed outright, blatant disregard for women. Even if he wasn't one, the fact he didn't think this way made him different. And sometimes, differences caused people to resort to violence. Violence was something Linos tried to avoid. Even if he had many controversial thoughts fly though his head at the speed of light, he knew better than to speak of them aloud or to write them somewhere easy to find.
Exhaling, he cleared his mind. He did not need to be in his head right now, he needed to be concentrating on his lessons. As soon as his teacher spoke of two women and how he was wondering who to give his bracelet to, Linos felt his heart drop. He could never imagine being with two women at once. After all, he was new to the small feelings that swarmed his chest and head; the ones that came when Daniil appeared in his mind. He couldn't imagine having those feelings for anyone else but her... And it was interesting that Rafail didn't seem to care much about them. Just from the way he spoke of them and the way he moved. It didn't look as if he thought of the two women in the same way the scholar thought about Daniil. This made Linos reconsider how attraction worked. As far as he experienced it, it was magical and exciting, not something he'd want to experience with two people. One person he could grow close to and learn from. He wanted to spend so much time just getting to her better and better. Not make two people vie for his attention.
Linos noted they were two very different people. However, he shouldn't judge somebody only because they were different. He should learn from them and see if they have any thoughts that were of use. He needed to see what made him tick. His once anxious demeanor turned quickly curious towards the royal man. Linos gave him a soft smile, his patience begin to grow again. Once you saw him as a new forest of knowledge to explore, it didn't seem so scary anymore.
When asked to describe Daniil, Linos felt heat rise to his cheeks, "Well, she has a beautiful smile and she's very patient and sweet. She always listens to what I have to say and she never judges me for who I am or what I think." Linos smiled softly thinking of her. Why did she make him feel this way? Wasn't she just his friend? A friend he has had around since he was young? What was it with her that made his heart skip a beat? "Her voice sounds like music to my ears and her touch is inviting, warm, and safe. Do you know anyone like that?" The last bit was a tad satirical, although no hint of it being such in his voice, just in his mind Linos thought it was funny that he was speaking of somebody Rafail definitely knew. Somebody important.
Taken away from his thoughts, the scholar glanced down at the new selection of jewelry the merchant brought out. Many of them were properly gaudy. However, he knew he should select something that suited Rafail's tastes instead of his own. After all, it was probably best to get away from this conversation quicker and speak with him later on other matters. Linos carefully analyzed each piece, about to go for the most exuberant bracelet, but then realizing that maybe it was too much glitter and shine. Instead he moved his hands for a gold bracelet that contained rubies instead of the emeralds Rafail requested. It caught Linos's eye because the gems were arranged in a way that resembled small fish, swimming in a pool of gold. He slowly grasped it, picking it up to analyze it in the summer's sun. Watching the light reflect off it made him smile. It was beautiful, not overly exaggerated at all. Lovely. He then looked at Rafail, showing him the selection, "This is quite a charming one, wouldn't you agree?"
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Linos raised a brow to his mention about women having simple desires. Was he sure of that? The scholar wasn't completely buying his claim. After all, he did have a younger sister who had many desires other than just jewelry and frivolous items. And, he knew that he had complicated desires of knowledge. No doubt, however, that some people did want a simpler life. There were people with so many outlooks on life. How could he just generalize half the population with such a stereotype? It didn't make sense. And he now knew why it didn't make sense... It was a fallacy. A weak point. However, Linos held his tongue. He knew better than to cause another scene.
Gold and jewels... What women want, according to Rafail of Marikas. Linos nodded, taking notes in his mind. Note one: Rafail makes fallacious arguments. Note two: he over simplifies the desires of human beings. Note three: he thinks he can buy other people's affections with shine and sparkle. These were things that Linos disagreed with. He always had thought of women as equal to himself, mainly because he knew of many of women who were stronger than him, quicker than him, and even smarter than him. What made men of more value to this world if women could do everything a man could do and more? It always made him feel uncomfortable when people showed outright, blatant disregard for women. Even if he wasn't one, the fact he didn't think this way made him different. And sometimes, differences caused people to resort to violence. Violence was something Linos tried to avoid. Even if he had many controversial thoughts fly though his head at the speed of light, he knew better than to speak of them aloud or to write them somewhere easy to find.
Exhaling, he cleared his mind. He did not need to be in his head right now, he needed to be concentrating on his lessons. As soon as his teacher spoke of two women and how he was wondering who to give his bracelet to, Linos felt his heart drop. He could never imagine being with two women at once. After all, he was new to the small feelings that swarmed his chest and head; the ones that came when Daniil appeared in his mind. He couldn't imagine having those feelings for anyone else but her... And it was interesting that Rafail didn't seem to care much about them. Just from the way he spoke of them and the way he moved. It didn't look as if he thought of the two women in the same way the scholar thought about Daniil. This made Linos reconsider how attraction worked. As far as he experienced it, it was magical and exciting, not something he'd want to experience with two people. One person he could grow close to and learn from. He wanted to spend so much time just getting to her better and better. Not make two people vie for his attention.
Linos noted they were two very different people. However, he shouldn't judge somebody only because they were different. He should learn from them and see if they have any thoughts that were of use. He needed to see what made him tick. His once anxious demeanor turned quickly curious towards the royal man. Linos gave him a soft smile, his patience begin to grow again. Once you saw him as a new forest of knowledge to explore, it didn't seem so scary anymore.
When asked to describe Daniil, Linos felt heat rise to his cheeks, "Well, she has a beautiful smile and she's very patient and sweet. She always listens to what I have to say and she never judges me for who I am or what I think." Linos smiled softly thinking of her. Why did she make him feel this way? Wasn't she just his friend? A friend he has had around since he was young? What was it with her that made his heart skip a beat? "Her voice sounds like music to my ears and her touch is inviting, warm, and safe. Do you know anyone like that?" The last bit was a tad satirical, although no hint of it being such in his voice, just in his mind Linos thought it was funny that he was speaking of somebody Rafail definitely knew. Somebody important.
Taken away from his thoughts, the scholar glanced down at the new selection of jewelry the merchant brought out. Many of them were properly gaudy. However, he knew he should select something that suited Rafail's tastes instead of his own. After all, it was probably best to get away from this conversation quicker and speak with him later on other matters. Linos carefully analyzed each piece, about to go for the most exuberant bracelet, but then realizing that maybe it was too much glitter and shine. Instead he moved his hands for a gold bracelet that contained rubies instead of the emeralds Rafail requested. It caught Linos's eye because the gems were arranged in a way that resembled small fish, swimming in a pool of gold. He slowly grasped it, picking it up to analyze it in the summer's sun. Watching the light reflect off it made him smile. It was beautiful, not overly exaggerated at all. Lovely. He then looked at Rafail, showing him the selection, "This is quite a charming one, wouldn't you agree?"
Linos raised a brow to his mention about women having simple desires. Was he sure of that? The scholar wasn't completely buying his claim. After all, he did have a younger sister who had many desires other than just jewelry and frivolous items. And, he knew that he had complicated desires of knowledge. No doubt, however, that some people did want a simpler life. There were people with so many outlooks on life. How could he just generalize half the population with such a stereotype? It didn't make sense. And he now knew why it didn't make sense... It was a fallacy. A weak point. However, Linos held his tongue. He knew better than to cause another scene.
Gold and jewels... What women want, according to Rafail of Marikas. Linos nodded, taking notes in his mind. Note one: Rafail makes fallacious arguments. Note two: he over simplifies the desires of human beings. Note three: he thinks he can buy other people's affections with shine and sparkle. These were things that Linos disagreed with. He always had thought of women as equal to himself, mainly because he knew of many of women who were stronger than him, quicker than him, and even smarter than him. What made men of more value to this world if women could do everything a man could do and more? It always made him feel uncomfortable when people showed outright, blatant disregard for women. Even if he wasn't one, the fact he didn't think this way made him different. And sometimes, differences caused people to resort to violence. Violence was something Linos tried to avoid. Even if he had many controversial thoughts fly though his head at the speed of light, he knew better than to speak of them aloud or to write them somewhere easy to find.
Exhaling, he cleared his mind. He did not need to be in his head right now, he needed to be concentrating on his lessons. As soon as his teacher spoke of two women and how he was wondering who to give his bracelet to, Linos felt his heart drop. He could never imagine being with two women at once. After all, he was new to the small feelings that swarmed his chest and head; the ones that came when Daniil appeared in his mind. He couldn't imagine having those feelings for anyone else but her... And it was interesting that Rafail didn't seem to care much about them. Just from the way he spoke of them and the way he moved. It didn't look as if he thought of the two women in the same way the scholar thought about Daniil. This made Linos reconsider how attraction worked. As far as he experienced it, it was magical and exciting, not something he'd want to experience with two people. One person he could grow close to and learn from. He wanted to spend so much time just getting to her better and better. Not make two people vie for his attention.
Linos noted they were two very different people. However, he shouldn't judge somebody only because they were different. He should learn from them and see if they have any thoughts that were of use. He needed to see what made him tick. His once anxious demeanor turned quickly curious towards the royal man. Linos gave him a soft smile, his patience begin to grow again. Once you saw him as a new forest of knowledge to explore, it didn't seem so scary anymore.
When asked to describe Daniil, Linos felt heat rise to his cheeks, "Well, she has a beautiful smile and she's very patient and sweet. She always listens to what I have to say and she never judges me for who I am or what I think." Linos smiled softly thinking of her. Why did she make him feel this way? Wasn't she just his friend? A friend he has had around since he was young? What was it with her that made his heart skip a beat? "Her voice sounds like music to my ears and her touch is inviting, warm, and safe. Do you know anyone like that?" The last bit was a tad satirical, although no hint of it being such in his voice, just in his mind Linos thought it was funny that he was speaking of somebody Rafail definitely knew. Somebody important.
Taken away from his thoughts, the scholar glanced down at the new selection of jewelry the merchant brought out. Many of them were properly gaudy. However, he knew he should select something that suited Rafail's tastes instead of his own. After all, it was probably best to get away from this conversation quicker and speak with him later on other matters. Linos carefully analyzed each piece, about to go for the most exuberant bracelet, but then realizing that maybe it was too much glitter and shine. Instead he moved his hands for a gold bracelet that contained rubies instead of the emeralds Rafail requested. It caught Linos's eye because the gems were arranged in a way that resembled small fish, swimming in a pool of gold. He slowly grasped it, picking it up to analyze it in the summer's sun. Watching the light reflect off it made him smile. It was beautiful, not overly exaggerated at all. Lovely. He then looked at Rafail, showing him the selection, "This is quite a charming one, wouldn't you agree?"
As far as Rafail could tell, Linos did a whole lot of thinking and not very much speaking which, if he was perfectly frank, was both irritating and welcome at the same time. On the one very appealing hand, his silence made it easier for the Marikas lord to be the centre of attention, something he would never deny enjoying (as there had always been a particular attraction to knowing that all were hanging onto your every word and thinking of nought but you) but it was frustrating and gave him no entertainment. After all, it was a known fact that there was amusement to be found in the stupid comments of others and based on the snippets of conversation between the two of them up until now, Linos appeared to be a fountain of ridiculous remarks that both irked him and gave him some pleasure. It was enough to make Rafail wonder whether there was a possibility in hiring him for that very purpose. No harm in having someone around like that - Pavlos’s idiocy could only do so much.
There seemed to be no rebuttal regarding his beliefs about the lesser sex, a fact which pleased Rafail somewhat, and, instead, the shorter of the pair had launched into an overly romanticised speech about his apparent beloved. The words were standard: praise for the melodious tone of her voice and the allure of her smile. It might have been a charming characterisation, but it was of no use to the man who had requested a description solely to determine which jewels would suit the woman best. A tactic which had never failed in Rafail’s experience, show her that you’ve noticed those minute details like the colour of her eyes and the exact shade of her hair and she’ll want to share your bed before you were even finished handing over the jewellery. There was a reason he was the most well-acquainted courtier in Athenia.
”Stop.” He held up a hand to halt the man lest he had anything else to ramble about, ignoring the question for now, though he already knew his response. ”You sound like a child. You are not a child. Last I was aware in this encounter, you claim yourself to be a man, and I hear no man before me.” Glancing past Linos into the crowds which filled the area around them, he raised a hand to gesture towards a pretty dark-haired woman who had crossed the marketplace to inspect a selection of cloths at another stall, hoping that his companion too would turn to look at her. She was not of particularly high status, as evidenced by her plain chiton and unstyled hair hanging far past her shoulders, but she was attractive enough to serve the purpose Rafail required. ”Her. An idiot would describe her with the useless and florid words you have used. ‘Hair like shining copper’ or ‘a smile which lights up the skies’. Puerile nonsense. A man would make a note of her voluptuousness and the way she sways so suggestively when she walks and, not least, the fact that he would like to fuck her.” He looked back to Linos a moment, trying to gauge his expression so that he might decide whether the man had actually acknowledged or understood anything he had said or whether it was simply being translated into another hourlong thought process, then added: ”And if he is particularly inclined towards said woman, he might just do this.” Rafail lifted his fingers to his lips, whistling loudly in the woman’s direction so that she turned to look at the two men, at which he winked, and her face flushed scarlet.
”Do I know anyone like that? No. I have not the time for infantile crushes, I am a royal baron, and I have decidedly more pressing matters on my mind. When I marry, it shall not be for the myth of love but to create an appropriate and powerful union between my family and that of my bride. She shall bear me the heirs I desire, and that shall be the extent of our relationship.” Not that any woman appeared to understand that, all so concerned with finding the man of their dreams and shooting down any worthy suitor just because he happened to enjoy the company of more than one, as though they could expect any man in Greece to be wholly chaste.
The subject appeared to have returned to the bracelets, however, and Rafail waited while the scholar made his choice. Eventually, he reached for a bright piece in gold and rubies, taking far too long to decide whether or not it suited him. ”Charming is perhaps not the word I would use.” Plain. Overrated. Overused. The combination of red and gold was nothing to shout about, though that was a truth with which most appeared to struggle. That said, Mama would have adored it, and Rafail almost felt a pang of melancholy as he considered what a precious gift it would have made for her. For a romantic entanglement, on the other hand, he loathed it. ”Does she have red eyes like some beast of Tartarus? Else I see no reason to select the rubies over the stunning emeralds I have so clearly had brought out.”
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As far as Rafail could tell, Linos did a whole lot of thinking and not very much speaking which, if he was perfectly frank, was both irritating and welcome at the same time. On the one very appealing hand, his silence made it easier for the Marikas lord to be the centre of attention, something he would never deny enjoying (as there had always been a particular attraction to knowing that all were hanging onto your every word and thinking of nought but you) but it was frustrating and gave him no entertainment. After all, it was a known fact that there was amusement to be found in the stupid comments of others and based on the snippets of conversation between the two of them up until now, Linos appeared to be a fountain of ridiculous remarks that both irked him and gave him some pleasure. It was enough to make Rafail wonder whether there was a possibility in hiring him for that very purpose. No harm in having someone around like that - Pavlos’s idiocy could only do so much.
There seemed to be no rebuttal regarding his beliefs about the lesser sex, a fact which pleased Rafail somewhat, and, instead, the shorter of the pair had launched into an overly romanticised speech about his apparent beloved. The words were standard: praise for the melodious tone of her voice and the allure of her smile. It might have been a charming characterisation, but it was of no use to the man who had requested a description solely to determine which jewels would suit the woman best. A tactic which had never failed in Rafail’s experience, show her that you’ve noticed those minute details like the colour of her eyes and the exact shade of her hair and she’ll want to share your bed before you were even finished handing over the jewellery. There was a reason he was the most well-acquainted courtier in Athenia.
”Stop.” He held up a hand to halt the man lest he had anything else to ramble about, ignoring the question for now, though he already knew his response. ”You sound like a child. You are not a child. Last I was aware in this encounter, you claim yourself to be a man, and I hear no man before me.” Glancing past Linos into the crowds which filled the area around them, he raised a hand to gesture towards a pretty dark-haired woman who had crossed the marketplace to inspect a selection of cloths at another stall, hoping that his companion too would turn to look at her. She was not of particularly high status, as evidenced by her plain chiton and unstyled hair hanging far past her shoulders, but she was attractive enough to serve the purpose Rafail required. ”Her. An idiot would describe her with the useless and florid words you have used. ‘Hair like shining copper’ or ‘a smile which lights up the skies’. Puerile nonsense. A man would make a note of her voluptuousness and the way she sways so suggestively when she walks and, not least, the fact that he would like to fuck her.” He looked back to Linos a moment, trying to gauge his expression so that he might decide whether the man had actually acknowledged or understood anything he had said or whether it was simply being translated into another hourlong thought process, then added: ”And if he is particularly inclined towards said woman, he might just do this.” Rafail lifted his fingers to his lips, whistling loudly in the woman’s direction so that she turned to look at the two men, at which he winked, and her face flushed scarlet.
”Do I know anyone like that? No. I have not the time for infantile crushes, I am a royal baron, and I have decidedly more pressing matters on my mind. When I marry, it shall not be for the myth of love but to create an appropriate and powerful union between my family and that of my bride. She shall bear me the heirs I desire, and that shall be the extent of our relationship.” Not that any woman appeared to understand that, all so concerned with finding the man of their dreams and shooting down any worthy suitor just because he happened to enjoy the company of more than one, as though they could expect any man in Greece to be wholly chaste.
The subject appeared to have returned to the bracelets, however, and Rafail waited while the scholar made his choice. Eventually, he reached for a bright piece in gold and rubies, taking far too long to decide whether or not it suited him. ”Charming is perhaps not the word I would use.” Plain. Overrated. Overused. The combination of red and gold was nothing to shout about, though that was a truth with which most appeared to struggle. That said, Mama would have adored it, and Rafail almost felt a pang of melancholy as he considered what a precious gift it would have made for her. For a romantic entanglement, on the other hand, he loathed it. ”Does she have red eyes like some beast of Tartarus? Else I see no reason to select the rubies over the stunning emeralds I have so clearly had brought out.”
As far as Rafail could tell, Linos did a whole lot of thinking and not very much speaking which, if he was perfectly frank, was both irritating and welcome at the same time. On the one very appealing hand, his silence made it easier for the Marikas lord to be the centre of attention, something he would never deny enjoying (as there had always been a particular attraction to knowing that all were hanging onto your every word and thinking of nought but you) but it was frustrating and gave him no entertainment. After all, it was a known fact that there was amusement to be found in the stupid comments of others and based on the snippets of conversation between the two of them up until now, Linos appeared to be a fountain of ridiculous remarks that both irked him and gave him some pleasure. It was enough to make Rafail wonder whether there was a possibility in hiring him for that very purpose. No harm in having someone around like that - Pavlos’s idiocy could only do so much.
There seemed to be no rebuttal regarding his beliefs about the lesser sex, a fact which pleased Rafail somewhat, and, instead, the shorter of the pair had launched into an overly romanticised speech about his apparent beloved. The words were standard: praise for the melodious tone of her voice and the allure of her smile. It might have been a charming characterisation, but it was of no use to the man who had requested a description solely to determine which jewels would suit the woman best. A tactic which had never failed in Rafail’s experience, show her that you’ve noticed those minute details like the colour of her eyes and the exact shade of her hair and she’ll want to share your bed before you were even finished handing over the jewellery. There was a reason he was the most well-acquainted courtier in Athenia.
”Stop.” He held up a hand to halt the man lest he had anything else to ramble about, ignoring the question for now, though he already knew his response. ”You sound like a child. You are not a child. Last I was aware in this encounter, you claim yourself to be a man, and I hear no man before me.” Glancing past Linos into the crowds which filled the area around them, he raised a hand to gesture towards a pretty dark-haired woman who had crossed the marketplace to inspect a selection of cloths at another stall, hoping that his companion too would turn to look at her. She was not of particularly high status, as evidenced by her plain chiton and unstyled hair hanging far past her shoulders, but she was attractive enough to serve the purpose Rafail required. ”Her. An idiot would describe her with the useless and florid words you have used. ‘Hair like shining copper’ or ‘a smile which lights up the skies’. Puerile nonsense. A man would make a note of her voluptuousness and the way she sways so suggestively when she walks and, not least, the fact that he would like to fuck her.” He looked back to Linos a moment, trying to gauge his expression so that he might decide whether the man had actually acknowledged or understood anything he had said or whether it was simply being translated into another hourlong thought process, then added: ”And if he is particularly inclined towards said woman, he might just do this.” Rafail lifted his fingers to his lips, whistling loudly in the woman’s direction so that she turned to look at the two men, at which he winked, and her face flushed scarlet.
”Do I know anyone like that? No. I have not the time for infantile crushes, I am a royal baron, and I have decidedly more pressing matters on my mind. When I marry, it shall not be for the myth of love but to create an appropriate and powerful union between my family and that of my bride. She shall bear me the heirs I desire, and that shall be the extent of our relationship.” Not that any woman appeared to understand that, all so concerned with finding the man of their dreams and shooting down any worthy suitor just because he happened to enjoy the company of more than one, as though they could expect any man in Greece to be wholly chaste.
The subject appeared to have returned to the bracelets, however, and Rafail waited while the scholar made his choice. Eventually, he reached for a bright piece in gold and rubies, taking far too long to decide whether or not it suited him. ”Charming is perhaps not the word I would use.” Plain. Overrated. Overused. The combination of red and gold was nothing to shout about, though that was a truth with which most appeared to struggle. That said, Mama would have adored it, and Rafail almost felt a pang of melancholy as he considered what a precious gift it would have made for her. For a romantic entanglement, on the other hand, he loathed it. ”Does she have red eyes like some beast of Tartarus? Else I see no reason to select the rubies over the stunning emeralds I have so clearly had brought out.”
