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Post by Iolanthe on Mar 26, 2007 15:33:46 GMT -5
Iolanthe backed away as Astinos managed to somehow find the reserve of strength to get to his feet. She followed him to the ledge, though not that close, and it was too far to reach. She knew it...did he? Io glanced at Astinos, only to see him unclasping the Spartan cloak over his shoulders. She caught a glimpse of the scars and nearly gasped - they looked awful. Painful. What had he done to deserve those? She was considering this...but as soon as he started to wrap it around his arm, she realized what he was doing.
Resourceful. She only hoped it worked. Iolanthe crouched down, easing to her knees as Astinos took his position. His shoulders passed the rock and Iolanthe warily watched - to have him topple over the edge would not be...surely the gods could not be that cruel. Especially not after what had just happened...
"Be careful," she insisted warningly. Iolanthe nearly touched his back, as if to offer some sort of support - but thought it might prove irritating if he was trying to concentrate. Iolanthe knew her capabilities of helping weren't very much, but what else could she do?
"How in Hades?!?"
Iolanthe looked down, gripping the edge of the cliff. She watched Dienekes prepare to climb, and, closing her eyes, said a small prayer for him in her native tongue. It was practically inaudible.
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Post by Astinos on Mar 26, 2007 16:27:38 GMT -5
"Be careful," she said.
He felt as if she might touch him then. Yet no such blessing graced him. Astinos looked over his shoulder at her as she moved close to the edge. He nodded indicating her dangerous position, unable to do much more and said, "You as well, m'lady." The barest trace of a smile formed on his lips but it was interrupted before he could say anything else.
"How in Hades?!?"
The tension now forming along the thick red fabric confirmed what his ears had heard. The cape would protect him in battle just as it would now aid his friend. Astinos heart filled with joy as Dienekes began the long slow climb. He practically held his breath then, but his youthful exuberance could not be contained, "Climb, my friend!" He held tight to the fabric and the weave held tight as Dienekes continued his rise.
Astinos heard the faint, lyrical sound escaping Iolanthe's parted lips and he couldn't help but turn to watch her lips move slightly. He did not understand a word she said but it was beautiful. He twisted his arms more tightly around the fabric as Dienekes grew closer still. Astinos found himself drawn to watch the woman yet again, this time he moistened his lips. He wanted to kiss her. When it appeared that he might be caught staring at her, he said, "Do you pray?"
It was not a question of the act itself but rather a confirmation of his thoughts. Faith was important, though he might not know whom she prayed to, the fact that he assumed she did pray was a good indication of her character. Having already decided that she was praying, he answered his own question, also giving her his approval in the process, "Good." The gods he prayed to were as likely to condemn a man to obscurity as to lead him to immortality. He could only hope that the gods that lead this beguiling creature at his side were kind. Especially to Spartans climbing jagged rock.
He glanced down, checking Dienekes' progress. He smiled down at his friend, concern still darkening his eyes. This position was much easier to maintain, his body was used to pressing his own weight plus another's with only one arm. That and he was young he had nearly recovered from his earlier exertion, "When you have reached us Dienekes, why don't you climb down and bring us some wood?" A fire would be needed to prepare the feast. He hadn't quite figured out how to get them all down, but he would strap each of them to his back in turn and climb down if necessary.
The wind kicked up slightly bringing the floral scent of the woman to his nose. He spoke without thinking, "You smell of summer."
Night was falling fast now. He and his fellow Spartan could handle the lack of food, but he didn't want to force the woman to suffer hunger. Not if he could help it. The horses had casks of water as well as a loaf of bread and some dried fruits. Time had passed though, they may have ventured back to the city gates. If so, he wasn't looking forward to the journey.
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Post by Iolanthe on Mar 26, 2007 17:11:34 GMT -5
Iolanthe hadn't prayed in so long; it seemed her gods had long since vacated Persia, but this was a task that needed divine guidance. After a few moments, she felt something...that sense of someone's attention. She blinked - and looked at Astinos, and almost instantly dropped her eyes, embarrassed. He quite possibly thought she was crazy.
"Do you pray?" She gave an imperceptible nod, though it seemed he'd already answered it himself. As Astinos turned his attentions to Dienekes, Iolanthe considered explaining. She doubted he cared, but she was anxious and liked to be distracted.
"Mithra," she said after a moment, glancing at him. Not very loud - she didn't want to distract him. "He protects warriors, and gives the khvarnab orfarr, the Divine Glory, to righteous kings." Iolanthe paused, and gave a hesitant smile. "He also takes it away from the ones who stray from the righteous path. Some of us..." Now she just felt ridiculous. What did a Spartan care about old Persian myths? She barely believed in them herself, what with the current reign.
"Some of us," she reaffirmed after some deliberation, "believe he has taken it from Xerxes, and that...that it why you will win."
If Mithra was no hypocrite, then he would see the Spartans' success. Anyone could see a handful of them were more than a hundred Persians. She considered this as he spoke of fire to Dienekes, giving him a sideways glance. How could they possibly be expected to collect firewood? They should have been collapsing from exhaustion. It was remarkable.
"You smell of summer."
That surprised her. Iolanthe smiled despite herself - and despite the circumstances. "Do I?" she asked, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear as a gust of wind passed through the jagged cliffs. She was amused, and pleased by the comment.
"You smell..." Well, it wasn't summer. But... "Well, you smell like a man ought to." Not doused in perfumes like Xerxes was fond of. She studied him for a moment, the way his arms flexed in strength, holding the rope steady. And below, Dienekes climbed up the wall - they were so incredibly strong.
"How do you know these cliffs so well?" she asked, thinking back on how he and Dienekes had acted. "You move as easily as if you stand on flat land."
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Post by Astinos on Mar 26, 2007 17:50:26 GMT -5
"Mithra, he protects warriors, and gives the khvarnab orfarr, the Divine Glory, to righteous kings." Iolanthe paused, and gave a hesitant smile. "He also takes it away from the ones who stray from the righteous path. Some of us..."
"Some of us, believe he has taken it from Xerxes, and that...that it why you will win."
He nodded, "We always win."
His words were confident and proud. He smiled then, considering her words further, "We win...one way...or another." He didn't want to go too deeply into what was expected of a soldier. He accepted it gladly that was enough. Her words washed over him and he felt ashamed suddenly, "That is why you are here." His mind took him back to a few days and their first meeting. He looked over at her then, finally understanding what she must want with the King.
"I will ask my father to assist you when we return to the city," Astinos offered.
"You smell..." Well, it wasn't summer. But... "Well, you smell like a man ought to."
His eyes found her knees and lingered there. He closed his eyes and returned to the task at hand. He was in need of distraction. Desperate need. He called out to the other man, "Night comes, Dienekes! You aren't getting any younger."
"How do you know these cliffs so well?" she asked, thinking back on how he and Dienekes had acted. "You move as easily as if you stand on flat land."
How could she speak so casually? He was on fire for her. He didn't trust himself to speak, his eyes trained on the climbing Spartan. He did not want to be rude now, especially now that he felt he could trust her, "The Agoge." His tone was husky, deep. The sound only reminded him how bad his timing was.
Speaking of timing...
He reached down and took hold of Dienekes' forearm with both hands now. Gratefully the fabric remained intertwined on his arm as he did so. Astinos hoisted the other man up over the edge of the cliff, the red cloak following to cover his lap in the process. The last thing he needed now was to face ridicule. He was not a weak man...except with this woman. He cursed silently when he reminded himself that she was Persian. He reached over an patted the other man's shoulder good naturedly before leaning back against a large flat rock. The angle made it perfect to rest his tired form against. His arms were sore but life had taught him that such things were temporary. He glanced over at the woman unable to quite figure out how to proceed with her.
Until now he had always felt favored by the gods. He allowed the red fabric to drape casually across his midsection, doing his best to behave as if nothing was wrong.
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Post by Dienekes on Mar 27, 2007 15:31:22 GMT -5
[OOC]- Happy Birthday Io!
- Sorry for lack of postage
- I'll try m'best to keep up
[/OOC]
Relief swept over him as he gripped Astinos' forearm, hoisting himself over the edge of the horrid cliff. Panting, for even a Spartan was not immortal, he leaned against the stone wall. Slowly he gathered himself, replaying all of the recent events in his mind. After a time, he pushed off his sanctuary and addressed his saviors.
"I must collect our steeds" He informed the duo, "I have some kindling and venison in the saddlebags" He said, immensely glad to have the gift of forethought. "Also, I have a blanket" he told them, remembering the vibrant colored fabric, which his wife had stitched.. Alas, he would find no sleep underneath it's enveloping warmth.
Off he went, breathing returned to normal, finding his way down the mountainside easily. "Colossus!" Dienekes called out every five minutes, as well as whistling an intricate tune the beast would come galloping towards were it in hearing distance. The ancient and sturdy Spatha hung by his side, newly retrieved, he felt invincible once again.
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Post by Iolanthe on Mar 27, 2007 17:01:51 GMT -5
(Thanks Di ;D Don't worry about it ^_^)
We always win.
And you are all so modest…Iolanthe thought to herself, though his confidence was comforting. It was certainly not something Spartans lacked. She considered the implications of Astinos’ vaguely ominous one way or another turn of phrase, but gave a nod, and smiled at his conclusion.
“Someone should stop Xerxes.” As if the entire world didn’t agree on that. “But you were protecting your king, as a soldier should,” she reminded him when he looked at her. Not that it mattered now, at any rate.
"I will ask my father to assist you when we return to the city," Astinos offered.
Iolanthe realized the importance of that offer - his father was a very important man. She touched his arm, signifying her thanks. "It would be an honor, but that is unnecessary...Pausanias...he tells me he's arranged something with the King. You've both been wonderful, very helpful, and I do appreciate that," she said earnestly, before pulling her hand away.
Io fell into silence after that, contemplating his skin and Pausanias' promise. That was what she should have been thinking about. Imagine if she had died after he had gone through gods knew what to help her. That would be a fine way to repay everyone. It had been foolish of her to assume she could navigate the Spartan countryside alone. Hence her question to Astinos, to which he replied,
The Agoge.
She opened her mouth to ask what it was, but his voice sounded so strange, she thought he might be straining, or hurt, or…something. “Are you alright?” she asked, for what felt like the thousandth time, “You sound ill.”
It was a few seconds, then, before she glimpsed the other Spartan’s head past the cliff. He was climbing. Startled, Io stepped away from Dienekes as he clambered back onto the edge of rock, not wishing to get in the way of Astinos’ pulling, and wincing a little at how her muscles ached at moving. Her legs, gods. A few steps from the ragged rock, Io sat down, and she looked up for Astinos, only to find him glancing at her. Did he expect something? Oh. She looked from him to Dienekes; perhaps it was gratitude? Not that they didn’t deserve it many times over.
She studied Dienekes first; he‘d nearly fallen off the cliff, thanks to tackling the wolf who would have eaten her leg. “Thank you for saving my life,” Iolanthe said honestly, having not had the opportunity to tell him, “I know you don’t like me, but I am very grateful.” She looked at Astinos. “To both of you. I would be dead if it wasn’t for you.”
As Dienekes announced where he was planning to go, Iolanthe was stunned - amazed he could stand on two feet, let alone traipse off to find horses. She felt exhausted. “Be careful,” Io insisted after the older Spartan, though she doubted he’d appreciate the comment. “It’s…dark,” she finished, in little more than a murmur. He was already gone, and she could hear the whistling echo in between the cliffs.
Iolanthe drew her legs up to her chest, smoothing that tattered dress down over her knees, and in the wake of that silence, she realized…Dienekes left. He left. Which left her alone with Astinos. Which was not good. She was very acutely aware of where he was, and now that there wasn’t the distraction of near death…
The Persian kept her eyes on her dress, summoning up thoughts of sewing and how this dress was a lost cause - because it was much better than thinking about the alternative. As she toyed with a loose strip of fabric, her fingers did brush her calf - which she’d just near forgotten since the pain had become familiar, though it flared up at that. Iolanthe shifted with an irritated frown, to her knees, so that she could better glimpse the underside of her leg. It was dark but, running her fingers over the scratch, it didn’t seem awfully deep.
“I hope it doesn’t scar,” she muttered under her breath. She’d be fortunate if it wasn’t infected, and gods it would hurt to douse it in soap and hot water. Not particularly looking forward to that, truth be told. Wouldn’t it be nice to have a bath? Yes. Though thinking of that…having company could be even nicer, particularly given the chance she could trace those fascinatingly water slicked scars that scoured his back…Spartan. Spartan, her good sense practically shouted. And probably exhausted after the ordeal-even asleep, and what was she doing, entertaining thoughts like those?
That would certainly cement her reputation as a Persian slut. If she wanted to prove herself - and her honor - to the King of the Spartans, it would best if she did not think about…and with…and would a Spartan woman do this? No. No she wouldn’t! A Spartan woman would be doing something…productive, like…like cooking. Or helping to gather firewood. Or…well, Iolanthe didn’t really know, but it wasn’t this.
“So…” the Persian mused after a moment, in a desperately awkward attempt to make conversation, “What…is the Agoge? I don’t know that word.”
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Post by Astinos on Mar 27, 2007 18:48:11 GMT -5
“Are you alright?” she asked, for what felt like the thousandth time, “You sound ill.”
"I'm fine." It reminded him of the tone he used with his sister when she asked him too many questions. He wasn't annoyed with Iolanthe, not directly, only with his body's betrayal. Even now he was afraid to move lest he reveal his weakness for her. He apologized quickly, sincerely, "I am sorry...I...I am uninjured." He thought his choice of words awkward but he could find no other to express or rather hide the way she aroused him.
He sat quietly as his fellow Spartan took his rest. For Astinos his arms were a little sore but he would feel nothing in a short while. He was aware of the aches his father nursed deep into the night after returning home from battle but he had yet to live long enough to experience that for himself. He picked at some of the dried blood on his chest simply enjoying the respite after nearly having lost the other two. Well, in truth he really had not initially feared for the woman, he knew what he and Dienekes were capable of. Had the wolves wished to survive they should have run. But it was not in their nature to retreat, he understood that. Respected it.
Not nearly as old as his father, Dienekes seemed to recover fairly quickly. Astinos would have made an attempt at humor but he still did not trust himself to speak. He nodded to his friend as he made his way back over the cliff. The woman voiced his unspoken thoughts.
“Be careful,” Io insisted after the older Spartan, though she doubted he’d appreciate the comment. “It’s…dark.” Astinos was not certain whether Dienekes would appreciate the soft concern present in her accented words but he did.
Now that they were alone he was having great difficulty in not taking her there and making her his own. He glanced off into the distance at the sound of Dienekes' call for his steed. Astinos called out then too, his throat duplicating the sound of a hawk followed by his own intricate whistle to call his black stallion.
Thoughts of his horse and of Dienekes' work below could only distract him for so long. Finally, unable to hold in his thoughts any longer, he asked, "Do you...do you seek...Will you stay in Sparta once you have spoken to Leonidas?" He looked at her then, unable to really express his feelings toward her. He had only met her a few days before and only for a moment and now after the exertion of saving her from the wolves...he sighed and admitted almost painfully full in the knowledge that she was a guest in Pausanias' home, "Would that I had a roof to offer you."
He grew silent then, but that did not mean he was not watching her still. She was the most attractive, gloriously beautiful woman in all of Sparta...no all of the world. Astinos didn't doubt his feelings and wished that there was one here who would doubt it so that he might bash in their skull for sport. His body reacted then at the rush of blood and he bent one knee to better shield himself from her eyes. He was not ashamed, just caught off guard.
"So..."
"Yes?' He wanted to kiss her, to reveal to her all that she meant to him. His mind turned to thoughts of how he would spend his first night with her. The first night of the rest of their lives. He would have to be careful with her. He did not wish to hurt her while taking her innocence for his own. But then he would be giving her his, all that remained anyway. Men and beasts had died at his hands, he did not know what any of the gods but Ares thought of him.
“What…is the Agoge? I don’t know that word.”
"Come, you look chilled." He spread the red cloak out beside him, leaving a a good portion of it covering his lap. He motioned to her and then smiled, "I will tell you what I can."
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Post by Iolanthe on Mar 27, 2007 19:27:14 GMT -5
"Do you...do you seek...Will you stay in Sparta once you have spoken to Leonidas?"
The silence had been nearly unbearable, and Iolanthe blinked at him. She considered the question, some of the tension easing out of her shoulders,
"I should like to, very much, if I am permitted..." she said carefully, haltingly. "But..." But she had no status, no family here. She could not stay as Pausanias' guest forever - her pride would not allow that. She had promised herself that she would pay him back for his kindness, eventually. Short of marriage, there was nothing useful she could provide...and even then, would it even be permissable? Was she even a citizen?
"Would that I had a roof to offer you."
Iolanthe smiled. "You are one of the best men I have ever met." She did not wish to bring up the painful point that she had no husband. Therefore, no income, no children, no skills whatsoever that would make her beneficial for Spartan society. And there were some things she would not do. So Iolanthe settled with,
"Gods willing, I might stay in Greece."
Iolanthe felt like a fool. Desire and melancholy settled over her like a discomforting blanket. Would that I was Spartan, she thought sullenly to herself, and had something to offer you. A prominant father, or wealth, the right connections and the right customs. A match with a Spartan man would be smart. She was a woman of self interest, and that could have insured her escape from Xerxes, and better status. And somehow the thought of ruining Astinos' reputation, or that of his father, bothered her so much she hated to entertain the very idea. It would be cruel, and selfish.
"Come, you look chilled."
Iolanthe liked his smile, she decided. Part of it curiosity, part the urge to sit closer to him without being...so forward, Io conceded, pushing herself to her feet. She carefully approached, as it was dark and she did not want to trip. Iolanthe sat sideways, so one shoulder touched the rock and she was facing Astinos. She had the forethought to take off her shoes so that they wouldn't ruin his cloak, and folded her legs under herself, hands in her lap.
She looked at him expectantly, and a smile tugged at her lips. "Is it a great secret?" she inquired, more teasing than serious.
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Post by Dienekes on Mar 27, 2007 19:38:20 GMT -5
Across streams and fields they went, neither pausing to admire the pleasant scenery. Wind whipping across his cheeks, tons of muscle surging underneath him, arms raised to the heavens. This is what Dieneke's lived for, simplicity and tranquility, and the vigor it bestowed upon him.
Life is more beautiful through the eyes of a doomed man.
Colossus, his horse, slowed it's gait as it approached the towering heights that would serve as there camp for the evening. He slung his saddlebags across his broad shoulders and began the winding trek up the mountain. The extra weight taxed him, yet fortunately, his still felt invincible.
The pot clanging against the rockface as he climbed would ensure he could be heard from miles away. Perhaps there might be enemies nearby, but Dieneke's as felt secure in the Spartan countryside as a horse in a stable. A wild, bucking and rearing horse, and a horse nonetheless.
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Post by Astinos on Mar 27, 2007 19:47:30 GMT -5
"You are one of the best men I have ever met."
He was taken aback by her kindness. Her...he was just overwhelmed. It touched him to hear such praise. He could do nothing but smile in response, no one had ever said anything like that to him. Oh sure there was the praise about his skill and promise but nothing so personal.
"Gods willing, I might stay in Greece."
It was not truly an affirmative statement but it was better than he had dared to hope. She was pleased that she came to him, at least until she sat down. She was as far away from as humanly possible while still remaining on the cradle of his cloak.
"Is it a great secret?"
"Must you remain so distant?" Her smile enraptured him but he was frustrated by how far away she was. Courting her would be no easy task. He patted the blanket playfully with his flat hand. The space was so great between them that he had no need to bend his fingers. He shook his head first yes and then no, "Yes, I am afraid it is a great secret...so...you must come closer still so that I may whisper it into your ear." Her distance would not do.
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Post by Iolanthe on Mar 27, 2007 20:48:27 GMT -5
"Must you remain so distant?"
Iolanthe laughed, though it wasn't to mock. She thought he might be teasing. In truth, she had wanted to be proper about her distance, but he was making her seem rather silly. Astinos patted the blanket, and Iolanthe studied him suspiciously but couldn't fight her amusement.
With an exaggerated sigh, as if reluctant - when that was not the case, Iolanthe moved, scooting closer to Astinos and trying not to rumple up the cloak in the process. She hoped the fabric didn't snag on the rocky ground. In her position, when her knees touched his thigh, she stopped. Flushed, a little embarrassed, though felt most fortuitous it was night so it would not be easily noticed.
"No more excuses," she said, nearly chiding, "Short of sitting on your lap, this is as near as I shall come...so..." Iolanthe trailed off, looking at him emphatically, "...tell me the secret, for I dearly wish to know."
The sound of Dienekes' pot clanging was easily heard - and she guessed he might be announcing himself, so she encouraged Astinos, still keeping with the game, "You should make haste. You have to tell me - quickly - for it would not be very proper to be discovered like this without a reason."
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Post by Astinos on Mar 27, 2007 22:36:14 GMT -5
"No more excuses," she said, nearly chiding, "Short of sitting on your lap, this is as near as I shall come...so..." Iolanthe trailed off, looking at him emphatically, "...tell me the secret, for I dearly wish to know."
His eyes did not shy away from hers then, as he slid his thick arm around her and brought a good portion of the red cloak to cover her arm. He was careful not to cover her luscious body though, the view was simply too stunning to deny his eyes such pleasure. His expression, though pleasant, grew dark with hunger. He felt as if he would explode. How he would love to have her sit upon his lap! He leaned into her, his breath hot against her neck.
"I can tell you...but you must promise to never speak of it," Astinos could hear the sound of the pot clanging as Dienekes climbed but he chose to ignore it for now. On impulse he pressed his lips against the elegant curve of her neck. His left arm crossed his lap as his fingers came to linger lightly along the outside of her thigh. He turned her face to his, very gently, slowly. He wanted this to mean something. It was important to him as he expressed his passion, his lips touching first lightly and then more insistent as the heat over took him.
The damned pot met rock.
It was getting nearer still. This was not why he pulled away though. His eyes meeting hers. It was glorious, kissing her. He must stop now or there would be no stopping him. His breath left his expanding chest in a rush. He wanted her more than he had ever wanted anything.
He did not want to be improper though. He felt the need to earn her greatest respect. He was not the sort of man to simply take on women for his pleasure, leaving her nothing in the process. He was still more than a year away from earning his full rights as a citizen, still a full year from being able to claim the woman he wanted.
He forced himself to release her, slipping back against the rock at his back, "I shouldn't have done that. I disrespect you. I am sorry." He ran his hand through his hair, clearing it out of his eyes, it fell back to cover his face. He shook of his other thoughts, making a valiant attempt to recover before Dienekes returned, "The agoge is a rite of passage that all Spartan boys must partake in. It educates us in the Spartan way. Like the school of our childhood but it makes us men. It is good."
His eyes met hers. He had no idea what she was feeling. For all he knew he had just ruined everything between them by revealing his weakness for her.
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Post by Dienekes on Mar 29, 2007 16:09:12 GMT -5
"The agoge is a rite of passage that all Spartan boys must partake in. It educates us in the Spartan way. Like the school of our childhood but it makes us men. It is good."
"I suppose you could say that" Dieneke's agreed, "Although 'Temple of Hades' would be a more accurate description" He said, with a wry grin. It was a horrid, savage, inhuman place. The position they were in seemed quite provocative to his experienced eyes, and although he was confident in Astinos' discipline (he was Spartan, after all), he decided it would be wise to occupy their time and attention with preparation of the campsite.
"I gathered enough fuel to keep us warm through the night" Dieneke's told them, "If we can kindle of fire I can cook us some meat". Rummaging through his pack, he retrieved a bedroll and some dressing for the Persian's wounds. The atmosphere surrounding them was awkward, almost palpable, but Dieneke's continued with his tasks as if it didn't exist.
"Come here, woman, and I'll dress the wounds" He nodded to Iolanthe, "There's water in the pot, for you to cleanse it".
[/center]
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Post by Iolanthe on Mar 29, 2007 16:54:29 GMT -5
“I promise.”
She hadn't even meant to answer, and it came out more distracted than anything. Iolanthe knew, the moment his breath touched her throat, she knew. And like a great foreboding, she knew she never should have come near him, teased him about the promise…she was the one to blame. There were rules, rules she had set down for herself and now was...deliberately ignoring.
Astinos' fingers on her thigh brought a jolt of adrenaline like lightning and Iolanthe didn’t protest as he turned her head towards his own. Of course, if she had protested, with his strength he could have forcibly done it. Though that seemed unlikely. She exhaled once, very slowly, and raised her eyes in time for the kiss. A mistake. She knew, knew...
It was practically chaste, at first, and Io found herself stunned, but when Astinos became more insistent, her body-traiterous as it was-responded, crushing her reservations. She returned his kiss, lips parted; she leaned into his body, touching his leg with one hand to steady herself - nothing quite so humiliating than losing one's balance.
And then, as quickly as it had begun, he pulled away, and the sharp clanging of pot and rock startled Io to her senses. Perhaps he regretted it? That thought stung. The Persian said nothing to his apology, though she watched him, the way his hair tumbled back into his face. Astinos spoke of the agoge, though whether or not Iolanthe was actually listening was questionable. She tentatively touched his face with her hands, palms against his cheeks.
Then gingerly slid her fingers beneath his hair and pushed it back out of his eyes. She sifted through the dark strands as he explained, and Io, catching her bottom lip between her teeth in consideration, brushed her thumb and forefinger of one hand against his lips and-
Sprang away so fast at the sound of Dienekes voice, she nearly fell over backwards. Not the most innocent of gestures. As it was, Iolanthe scooted back, as if startled from a dream and feverish - intensely flushed. She huddled on the very edge of the Spartan's cloak and cursed. Silently.
As Dienekes spoke, she barely registered it - though surprise was fading. And guilt. Perhaps, then, it was very good that Astinos had stopped and she had not responded. Yes, yes, this was much better. He could not disrespect her, of that Io was certain, and she did not wish to disrespect him - or anyone else. Pausanias, in particular, who had been nothing if not kind to her. She rather liked him, and would not have wished to bring him strife. How would it have looked, then, to live under one man’s roof and kiss another? It would dishonor them and censure her.
Io was so at sea with the strange combination of lust and relief that she didn't answer right away when Dienekes spoke to her. Finally, the Persian nodded, because she didn't think she could get one word out without stammering. She was so uncomfortable, she nearly preferred the wolves. Io got her feet, giving a very small smile to Astinos, and retreated to the safe side of the cliff.
"Where is the pot?" she asked, upon reaching Dienekes, "Would it be better if I stand or sit?"
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Post by Astinos on Mar 29, 2007 20:47:33 GMT -5
"I suppose you could say that" Dieneke's agreed, "Although 'Temple of Hades' would be a more accurate description."
Astinos smirked but didn't reply. He could still feel traces of her soft hands on his face, her fingers through his hair. He had nearly lost all control when she touched him. He had just forced himself to tak in several slow breaths to ease the tensions in his body but it was no use. Even now he did not trust himself to speak. He had too much control to flinch or otherwise jump when Dienekes could be seen making his way smoothly over the top edge of the cliff.
Nor did he feel the need to answer when his friend addressed them with news of the coming meal. He glanced over at the small pack and then over at the girl. He did not regret the kiss and yet she had pulled away from him. Was she ashamed that he had chosen her? Had she already accepted Pausanias' protection? Astinos cupped his jaw within his hand trying to erase what had just happened.
But he could not. He would not!
He was doing his best to keep his distance now, lest he throw the girl over his back and take her some place that could be their's alone. He did not begrudge Dienekes the safety of the cliff but for the first time in his life he had wished he had gone hunting alone. That simply was not the way. Especially in time of war. Two Spartans could handle a good sized scouting party. It was a well known fact.
"Come here, woman, and I'll dress the wounds" He nodded to Iolanthe, "There's water in the pot, for you to cleanse it."
They were discussing cleaning Iolanthe's wounds. The idea of Dienekes touching her threatened to undo him. He had never been the jealous type. These feelings were new to him. Yet he had no real claim to her. Dienekes was married, he would not try anything with her. So Astinos told himself. And then she smiled as she moved to either sit or stand near Dienekes.
"Where is the pot?" she asked, upon reaching Dienekes, "Would it be better if I stand or sit?"
"There is not enough food for three. I will gather more." Astinos offered as he stood and reattached the cloak around his broad shoulder. His back was to them for understandable reasons. His breath left his lungs in a rush of air as he attempted to alleviate his frustrations. He found himself wishing that the girl was a Spartan. The he would know what to do, as she would know what to expect from him. He did not like being in unchartered waters, but he found himself willingly swimming upstream.
"Light the fire quickly. So you can see the wounds more clearly, my friend," Astinos offered over his shoulder as he dropped down over the side of the cliff and began to climb down. He needed some space. He could find them in the dark easily, but he liked the idea of being able to glance up at the fire as he hunted. He didn't want to admit that he would be looking for her.
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