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Post by Iolanthe on Mar 29, 2007 18:02:44 GMT -5
Iolanthe had not spent much time in the city itself; at first, she'd been threatened outside the gates - as a Persian and a spy - and then she'd been given immunity by Pausanias, a Spartan aristocrat-so to speak, nephew of the king for her desire to share what she knew with the Spartans. By no means did she feel safe outside of those walls. But this day she had gathered up her confidence enough that she thought she could walk the crowded streets without fear of a sword in her back.
She'd been in for quite a nasty shock, however, in eying that some Spartans had been eating. She'd asked, in her best unaccented Doric - which still gave her a condescending snub in the way of a Spartan glare, what it was. But as soon as Iolanthe saw the dish, she nearly gagged.
"What is this?" Iolanthe had demanded, horrified when the dish had been given to her. She was accustomed to roasted pheasant, spiced potatoes, long stalks of green asparagus, rice, and bread with honey butter, swollen grapes and apples and pears, carrots in gravy and finely shredded beef...this...this was not the food of Xerxes' court. Her appetite was severely compromised. She didn't even dare to ask if there was rack of lamb.
Disgusting. They were insane! Slabs of flesh in blood! Whenever she thought, mistakenly, for an instant that she belonged here...something like that would remind her of how very different she was. Although Iolanthe wore traditional Spartan garb, it was more than easy to tell that she was foreign, and her Greek was poorly accented, and she was not as disciplined as Spartan women. She was no warrior. It was in her demeanor, and she couldn't help but note that the Spartans noticed - and were unimpressed.
Consumed by these thoughts, she was not exactly watching where she was going - only got a glimpse of feet before glancing up - and nearly running into one of the largest Spartans she'd ever seen. From the carved muscles to the facial expression, despite the fact that the characteristic red cloak was missing - he was a soldier. And she was terrified. Iolanthe had promised herself that she would avoid the soldiers, though how she thought to do that and wander around Sparta did not speak of forethought.
"Oh Gods, excuse me, I didn't-I-" She glimpsed the inside of the bowl, and the disgust was hard to mask. "My apologies."
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Post by Iolanthe on Mar 30, 2007 20:52:00 GMT -5
The Spartan's voice was one not meant for comforting. Perhaps for shouting orders? That might be more appropriate. Combined with his build, the deep, resonating voice was more than a little intimidating, and Iolanthe fought the overwhelming urge to take two steps back - she would not! But it took effort to meet the gaze, and she had to tilt her head up.
He spoke civilly, but Iolanthe wasn't sure whether to be gracious or indignant. She opted for something between the two, "I, too, am aware it is ill-advised, as I have daily proof...however, it would be equally ill-advised for anyone who cannot hold their tongue to challenge my presence."
Prejudices, naturally, ran deep, but Iolanthe was determined to either overcome them - or ignore them. She did not have to be here, and if she was sharing valuable information, the least she expected was to walk freely without threats. Io was not so naive as to expect hospitality. She knew well the law, and her unfortunate upbringing was especially emphasized during this time of...tension.
"Regardless of whether or not Sparta thanks me-" They were awfully proud, so she didn't have outrageous hopes. "I am only here to help." She unclasped her hands - which had been together to prevent trembling. And offered them palms up, indicating peace. "Do you think there is any chance of a compromise with Xerxes?"
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Post by Iolanthe on Mar 31, 2007 9:13:49 GMT -5
(Pardon the bad post, I'm about to run to breakfast XD But consider me gone ^_^)
Iolanthe was not particularly comforted by the Spartan's words. But if she preferred comfort, she shouldn't have asked. Regardless, as the Spartan walked away, it did leave her with much to think about - including their poor manners. Though he hadn't drawn a sword on her, which was more than she could say for most. She'd take his advice under consideration; as it was, Iolanthe continued in the opposite direction - back to Pausanias' home, hopefully to seek actual, edible...food.
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Post by Athenais Decimus on Mar 31, 2007 22:22:07 GMT -5
Looks can be deceiving. Athenais was Spartan woman of about 5'5 weighing at only 105 pounds. Her small figure, however, held more muscle than anything and she was not one to be messed with. She had long auburn and straight hair, its length reaching to her lower back. Her eyes matched the color of the sky on a nice day, shining brightly and always filled with emotion. She wore nothing special, just the normal Spartan women attire which consisted of some sort of robe and a few ties. Her robe was knee length, tied together with a golden ribbon around her small waist that ended a little lower than where her hair did. On the top of her head were two more golden ribbons, holding back two small clumps of hair on either side; somewhat like that of what a child would wear it as.
It was quite a nice day outside as she peered at the sky noticing just few clouds rolling by, but the sun overpowering them, refusing to have it's face hidden today. She inhaled softly, taking in the fresh scent of the morning's air and listening to the bustle of the early risers. It was too nice to be kept inside today, so decided to take herself and her two-year-old son, Alister, out for a walk. Where her husband was, she didn't have the slightest clue.
With that, she walked over to where her son lay, smiling as she peered into his eyes. It was obvious Apollinaris' traits were those of the dominant ones, her was almost a split image of him. The only thing he took from her were her sky blue eyes, passed on to him but looking almost like crystals. He was beautiful.
She picked him up from where he laid and pressed a hand to the back of his head, resting him on one side of her body gently, his head on her shoulder. She sighed softly, taking in his sweet scent that was a mix of her own and Apollinaris. She smiled and whispered sweet words into his ear gently, as she started to head out and into town.
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Post by Athenais Decimus on Apr 1, 2007 8:40:13 GMT -5
She rested her son on her hip as she walked through the meadow of green. Insects popped up every so often with every footstep she took, the grass tickling her bare legs as she moved. Despite the tall grass, there were many worn downs paths along the way so she didn't have to worry about trying to keep her footing and a baby at the same time. People traveled through these parts all the time, whether they be merchants, wanderers, Spartans, etc.
Alister giggled and laughed the entire way to the city walls, squirming in his mother's arms and trying to get down at some points. Athenais kept a good hold on him, however, and continued walking, the city gates in the distance.
As she made her way closer to the walls, she noticed a tall and shadowy figure in the distance. She didn't the slightest clue as to what or who it was, so kept Alister close and proceeded on. Athenais didn't fear what came closer, no, she didn't ever fear, but was simply curious as to what it was.
Moments later, the figure came into view. A smile stretched across her face and she let up her hold on Alister, it was none other than Aplloinaris. Her pace quickened a bit as she made her way towards him, their son stretching out his arms as he noticed someone familiar to him. She stopped in front of him and looked up, studying his handsome features and noticing the rare, gentle look upon his face. She listened to him as he spoke, nodding her head and replied. "I figured I would take him out to enjoy this wonderful day. Never did I imagine running into you, however." The smile kept to her face, her eyes shining like usual, the sun making them stand out more than ever.
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Post by Athenais Decimus on Apr 1, 2007 9:53:49 GMT -5
Athenais locked her eyes with those of her husband's, smiling somewhat shyly as he admired her, the smile on his face telling it all. That was one of the many connections they shared together, she was able to tell how and what he was feeling just by his body language, something not all people understood.
Her thoughts were disrupted, however, as Alister struggled to free from his mother's arms and cling to his father's instead. She laughed and gently let go of him as Apollinaris took him under the arms, bringing him to his own chest now. She watched the two of them together, the same smile plastered across her face as they bonded, father and son alike. As Alister pulled Apollinaris' nose, she couldn't help but try to hide the laughter building within her, the look on their faces was something that didn't happen everyday, but was now a memory.
As Apollinaris' gaze returned to her eyes, she watched as he leaned in to kiss her gently, his soft lips pressed to hers as he held it for a few moments. A simple kiss exchanged so many emotions. As he pulled back she looked down with a soft gaze to her son, leaning in to kiss him on the forehead as well, in the same spot her husband did. She looked back up to him as he spoke. "And you the gods.." She grinned a bit, leaning back in and pressing her forehead to his for a few moments, getting lost in his eyes that showed his love only for her.
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Post by Athenais Decimus on Apr 1, 2007 17:52:34 GMT -5
"I guess your right" She giggled at they commented on their own son, even if he was oblivious to the fact that they were even talking about him. He was too busy disrupting his parents in their moment of love, wanting to be included as well.
Athenais laughed as he tugged on Apollinaris's chin, wanting to help, but decided to watch the moment instead. She realized how restless he was getting, however, after being in his fathers arms for over five minutes, like it was an eternity. As Apollinaris held him back out for her to take, she scooped him up gently in her arms and nuzzles her face into his stomach, blowing air into it lightly.
With that, the child giggled and squirmed, before being rested once again on his mother's hip, wrapping his arms around her neck and looking back to his father with his sky blue eyes, full of wonder and such love. It took a lot of work to have and raise a baby. You had to give up a lot of time and things you could do before, but what they give back is something you could never compare time or hobbies to. What they gave back was something unexplainable.
After Apollinaris kissed his son for the final time, Athena did so afterward, keeping him close to her heart as he rested his little head on her shoulder. She looked back to her husband and smiled warmly. "This gift you have given to me, was more than anything I have ever wanted."
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Post by Athenais Decimus on Apr 1, 2007 19:40:40 GMT -5
Alister yawned as his mother cradled him in her loving arms, rubbing his eyes as the sun began to set below the horizon. It had been a long day for such a little child of two years old. He nuzzled his face into the side of his mother's neck, sighing softly before closing his eyes, moments later falling into slumber.
Athenais looked to their child with loving eyes, smiling as he fell asleep in her arms. He was so small, but such a big difference in her life it was almost as she was living a dream. She looked back to her husband with the same eyes and responded to his words in a whisper. "That is true. All that pain I had to endure to bring him into this world wasn't all fun and games after all." She chuckled lightly, cradling the little one in her arms as Apollinaris lifted his sword and spear, the two things always by his side and in his hands.
As he spoke of finishing up for the night, she smiled brightly. It was so nice having him in their house and next to her as she slept. To be in his arms and feel his embrace. It were the little things that mattered to her in life. Tonight she would sleep happily. "Shall we go home then?" She asked him, head tilted slightly.
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Post by Athenais Decimus on Apr 1, 2007 20:28:53 GMT -5
She giggled at the thought of men giving birth, disgusting as it may have sounded, she got a laugh out of it, but kept it to herself. "Only Spartan woman give birth to real men" She smirked as she whispered, not wanting to wake their son up. He most likely wouldn't be too happy if she had.
She watched as he extended his hand to her. It was much larger than hers and filled with scars and calluses, but was somehow so gentle and soft whenever he touched her. She took it with a smile and squeezed it tightly as they started to make their way back to their home. The sun started to set behind them, the blue sky filling slowly with stars as night started to begin.
(Meh...short xP)
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Post by Athenais Decimus on Apr 3, 2007 14:43:22 GMT -5
(xD! Nooo >_>)
It wasn't a long walk back to their little home on the outskirts of the city gates, just a mile or so off. Though with a two-year-old and still growing baby boy, her arms were getting tired, she was glad to see the shadowed structure of their house in the distance. Athenais, however, showed no hint of being tired on her face, in her eyes, or even by the way she walked, she simply stayed quiet as she walked along side of him with her hand in his.
(Wicked short! *dies* x.x I saw the house, now you lead them in? xD!!!!)
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Post by Athenais Decimus on Apr 3, 2007 16:48:14 GMT -5
As they stepped inside their humble home, Athenais inhaled softly, taking in their scent in which she treasured so much. She smiled to herself and followed Apollinaris into their room, making her way over to the small, hand-made cradle built for Alister.
She carefully unwrapped his little arms from around her neck and held the back of his head in her hand, laying him down in the soft pile of blankets and sheets without a sound. As gently as she could be, she took the child out of his day clothes, which wasn't much because of his age and gender, and placed them on a small table beside her. With that accomplished and Alister still sound asleep, she leaned forward and planted a small kiss on his soft forehead, parting the small tuffs of hair out of his eyes. She let up with a smile and covered his little body, leaving the crib quietly to go to her husband, who was laying on the bed.
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Post by Athenais Decimus on Apr 3, 2007 17:25:41 GMT -5
She spoke not a word as he pulled her down on top of him and into his arms, simply gazing into his eyes with a loving smile as the small flames from the candles flickered in hers. She sighed softly and relaxed, letting her entire body lay against his. She knew her weight didn't phase him, he was a Spartan after all, a big one to be precise.
She rested her head on his collar bone and closed her eyes, listening to the sound of his heart beating and feeling the motion of his breathing, trying to follow it with her own. It was good to be in his arms again for tonight because she never knew what the next day would bring. His call of duty often took him away from her, and she worried about him to no end. She pushed those thoughts to the back of her head however, for tonight they would embrace this time spent, and perhaps more.
(NOT hinting anything there! XD! It just sounded good LOL! You probably think I'm whacked xD!)
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Post by Athenais Decimus on Apr 3, 2007 18:42:49 GMT -5
(*hands up* I swear! xD!)
She let out a small moan of comfort, nuzzling her body into his sweetly as he wrapped his arms around around her thin figure. "Mmmm" As muscular and toned as he was, to her he still felt comfortable, soft and warm under her almost bare skin. She pressed a hand to his chest gently, rubbing him there with soft fingertips. Their bodies fit together perfectly, like a puzzle. When one piece was missing, the entire image was incomplete.
As he embraced her tightly, she felt his hold a little more demanding than usual. He was being protective, possessive of her for she was his and his only. She smiled and looked across his chest and to the flickering flames that danced dimly. It set the mood flawlessly.
As they laid there in complete silence, enjoying one another's company, she lifted her head to whisper in his ear softly. "I love you." She stated, her voice sweet and calm.
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Post by leonidas421 on Mar 1, 2008 23:11:50 GMT -5
The Spartan looked over the walls into the long fields and houses before him. He remembered the battle that took place here long ago when they were against Rome. But the Persians? The Spartan had never known that Xerxes would become so powerful to challenge him and his king. The Spartan looks on into the distance as a gaurd appears behind him "Sir?" "Yes?" "You've been here for hours. Are you alright?" "Yes, im just remembering old memories of the past." "The past is the past Spartan. But the present is the present." "What do you mean soldier?" "Sometimes old memories should be left forgotten." "Your right." "Come Spartan lets go to my house for some wine." "That would be nice."
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Post by leonidas421 on Mar 1, 2008 23:16:13 GMT -5
The spartan and the gaurd come inside the house and the soldier starts to make some wine for them. "Do you really think that we can challenge Xerxes soldier?" "I don't think we have a chance." "Dont say that. There is a slim chance that we may prevail." But with that last sentence the gaurd picked up his knife and tried to jab the Spartan. But the Spartan was quicker. He lifted his sword to the soldiers neck. "So..a persian assasin?" "Grr. Xerxes will slay you all!!" "I dont think so." The spartan took his sword away and jabbed his sword through the Persian. Ending that assasin. The Spartan went over to the finished wine and took a drink. Then dropped the pitched over the dead Persians head. "Nice wine."
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