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Post by King Leonidas I on Mar 25, 2007 0:12:11 GMT -5
In the Forum near all the major buildings were the homes of the nobles of Sparta. The social elite, the Royal family. It was here were Pausanias' father was granted a home in side the city. Outside Sparta's walls he owned an estate worked by the helots farming grain and wine. It is here where Pausanias carries out most of his... scandals and parties. The heavy and fanciful Greek architecture would make it seem as if it was a government building or office, not the home of a royal.
In the center of the building is a courtyard, the rest a standard home.
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Post by King Leonidas I on Mar 25, 2007 0:25:42 GMT -5
Pausanias led his new desire to his home in the forum. His father as usual was at the estate watching the helots and leading skirmishes against the rebels. he had free reign over his home and exploited this regularly. Servants ran the place, giving the man his minor needs. At the door he was handed wine and bread. He took a piece of the bread and handed it to the girl.
"Do you wish for food? Drink perhaps?" The bread was fresh and still warm, the tantalizing scent made Pausanias hungry holding it. After she took it or rejected it he continued inside along the main corridor to the courtyard where a fountain lay. Courtesy of Pausanias himself. He sat on the edge of the large fountain and offered the girl a seat with his hand.
"Now m'lady have a seat, please. I want you to know, as long as you are in Sparta you are under my protection and grace. If you need anything, food, shelter, a guide in this city, let me know. Such a gem such as yourself should be well cared for in this fine city." He was sincere and soft with his words. He would try to charm her and gain her trust. He would truly aid her, especially if he eventually got what he desired.
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Post by Iolanthe on Mar 25, 2007 0:47:30 GMT -5
Despite her misgivings about following Pausanias, she couldn't help but awe at Sparta. She was constantly peering over her shoulder for things missed - though she was careful to keep near Pausanias. The last thing Iolanthe wanted was to be cornered again, and the Spartans all seemed spectacularly in fit form. If she hadn't been surrounded by Xerxes' army once or twice, it would have been very intimidating. At it was, she relished the chance to examine Greek architecture in more detail - no more the circular blunt mosques of Persia; these delicate, decorated columns arched towards the sky and complimented beautiful, flawless walkways and homes. Greek style was...incredible.
At Pausanias' home, the service was impeccable - there, a slave stood with wine and bread. She wasn't particularly hungry, but as Pausanias offered it, she thought it would be rude to refuse. And the scent was fairly tantalizing. Iolanthe shook her head at his questions, though tasting the bread as she followed him through the long corridor - it might as well have been ambrosia. It was wonderful. Sweet, but not too sweet, and soft, and warm. By the time she glimpsed the fountain, Iolanthe sucked the last vestiges of seasoning from her fingertips. At the Spartan's gesture, she took the proffered seat, pausing to admire the fountain.
Her curiosity waned as Pausanias spoke, and she stopped trying to peer into the water as much. Iolanthe hesitantly perched on the edge of the fountain, and studied Pausanias with mingled gratitude and suspicion. But he sounded so sincere; Iolanthe modestly dropped her gaze, considering how to respond to such a bestowal of favor. Leonidas, perhaps, had good forethought in choosing such a diplomatic, honorable sort of man for his regent.
"I thank you very much for your kindness," Iolanthe said after a moment's pause, "You are very gracious." She even managed an uncertain smile. "I...I'm afraid I handled things rather badly myself." As evidenced by the catastrophe at the city's gates prior to his arrival. But there were many more pressing things, the reasons she had come; Io was preoccupied by business, and considerations for what might happen.
Hands in her lap, she toyed absently - an anxious gesture - with the fabric, twisting it in between her fingertips. "I...I would not have come to invade your privacy if I didn't have a reason. And I would have been honest with your men outside the gates if I hadn't thought that...well, my unfortunate heritage, so to speak, might get me nowhere but at the wrong end of a sword." Which was very nearly what happened. But she was most concerned with impressing on Pausanias how genuine her desire to help was.
"I assure you," Iolanthe promised earnestly, shifting to look right at Pausanias "I am not here in any way to cause grief to you or your uncle."
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Post by King Leonidas I on Mar 25, 2007 1:26:13 GMT -5
Pausanias noticed her curiosity in Sparta's buildings, and surroundings, he also noticed she was anxious and seemed nervous. He would have to calm her, no way would he let her feel unsafe in his home. He got up and backed up from the fountain, he crimson cape being dipped in the water. He promptly removed it, he crustal clear water could not be tampered by the dirt from his cape. The wind blew and his hair blew in the wind. This was a fine day to be introduced to Sparta. The sun warmed the courtyard, making the cool waters of the fountain even more appealing.
He looked at the woman with a concerned look. "Do I make you uncomfortable? Could I do anything to ease your tensions? I assure you, you are not invading anything. You are entering a welcoming and friendly territory. You cause me no grief, and it would take much to shake my uncle. Please, my servants are at your command. I have wine, food and bed. A guest of my uncle will be treated well, I also have some garments you might like. With my mother's passing I have several dresses that may be to your liking. You may also want to appear as Greek as possible before my uncle as possible, it will make you more appealing to the King and council." He again spoke sincerely and gently.
He would court this woman, more so than others. His mother had many outfits that Pausanias gave to his mistresses. He would savor every moment before his victory, like a child who refuses to bite his lolly pop so as to keep the flavor as long as possible. This flower he would wait to pick. She was different from the others he had seen, perhaps she would be completely different. She was likely not wife material as she was clearly not Spartan, but he wished to have that Persian experience. He wanted to see what Xerxes was getting so worked up over.
Pausanias was using every tool in his arsenal, gifts, friendliness, and using his connections. He would spare no expense at winning this one over. Soon he would have her, soon, he would wait and give her what she wanted. In hopes of getting what he wished for.
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Post by Iolanthe on Mar 25, 2007 9:43:50 GMT -5
"No, no, of course not," Iolanthe insisted, which was nearly a lie, but he was so concerned and attentive - she thought she was probably overreacting. "I am indebted to you for your help. I wouldn't have known what to do if you hadn't come." She would probably have been dead by now. "I'm just a little...overwhelmed." His assurances were very welcome, but some...
You are enterting a welcoming and friendly territory.
"I...I don't think the others shared your opinion." Except perhaps Astinos. Who had been rather courteous...until it came to the question of protecting the state. But Pausanias was offering her servants and wine and food and...having been accustomed to the whims of Xerxes, it was odd to have someone concerned about her wellbeing. And she was pleasantly surprised by that.
And then he offered her clothes, his mother's, no less!
"Oh no, I couldn't possibly..." she hastily answered, shaking her head, "I wouldn't want to...dishonor her memory. It's really, I mean, that is unnecessary a sacrifice." It was a tremendous gift; he must have honored his mother very much, and this gesture...though Greek clothing would be useful, she couldn't ask for that.
"I don't know how I will repay this generosity," Iolanthe said honestly, "but you have far exceeded my expectations of Spartan hospitality..." She trailed off as the thought struck her. "I'm sorry, I don't think I know your name?" It was half a question, half a statement.
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Post by King Leonidas I on Mar 25, 2007 21:05:58 GMT -5
Pausanias was stunned he had not introduced himself, he had been so entranced that he had forgotten proper introductions. He quickly responded "I am Pausanias of the Agaid Dynasty, son of Dorieus, and nephew to King Leonidas. I am a council man and adviser to the King himself. My father owns an estate outside of town." he stopped himself before he went on about himself. He did not wish to sound self centered, he would keep the attention on her.
"Again, my friends are a little jumpy. You are alien to them and they have not seen many outsiders, especially Persians. As a politician I have been around to many places. I went to Persia before this whole thing kicked up. It is a fascinating place with very interesting people." While he said that last line as he had said all his other comments, this was meant only half-heartedly. He like all Greeks thought that any non-Greeks were barbarians and inferior to Greek knowledge, architecture and culture. "As for my mother's clothes, please take them. She was a kind woman and gave much of her belongings away during her life. It is not the Spartan way to be so attached to items and such trivialities. You will need to be more Greek I assure you if you want to avoid another encounter like that. You will attract less attention, much of it negative." Now he was being totally honest. He cared little for the items and she would need them.
He stopped himself before responding to her final statement on his repayment. He was about to be very straight forward but then held his tongue, a trick he learned in the council debates. He would be more subtle than that. "Only that you enjoy yourself here in my care and not forget what I have done. Also I know you have little to offer so far from home. So please do not worry yourself." he knew very well that she could offer him what he wanted anywhere but he would keep on going with his strategy of courtship and subtlety. Perhaps she would catch on soon enough, he hoped she would not though take this the wrong way, or perhaps she would out of guilt or feel of obligation.
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Post by Iolanthe on Mar 26, 2007 14:58:01 GMT -5
I am Pausanias of the Agaid Dynasty, son of Dorieus, and nephew to King Leonidas. I am a council man and adviser to the King himself. My father owns an estate outside of town.
He was even more connected than she thought. Very powerful. His diplomatic reply pleased her, though whether or not he meant it was neither here nor there. She did love Persia, and Greece was very strange - but she would prefer to be an outcast than under Xerxes' rule. Although Iolanthe was still wary of impeding on such a generous office, she had to agree with him. It would be in her best interests to dress as a Greek, at least to give the appearance that she was trying to matriculate into the culture.
"Very well," Iolanthe conceded finally, with a very small smile, "You are rather persuasive, I confess." As for repayment, she hadn't money - but money was something he seemed to have plenty of, along with prestige. To remember? That was the least she could do, and Iolanthe could see no problem in promising that. He understood. She would have otherwise felt somewhat disgraced that she had brought nothing - but he did ease her mind in that respect. Eventually, though, Io would pay back such graciousness. She would. It just might not be immediate.
Iolanthe tucked a stray strand of her hair behind one ear and looked at Pausanias. Her expression was fairly serious. "You are a very educated man. How...well do you believe Sparta will fare if Xerxes does not desist in his intentions? Do you think Greece will win?" She had seen the Persian armies and...they may have had a chance, but she was still anxious. Had she chosen the right side?
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Post by King Leonidas I on Mar 26, 2007 15:18:16 GMT -5
Pausanias could not help but smile and laugh a bit. She obviously did not know of Greek spirit. If their was one thing any Greek hated more than anything was a loss of their independence. Greek states were fiercely independent. They had driven off Darius and they would do it again. "M'lady, Sparta was the finest fighting force in all the world. No warrior can match a Spartan. And my fellow Greeks, would rather die than have their freedom to rule taken away. They would rather die than have another Greek rule over them. Greece has driven Persians from her shores before and by the gods we will do it again." he was totally confident in his statement. The armies of Greece would gather and band together under the Spartan banner and crush Xerxes as they had Darius his father.
He nodded and looked up, "M'lady have no fear, Xerxes will only reach Sparta on a platter offered to our King if at all. Now I do not wish to waste your precious time." He waited till his next statement, he would not get his victory now it would appear but soon. "What is it that you wish to tell my Uncle. If it is needing of his attention I will bring it up to him with you, if it is something I can do I will be happy to do it."
He pondered about what she might be thinking, why would he be doing all of this for a poor Persian woman? He could use his position to get what he wanted in exchange for what she wanted, he could pass it off as his norm but then it would not seem special. He thought about what he would say, choosing his next few words.
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Post by Iolanthe on Mar 26, 2007 18:14:22 GMT -5
Iolanthe smiled, studying her hands at the words. He believed what he was saying - it was obvious, too. And from what she'd seen so far, he had a right to say it. The Spartan warriors who'd been practicing outside the city walls had been far impressivve than she'd expected. It was almost elegant, they were so talented. As for the rest of the Greeks, she couldn't say - but she believed Pausanias.
The smile spread, genuinely delighted at the next words. "I would pay quite a price to see that," Iolanthe admitted. She was not bloodthirsty but she hated that man.
"What is it that you wish to tell my Uncle. If it is needing of his attention I will bring it up to him with you, if it is something I can do I will be happy to do it."
Ah. Now this was business. Iolanthe looked at Pausanias, turning towards him and clasping her hands in her lap. She vaguely thought, in looking at him, it must have been a requirement for every Spartan man to be aesthetically perfect. She hadn't seen an ugly one...and there were plenty of those in Persia. Xerxes, for one, she abhorred. Real men, like Spartan men, were much better. Not that, of course, that was the reason she came to Sparta - and she'd do much better to forget about that.
"I..." Her confidence was waning. After all Pausanias had done for her, she had a fear that if she told him, he would think less of her. Perhaps not for being Persian, but... "I served Xerxes, as one of his dancers - not...a lady." He called her by a title, something she'd never gotten from Xerxes. And it did make her feel good, albeit she didn't think she deserved it.
Iolanthe studied the fountain, because she didn't want to see his expression. "I've served him for years, and I simply thought that...in exchange for asylum, I could tell you everything I know. About the size of his forces, and his favored champions, and his potential allies. His weaknesses for young men, in particular." Nothing was more humiliating than that, to be sure. Io glanced at Pausanias. "I don't want to go back to him, and I had nowhere else to go. You're the only force he seems to fear."
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Post by King Leonidas I on Mar 26, 2007 18:49:03 GMT -5
Pausanias was stunned, she had a most important message for the king. How could he have sought to delay such a message for his own personal gain and pleasure. Such information is invaluable. Pausanias would have given her much more had she told him this earlier. He took a knee infornt of her. "M'lady, any obligations you may feel for my kindness forget them. The information you have for my lord shall put me and all of Sparta in your debt. Please let us not delay. You shall see the King tomorrow morning. I will arrange the meeting right away. Feel free to use my home. I have a bath in the back if you would like to use it. Xerxes, my slave will direct you around the house. Go to my mother's room and you may take what you wish. Thank you, please excuse me." He got up from his knee and turned around to see his uncle abruptly. He seemed to be in a rush but did not forget his manners, he was careful not to. As he turned his cape flailed in the wind created and he was off to wards the exit. As he was leaving he tapped one of his helot slaves and said "You their, she is now your master, tend to her every wish. If she is displeased their will be grave repercussions!" he was very firm and commanding when speaking to this man. Partly due to his rush he would have little time for anything but straight to the point. As he was opening the door he turned to the Persian to get one last look for the time being. "M'lady, please after you have picked your clothing see the city. My seal which shall grant you what you desire outside of these walls of my home, I will pay for them later. I shall be back in one hour and will await your return." With that he was out the door and headed straight for his uncle. Few could burst in on the king like how he would but since he was Leonidas' nephew it would be excusable plus the news he was bringing. After one hour he returned and looked around the house for the woman. (Not going to rp with myself. you could opt to be gone or what ever, you out on the town or what have you. Hopefully not for my sake.)
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Post by Iolanthe on Mar 26, 2007 20:37:25 GMT -5
(Haha I won't leave you to rp by yourself!)
It was incredible how quickly the change came about, and Iolanthe was downright startled. It seemed an instant, he had asked her a question. A moment later, he was shouting orders to his servants and striding through the house. Leaving Io with a full house of people who...now looked at her expectantly. She didn't know what to do.
Iolanthe hadn't left the house though, if only because she was terrified of going on into the middle of Sparta alone. She didn't know how important the seal was, and she didn't want to be accused of stealing it, and she wouldn't have known where to go. Instead, she finally asked for the bath - after a few minutes of awkward silence. It might as well have been paradise; it was wonderful to be clean again. Her clothes had been whisked off by a slave, and one had taken the liberty of bringing her a dress.
And that was what took up most of the hour in which Pausanias was gone. Though she did request grapes and had...much to her surprise, green, white, and purple given to her on a platter. Iolanthe was...impressed. No one had ever waited on her before, so it was a strange feeling. She felt out of place, but fortunate, and tried her best not to think of how King Leonidas might be taking such information. She hoped for what was positive, but who could be sure with politics? And she was Persian...not as reliable a source as say, one of their own.
As she considered this, Iolanthe sat outside in the courtyard, actually on the same edge of fountain where Pausanias had left her. The Persian was currently combing through her ridiculously long black hair, letting the Greek air dry it from her bath - which she was more grateful for that anyone could possibly know. However, when she heard the door shut and the distinct sound of slaves moving to greet their master, Io stood up, comb in hand. She hesitantly approached the hallway where she'd walked before, and, greeting Pausanias with an uncertain wave of sorts, she gestured to the dress.
"What do you think?" she asked, a little anxiously, "It doesn't...it's...is it fitting? Or should I change?" Iolanthe didn't know what to think of these clothes. The fabric itself was very rich and white. There were leather straps that made for shoulder bands and the two sleeves of fabric crisscrossed over her chest to be loosely tied with a leather belt around her waist. It gaped at the sides but covered the hips and came to her knees. It was all extremely complicated - she'd had to ask for help twice much to her mortification.
Not to mention, Persian women would never have been allowed to wear clothes like these. You were expected to be covered from head to foot - unless you were entertaining. The fashion was much more conducive to the temperature than Persian style, but Io still wasn't completely comfortable with it.
"What did your uncle say?" She finally remembered why it was he left, and felt shamefaced that she was more vexed about the clothes than her entire reason for being in the city. Iolanthe clasped her hands in front of herself, running her fingers idly over the comb's edges to keep from pacing. "Does he object to my being here?"
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Post by King Leonidas I on Mar 26, 2007 21:11:51 GMT -5
Pausanias was awe at how stunning she looked in the dress. The slave had given her the dress Pausanias would have liked on her the most. His underlings knew him well and served him well, in return they were treated well. He was so stunned that he stopped in his tracks, his hand held him up on the column next to him. He was nearly at a loss of words but caught himself very quickly. "You look stunning. Change only if it is not to your liking." he took another step forward. He surveyed the woman.
He was shocked, he almost forgot about his King's message. The dress was very flattering of the woman and he nodded when he finally got his head out of the clouds and back to Earth. He really hoped his amazement was not to obvious. He definitely did not want to seem rude. "Ah yes, my king. My King says he would be honored to meet with you. He also says that you are to be treated as you are as long as you wish here in Sparta. I would ask you to please be my guest and honor me with your presence. I do hope you were treated to your liking. If not I will work to correct what ever went wrong. "
He walked forward and spread his hands as if asking a question. "M'lady, the service you are to do for Sparta, I cannot express my gratitude. The king will meet with you in the morning. He has asked me to do everything in my power to make your stay more comfortable. Friends of Sparta will be treated to the best we can offer." He paused a little, his mind had diverted back to her beauty.
"I really do not wish to show weakness but so stunning. Please keep the dress, I could not see it on another. If it is not to your liking, take another. Xerxes, despite all of his inherent flaws saw the beauty in you. It is only unfortunate that he sought to exploit it. You should be treated much better than that." He again now could turn back to his original plan, though he was now being entirely truthful. He was afraid if she wore that dress it might cause a stir among the married courtiers.
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Post by Iolanthe on Mar 27, 2007 12:33:57 GMT -5
You look stunning.
Iolanthe flushed. It was more than she'd expected. "Your mother has...had wonderful taste, then," she confessed, touching the waistband self consciously. "The fabric is so light." Unlike the heavy, dark Persian style. Pausanias seemed pleased, which meant that she had done this right. She looked Greek. But he wasn't speaking, and Iolanthe found herself very embarrassed by his response.
"You do me great honor," she admitted after a bit of silence. Until he finally filled it with the news she had been awaiting. Iolanthe's eyes widened; she even dropped the comb, she was so surprised. He would be honored to meet with her. Iolanthe just...the relief, it...she had been so scared and so anxious about how Leonidas would react; the fact that the king would speak to her spoke highly of him-and of Pausanias' skills in persuasion. Iolanthe pressed one hand to her mouth, in awe, and just kept shaking her head as he spoke.
"Thank you, thank you so much. There is nothing that could make my stay any better than what you have just told me," Iolanthe confessed honestly, dropping her hands so that her tone would not be muffled. She was overwhelmed. Nearly laughed - how fitting that Pausanias' slave was named Xerxes. She only hoped the real godking met the same fate. In her enthusiasm, Iolanthe did momentarily forget the proper manner of things - and she hugged him. Throwing her arms around his neck and, with a relieved whisper,
"Thank you so much," she repeated. It took a couple seconds for the adrenaline to wane, and she backed away, with an apologetic, "Forgive me. I just...I can't believe it." The Persian, flushed with the excitement of...being safe. Despite her wary embarrassment. Overly enthusiastic. But it was okay! Leonidas would speak with her - and then, hah, Astinos would see she was not a threat. That, too, was good. And the other Spartans. She wouldn't be at knifepoint anymore. It was marvellous.
"I feel as if I could celebrate."
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Post by King Leonidas I on Mar 28, 2007 18:16:28 GMT -5
Pausanias was at first shocked by the hug then he returned it. He whispered back to her "M'lady, it was my pleasure and my honor." He greatly enjoyed the hug but then was again shaken by her sudden withdrawal. He looked puzzled at her. These Persian women were strange. She looked embarrassed, what was their to be embarrassed of?
"Well... maybe we could?" He said this with a very charged tone. Ahh how foolish of me! he thought afterward, Now was not the time!. He did not know what to do. Should he apologize and possibly show he was at fault or let it stay and possibly push her away. He was too ashamed to speak but made every attempt not to show his feeling.
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Post by Iolanthe on Mar 29, 2007 17:08:08 GMT -5
"Well... maybe we could?"
He seemed puzzled, but Iolanthe couldn't quite put her concerns into words. As it was, his question brightened her expression considerably. Though it hadn't necessarily been her intent to ask for a celebration, she was a little troubled he might assume she expected it.
"If...if you...I don't wish to say...I don't mean to demand..." She wasn't doing very well with explaining herself. Maybe, Iolanthe considered, she might just wish to relax. She was confusing herself as much as him, and disliked the feeling. It just, it perplexed her, how considerate Pausanias was - without, it seemed, any expectations of anything. It endeared him to her greatly.
Iolanthe smiled instead. "I would like that very much. What do Spartans do to celebrate? Do you dance, Milord?" she inquired, amusement ringing her tone. She thought if he used a title, she might as well. It was proper - though strange to say. "I could teach you." She was teasing him now. Io did not exactly perceive the Spartans as persons who danced very often. It just didn't quite fit in with the character of the state.
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