Only Hope - open

[Queen Thais ♥]

Gods were ment to be sinless, perfect creatures that followed their 7 virtues by that proving to humans why they were in the heavans while the mortals were rotting here on earth. But somehow Greece's Ares was a bloodthirsty bastard and his girlfriend Aphrodite was a lustful whore. Atleast in Thais's world.She was far from a strong believer. One thing she never had was faith and innocent eyes.

She glanced around the Spartian temple for Ares. Back at home their temples were bigger. Such a teeny island yet such massive temples. Her world was filled with believers. Yet what did they believe in? Myths their fathers told them about? Tales their kings told them to learn and never question? But one thing Thais would never fight was religion. That was not what she even could fight to her great disappointment.

Thais wore a black dress made of the finest silk today. Ironically enough this dress was given to her by a friend from Persia. Well atleast he was a few years ago. Now he was practically forbidden to speak to her. Perhaps he feared his king would be mad. That handsome, ever so ridiculous king of Persia. The man called himself a god! How could that not be considered atleast a tad crazy? But Thais wouldn't question another person's beliefs and ideas. If his whole country and himself could be fooled then it was their problem.

[Queen Gorgo]

In the distance she could see a woman with an infant in her arms, feeding. As she drew closer she recognized the woman’s face to be her own. How strange it was to see herself nursing a child so young. Surely that was not her own child. Pleistarchos was nearing the age in which he would be leaving her side much sooner than she would like and she was certain she had not given birth within the past few months. ‘How strange…’ she murmured, as she continued toward the woman who bore such strong resemblances to herself. Finally, she reached them. The woman – or rather, herself, Gorgo of Sparta – was an ashen corpse and the feeding child, dying…bruised and heavily diseased, black and purple, oozing blood from open sores.

Inhale -- exhale. Inhale -- exhale. One foot in front of the other, a constant pattern. The world nothing more than a blur of colors. She was running as if Hades himself were chasing her; so quickly that her feet barely touched the earth almost as if she had wings. She had not meant to sleep for so long, but lately she was having difficulty sleeping in whole intervals which required more sleep to make up for the lack of sleep her dreams were giving her in the first place.

Beads of sweat trickled down her frame as she began to slow for her destination was nearing – the Temple of Ares. Her dreams, nay, nightmares of late were most discomforting. Naturally, she was not seeking comfort from the god of War. These terrors of her dreamland were giving her reason to suspect the worst. Not necessarily for herself, but for her people. For Leonidas. Thusly, Gorgo made her way to the temple to pray for his strength and power to be with the Spartans and all who fought for their freedom against Persia.

The first thing she noticed upon entering was the woman who would be sharing the temple with her. The queen looked her over as she calmly moved further inside, her breathing slowing back to a more normal pace. She was clearly not of Sparta, or so her attire suggested… Gorgo bowed slightly in her general direction, it appeared more to be a nod than a bow, but nonetheless it was a sign of respect and politeness for the foreign woman.

[Queen Thais ♥]

Magnanimous, unconquered, boisterous Ares, in darts rejoicing, and in bloody wars; fierce and untamed, whose mighty power can make the strongest walls from their foundations shake: mortal-destroying king, defiled with gore, pleased with war’s dreadful and tumultuous roar. Thee human blood, and swords, and spears delight, and the dire ruin of mad savage fight. Stay furious contests, and avenging strife, whose works with woe embitter human life.

Thais read the words engraved before her on a gold plate. Who was she to pray for tonight? Was she to pray her ally, Leonides was to succeed in the upcoming battle, or her accquiatance the persian king. She knew she had to pray for Greece's victory but Thais wondered if that's what she truly wanted. Oh how confused she was.

Thais heard sudden footsteps behind her. She turned back and saw a woman. Thais didn't recognize her. She wasn't very good with nobles - she didn't even recognize the persian king when she met him so she definatley had any idea who this woman was. She nodded back in respect.

[Queen Gorgo]

Gorgo was having much difficulty focusing on her prayers, curious of this woman who stood next to her. She was pleased that she had enough sense to respectfully nod back, at the very least. Finally, she gave up on simply observing the woman for answers and broke the silence. "You are not of Sparta... though, I do not feel we are complete strangers to one another." she paused and turned to face her. "Pray, who are you?" The queen asked, feeling no need for subtleties.

It seemed that more and more 'foreigners' were coming to Sparta these days. Her cousin was due for another visit and from what she had heard amongst the people that there was at least one Persian – an apparent betrayer of Xerxes – running around under the protection of Pausanias. It didn't really bother Gorgo, in fact, it rather interested her to see new people of different cultures. If she could get the chance, she would love, without admittance of it, to speak with and learn of them.

She looked over the woman once more, trying to place her. She did not seem dark enough to be of Persia, Egypt or any involved nation of Africa. Her garments of black silk threw her off. Perhaps she was of Greece, though she seemed far too...unlike Greek she had ever come across. Gorgo, however, knew all too well that looks could be deceiving and therefore awaited most anxiously for the woman's reply.

[Queen Thais ♥]

''Queen of Cyprus, Thais.'' the queen replied to the fellow queen of sparta before her yet ofcourse she didn't know who she was. She watched the spartan woman with intrest, wondering who she actually was. She took a step forwarad to the mysterious lady and asked,''And yourself?''

She inspected the spartan. She knew definatly this woman was of royal blood; her complexion, appearance and even eyes gave her away. But ofcourse Thais could never be too sure of who this lady might be.

[Queen Gorgo]

She nodded in understanding at the Queen's introduction. They had most certainly never met in person, but she had heard much of Queen Thais; mostly through rumors, but much of it had been verified by reliable sources. "Queen Gorgo of Sparta." she introduced with a polite smile and judgmental eyes as she looked her over further.

"I must admit I am quite... disappointed that this is the first instant in which we have met. Although, I must also admit that I am surprised to see you here now. Might I inquire after your purpose?" Her mind was far from prayers now - though they had not been forgotten. Gorgo was skeptical of each new visitor in Sparta, half convinced that they all had a hand in making an attempt to bring down Sparta, even other Greeks.

[Queen Thais ♥]

Thais watched the woman's suspicious eyes. She looked like the person who would have difficulties in trusting newcomers but Thais put on her sweet smile and gave the Queen a quick bow.
''It's an honour.'' she smiled,''Me and my troops have arrived here on behalf of Sparta. We have come here as your city's ally.''

Most greeks thought that was ridiculous of Thais. Was she ready to have Cyprus fall with Sparta? Was she ready to br dragged into the Persian king's harem like the rest of the greek women would be? The answer was no. But that wasn't where the answer ended; Thais would not let Sparta lose.

[Queen Gorgo]

"I see." she replied, still very skeptical. She trusted her husband's decisions and would long after she was dead, but that did not mean she could not be a bit distrustful of the new Spartan allies. "I thank you for your alliance." Gorgo told her, the words sounding a bit awkward as they had been said. It was strange to try and believe Sparta needed help in the face of battle. This was not something she was used to, though help was not unwelcome, it would take some getting used to.

"If there is anything that can be done to make your stay more...plesant, please do not hesitate to ask." she offered. Gorgo was much happier being apart from her allies. While she appreciated the strength and independence of Thais, something about her rubbed Gorgo the wrong way. Regardless, she would remain civil and keep from snubbing their guest despite her thoughts.