“When do I not?” she easily countered, though the humor remained. She had always felt a need to escape. It was second nature at this point. It was what she had been doing that day they met in the field. “No judge is ever impartial.” she argued, “besides, I never told you the verdict. You’re too quick of a judge.”
Accepting the hand with ease, Theodora stepped closer. Achilleas might be a complex man in his own right, but things always seemed… easier, with him around. She liked that.
Then her brows furrowed, the meaning of his words lost on her at first. Then it dawned upon her and the brunette frowned. Her jaw set stubbornly and her eyes narrowed. Rather than an act of annoyance, it was one made out of sheer defiance. “there are far more damaging objects out here that I could throw, if you’d prefer.” She wasn’t mad. In fact, she was more embarrassed that he’d remembered her childish tantrum.
The two made their way towards the stables and the readied horse. Theodora could almost sense her maid’s displeasure, but years worth of practice made that easy enough to ignore. With practiced ease, Theodora swung herself atop the horse and settled comfortably in the saddle. She had learned how to ride a horse at an early age, and was rather good at it, too. Which was entirely expected, of course. “Are you saying that I’m moody, my lord?” she asked without turning her head to look at him. “I think I would have preferred ‘spirited’ instead.”
It was a comfortable ride on a steady animal. It wasn’t until they had reached her family’s land that Theodora made a gesture for the two of them to slow the horse’s pace. Pointing up at a small side road, Theodora looked at Achilleas over her shoulder. “Take that road instead.” But before giving him a chance to argue, or point out that her grouchy maid would not be pleased, she quickly added, “She’s already displeased, and she knows that I am safe.”
She hadn’t been up that road in a few years, but she knew the area well. It wouldn’t take them long to reach the pond by the large trees and rocks surrounding it. There was even a small waterfall falling off the rocks, and it was both quiet and remote. Few people ever used it from her experience. “I want to show you something.”
Riding with his arms wrapped around the waist of his betrothed was a pleasant way to travel, Achilleas decided, as they turned out of the Dynasteai and towards the outskirts of the citywhere the Leventi Manor sat amongst its fields and paddocks. He had laughed at her rebuttal, her words calling back bloodied noses and the horse from Hades that she had set he and Krysto upon. “Of course. How foolish of me to forget.”
The air was cooling now, and he used that as an excuse to press himself close to Theodora, though really, there was no need for excuses now.She would be his wife within weeks, and after the evening they had just shared, it seemed silly to hold himself to any prescribed formality. Had he not said himself that they could make their own rules now?
Even the temperamental stallion beneath them seemed to accept Theodora without fuss, dancing the first few steps along the road but settling into a walk when asked, so he was not demanding of his Master’s attention. Considering the woman who sat before him, Achilleas had come to the conclusion over the past weeks that Theodora’s ‘spirit’ was something he was just going to have to get used to. She had entirely her own mind, and rejected him when he tried to impose his own thoughts upon her, even to the extent that she named him ‘fussy’ for his want to see her taken care of. It would take some adjustment on his part, he could see.
Achilleas had grown too accustomed to Briseis, who by definition could never really contradict his wishes, it was an unbalanced affair, but even still, had been the most significant attachment he could lay claim to.
Theodora Leventi was - had always been, if he let his mind drift back to their early acquaintance - different. It was frustrating that she did not do as he expected, unsettling too, but Achilleas found he liked it as much as it troubled him. She was like a puzzle that he kept finding new pieces to, and each one was a revelation. There was hope to be found in that surely, of a successful marriage?
So, when Theodora turned, bid him to take a path under than the direct road to her family’s home, Achilleas did not arguet though he could see she had expected him to. His gaze did drift momentarily toward the carriage that followed, but looking back to the woman before him, he only gave a questioning shrug and then waved the driver on. He did not worry for her safety when she was with him, and he had already cast off reservations regarding propriety so there seemed little reason to deny her.
The lightest touch on the rein had the stallion divert his course, though he too seemed surprised at the change in route from one that his equine fellows were taking as the carriage rolled away into the darkness. They were soon left alone.
“Where are we going ?” Achilleas asked, unable to keep the curiosity from his tone. He found himself pleased when she answered that she wished to show him something, and let go of the reins, lifting Theodora’s hands to wrap her fingers around the leather instead. With a small satisfied sigh, he brought his own arms more snugly around her,
Theodora had to admit that she was a little surprised at how easily Achilleas seemed to let go of the reigns and offer them to her. Had she been any other person, he might just have written his own death sentence, but then, as she quickly realized, that was a rather morbid way of looking at it.
No. She was glad he seemed to trust her at least that much. And it wasn't as if she posed much of a threat.
Taking the reigns, Theodora lead the horse with practiced ease onto the side path. She didn't answer his question of course. Rather, it was one of those questions that was better answered by visuals.
It only took the couple a few minutes to reach the destination. While it was dark, it was still easy to see the pond with the small waterfall, surrounded by trees and rocks. The moon was rising high in the sky, reflecting its shadow against the water. It made the pond look more mystical now than what it did during daytime. From what Theodora could remember, she had always found this place peaceful during the day. The way the sun beams made everything glitter. The soft wind making the leaves ruffle and the soft hum of insects.
Making the horse stop, Theodora easily enough swung herself off of the giant creature. Still holding onto the reigns, she waited for Achilleas to do the same. Once he had, she lead the horse towards one of the trees and tied the reigns to one of the branches.
It was only then that she turned towards her betrothed. A roguish smile crept across her face. "Care for a bath?"
Her hand swept from the length of her body and without taking her eyes of the man before her, she pointed towards the small pond. "You haven't properly experienced this place before you've taken a swim in this pond." She pursed her lips in an attempt to stop herself from grinning. "It's said to hold all the answers in the world." A lie, of course. "As well as all its dangers and monsters." Another lie. "Unless you're afraid, of course. Then we can turn back." She raised her eyebrows at him, as if in challenge.
The Mikaelidas Lord had not given any thought to Theodora posing a threat. Why would he? He would have laughed if he had known her thoughts as he relinquished the reins to her, but as he did not, Achilleas was content in settling his arms around her waist, waiting to see whatever she was so keen to share with him.
The track they had taken wound away into the shadows, but the route was clear enough not to pose a problem for the surefooted stallion, who stepped out eagerly. He was uncommonly well behaved under the light hands of the lady, and Achilleas smiled to himself. Traitorous wretch that he was. He could hardly blame the creature though, not when he himself seemed to find himself so won over by Theodora.
He heard the water before he saw it, the hiss of the waterfall, and then as they drew closer still, the distorted ripples of moonlight across the surface of the pool. It was a beautiful spot, and one he had not known existed, hidden as it was off the main route to the Leventi Manor. His arms unwrapped from Theodora to let her slip from the horse’s back, and then flashing her a smile in the darkness, he followed suit. “ It's pretty here” he observed, turning to appreciate it fully. Thinking she meant to sit a while, he glanced to Theo in surprise at her words, eyes following the path of her hand as it swept over the curves of her body, so that he did not look away either even as she gestured toward the pool.
He kept his eyes on hers as she spun her little stories, one corner of his mouth quirked in amusement. They had played this game before, he realised, and he wondered if she remembered too. She had preyed upon his pride then, he had been younger and refused to be shown up by his captain. But Achilleas was older now, and so would not be so easily goaded.
Unless of course, it was something he wanted to do.
“Do you think me a coward, Theodora?” He asked, watching her still. He was mostly jesting, but perhaps through his words ran an undercurrent. A General of the Taengean armies, a leader of men, Achilleas was not much used to having his courage of all things questioned. And though they were to be wed in little more than days, he wondered at how much they did not really know of each other. This...little diversion of Theo’s was part of the process of learning, he supposed.
“Show me then” He had crossed the small space between them, and took her into his arms, fingers toying idly with the fibula that pinned the dark blue himation in place. “ Lets find these answers together, no?” In the darkness, the blue of his eyes was lost, but their regard was keen still, and he paused only long enough to read some sign of assent in the woman’s face before he began to undo all the work of the girl who had wrapped Theodora so delightfully in the sweep of indigo. It was deftly done, and the Lord led the fabric fall, carelessly tossing the fibula atop where it lay crumpled upon the grass before he swept warm hands over the bare skin of Theo’s arms. ” You are beautiful” Achilleas’ sounded almost surprised as he went on “ Even more so, here. If that is possible”
He could have been easily distracted from his intent then, and blinked as if to clear his thoughts before unabashedly shedding his own clothes. His body had been sculpted over years of training, and Achilleas was comfortable in his own skin as only one who knew their own strengths could be.When he drew Theodora close again, she could feel the warmth of him, and the evidence of his rekindled desire, only the gauzy fabric of her gown separating them. ”Get this off” he commanded, a little flummoxed by the way the garment was supposed to be removed. Away from the Mikaelidas manor, from the threat of prying eyes , it was as though some of his inhibitions had fallen away too, and she was gifted with a glimpse of the young man who had come across her all those years ago. Whether Achilleas was aware of it or no, he was bolder here, and it showed.
"Sometimes." She answered honestly, but before giving him much of a chance to react, or respond, she continued, "But then, so is everyone." She offered a little shrug at that. "No one can ever be truly brave all the time. Sure, they might pretend to, but we all have something we fear." Though, whether or not that fear made someone into a coward was not for her to decide. "I also think cowardice is grossly misunderstood."
She was a little surprised at his sudden forwardness then, but did nothing to shy away from it. Instead, she tilted her head back so she could get a proper look at him. She could feel his fingers start to work upon her clothing in the dark and a small smile formed on her lips. "Seeking out monsters in the night isn't a sign for courage, but rather stupidity." Even so, the amusement was very obvious as she spoke, her words laced with mirth. The fabric of her fibula fell to the ground with a gentle thud and she found herself studying him:
Up until now, he'd been reserved. Nothing like the few glimpses she had seen as a teen. It seemed as if the lord was finally ready to let his guard down ― if only just a little, and if only just for a moment.
Theodora had been called beautiful most of her life. A blessing given to her by Aphrodite, they said. After a while, the word had started losing its meaning, but she could see the truth behind it in those blue eyes. "The moon does offer a certain... Ethereal glow." She mused.
As the general moved to remove his own clothing, Theodora's gaze traveled over his upper body: The body of a warrior. Sculpted not only from war, but years of honing certain talents. He was gorgeous by his own right ― it was impossible to deny. Doing as she was told then, Theodora lifted her hand and easily removed the clips and buttons holding her dress up. Then her hands moved to the band around her waist. The fabric slid down her body with ease, falling around her feet in a heap.
But before Achilleas could move further, or properly take her in, she quickly spoke. Leaning in, Theodora traced her lips along the line of his jaw. "I tremble at each breath of air." The tips of her fingers ran over his ribs to his back. "And yet can heaviest burden bear." She continued, her lips moving down the length of his neck. "What am I?"
His brow furrowed at that: Achilleas wondered what times she spoke of. Sometimes. He wished he had not asked.Deciding it was not something he wanted her to expound upon, he made no answer to her words, instead crossing to her and putting his focus into divesting her of her clothes. The Lord pulled back a moment and stared at her when he thought she called him stupid on top of cowardly, but there was amusement in her tone that let him know she was teasing, a thing she was wont to do it would seem.
What was more surprising was that Achilleas wondered if he liked it. He had a reputation of being serious, proper, and if nothing else Achilleas hated to disappoint, so more often than not he lived up to it. And as the years slid by and his rank and station increased it became harder to separate himself from that reputation, hard to figure out what was real and what was just him playing the role he had been given. Somehow, Theodora did not seem to care about any of it and just said what she thought, or, as he was beginning to see, what she thought might get a reaction.
It was hard to invest much energy even in pretending to be annoyed though, with her in his arms and painted with the silvery shadows born of moonlight. He was lucky.
Achilleas gave a murmur of agreement as she acknowledged his compliment, before pulling back to undress, and then he could only watch as Theodora similarly divested herself of the fabric that kept her hidden from him. He wanted to drink her in, appreciate all of the soft curves he had felt pressed against him and yet not gotten to see, but she had a different idea and he stilled as her lips pressed against his jaw.
His hands, calloused from sword and spear, were gentle where they wrapped her waist, and Achilleas huffed out a soft laugh as he realised what she was doing. It was impossibly hard to think on her words with her touch distracting him, and he closed his eyes, hoping to shut out some of the stimulation and allow himself to win this game. But to his dismay -or delight, for he could not be certain which - removing that one sense only heightened the others, and all he could think upon was the soft velvet of her lips as they pressed a line down his neck.
“You are infuriating is what you are” he muttered, his fingers tightening a little where they held her, but still he tried to play along.
“Are you a tree?” A guess was worthy of some reward, and the Lord pulled her flush against him then, stifling a groan at how sweet it felt without layers of whatever filmy fabric she had worn between them. He almost forgot entirely that there was a riddle, or even that they were going to swim, rather enraptured by the naiad he'd unwrapped in this little glade.
A chuckle brushed against Achilleas' skin at his words. She didn't believe him for a second, of course. She could sense all too well how well her distraction had worked, and found quite a lot of glee in the fact that it seemed to be working, too.
Especially when his next attempt at solving her riddle was wrong. "I am not." She mused, placing another soft kiss to the soft line of his neck, even as her body pressed against his, she did not waver. She allowed one of her hands to slide down his back, before resting on the soft spot right above his hip. "Two more chances." She murmured against his skin.
She felt some of the same... sense of adventure as she had ten years ago when the two had met out in the field. This time it was different and Theodora did not need to be as careful as she had been back then. All the bets was off the table this time around and she could use every weapon at her disposal without fear.
It was surprisingly thrilling, and even more so, she found herself... Surprisingly happy over the effect she had on him. It felt strangely nice.
"Do you need a hint?" She asked further, moving her lips upward to nip at his earlobe before dipping her head back to look up at his face. "Or has the Undefeated finally met his match?" It was rather obvious that the young brunette was enjoying herself. When the betrothal had first been announced, Theodora had been certain she would go through all of this being miserable. But that was not at all how she felt. While she still loved Emilios, and likely would for a very long time, Achilleas still made her feel... Happy.
And that was saying a lot. With that, Theodora tossed all thoughts of Emilios away and focused on the man before her. He was handsome in his own right and though she could see the resemblance, he was his own man with his own quirks and features. Quirks she'd quickly grown rather fond of.
His eyes had snapped open at her denial of his answer, and Achilleas sighed, trying to muster the focus to guess again even as Theodora’s touch skimmed down his back and settled at his waist. His skin felt afire where it pressed against hers, and he wondered if she knew how effectively she distracted him.
Years of military discipline so easily shaken by this woman in his arms, and he could not even make himself care in that moment, pulling her impossibly closer, almost sabatoging himself in this game she played. His hands swept up her back to tangle in the softness of her hair, and then Achilleas gave an indignant snort as she called up the moniker given to him by his men, taunting him with it. He craned back to better look at her.
It was true, he had yet to be beaten in any single man to man combat, but Achilleas tried not to pay too much heed to whispers of God blessings and other such speculation. Such frippery could be enough to edge from exacting focus into foolish arrogance. Still, he could hardly ignore the needle of it, and there was the imperious arch of one dark brow as he looked down at her upturned face.
“Clearly you do not know me well enough, Theo” Her name, shortened to the familiar, felt good upon his lips which lifted into a smile. “ I’m very tenacious. It is one of the things needed in leadership, commitment to ones course” And after all, the man before her had been moulded and shaped to be a leader from boyhood, so he really ought to know. But Achilleas had not finished, and as he spoke, he let his hands drop down again to her waist, slide lower still. “ But as well as that, there must be the wisdom to recognise where efforts should best be employed. Not to pursue a course of action to the detriment of ultimate success”
His smile widened as he lifted her clean off the ground, wrapping her thighs around his hips and holding her securely there, even as he took a threatening step towards the water, a dark pool of shadow before them. “You wanted to swim didn’t you?” The intended menace was somewhat undermined by the way in which his breath caught as he moved and her weight shifted against him. Still, there was a hint of challenge in his expression as he looked at her, and took another step.