It was incredibly rare for Xene of Mikaelidas to leave the capitol city of Vasiliádon. So rare, in fact, that she couldn't remember the last time she had actually taken a trip further than the outskirts of the city. Often times, she would go only as far as the outskirts of the Palati and that was it. Save for the visits to the college so that she could practice and work on her performances, Xene had realized only a few days before that she never actually got out much. Thus, when she had questioned her father about sending her to Meganea, he had seemed accepting of the idea.
Preparations were made and the princess found herself herded into a carriage days later. She took one lady in waiting and a guard with her, unsure of how long she intended to stay in Dimitrou lands. She honestly hoped it would be for at least a few days, but it all depended on how long Gavriil of Dimitrou was willing to host her.
If Xene were honest, she was most excited to be able to visit with Iason and his sisters. They offered such a great change of pace and change of temperament when compared to the other lords and ladies of the court, of which Xene often found herself bored of. Gossip truly was not her forte and she had little desire to spread any of it further than her own ear. Some things just did not have need or cause to be spread around like shit underfoot. Gossip was useless, in Xene's opinion. Not that her opinion really mattered to the ladies of the court who were intent on throwing secrets and lies at whoever would listen.
No, even the gentle rocking of the carriage was better company than the courtiers. At least right at that moment. While social and incredibly attentive to the people about her, sometimes she just needed an out. This visit would be perfect.
In the meantime, the eldest princess of Taengea found herself working on writing music, glancing out toward the trees as they finally, after what felt like days (but really wasn't), entered Dimitrou lands. It was here that Xene found herself paying more attention to her surroundings, letting her gaze drift along trees and brush and hills and grassland. It was a stunning province, though she had very little to compare it to. With her music forgotten, she set herself on the task of looking for landmarks that she might see later on during her stay. Or, at the very least, on the way back to Vasiliádon.
Though Xene did find that she hoped to see more of the province up close. To go from one large home to another large home with little variation or exploration would make for less excitement than she was expecting.
Not that Xene expected anything too grand or intrusive. But escaping the confines of a single room had been the entire thought process for the entire journey.
Then the carriage finally rounded up along the path to the Dimitrou manor, Xene worked at fixing her hair and straightening her dress. Word had been sent before she had even left, and she was sure that if her father had allowed her to go, then that meant he had already conferred with the Lord of the house about her arrival. Impatient beyond compare, Xene found herself itching to get out of the carriage. She hardly waited long enough for her guard to open the door and guide her out.
Feet his ground and Xene took in a deep breath, not hiding her wonder and excitement at being somewhere different than the palati. That wasn't to say she had never been on Dimitrou lands before, but she hadn't taken as much interest in the land itself when she was younger.
Turning her gaze toward the front of the manor, she started to search for her hosts, waving off the lady in waiting that seemed to want to fuss over her appearance. She looked fine. Not perfect, but riding long hours in a carriage almost guaranteed that you would not look your best upon arrival. There was too much jostling and sitting to keep a gown unwrinkled or hair absolutely perfect.
Besides, this was not the court. This was the home of a close friend.
Iason of Dimitrou
Preparations were made and the princess found herself herded into a carriage days later. She took one lady in waiting and a guard with her, unsure of how long she intended to stay in Dimitrou lands. She honestly hoped it would be for at least a few days, but it all depended on how long Gavriil of Dimitrou was willing to host her.
If Xene were honest, she was most excited to be able to visit with Iason and his sisters. They offered such a great change of pace and change of temperament when compared to the other lords and ladies of the court, of which Xene often found herself bored of. Gossip truly was not her forte and she had little desire to spread any of it further than her own ear. Some things just did not have need or cause to be spread around like shit underfoot. Gossip was useless, in Xene's opinion. Not that her opinion really mattered to the ladies of the court who were intent on throwing secrets and lies at whoever would listen.
No, even the gentle rocking of the carriage was better company than the courtiers. At least right at that moment. While social and incredibly attentive to the people about her, sometimes she just needed an out. This visit would be perfect.
In the meantime, the eldest princess of Taengea found herself working on writing music, glancing out toward the trees as they finally, after what felt like days (but really wasn't), entered Dimitrou lands. It was here that Xene found herself paying more attention to her surroundings, letting her gaze drift along trees and brush and hills and grassland. It was a stunning province, though she had very little to compare it to. With her music forgotten, she set herself on the task of looking for landmarks that she might see later on during her stay. Or, at the very least, on the way back to Vasiliádon.
Though Xene did find that she hoped to see more of the province up close. To go from one large home to another large home with little variation or exploration would make for less excitement than she was expecting.
Not that Xene expected anything too grand or intrusive. But escaping the confines of a single room had been the entire thought process for the entire journey.
Then the carriage finally rounded up along the path to the Dimitrou manor, Xene worked at fixing her hair and straightening her dress. Word had been sent before she had even left, and she was sure that if her father had allowed her to go, then that meant he had already conferred with the Lord of the house about her arrival. Impatient beyond compare, Xene found herself itching to get out of the carriage. She hardly waited long enough for her guard to open the door and guide her out.
Feet his ground and Xene took in a deep breath, not hiding her wonder and excitement at being somewhere different than the palati. That wasn't to say she had never been on Dimitrou lands before, but she hadn't taken as much interest in the land itself when she was younger.
Turning her gaze toward the front of the manor, she started to search for her hosts, waving off the lady in waiting that seemed to want to fuss over her appearance. She looked fine. Not perfect, but riding long hours in a carriage almost guaranteed that you would not look your best upon arrival. There was too much jostling and sitting to keep a gown unwrinkled or hair absolutely perfect.
Besides, this was not the court. This was the home of a close friend.
Iason of Dimitrou