It was a warm late summer afternoon and Linos had selected some food from the market earlier. Now with everything prepared, he tied it up in some cloth: fine bread, exquisite cheese, and fancy wine. Just enough for a good meal, but nothing special. Next, the man placed this cloth into a larger cloth for transportation. He then moved to the table beside the door, strategically placed so he would forget things less often. He grabbed his signet ring, gracefully placing it upon his finger. He never really enjoyed wearing it, but he felt he should more often since his other brothers often did.
As he was moving to leave, the glint of gold reflected from the table. He was quick to look, remembering the bracelet he purchased a few days before. He almost forgot! He quickly picked it up, and slipped it into his coin purse. What would he have done had he forgotten her gift? Looked like a fool! He shook his head. He wished remembering things would be easier. Ideas were easy to remember. Whole books were quickly memorized. But where he put things? Grabbing things before leaving? He was absolutely hopeless.
After finally making it outside, the sweet scent of the day hit him and his soft smile flooded his face. He even had packed books for the occasion. Even if he disliked the location she had chosen, Linos was excited to visit with his new found close friend. He walked down the streets, careful to not bump into anyone. He need not repeat the incident from a few days prior.
As the laughter and bustling of the crowd grew distant the more he drew himself away from the city, the closer the scholar was to the cliff side. With each step uphill, the more apprehensive he grew. He rarely ever went around cliffs, and for good reason. It wasn't safe. He was the one who knew that the most. But, he had to admit, it was a beautiful, surreal existence upon the tops of cliffs. He knew why Daniil would want to go to a place such as that.
As he surmounted the incline, and it began to flatten out, Linos looked around him. Birds soared overhead in their usual triangular pattern. The breeze pulled against his wavy locks, dancing them midair. The waves crashing against the cliff side roared with such a ferocity, it made Linos shudder. He cast his gaze downward. The waves were nothing to be feared... It wasn't as if he was going to approach the edge. His fear of heights would surely keep him far from there. Although, if he just focused on where he was, he should be fine.
He curiously moved about the place, searching for a comfortable spot. The summer made the place more dry than it would have been any other time of the year, so there was no fear as to falling or slipping. Everywhere could make a good spot. Oh, decisions, decisions. The scent of grass and salt wafted over the cliff tops with each breath of air. It really was a nice day.
Soon, Linos spotted a large rock that stuck out of the ground, providing a slight amount of shade. Enough if they were to be sitting, which they planned to be doing the majority of the time. The scholar made his way over to the area, brushing out any uncomfortable pebbles or stones that scattered the ground beneath it. He then opened the cloth he used to transport the food and his books, smoothing it across the ground while placing the food toward the center, still in it's smaller, protective cloth. He smiled as the shade protected him from the afternoon sun's rays.
Grabbing one of his books, he flipped through the pages as he awaited Daniil's appearance. This one was actually one he had been writing himself. He was working out some logic for a proof in its pages and it needed to be reviewed on a fresh mind. Perhaps, he thought, a change of scenery would assist him in his endeavors. His gaze moved from word to word of his own handwriting. Although Linos did not think much of his own work, it was actually extremely well written and thought out. He never gave himself too much credit, but it surely apparent that his main gift in life was his mind. Without it, he wouldn't be much good at anything in this life. However, with his inspiring and envisioning mind, Linos was able to understand very complex arguments and analyze and deconstruct them to such a degree that it was never much fun to have an argument with him. He preferred lively discussions anyhow: ones where both parties listened to each other and gained from the experience. However, he wouldn't need to worry about arguing this afternoon. It was to be spent in the company of a kind, goodhearted friend. All he had to do was wait. And Linos was very patient.
Daniil let out a hiss as her leg slammed against the foot of her bed right where she had a rather large bruise from her last training session with Bailus. Gods! That smarts!
She didn't let him go easy on her unless she had something on her mine and lately there was a lot and that included Linos. Despite the pain radiating up her leg, she blushed.
She was not too sure what Linos would think of her training. She knew that likely he would fall into one i]of two camps, either the Daniil needs to be a Lady camp or the Let Daniil be a warrior. camp. If there was a middle ground she was not in the know.
She let out a sigh as she brushed her gown and then checked her hair. Her gown was white, cooling in the heat and it was hot out most days now that it was summer. The edges were decorated in a design that marked her House, as if her looks didn't already do that.
Her dark hair hung in short braid that came to rest just past the base of her neck. A red ribbon was woven into the plait. She liked wearing her hair this way. It was easy to do and kept her hair out of her face, which was good when she was practicing.
She sighed again and then looked out the door and down the hall on either side of the doorway. Balius would be cross if he found out that she was sneaking out and without her bodyguard, but it would make lunch uneasy with more then just the two of them there.
Noticing that the coast was clear she quickly moved into the hall and out the door unseen. She kept going until she got near the cliffs, which was where she and Linos had agreed to meet a few days ago.
She moved slowly once she reached the area and she looked around. She smiled at the many trees and the grass. She took a moment to smell the air and smiled as she smelled the sea on the air. The birds were chirping like a dozen voices in the air, just happily going along. This would be a nice place to bring my flute and sit and play. she thought.
It took her some searching but she did eventually find him. "Hello Linos." she said calling him by his name and ignoring any titles. After all, it was just them, so using titles should not matter. Her leg was now screaming in open defiance now and she would be very happy to be off of them, for now...
Linos was running his thumb across the pages of his tome as he scanned his work for any mistakes he made earlier. He couldn't seem to find any, but that was probably only because this piece had already been toiled over and over multiple times, rewritten and edited many times. Maybe this would be his first submission to the Scholeio! He had dreamed of his works lining the walls along with the countless other great minds.
The scholar had been so focused and absorbed in his work that he hadn't noticed Daniil approaching. It wasn't until he heard her voice flitter in the wind that he was pulled from his thoughts. He glanced up at her, a soft smile forming on his face as he softly closed his tome, setting it aside. He scooted over, allowing her to sit down with a comfortable amount of room between them. He then spoke softly, but happily, "Hello, Daniil. How are you this afternoon?" Taking suit from her, he too dropped the honorifics. It felt more comfortable to do so, anyway. Honorifics only seemed to serve the purpose of dividing people instead of letting each other really get to know one another.
He then picked his book back up and set it aside, out of the way so it wouldn't bother their meal. He then grabbed his cloth that tied all the foods together. He quickly untangled the knot, straightening out the smaller cloth piece, revealing the bread, cheese, and wine. He gave her a cheerful smile, "I know it isn't much, but I thought a simple meal would be best." He moved to the loaf of bread, which he broke in half, setting both pieces beside one another on the cloth. He then moved also cut, with the knife he carried on him for the occasion, a thin chunk of cheese, placing it atop one of the chunks of bread. He then repeated the step for the other before returning the knife to his leather sheathe. It made him uncomfortable to be carrying a blade around, even if it was just a small, harmless knife. He would usually keep those things at home. But, he knew that he would have to cut the cheese somehow...
He then picked up one of the pieces of cheese topped bread and handed it to Daniil. With a mellow grin, he spoke, "I often love cheese on bread. I hope you will as well. Here you go." He then gave a smile as he looked down at his own. It really did look delicious. He spent quite some time selecting which bread and cheese to purchase. His mouth was practically watering as he took his first bite. It was better than he expected. He chewed it slowly, enjoying the softness of the bread combined with the delicious cheese. After swallowing, he looked up as if he had forgotten something.
"Oh, that's right!" He softly placed his bread down on the cloth again and moved over to grab his coin purse which sat safely beside his tome. He opened it up, revealing the bracelet he had purchased her the other day. It wasn't very exquisite; it was actually quite boring: just a simple golden cuff bracelet with a crisscross design through out it. There were no jewels, no pearls, nothing else but a golden bracelet. But, that's what he had purchased for her. He sheepishly smiled, passing it to her, "I purchased this for you as a thank you. I know it must have been quite uncomfortable when we met on the docks the other evening and I wanted to make it up to you." He watched as the bright sun reflected off it's shiny exterior. He felt that while not the most beautiful object in the world, it sufficed as a thank you gift. Or so he hoped. He looked toward her to see whether it was enough or if he had created such a sin that it needed a much larger repayment.
Daniil smiled to herself as she watched Linos read and she was understandably curious. What's in there that has his attention so? I wonder if he gives other interests similar gazes? she thought. She would know soon enough.
She smile at him when he finally tore himself away from the tome and laid it on the grass next to him. She tossed her head and laughed happily as he scooted over and made room for him to join her.
She carefully moved and attempted to gracefully make it onto the blanket without irritating her leg. Unfortunately half way down she had to make a face thanks to the pain. Well you're the one that tripped over your own two feet. she reminded herself.
Eventually she was able to get comfortable and it was then that she answered Linos' question to her. "I am doing well." and dispite the injury she was doing just that.... now.
"What were you so engrossed in when I arrived?" she asked, her hazel gaze landing on the tome as he moved it so it was out of the way.
She watched him as he retried the packet that held their meal. She met his smile and nodded in agreement. On a day like today, food that sat lightly in the stomach was best. "Good choice Linos. I am curious to see what you planned."
The bread smelled like it was freshly baked and that was a scent that Daniil always enjoyed smelling. "It smells like it is heaven sent. I love the smell of freshly baked bread."
Her smile grew as she saw the cheese that he sliced and laid on the bread. Lunch would be delicious. When he handed over the sandwich she made her, she took it and nodded.
"It is one of my favorites as well." she told him as she took a very lady-like bite, even though she was famished.
She tilted her head at his proclamation and set down her food, curiosity in her hazel eyes. What was right? What is he up to? she wondered silently as she watched him reach for his pouch that was next to his book. He undid the strings and pulled out a gold bracelet.
When he offered it to him she smiled and said softly "Its beautiful, would you put it on me?" she asked him.
And it did not matter to her that it looked plain. The fact that it came from him was all that mattered. "Thank you Linos! I will treasure it always. Its beautiful. And I would not say it was all that uncomfortable. You are my my friend and friends help each other when it is needed."
She reached out her arm, her hand coming to rest on his arm in a mirror of the feather-like touch she had done at the dock. Her hazel eyes sparkled with joy.
Linos raised a brow noticing her change of expression as she made her way down onto the cloth he was already sitting upon. He hoped that she was alright... When she finally was able to seat herself, was skeptical of her answer to his question. After all, she had seemed almost as if she was in pain... He knit his brow together before speaking softly, "Excuse me, but... Are you sure you're doing well? It seemed that you had a bit of trouble sitting just now..." He let his curiosity get the better of him again as he tilted his head, wondering as to why this was the case. He didn't mean to cause her any discomfort during their meal, but when he noticed things such as this he couldn't help but be agog.
As the subject changed to his tome, Linos gave a soft, sheepish smile. He was very excited for it, but he didn't think of it as anything special, well not yet anyway. If it were good enough to be placed in the Scholeio's archives one day, then it sure would become one of his most prized works. He glanced at the tome which was by now off of the cloth, lying in the grass, patiently waiting to be opened again. "Oh, it's just something I'm working on right now. It's about arguments and fallacies. I'm proving why some arguments are incorrect, logically. Many of my reasons show that such argumentation styles contradict themselves or are not actually arguing for what they think they are. I've been working on it for a year or so now. I'm just reading over it again and making sure that it all makes sense." He gave her a smile. He loved logic and hearing arguments from others, tearing them apart, analyzing each bit... It was one of this favorite things. He was hopeful to spread his work to others so they would also know why certain arguments wouldn't work out, and hopefully allow others to argue better. He believed that better arguments would help everyone find better solutions to their problems.
Linos smiled as she complimented his choice of food. "It was purchased at the market. I cannot take such praise for it's delightful smell or taste." He grinned himself as he glanced at the food and how nicely it was made. The baker had really outdone himself. The bread was soft, smelled heavenly, and most importantly tasted magnificent. It was a good meal after all, even if simple. He, however, postponed his next bite when she asked for him to place the bracelet on her himself. He gave her a slightly perplexed look. Wasn't she able to that herself? He looked into her eyes, a bit taken aback from the question. It didn't seem like a bad idea...
In fact...
..it seemed...
...pleasant.
"Of course." He lightly took her hand, feeling strangely unsure of himself, and placed the bracelet gracefully upon her wrist. He then gave her a soft smile, confused as to why such an act made him feel sheepish. As she showered the object he purchased with compliments, he felt a sense of relief that he chose the correct object. He was happy that she liked it. He then nodded his head, "Thank you for being patient with me. Indeed, that is what friends are for." He was feeling more comfortable by the second. Although, there was something else there too... Something... He wasn't used to feeling... He exhaled, picking his bread and cheese up again, once more.
He sunk his teeth into another bite, pondering what it was that made his head fuzzy and the tips of his fingers prickle. As he swallowed again, he leaned against the boulder, watching the birds that landed in a nearby tree. He smiled as he saw them tweeting away at one another. Most likely this served as a relaxing stop for their next destination. Wherever their journey took them, he was sure it was going to be amazing. He then glanced at Daniil again, "Aren't birds fascinating? They get to see so much of the world. If only men could fly. I wonder what things they've experienced."
Daniil blinked at the lift of the brow from Linos and silently chided herself. He doesn't miss much so you might as well just tell him what happened.
She smiled at him. "I will be right as rain in a few days. Just a bruise taken in a training exercise. It is still rather fresh and painful. I lost my footing and well I think you would have laughed at my landing." she told him gently.
He is proud of his tome and not exactly prepared to talk about it. she noticed as she watched his expression.
"What kind of fallacies?" she asked him, curiosity showing in her hazel eyes as she returned his smile.
She took a bite of the bread and cheese and her smile grew. "Ah yes but you chose it, so it makes it even better." she said gently.
Was he confused at my request? Am I the first woman to ask him to do such a thing? Maybe I am just too used to having the servants do this for me. she thought as she watched him place the bracelet on her. She noticed that his tough was gently if not somewhat hesitant.
"You are most welcome. I will always be there for you. It is what friends do." she told him with a smile.
She picked up her bread and cheese again and took another bite. She tilted her head hearing the seagulls carrying on.
Noisy lot! she thought with affection as she caught sight of birds dancing across the sky.
"Seagulls I do believe. Common around the water because of the many fish. If men could fly we would have been born with wings. I wonder too what they have seen and heard. The secrets that they have likely been a party too even though they may not know the language." she told him nodding before she took another bite of her bread and cheese.
Linos greatly enjoyed listening to Daniil's thoughts of the birds. To be honest, Linos never really had thought about the different types of birds before. He just sort of lumped them all into one category. However, hearing her talk about the seagulls and how they were around for the fish, Linos suddenly felt the urge to learn more about the creatures. "Is that so? It's interesting to me that they eat fish, actually. Most birds I see eat insects, I believe."
As he took another bite of his food, he thought about what she said about men being born with wings. Linos surely believed that being able to fly would be amazing. He wanted nothing more than to travel from place to place and learn everything this world had to offer. The birds awed him with such an ability. With a childlike curiosity, he softly spoke, "I wonder how they are able to fly... How do their wings keep them in the air?"
It was then that the birds abruptly flapped and started squawking, flying from the tree en mass. Linos raised a brow, curious as to what had happened. When, suddenly, a cat appeared on one of the branches, bird in mouth. It proudly sauntered across the branch before dropping to a lower one, and finally, onto the ground. The orange, scruffy feline looked at the two with an almost mocking gaze in it's golden eyes before dashing off in the opposite direction with it's newly caught meal.
Linos, after finishing his food, sighed, "Well, so much for bird watching." He was really enjoying the birds and their presence. However, nature sometimes took a turn for the wicked and these were one of those times. "And so the circle of life takes it's course."
The scholar picked up his book from the side, a small smile tracing his lips as he opened it slowly. "You were interested in fallacies, yes?" He flipped a few pages in the tome before showing her, "Fallacies are failed reasons people make in arguments because they are not logically sound. I have a few proofs for some of them. For instance, here is the one for ad hominem." He tilted the book in her direction so she could read it too, if she so desired. It was a bunch of formal logic work, written in sentences with a conclusion at the end. "It's about attacking the person instead of the argument. For instance, if I was a criminal, but I said 'water is wet' and somebody else said 'we shouldn't believe him, he's a criminal' then they are attacking my character and not my argument. Thus, they would be committing an ad hominem fallacy and their argument wouldn't be valid. That is only one fallacy, however. There are many other fallacies."
He turned to her with an enthusiastic grin. Things like this always got him excited to talk about. He just wanted to share his knowledge and interests with the entire world, but was a little nervous to do so. The scholar wanted nothing more than to keep progressing, learning, and teaching. This work on fallacies was only a start. He was going to learn so much more and do so many other thins. He was sure of it.
Daniil tossed her head back and laughed. "Indeed. You do see them as you move through the kingdom, but there are greater numbers near the water and their food source." she told him, recalling a lesson she had been taught on the matter when she asked her teacher in one of those long sessions of endless why's.
Your incessant questions nearly drove poor Orestes insane. she told herself as she remembered her lessons with fondness, though her tutor was not the only member of the household that was besieged with her need to know the why's and wherefore's of things. Even her uncle Rafi was asked until he showed signs of anger. Any sign of anger from either her uncle or father was enough to send a young Daniil scurrying to a corner and into herself. In time she learned from others that it was not a good thing for her to be doing so she slowly began coming out more and more. Thank the Gods for the fact that someone in her family made sure that their were teaches to feed her inquisitive mind.
"I am no healer but I would guess it would be much like how we move. We will our legs to walk and so we do. They will their wings to me and then they do." she said as she tilted her head to watch the birds move.
Daniil took another bite of her bead and cheese and blinked at the birds. "Ahhh fear." she said as her hazel eyes suddenly searched the area for what had raised the alarm. Then she saw the cat.
"I am not about to take your meal my find friend." Daniil said with a soft laugh. Turning to look at Linos she nodded an said "The circle of Life indeed."
Daniil settled her back against the tree and now turned her full attention to Linos as he explained his tome. The last piece of bread and cheese landed in her mouth as she looked down at the book and read what was written there with a nod.
"People are not likely to believe a criminal based on his current station in life. As you go up the ladder of rank then believably increases. Rank has privilege. I mean my Uncle would be sorely affronted if someone accused him of lies. The same with any of my house or any of out sister houses." she said once he was finished.
"You would make a good teacher Linos."she told him with a smile.
Linos chuckled lightly, "Thank you for saying such. I hope I am a good teacher. I do instruct Princess Emilia in philosophy pretty often. I am her Royal Tutor after all." He gave her a grin, looking at his tome, ready to continue what they were speaking of.
"As for fallacies against different ranks in society, you have that correct, Daniil. People would rather believe somebody with a higher position than a lower position. This, however, is a different fallacy." The scholar smiled, happily being able to talk about his work. He moved to flip a few pages, but in doing so his arm had brushed up against hers. With it, he felt sparks shoot down his arm. His heart also felt lighter, as if floating. Feelings such as these hadn't prospered before. They felt quite strange, but also exciting. He felt a light heat rise to his cheeks, but this time it was interestingly gentle. Not painful or scary when he had done something embarrassing, but soft as if he were being tickled by feathers. What was this?
Licking his lips to calm himself down and focus on what was at hand, Linos had finally reached the page he was looking for. However, his head was still in a slight tizzy. It took a second of him closing his eyes to focus before he reopened them, ready to speak again, "This is called appeal to authority. It is when one believes their argument is correct on the grounds that a certain authority figure, or higher class, believes in it. Thus, as you said earlier, this would be when we don't look at the arguments themselves, but the people making the arguments. Arguments stand on their own despite who speaks them. This is wrong because a slave could tell you the sky is blue all while a king says that it's green."
Linos felt happy as he explained this to her. He was very happy to not have to censor his work or ideas around her. "If we continue this argument further, we can see that, even if I didn't write it in these pages, I believe all the words of all men and women should bear the same weight. Especially in important circumstances. Everyone who is involved in an issue should be able to speak their mind with their voices given equal weight as everyone else." He then stopped himself. Although they had a pact to not spread secrets between them around, he was still uncomfortable fully speaking about some of the things that went on in his mind. After all, even the little he had just told her would definitely be considered controversial. He really didn't want to start any problems.
The scholar glanced down at his tome, in all it's beauty, and gave it a light smile. He then looked over at her and closed it softly, "Would you like to read it over? I could use an extra set of eyes to see if I've made any mistakes in my writing or thought process. Plus, getting a second opinion is very important. I do want to archive this work." He handed the book to her, again brushing against her arm ever so slightly. Was that time even on accident? Oh! He didn't know. But, it sent the same electricity through his body and he enjoyed the curious feeling. It was light, happy, and new. Interesting.
Daniil's hazel eyes nearly popped out of her head hearing that Linos had the pleasure of teaching Princess Emilia. Daniil was not as close to her, but she was very familiar with who she was.
Ahhhh so you teach one of my Uncle's conquests. she thought with a smile. The day her uncle met Linos would likely be an interesting one.
She nodded. "But a fallacy nonetheless. she told him. They were sitting so close together that there was very little they could do that would not result in some part of them touching.
When they did finally touch, his arm brushing against hers, a long shiver worked its way down her back and through her body. There was a charge in the air after that. And that confused the dark-haired girl to no end. She had no intention of speaking about the matter to her mother or either sister, but she would need someone to discuss the matter with so she could understand what was happening to her.
Daniil listened, or at least tried too, as he spoke. "And because he is what he is the King would be believed and thus he would be perpetuating a lie."
Daniil watched as Linos closed the Tome, confusion playing across her face. At his question however, that disappeared and was replaced by a smile.
"You'd like me to do that for you? I would be honored to do so." she said softly. She reached over and touched the tome, her fingers brushing his arm along the way as the same shiver appeared as he touched her. The shiver worked through her again.
Was he actually serious? she found herself wondering as her hazel eyes trained on his face. Oh Gods in Heaven help!
Linos smiled, his soft eyes looking from the tome he just handed over to her face. He spoke kindly, "But, of course. You have seemed to pick up the natures of fallacies very quickly. Plus, having the opinion of somebody who isn't a scholar themselves would be crucial for my work. I want it to be readable by those who don't spend most of their waking hours in the Scholeio." He blushed, has he admitted that was where most of his time was actually spent. It was his favorite place in all of Athenia, so why not try to be there as much as he could?
Feeling still strange, yet delighted by being in Daniil's presence, Linos felt his mouth run dry. Maybe it was from the food? He doubted it, it was dry in a much stranger way... As if he were nervous for something, but he didn't feel worried in the slightest. Or, was he? It was such a peculiar feeling. He glanced at the wine he had brought and the two black, glazed clay glasses. He looked at her with a smile, "I'm feeling parched, how about yourself? Would you like some wine?" He picked up the waterskin he had filled with the wine and carefully poured himself a glass. After doing so, he closed the pouch again and propped it against the other cup in case she also wanted some.
Bringing the wine to his lips, he sipped it, soothing the dry tongue that plagued him. He glanced at her, drawing the cup from his face, "This is actually quite enjoyable. I'm happy to have paid a little extra for it." Linos always appreciated the work that went into the food he ate and products he purchased. Mainly because he beleived he could never do it himself. The time people put in to make product... It was amazing. He wished he could learn how to do those things himself. If only he could get over his timidness around strangers and be able to ask them how they excelled at their craft...
He then sighed gently, allowing his body and mind to rest. There were rarely moments where Linos wasn't actively thinking of something, but being here was just the perfect therapy for a busy mind. The slow breeze blew at his hair and the sun warmed his body. It was just a nice day in general. He took another sip of the wine before speaking, "We've talked about my interests for quite a while. How about you? What sort of hobbies do you partake in?" He finished with a patient and kind look as he took his third sip from the black cup.
Daniil smiled at him. I should. she thought. I am a fallacy myself.
"I see. A fresh pair of eyes helps along with someone that sees the world diffently then a scholar would is helpful." she told him.
She reached up and brushed a stray strand of her dark hair out of her face. "Do stop blushing Linos. Its only natural to take pride in something you love."
Unless you are my family. she thought bitterly.
Daniil watched Linos an nodded enthusiastically at his question about being parched. "Yes I am getting thirsty." she told him gently.
She reached for the wine and poured it in her glass and then she took a sip enjoying the wine on her tounge. It was a delightful vintage. It reminded her of something that her uncle might stock at the castle.
"It is delicious. Light in taste." she told him with a smile. She took another sip curled up with him.
His next words elicited a sigh from her and she took another sip of her wine. "I have been trained to play the flute, I think all my sisters can play an instrument as well and my other training has to do with swordplay and horsemanship." she told him softly.
Lino's eyes widened as she mentioned she could play the flute. Of course, he knew that many women of the nobility could play instruments. A lot of the time it was actually required of them. However, it just amazed him to no end that some could play music. Music, to Linos, was one of the most beautiful forms of art. He wished he would be able to hear it everywhere he went. The skill those who played had was just wonderful. He had always wished to play an instrument, but had never bothered to mention it to anybody before. He was much too shy and timid in his youth to want to learn something that would draw attention to him. However, now that he had grown older and was able to handle attention at least better, even if not completely, he most definitely wished to learn. He smiled at her, "That's wonderful that you are able to play the flute. I wish I was able to play as well. Would you play for me some time? And maybe if you wouldn't mind... Teach me a bit of how to play?" His eyes lit up like a child being given a gift. The prospect of learning always excited him. He had passion for learning as many things as he could, but especially music. He only hoped that she would accept his request for at least playing for him sometime even if she did not wish to teach him.
As she spoke of her swordplay and horsemanship Linos gave a smile, "I will be honest with you, I'm not very good at the art of the sword. I was given many lessons in my youth, but I never really was interested in them. I sometimes even hid when it was time for them. He gave a soft chuckle, remembering his childhood. He did not like weaponry or violence in anyway. He felt uncomfortable handling swords, as they were dangerous objects. They could cause death. He gave her a soft, slightly embarrassed smile, "My sister is much better than I am. Not that I really mind, we all have our strengths. It's just not something I admit to others..." His eyes pleaded that she not share that bit of information. It was expected of noble men to be able to handle a sword properly and with dignity. He was trained, so he knew a few things of the art, but it would only be enough to defend himself, and barely that.
Taking another sip of the wine, he glanced at her. His own hazel eyes looked at her's. They were beautiful. Almost like pools of sea, ready to be lost in. He quickly diverted his attention, not wishing to stare and took another sip. It wasn't like this before. Whenever he saw Daniil before he only saw her as one of the family friends. Even when they were children, he would often watch her play with Thalia from afar as he read from a tome. Sure, they always encouraged him to play with them, and he would talk to them, but he hadn't gotten to join in. Yet, she was one of the only people outside his family that he talked to in his youth. But, still, it wasn't the same kind of light he saw her in now.
No, this light was rather radiant now. He felt inclined to take her hand, to feel her touch once more. However, he also felt as if it would be inappropriate. What was he to do? He didn't wish to draw too much attention to his confusion and apparent longing as he took another sip of wine. Why was this so confusing? Feeling the silence was rude, he searched for words to speak, but they all failed to come to him. He glanced back once again in her direction, still searching. What could he say when he felt his head stirring? He looked at something past her head to focus and steady himself. He saw a tree, it's leave blowing in the wind. He then took a second for his chest to settle, his pulse slowing ever so slightly before glancing back at her, "Pardon my silence, Daniil... I just... Umm..." Suddenly, the scholar was at loss for words, as he really didn't quite know what was going on, and his cheeks began to burn red from not only being embarrassed by not knowing what to say but also from the strange feeling that possessed his body.
Daniil chuckle at his expression. "I enjoy it when I can play. With my family, one needs something to do to relax that is more then reading, which is another favorite of mine." she told him.
She smiled, happily relaxed. "You want me to play for you sometime? Of course I will and I can attempt to teach you what I was taught, though I have not ever instructed another." she said with a laugh.
She tilted her head and listened to him and then she returned his smile. "The learning of the sword art was because of my father. I figured if I learned something manly, it would help him cope with the fact that the child he prayed to be born a male, could be just as good as one he prayed so hard for. Unfortunately..... I don't think anything I do would matter to him, though my uncle would rather I be all girl and he is not happy with my choice of path. I will help you with that if you want to learn more." she told him, her fingers dancing on his arm slowly.
"Your sister is very talented indeed." she said with a laugh. "And indeed, though some favor having sons so they fail to see what a daughter cane bring save who they bring to the house via marriage."
Danii met his gaze and held it as long as he held hers and when he looked away she blushed some and found her mind floating back to their much younger years. He was the one that was always reading while she and Thalia played. She and Thalia were much alike she knew and she actually missed Thalia dearly.
As Linos apologized for going quiet she pulled her gaze back to him and smiled. "Do not apologize Linos, it is quite alright, you have much on your mind, and I understand." she said patting his arm.
She was just happy to be spending time with him. It was so relaxing for her and him as well. Uncle Rafi is in for one nice shock when he finds out that I have a man's interest and I did not have to play a fake game to get his attention or chase him either, like he tends to do. she thought with a small smirk playing at her lips. The thought amused her greatly.
Linos, while feeling her touch in the form of patting felt sparks with every second her hand was against his arm. It was almost as if his heart wanted to break out of his chest. His brain melted, something that he thought would never happen. Foggy? That happened. Puzzled? All the time. But completely and utterly liquid from the simple touch of another person? Never. Not until now. As his chest filled with warmth, he gave her a timid smile. He was scared; he was weak; he was entranced.
This woman who promised to play him music, and gods, teach him... This woman who had the most prepossessing visage... This woman who actually took the time to fully listen to his ideas... She was beautiful: inside and out. The emotions which captivated every inch of Linos's body placed only one thought in his head. One flawless, amazing scenario.
Kiss her.
It was then that he felt his body tense as it snapped him back to reality. He was surely losing himself from being around her. But, was it bad? It almost felt as if he was diving into another tome, yet this time it was a person. Was he... falling for her? He had no idea. Linos had no concept of love. After the many years of reading, writing, and thinking, he hadn't time to experience the true enchanting nature of love. Nobody had bothered to give him the time of day. Yet, the way he was easily able to open up to her and the way she would keep their private conversations between them... The way she didn't judge his ideas... It was just all so attractive. Nothing was out of place.
But still, he wasn't sure. He didn't know. Attraction was foreign. Naive to the ways of love and lust, Linos had no idea how to handle his feelings. He didn't even know what they were exactly, but he did like them. He wanted to keep them.
Carefully, he took her hand, feeling the energy pour through him. His face turned a good shade of pink as he licked his lips, thinking carefully, "Daniil..." He glanced down, then back at her, "Whenever you place your hand upon me, I feel..." He paused, rightfully embarrassed and confused, but he needed to figure out what was happening. "...Like I don't want your touch to leave, even if it so gentle. It makes me feel as if I'm being tickled by feathers." His blush deepened. It was such an embarrassing thing to admit. "Do you feel anything similar?" He hoped to get to the bottom of this. It would drive him insane, but it was almost as if he was okay with that.
Closing his eyes, Linos knew he had to change the subject. He took a staggered breath, calming himself, but still holding onto her hand. He never wished to let go. Upon opening his eyes, he gazed into hers, "I'm going to be departing on a trip soon. My sister and I had found a scroll that leads to a treasure of knowledge..." He glanced away from her, hoping to settle his fluttering heart. However it was to no avail because as soon as his gaze returned it started once more. Why must this suddenly put him into such a tizzy? "...And, I do not wish to leave you, for some reason. Even if it be temporary... Would you wish to come with us?" He gave her a sheepish smile at the end of his invitation. She was so lovely... So very lovely...
Daniil shivered again. What was it about Linos that sent her body to feeling like an iceberg that was slowly melting due to heat? She was confused by the pull and the emotions that ran through her. Was this what it was like to have feelings for a man? The kind that could lead to marriage? she wondered idly as she watched Linos, her head tilting to the side.
Of course there was Balius, her House Champion. Being around him was like standing inside a volcano. He was devoted to her and to the House, but even though he made the world heat up, he was below her station and there would be no chances in Hades of her Uncle allowing them to have any kind of a relationship outside of the clearly defined one of bodyguard, teacher, and comrade.
Her temperature rose at the moment but it was not clear if it was because of her current train of thought or if it was her closeness to Linos that had set it into motion. She felt his body tense next to her and was suddenly alert, though her fingers still traced lazy designs on his arm.
He took her had. She loved hearing him speak her name. She turned to face him in time to see him lick his lips. You're are nervous Linos. I wonder what about.
She smiled at his words and allowed the hand that was on his arm to trail up it in a feather soft touch. "You mean like this?" she asked him in her most innocent tone.
She blinked and then tossed her head back to laugh. He was blushing. She made him blush. Sweet Aphrodite! Uncle would spit his wine if he knew. I intend on making him do just that! she thought amused.
Giving him her attention she blushed and then said softly, "Yes.
She took a breath and then blinked as he changed the topic of discussion. Now that was a fast change if she ever saw one and she thought the men in her family were the sole masters of that skill.
"Oh? Where to? Tell me more about this scroll? How is your sister? I do hope that life is treating her well." she said. She looked him in the eye and nodded "Yes I would for I don't want you gone from me for any longer then needful and I do not see why my Uncle and Grandfather should be the only members of our family that travel when the whim suits them." she said softly returning his smile.
Feeling her run her hand up his arm warmed his chest and reddened his blush. It was almost as if his body was full of rivers that traveled down each and every inch of his body. They were roaring and the water would be moving at such a speed that nobody would cross, if the river were to be real. It just felt as if he was light and heavy, warm and cold... It was surreal. But it was truly enjoyable.
At the moment she answered affirmatively, that she also felt the same way as he, Linos didn't know why but he felt incredibly happy. It was almost as if all the worries and fears in his life were washed away, replaced with a personal ball of sunshine that he hoped never would leave. The excitement of the moment meant that he couldn't keep himself from smiling much more widely than normal. It was as if never ending joy was taking over every cell that made up his body, from his bones, through his flesh, and trickling across his skin.
As they moved onto the topic of his sabbatical, Linos kept her hand in his, feeling ever so motivated by it's presence there. As she shared the same feelings about not wanting to be apart from one another, he felt the heat of his body rise ever so slightly. It was a comfortable warmth, as if he was in bed about to fall asleep or sitting near a fire. It was sweet, kind, and inviting.
"The scroll speaks of a treasure of all knowledge to ever exist. However, it isn't just one. There are many scrolls. This one only leads to the next one. For that, Daniil, is in Colchis. I shall be departing after my current familial obligations are taken care of," he spoke lightly, a soft smile woven into his lips. His eyes wandered over her face as he spoke, feeling slightly intoxicated now by his newfound beauty in her.
"Haven't you heard? Thalia has been returned from her... absence," he didn't wish to speak so much on such a difficult matter, and in turn ruining the mood. However, he was so happy to have his sister back, especially after he had lost her for so long. He never thought he'd see her again, but she had been returned safely. That was all he could ask for at that point.
Suddenly, wind blew over top the cliffs, allowing the trees branches to sway softly, the leaves brushing against one another. In doing so, Linos noticed the wind had carried Daniil's hair into her lovely face. While unsure whether he should, Linos took the chance to lightly brush his fingers against her cheek and behind her ear, taking all blown away strands with them. However, once his fingers met with the majority of her hair, behind her ear, he paused, looking into her eyes.
Kiss her.
There were those words again, pouring over his thoughts. He gazed into her eyes; her beautiful, amazing, flawless eyes. His hand still behind her ear, he froze, completely overwhelmed with emotion in a way he had never felt before. He felt his lips part, remaining agape, ever so slightly, as his breathing slowed, lightened, and became more staggered. His other hand still was interlocked with hers, as he lightly tightened his grasp, never wanting to let go. He felt his eyes trail from her hazel eyes of gold down to her lips, throwing his brain into a tizzy. He was speechless, completely silent, and nervous all in one. It was the most curious of emotions.
Daniil watched him her smile growing slowly. I wonder if I look that way whenever someone mentions him to me? He looks so adorable. she bit her lower lip and then licked them, realizing just how dry they were. Her hazel eyes never left his face.
You need to spur on this pony if you want that ride Daniil. Uncle Rafi would tell you that the longer you drag your feet the more chance you're going to loose your nerve. she tells herself as she contemplated her next move. She could either be the chaste virgin that they all thought she was, or she could take a page out of the family's dirty little secret pile and dive into the pool with her eyes wide open.
She kept tracing images on Linos' arm with her one hand and holing his other as she silently debated the future. Around the pair birds flew and sung, a cat played every so often, and there was the constant rolling of the waves on the beach below them. The place was perfect and beautiful. She was pretty sue that no one would cross them, or at least she hoped so.
"You have a beautiful smile Linos." she told him softly. She stopped tracing on his arm and lifted the hand to brush against his dark hair. It was so soft. I could touch it forever. she thought.
She kept playing with his hair as he told her about the trip. "So its a treasure hunt of sorts? Where did you find the first scroll? And how long will that be? I will need to arrange for the trip if I am to accompany you, and find a way to get Uncle to let me go with you. He dislikes boats so." she said softly.
She blinked at hearing that Thalia was returned home. She was happy to hear that and could not wait to see her long time friend, but there was time to talk of it later. Daniil was on a mission and quest of her own and with the help of Lady Aphrodite, she would succeed in this mission.
Out of nowhere the wind picked up and began to blow. The hair not kept in place by the plait blew loose and into her face. Her heart stopped as Linos reached out and stroked her cheek and softly stroked her skin as he brushed the strands out of the way. Her eyes closed reflexively at his touch and her heart began to beat quickly, like a bird struggling to fly. Slowly her breathing started moving in flow with her heartbeat ant it began to heat up around her.
"Mmmmm." she purred out softly. "Don't stop Linos." Her eyes opened and his expression was all it took for her to decide then and thee that it was time an she leaned in to kiss him. Gently at first, as if she were testing the waters, and then slowly with more demand. She would walk away from this meeting knowing that he was totally and utterly hers. Come what may they would do it together. As one.
Uncle Rafi can like it or not. I care not at this moment. This is our time and our path.she thought as she kept kissing him an her hands slowly worked their way through his hair.
Daniil was warm. Linos felt her warmth as he looped his thumb around her hair, feeling her touch against his arm, ever so still. It was heavenly. The sound of the soft breeze through the trees and rolling waves beneath put him at ease. It was so quiet, so far away from others. Just them. He sat there, still frozen by nerves. Was it really time? Was it okay? Should he... He slowly started to lean in, then stopped, nervous for the repercussions. However, her soft voice echoed through his head.
"Don't stop, Linos."
There wasn't even enough time for him to comply as he saw her getting ever so close to his face. His heart stopped in place. Every second felt like a year until he felt her soft lips placed onto his. It was a delicate kiss, patient and kind. He felt himself melt into her as he felt his eyes become heavy and slowly close, moving his hand from behind her ear to around her head, in her hair.
It was magical. It felt as if there was a fire spreading from his mouth all the way through his body, keeping him warm. The breeze felt cool against his skin which was burning from having been kissed. He was surprised this was even happening to him. He felt his heart pound so hard in his chest that he was sure it would escape.
Soon, he felt the kiss deepen and he was unsure of how to proceed, so he just followed suit to her lead. His hand moved from her hair, trailing down her neck and rested on her shoulder so he could keep a soft grip not only on her, but himself. He attempted to breathe through his nose, but with everything in his body intensifying, he felt himself struggling for oxygen and he slowly parted himself from their kiss, panting for air.
By this time, his face had turned completely red, his blush deeper than it had ever been before. He looked at her, only wanting to go back in for more, but he looked at her. "You're beautiful." It was a simple sentence stated through a breathy smile, but he meant it. He saw Daniil as not only beautiful in looks, but she had such a wonderful personality as well. The fact that she listened to him and didn't judge him only made her more attractive in his eyes.
It was then that he gasped for air before leaning in once more, this time placing his lips against hers. He moved her hand that he was holding to intertwine their fingers and slowly brought his hand that was on her should down her her arm. He sipped on her lips, taking his time to build up to a deeper kiss. As he became more passionate, he brought himself closer to her, wanting to be as close as he could. He wanted to feel her body against his, her skin against his, her pulse against his. In doing so, however, he had accidentally pushed himself too far, losing his balance, falling forward into her, only catching himself with his forearms against the cloth beneath them. As the fall had broken the kiss, he blushed, and let out an awkward chuckle. In a whisper he said, "Aha... I'm sorry about that..." He paused a second, thinking he should get up, but looked at her lying against the cloth. The sun made her eyes sparkle at this angle. His heart pounded harder and faster as he pulled, once more, strands of hair out of her face. "You look so lovely like this." He knew that it was only the light reflecting in certain ways that made her eyes shine in such a way, but it didn't matter. Shining light never looked so perfect.
Daniil blinked a bit of surprise at his hesitation. It had to be nerves. Her own slowly began to register. What if you ask Uncle Rafi to consider Linos and he says no? If you follow what you feel and you end up no longer being the chaste maiden that your elders believe you to be? What if you end up with a child? Can you handle all that? the ideas were floating around in her mind like the wind when it would pick up the fallen leaves in a storm.
If she gave in to what she was feeling there would be consequences, one of which likely, was having either Pavlos or Rafail, flaying her alive for her behavior, though she was betting on that coming from her father more then her uncle.
She was not even sure how long the kiss lasted once it started. Her hands played like snakes in Linos hair and then move down to trace designs at the nape of his neck. She felt his hands in her hair, the plait loosening as he did so, and then follow a similar trail down her neck. She shivered in response at how light his touch was on her, even though the fabric of her gown. There was no denying that it did not feel good, It felt like heaven.
Slowly she pulled back and broke the kiss, her heart beating like a drum during a dance and her breath coming out in quick little puffs. Her hazel eyes trailed over his face as the wind brushed against her skin. It was cool against the heat on her face.
She smiled slowly. and then her eyes slowly slid closed as he moved to kiss her again. She felt him intertwining their fingers of one hand and his other hand moved down her arm sending move shivers through her nerves. As the kiss deepened she felt him shit his body to close the space between them.
Surprise slammed into her as he lost his balance, though he did not immediately break the kiss. The fall did that as well as he pain that went through her from the moment that her back hit the ground. She took a breath or two and watched him. She noticed that his face was red, likely with embaressment. His voice when he spoke was soft, almost as if he did not want to break the magic of the moment. She took that moment to look around and smiled though her back was still protesting.
Her breathing slowly began to come back to normal as she heard him apologize. She made no attempts to get up. Instead she looked at his face and enjoyed his expression and the blushing. He did a good deal of that. she mused as she shifted her head so that the sun was not shining in her eyes."Its alright. she said softly.
She could hear either his heartbeat, or was that hers, that sounded like a massive drum being beat on. She watched him, unable to move, as he reached down to brush hair strands out of her eyes. As his words, now was her time to blush and she did so deeply. Only one other man had ever called her beautiful. A pang of guilt moved through her as thoughts of her times with Balius danced through her mind and then they were gone just as quickly.
She blushed at his compliment and then she whispered. "Thank You." she whispered.