Unlike her sisters, Evras was not a very vivacious woman. Nethis was known for being cunning and intelligent, outstanding in the courts and seductive to boot. Thea, while just as quiet as Evras, had her own brand of silence, a mysterious aura surrounding her that Evras would never be able to achieve. Yet what her other sisters did not have, was the wide, striking eyes that appeared to stare deep into one's soul - and that was exactly what Nethis had hoped to use when she had approached Evras earlier that day.
"Tis a rare time for a travelling troupe of performers to visit us here in Colchis. And the royal family will be in audience. Go and find them."
Her sister had been obvious in her wishes - Nethis had failed in her ploy to gain the crown prince's eyes, and the eldest had decided to send the youngest out to see if Evras's natural beauty could help. The only thing Nethis forgot to account for, was Evras's dislike for crowds and how she did not have the natural eye for seduction, at least not the way Nethis did.
Following Thea's lead into the Agora where the markets have been closed to prepare for the performance that the performing troupe was going to do, it is of no surprise that most people in Colchis seemed to be in attendance. With people of all ages, the flat area which usually function as a marketplace was decked out in banners and streamers in the dying light of the day. Sconces were put up and lit to provide more embers as the sun returned to its resting spot, and the jovial atmosphere was palpable, a rare sight in a Colchian island.
Dressed in a ruby red silk chiton, the sensual color was one picked out by Nethis specifically for the younger Thanasi, but it served well in accentuating her pale skin and strikingly clear eyes, as they wandered the Agora in search of familiar faces. Her hair was left loose, with a small circlet braided to the top of her head and secured with pins. The chiton itself clung to her skin, with just enough to showcase the curves, yet loose enough to not be considered indecent. Next to Thea, Evras posed a striking figure indeed, especially with her naturally red lips that was slightly agape as she took in the din of the marketplace.
Making her way through the crowds of people to where stands had been set up, it was no surprise that Thea had slipped off, her being a patron of the arts, to perhaps see some of her familiars. Left to her own devices, Evras suddenly found herself at a loss, her eyes wandering to find a seat - when it settled on a familiar, striking figure.
Prince Zanon of Kotas, a man that needed no introduction. While Nethis had perhaps, imagined her going for the crown prince himself, the reputation of Prince Vangelis precedes him, and Evras had no wish to make an audience with someone others called a Stone Prince. But more then that, as her eyes settled on the second brother, Evras found herself unable to tear her eyes away, mildly frozen in time, hands gripping the front of her chiton, before sense came crashing back into her. From a distance, had their eyes met, Evras would instinctively do a small curtsy in respect, separated by the oceans of people as they were. No voice would carry, but that small gesture was one that was necessitated by his status in the hierarchy - that, and it was obvious Evras had been staring. For Zanon of Kotas cut a handsome figure in the crowds, and Evras was rightfully enchanted.
This was the sort of day he enjoyed the most. Surrounded by family and friends, and beautiful women that seemed to be appearing from the woodwork to speak with them, Zanon of Kotas was living the best life he could. They had returned victorious from the latest battle, and with the arrival of the troupe of players there was nothing to do but eat, drink, and be merry. Zan had been speaking with a particularly intriguing young woman of late, a lady who's name he had forgotten a goblet ago but who's red hair was stunning enough to warrant his attention, but the hiss she gave at the sight of some new arrivals drew his gaze.
Ah, the Thanasi family had arrived then. They were not a family he had given much thought or eyes to, the elder sisters were constantly trying to ensnare his older brother and as his redheaded companion was whispering there were rumors that they were a coven of witches. A fact that Zanon laughed off as he twirled a lock of red curl around his finger, leaning close to whisper in his new friend's ear. And then he saw her.
Never in his life had he ever believed in love at first sight. But then again he'd never seen eyes like hers before.
"And who is that?"
The woman beside him rolled her eyes with a bit of a nervous fuss as she caught where his gaze had landed, but she answered, bitterly he noted, and crossed her arms.
"Another witch, the youngest Thanasi. Evras."
Zanon nodded, only half hearing what she said as the girl across the way dipped into a curtsy. Their eyes had been locked for a long moment now and he smiled as she stood straight once more, crossing through the crowd as if in a trance. For all the entertainment the redhead could have provided him, there was something about this Evras that he had to know, had to speak with her. Why he had never noticed her before was entirely beyond him, but now that he had seen he he had no intentions of letting her get away.
"My lady Evras. I have never before seen such beauty in our courts. Why have you been hiding from me for so long?"
With the performances for the night about to start, people were quickly making their way to their seats, the excitement for the show to start quite palpable in the air. It was a rare sight for commoners and nobles to be together, but the people of Colchis had always been one that never really segregated themselves - more concerned with work and duties then hierarchy and rank. The Thanasi family were, perhaps, one of the few who did. It was why Mihail had deigned the event unworthy of his presence.
But Evras had been strongly encouraged to attend with Thea. Her second sister had always been a patron of the arts, so it was no surprise that she would. It was Nethis however, that had more or less pushed Evras to attend with Thea, stating that the royal family would send at least one representative to watch the games - and Evras had to be there.
As she broke her eye contact to pick her way through the stands, it is of no surprise that people cut her a wide berth once they recognized who she was, for the few who did. There was no secret that the Thanasi family were a mysterious lot, but even more whispered on the witchey heritage behind the sisters. While she did not know the whole truth behind it (for her eldest sister had her own agenda that Evras rarely questioned), Evras knew that Thea and herself merely dabbled in herbs and plants - both the medicinal and poisonous type.
Yet loyalty to her family declared that she said nothing to deflect those rumors, so they left it as that.
In a way, it came in handy in times such as these, when she needed to find her way through the crowds. Yet before Evras could move further up the steps however, a voice that called her name stilled her steps. Surprised, the lady turned, and when her striking blue-green eyes landed on the exact same, handsome figure she had glimpsed across the arena, Evras could've sworn her breathe stopped. It was as if everything around her muted, leaving Zanon in bright focus.
The ringing in her ear dulled a few seconds into him speaking, enough for sense to bowl Evras over and remind her to not stand there gaping like a fool, and she quickly grasped her senses, and bent her knees in a shallow curtsy of respect. "Prince Zanon, I am honored by your compliment." A small smile touched her lips, as she levelled her gaze with his again, the type of confidence more of a trained habit then a natural thing, a result of being born a daughter from a noble family in Colchis. "Perhaps the Fates only deigned us to meet today... for reasons we may not know."
"Papa wants one of us there, Evras. The royal family is a catch, and you know it."
Nethis's words rang in her ear. And Evras knew that if Thea, or any of their servants, reported to her elder sister that she had the chance to speak to the second prince and let that chance slip by, Nethis would have plenty to say to her, and none of it nice. With those thoughts in her mind, she turned her eyes to meet Zanon's again, the hint of a laugh bubbling under the clear gaze. "May I be so bold as to question if you've got yourself a seat, my prince? I..." she gazed around at the stands and seats which were filling up steadily, leaving them with the seats at the back, shadowy alcoves which made the show harder to see, yet many chose there for... other, more specific purposes. "I seem to be a little late to be getting the best seats." she finished with a little wry smile.
Zanon grinned at her curtsy and smile, the expression bringing a brightness to her already stunning features. There was a boldness in her gaze as well, something he couldn't put his finger on but oh he was already making plans to try to. For all of the flowers growing in the Colchian court, there was something to her that was intoxicating, and he hadn't even touched her yet, just the mere presence of her had utterly caught his attention and everyone else somehow seemed to pale in her wake. Even her formidable and beautiful sisters didn't hold the same sway.
"Then I shall have to thank the Fates for finally intervening."
He waved a hand as one of his companions from before approached to guide him to their seats, the theatre could wait. Most of his companions gave shrugs and continued on their way, a few laughing or grinning at the thought of the prince trying to seduce yet another. There were still others around them though who threw concerned looks at the thought of leaving him alone with a girl rumored to be a witch along with her sisters. One guard remained a safe distance as was protocol, carefully trying not to stare directly at them while remaining with a watchful gaze.
"I had thought to join my fellows, but I believe I have found better company. The view before me seems far better than any a theatre could produce. Might I escort you to your seat?"
Evras blushed involuntarily, someone not used to receiving praise. In her family, Nethis had always been highly praised by their father for her wiles, wit and seduction that worked well in court, and Thea held sway when it came to the herbs and stuff that her family held in high regard. Her brothers were prized for their ability to take over the House upon her father's death, but her? Evras was just Evras, beautiful and enchanting, but... otherwise quite useless in the House of Thanasi.
But for the first time, Evras felt different under the young prince's gaze. Despite their ages, she felt a rush to her cheeks, the heat building on the surface of her skin at his words which brought a thrill to her more then any touch he could offer her. The Fates? Probably she would have to thank them to, at this point. When Nethis had brought him up, she had never given Zanon much though, always having known him as the 'second prince'. At least not until she properly laid her eyes on him now.
When his companions drifted nearer, a part of Evras's heart sunk. He was part of the royal family, of course he would have his own seat. Yet when he denied them, shaking them away, Evras's eyes widened in surprise as he turned to her with a cheerful word.
Caught by surprise, the girl paused before her senses managed to catch up to her brain, and she managed to successfully resist stuttering by nodding. "I am... honored, my prince. My seats would be nowhere near a wonderful as yours." She commented, as she picked up the silken material of her chiton, and began to pick her way to the back of the stands, where the remainder of the seats were. With a careful eye, she managed to avoid stumbling in the darkened arcus, and managed to find a seat in a shadowed alcove, a bench not occupied by anyone else. Taking a seat just as the bugle signalled the beginning of the performance, Evras turned to the young prince, and patted the seat next to her, giving him a smile.
"Do you visit the theatres often? Are you a patron of the arts?"
"That matters not, I can visit the theatre any time I wish, but to spend my time with such a fair lady may not always be so easily attained."
Zanon allowed her to make the first move, following just slightly behind and to the side as she guided them to the seats that were far worse for viewing the show below, but perfectly suited to his desires. As they walked, he took the opportunity it allowed him to appreciate the Lady Evras as she moved, her chiton showing just enough of her form and looking so very soft he ached to touch. The near stumble offered him opportunity, and Zan reached out to steady her with a firm grip on her upper arm, sliding his hand down to find her own and keeping it in his grasp as long as she allowed it.
Looking over to her, he couldn't keep the smile from his face at the intimate touch, releasing her hand and bowing as she took her place and following as she gestured to where he should sit. Leaning back slightly, he looked out over the theatre below them and took it in for a moment before he answered her question.
"Not as often as I should, my lady. I find it is something lacking from my life, though I would be eager to become a patron. Are you yourself?"
He turned to her once more, that smile still perched upon his lips as he tried to keep his gaze from wandering away from her eyes, falling upon her lips and then lower to her chest before he righted himself once more. When he focused, he wondered how he could ever look anywhere else when her eyes could be met. It was entrancing, as if he was fully captured by her stare.
She knew of such sweet nothings, of course. Nethis told her of them all the time, regaling her with tales from court, the jewelry, flowers and gifts from courtiers that her eldest sister was courting and seducing with her wiles. Never had she though however, that she would be on the receiving end of it herself. And neither did she think she would enjoy it to this degree. In a way, Evras was begining to see why Nethis enjoyed her role in court.
When he caught her under her arm, and then slid down tofind her hand, Evras had started, shooting a surprised look at the prince. But the way her heart tripped against itself made her smile, and Evras couldn't help but hide a smile, as she allowed his fingers to twine with his, leading him to the seat she had spied earlier, keeping the hold until they were seated.
His voice now closer to her ear with the proximity of which they sat, Evras found herself acutely aware of Zanon and his presence next to her, seeing more then feeling how his thighs rested with only a hairs breadth apart from hers. If she laid her fingers down on the bench between them, he could easily cover hers with a pair of hands larger then hers that she held in her grasp earlier.
The smile that he gave her was electrifying, and she found herself giving a shy smile again, her lashes shading her eyes. "My sister, Thea is. I am... interested? But I do not come here as often as she does." Craning her neck a little to peer at the arena, she could see the crowd's attention enraptured by the flying trapeze in air. Of course, their seats were no good for watching, but Evras found she held little interest for the performances for the night. "She says I have much to learn from being here though. Nethis said the same." lowering her fingers to her lap, she rested them on the red silks as she continued. "Perhaps... we could visit them more often? Together?"
In a way, Evras had the boldness that the House of Thanasi was known for. But unlike her sisters, Evras's boldness was underlined with a faint sense of shy uncertainty, even as she looked up just in time to catch his gaze. Her pale, blue-green eyes danced in the flickering fire of the big tent, keeping his gaze until the intensity of which forced her to drop it, her heart racing in her chest.
"I should like that very much. I believe we could learn many things here...together."
The show could have been throwing flames through the air and brought sirens from the seas to tempt them and he still would not have noticed. Everything seemed to pale in comparison to her gaze, and he could not look away, reaching blindly instead for her hand and lifting it to his lips, brushing the stubble of his chin against her palm as he kissed each of her fingertips, still watching her as her eyes dropped away. Zanon grinned at her, the boldness it seemed did not always extend before her, and he found the shyness absolutely entrancing. Unlike every other woman he met, it seemed, who was so bold and open in exactly what she wanted from him, the Thanasi beauty was different.
Bringing her hand gently to his chest, Zan leaned over to speak into her ear, turning so that his lips just brushed the soft skin of her cheek as he did so.
The way he said it, the husky tone which underlined the way he accepted her invitation to return to the circus made her heart pound, racing madly against time, as there now seem to be a lack of blood in her system, from how quickly she found herself breathing. When she felt him reach for her fingers, Evras instinctively bit her lip, a shiver running up her hands where his stubble brushed her, and the soft touch of his lips elicited an electrical energy crackling along the surface of her skin.
It was a slow seduction, as if one had to fan the flames to its brightest. Despite Evras trying to recall what Nethis had once taught her on seduction, she simply could not remember more then 'smile'... and that was hard at all. The Prince Zanon could elicit a smile from the pale-skinned Thanasi with a simple word, in that tone that Evras now found made her warm in places she didn't know possible.
Nethis would be overjoyed, should she have been around to witness this. Yet, if one should ask, Evras's actions since the time he had smiled at her when he grasped her hands as she stumbled through the stands, was not at all motivated by her sister's encouragements to go after the second prince of the royal family in Colchis. And everything to do with how enchanted he made her feel.
Gazing at him from downcasted eyes when he placed her hands on his chest, Evras found her cheeks warming when she felt the heat through his chiton, the material thin enough for her to almost feel his heartbeat. Was this how hers was? Was it quicker? Did she effect him as much as he did to her? Gulping, her fingers splayed on his chest as she nodded shyly.
The next thing she knew, she found herself yanked in by the grip he had on her wrist, as their lips met in a heated manner, the kind which Evras had never experienced. She had been kissed before of course, being a beautiful woman in court. But it was of the slobbery kind, wet and messy, an occasion Evras had no wish to revisit. With Zanon however... it was a whole different manner in entirety. She had froze in the first few seconds, uncertain of how to believe, but as he slanted his lips over hers, his warm breathe ghosting over her lips, Evras found herself instinctively responding by moving her lips in time with his, her hands dropping from his chest to rest on his thigh, as her other reached forward, as if she could not get enough of the second prince.
Her nod was all he needed before surging forward and drawing her against him. The hand on her wrist dropped, allowing her to guide her own hands from here, and instead slid along her cheek and through her hair, gently cupping her against him as the other wrapped around her waist. Was he being a fool? Kissing a woman he'd just met in the shadowy corners of the arcus, allowing his body to move independent of his mind and sense for once felt foolish, but far too good to put any sort of stop to. Evras of Thanasi had never before crossed his path in such a way, and now that she had his notice he had no intention of letting her escape it again.
The small hand upon his thigh drew a hum from the prince, and he gently wrapped a strand of her inky black hair around his fingers, feeling the softness and breathing in the perfume that seemed to surround her, even if it was just her scent. His own heart was no doubt beating wildly beneath his chiton, and he leaned back against one of the pillars for support, drawing her with him while trying to keep their lips together. She kissed like one who had never been properly kissed before, not to say she was entirely innocent, but that perhaps this Thanasi was not so thoroughly...wanton as the others. It was a thrilling thought.
A cheer from the crowd at one particularly impressive feat brought Zanon back down to reality as he paused the motion of their lips, taking deep breaths to compensate for what had been shallow gasps moments ago. Keeping his hands along her, he smiled with lips slightly swollen and with the arm about her waist drew her even closer if it were possible, close enough that the heat of her warmed him, and without the fabric keeping them modest would have brought their skin together.
"Propriety dictates we must remain throughout the performance...but I would see more of you after this, my lady."
Her body went with him, as if they were two magnets attracted to each other. She could feel his touch gliding across the surface of her skin, the heat that sizzled between the two serving only to make her bolder then she's ever been. If Nethis could see, she would be proud of whom she thought had been her too-shy youngest sister. But Evras had no intention of divulging what had happened tonight to her sister, and she thanked the Gods that their alcove was hidden from prying eyes. She would tell them they crossed paths, but nothing more.
He tasted musky and wild, all man and naught of the courtiers whom had stolen kisses from the young Evras of Thanasi when she attended functions with her family. The girl is a beauty, that is of no doubt. There were no end of males waiting for her attention - the kind of attention she only reluctantly gave, earning her a title that was not dissimilar to what one could call an ice princess.
Yet with the second prince, it seemed all he needed was a smile that melted her defenses, and Evras - while horrified at how wonton she suddenly was acting - could not deny that she relished the heat they shared, the rush that came with keeping it a secret. Any closer now, and Evras would almost be dragged into his lap at this point, but despite the indecency of their position, the girl found herself unwilling to drag her lips away from his.
The loud cheer brought reality crashing down on them, and when he paused and pulled away, Evras's breathe came in gasps, obvious that the kiss had taken her breathe away, cliche as it may sound. Her hands now rested on his thighs, and redness bloomed in her cheeks, made even more obvious due to her pale complexion. When he drew her closer, Evras's eyes averted themselves instinctively from maidenly shyness, yet the smile that played on her lips said otherwise, that she had enjoyed their brief exchange indeed, and was still enjoying how close they now sat, skin to skin if not for their clothings.
His words made her smile, her gaze flickering to briefly meet his. "I would be... most delighted to make more of your acquaintence, my prince." she murmured in response, shifting so they now could focus on the performance. As much as she mourned the loss of contact from him, the rest of the arcus show went on with brief words from her to him commenting on either or performances, low whispers that perhaps had her breathe ghosting across his ears, but was kept otherwise innocent.
When the performances ended for the night, amongst the hustle of the crowds leaving, Evras stood and gave a small curtsy to Zanon, the smile playing on her lips knowing and eager, only slightly tempered with nerves. "I have to take my leave now, my prince. But perhaps... I'll hear from you soon?" she asked in curiosity, her fingers twining in front of her that betrayed the way her heart pounded wildly in her chest.
Zanon sat by her side throughout the rest of the performance, a hand still creeping over to hold one of hers and rest lightly against her thigh. The tips of his fingers slowly traced along her leg through the fabric of her chiton though he kept a straight face, leaning in and chuckling lowly at her whispers and giving back as good as he got. By the time the show had ended he had no desire whatsoever to let go of her, and it felt as if every nerve of his was on edge with desire.
He stood and adjusted the cloak he wore over his shoulder to discreetly cover himself as they made their way up to the rest of the crowd. He would have to find the remainder of his companions soon and return to the palace, but he found himself loathe to leave her side even for a moment. Lifting her hand once more to his lips, he placed a kiss on the back of it, disappointed as she made her excuses to leave.
"If you must, my lady. Will you not accompany me? There is a small gathering at my home tonight, to continue the festivities. I would be happy to escort you back to your family home when the night comes to an end."
Zan waited with baited breath, hoping beyond hope that she would agree to come with him. Of course, being the noble lady of high status that she was, perhaps she would refuse in order to maintain propriety. If that was the case, he was not above the thought of wooing her further. Evras had piqued his interest and it was in no way close to being satisfied.
His words brought a flush to her cheeks, and for what was likely the hundreth time that night, Evras's gaze fell again to her slippers in her modest nature as a young woman, almost unsure of how she should respond. Would her father be angry at her for being so daring as to risk her maidenly reputation by attending a house party thrown by the second prince? At such a last minute notice? Would Nethis be happy?
But she wanted to, and that perhaps was the biggest voice in her head. And something about the young prince's gaze made Evras bolder, more daring, eager to seek out his company if only to find out how and why his touch would bring such a heated feel to her skin, make warmth curl in places she had never thought possible, made her ache for his fingers to remain on hers.
"I am honored, my prince. I-" she paused, her mind in turmoil with the decision she had yet to make. But when her eyes flickered back up to meet Zanon's again under her shaded lids, the decision was quick to make itself. Evras wanted more of him. "If you would wait for me at the entrance, my prince. I will seek out my sister and inform her of my change in plans."
With a small curtsy to show her departure, Evras picked up her ruby red silks of her chiton, and made quick steps, weaving in and out of the crowds of the cirucs, her eyes searching for Thea's slender form. Quick to find the elder Thanasi with her familiar patrons and friends on the edges of the circus, Evras whispered in her sister's ears, blushing when Thea gave her a knowing look, but waved her off.
Quickly, as if she did not want to be apart from him even longer, she hurried to the entrance of the circus, pushing past the heavy tent entrance to be embraced by a chilly night sky. There, her steps froze as the many people milled about, making their way home, conversations exchanged regarding the spectacular performance they had just watched. Evras craned her neck - could he have left? Perhaps she had misread the signs, and he was just being polite as he invited her to the party. Was she too much in her head?
So distracted was she in her own thoughts and mind, that she didn't even notice when a particularly large group of people approached her. With her standing on her tip toes, attention diverted to look for the handsome face which had completely snared her attention, the small bump by a larger man had Evras falling over before she knew it, destined for her bottom and palms to meet gravel and ground if no one were to step in.
He could feel the disappointment creeping in as she started to make an excuse. Perhaps he had misread their interactions in the hidden corners of the theatre, or she was more modest than he had hoped. At her request though he nodded, a bloom of hope returning as he moved toward the entrance to await her where she had said. Zanon tried to keep an eye on her but lost her in the crush of people, deciding to give her a moment to return to him before making his way back to the palace. If she was simply trying to make an excuse to get away from him there was no need for him to spend too long waiting.
Zan was just about ready to leave, pulling himself from the wall and nodding to a companion of his across the room, stepping out to join him when a blur of red that he had memorized beneath his fingers during the performance. As Evras tumbled backwards, the prince reached out and caught her gallantly though not without some extreme awkwardness. Hefting her up, Zanon adjusted his hold under her knees and shoulders, bodies rather pressed together as he held her close with a grin. He would take any excuse to stay close to her.
"My lady, you are perhaps the most graceful of tumblers I have ever seen. I believe the theatre may yet have a place for you."
He winked to show his jest, reluctantly setting her feet back on the ground though keeping an arm around her waist to make sure she maintained stability.
"Has permission been obtained or shall I send a messenger to request a time to call on you at a more appropriate hour?"
Her heart jumped to her throat as she felt, and Evras instinctively squeezed her eyes shut as she fell. What she did not expect, was the sudden warm arms that caught her, around her waist and the next thing she knew, she found herself weightless. Frozen in surprise, the young Thanasi slowly pried her eyes open, and a flush flooded her cheeks when she saw the handsome face of the one she had been looking for peering down at her with a charming grin that utterly stole her breathe.
And then she noticed just how closely he held her to his chest, with her hands that had instinctively caught at his chiton when he caught her.
A shy squeak escaped her, and she bit her lip in embarassment at his words, keeping her hold on his chiton as he set her down. The girl swayed a little, thrown off balance by the change in direction, before she stabilized her balance enough to release her hold. Taking a step back, instinctive as part of her training to be a noble lady, Evras bent a light curtsy while holding her skirts up, a grateful smile flashed at him. "I thank you for your help, my prince. Your quick actions saved me from a painful tumble, as graceful as it may have been. Although I have a feeling you may be biased."
The light twinkle in her eyes showed that she was simply returning her jest, and at his question, she nodded. "My sister will inform my family of my late return today. As long as I will be escorted, Lady Thea did not mind." Her heart bloomed in mild excitement at the prospects the night suddenly laid open for her. What had initially been a night out with her sister, was now suddenly a whole lot more, as she gazed upon the young prince's face.
"I'll follow your lead then, my prince." Evras murmured, stepping closer to slip a hand through his arm, her fingers splaying on the skin. Her ruby red lips were upturned in an eager smile as she fell in step next to the male towards his companions.
"I should like to promise that I will always be about to catch you my lady."
Zanon chuckled and held out his arm for her to take as she curtsied, trying to wave away any formalities. After what had passed between them in the theatre and what he hoped might pass that night there was no need for any of that. As she stepped in place beside him with her cool hands upon his skin he couldn't help but stare down at her for a moment, utterly transfixed by her eyes and her smile, those lips that he ached to kiss again. How could it be they had only just met? It felt as if he had been stung by Eros' arrow and this lust would never be sated.
"This way then, Lady Evras. So long as your family doesn't mind. I promise to guide you home safely."
Perhaps that night, perhaps the next morning. It would depend on how much restraint he could show and how maidenly she behaved. As they walked back to the mansion, Zanon kept up a steady discussion with her and the other companions that fell in along with them, laughing and joking. Tumbling in, he guided them to one of the halls where a light meal had been laid out along with wine, a small group of musicians in the corner playing to keep them all moving and entertained.
He pulled Evras along with him, drawing her over and lifting two goblets of wine from a servant, bowing as he handed one to her.
"To you, my lady. And to the Fates for allowing us to meet."
Zan downed his in one gulp, holding it out to be refilled while not taking his eyes from her. The hand not occupied with a goblet had reached out to trace along her waist, a silent request for her to move closer and not leave his side so long as they could still draw entertainment from one another.
Following his steps as he led the way, she smiled demurely at his companions, replying and responding to their conversation as and when it was fitting. Having received the training all her life, Evras was a star at handling conversations, but she found her attention quite split for the night. Time after time, she found her gaze distracted, flickering back to Zanons as he conversed, enjoying the way he laughed. Was it just her? Or did he actually look even better when he smiled? Her heart did a tumble each time he made a joke, and Evras laughed along as they arrived at his residences.
It wasn't long before the gentle melody of the musicians in the corner greeted them all as they entered the halls in which Zanon had prepared for the small gathering. Her eyes roaming the area, she went along where he pulled her, flickering back only when he offered the wine.
Her fingers curled aroud the stem of the chalice, briefly brushing against his as she received his offering. Evras brought the rim of the liquid to her lips upon his toast, the smile hidden as she took a gulp of the wine to dampen her surprisingly parched throat. "Tis interesting, is it not? We have been in the same circles for so long, yet... I confess, I have yet to formally meet you, my lord. I am honored." she replied, allowing the servant to refill her chalice, even if it was only half consumed.
His hand that trailed down to her waist did not go unnoticed, but Evras allowed it. Like magnet, she moved closer to him, so close a slip of paper could not pass through them, and enjoyed the feel of his arm slipping around her waist as she took another gulp of the wine, feeling the heady sensation of the liquid take ahold of her. She was young yet, her tolerance of alcohol just beginning to build. The flush came easily to her pale cheeks as she turned her eyes to look up at Zanon. "Do you throw these small gatherings often? They seem... quite fun." she murmured, looking over where the party seemed to be happening, and then back at him. "Are you sure I do not keep you from your friends, my lord? They seem to want your company." Evras asked, when she noted a few eyes looking in their direction, a few particularly nasty ones coming from those of her same gender.
”Well met then, I am glad we have been brought into the circles. I hope you intend to stay familiar and not retreat when the evening ends.”
The second goblet of wine in his hand, he looked at the party happening around them. It was so far a standard affair, with food and drink and dancing to entertain the guests invited, and in one dark corner already a couple had paired off to exchange kisses, as most often did. Zanon smiled around at his companions, seeing the glare thrown at Evras by some of the other women and chuckling.
”Fear not, my lady. They have had my company for far longer, and I am far more interested in sharing my time with you.”
He stepped back slightly away from the candlelight, trying to draw her back with him. She looked far too tempting in red, and this light, everything about her seductive seemingly without trying. This time he didn’t ask, seeking a kiss from wine stained lips.
The idea that she would retreat away from him seemed absurd to Evras when he brought it up. Why would she even want to, when everything about the male drawed her in? She shook her head, her dark curls going along with her movement, the soft smile still playing on her lips. "I would not wish so, unless you will me away, my lord." By now, Evras's earlier skittishness was melting away to a child-like playfulness that seemed to make her blue-green eyes shine even brighter whenever she spoke, or when the candle flame's caught in her gaze.
Where his palms lay, it was like an electric tingle on her skin that is under her silken chiton. Watching as the others paired off to laugh, dance, converse and kiss, for the first time, Evras did not feel as if she was the wallflower at a function full of gorgeous ladies. Having always been the less gregarious of her sisters, Evras had gotten used to the attention being given to Nethis or Thea.
This... this was exhilirating.
Laughing as he pulled her to an alcove, Evras did not fight it. Instead, she went willingly, somehow managing to keep her wine from sloshing out of the chalice she held as they stepped away from the candlelight. Without warning this time, his lips descended on hers. Caught by surprise, Evras started, but it did not take long at all for her to melt into the kiss. Her fingers splayed on his chest as she rose on her toes to meet his kiss with equal ardor on her end, meeting lip to lip, shy but slowly opening up to him. Her lips parted softly if he asked, and Evras found herself leaning into his embrace, eager to press the whole length of her body in his, to feed the fire he ignited in her in a place Evras had never known existed before.
The one hand still holding a goblet of wine now felt entirely useless, and he reached blindly for a ledge to set it upon for a moment, still not breaking the contact between them as her lips parted for his. When he finally managed to set it aside he reached back with the hand that had been previously occupied, sliding it through her soft dark locks to cup the back of her neck for support to balance out their height difference, his other hand wrapped around her waist and resting just above the swell of her rear. Tasting the wine on her lips he allowed his tongue to trace along her own as if to savor the flavor, tightening his hand in her hair as a rush of heat flooded through him.
Her hands on his chest, every inch of their bodies that pressed, it set him afire with a need that felt as if it couldn't be extinguished and he only parted their lips when he felt lightheaded from lack of breath. Gazing down into those eyes that were so pale they seemed to hold no color and yet every single color of the world, Zanon simply breathed for a moment before smiling and brushing a strand of hair behind her ear.
"I feel as if I need to know more of you, how can you so enrapture me so soon?"
It was a question that he didn't expect to be answered, and so he brought his lips to hers once more before trailing them slowly along to her ear, allowing his teeth to graze ever so gently against the lobe. Both hands now ran along her waist and down to her hips, holding her close against his own while his mouth searched the expanse of her neck. He ached to tug away the fabric of her chiton at her shoulder, to finally see all that was beneath but even he in this company could not get away with such boldness and not for the first time did he wonder how far her maidenly blushes stretched.
