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Post by Daphne on Jan 18, 2008 12:42:31 GMT -5
A little longer than two weeks Daphne had been on Sea on board of the Athenian ship that brought her and Stratos, together with guards, servants and people to care for the ship to Rome. The wind had not been in their favour for the last couple of days, therefor the journey had lasted a little longer than intended.
Now at last, the shores of the Roman Republic were in sight, green hills wherever you looked, and behind these hills lay the magnificent city of Rome. Daphne, who had spent most of the last two weeks below deck, now went up the steps to get the first glimpse of the land her cousins now inhabit. The wind played with her hair and let it wave partly over her eyes so that she hardly could see, so she wiped the strain of hair out of her face. "Isn't it significant? What a marvellous land. I already like it. The wind makes it cooler than home in Athens." She spoke to Stratos, who stood nearby.
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Stratos
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Messenger of Athens
Posts: 72
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Post by Stratos on Jan 18, 2008 13:09:05 GMT -5
Stratos who had been ordered to follow the queen to Rome, now was upon the deck as the ship they were upon approached. Close nearby the front of the ship he sat, making his sword sharper by an item he had brought. As they were to enter the city of Rome, he believed it would be clever for him to have a weapon ready if needed. Many rumors told that the people who lived there were a brutal and not carrying people, however Daphne he queen seemed to look upon it differently. As she came over to look at the view in front he listened to the words she spoke, cause curious it made him. The hills surely could be seen in distance, and behind them Rome seemed to lay. However he were more interested in spending time with Daphne rather then seeing the city, as in love with her he had been since the first time they meet.
Long had he tried to get her understand how he had felt, but always blind she had been as mostly she cared more about her husband Alcander then seeing how other felt. He thought that maybe at this trip he had the possibility for her to see what he felt, if he could make it so and she would see love in him then it would make him happy even he doubted it ever would succeed."Indeed it is a great sight, though I think we should be aware when we enter as dangerous the city is told to be."Stratos spoke, wanting her not to be to excited as the sight when arriving could be terrible instead even it looked great from distance.
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Post by Daphne on Jan 18, 2008 14:07:43 GMT -5
Daphne finally draw her gaze from the far away land where they were now heading to, and instead to where Stratos sat. She stepped a little closer towards him, not intending anything other than talking more easily to him. "You are right, we should not exclude any possibility of what could happen. But I have sent a letter to my cousins, they should be aware of us coming." She let Stratos know. "Do you really think it could be that dangerous?" She asked on, she wanted to know more of Stratos' thoughts.
The messenger had seemed to closed towards her, or on the other side openhearted. She could not tell what was going on in his mind, or what thoughts he had towards her. She seemed to know him so little, although she had much contact to him in the past days, they often talked but what they talked about was often unimportant small talk, nothing going deeper. She had no idea that Stratos felt more for her than any man would for his beloved Queen, and she never had thought of anything similar possible. Too fixed was she to the thought of her and Alcander belonging together that it did not come in her mind that other men might be interested in her, or other women in Alcander.
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Stratos
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Messenger of Athens
Posts: 72
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Post by Stratos on Jan 18, 2008 17:11:08 GMT -5
"Yes well, whatever may be inside those walls of Rome we should be careful. It would be rather best for us to stop our ship outside their city, sending messengers inside to look for your family who you wish to speak with. That way we would be secure for sure, and the ship we still would be able to live in as long we stay."Stratos suggested, hoping she would accept what he said as often he had explored things others didn't know. He knew Rome from the past, but never had he been there on business as for trade or alliance. However he was there to protect his queen, the woman he loved the most even in secret tried to hide it.
Her company really pleased Stratos as beautiful and kind she always were, however worried he was about her safety when soon they were to enter Roman land. Still the ship they were upon approached the land with easy, though slowly slowed down as closer to land they came, but waiting on the orders of their queen on where to stop as many places around was able for choosing.
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Post by Daphne on Jan 19, 2008 18:40:15 GMT -5
"Yes, I believe you are right, Stratos. Better be careful than have something bad to happen, right? Well, then give orders to the captain, please, and tell him to anchor at the sea's shore, near to where the river Tiber disembogues into the sea. We will do it as you proposed and first will send messengers to find my cousins in Rome." Daphne told Stratos. She was glad to have him with her on this journey, for two minds may think of better possibilities and especially safer options than one might come up with.
"I thank you that you accompanied me on this journey, Stratos." Daphne added, touching his hand shortly while she smiled at him. She meant it as a friendly gesture, opening herself a little towards him, although she was not sure about how he would react. She gave him an order, probably he would go to fullfill it and escape of this situation. She felt that there was something strange between Stratos and herself, but she could not put her finger on what it was that did not fit with them being friends, not close ones, but nonetheless.
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Stratos
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Messenger of Athens
Posts: 72
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Post by Stratos on Jan 20, 2008 9:00:24 GMT -5
Relaxed Stratos watched the queen for a moment, but when she started to speak, he himself stood up more straight and listened carefully to what she said. She indeed were beautiful and the feelings he kept within himself could never be changed, as deep in love he were in his queen. He was glad she agreed to his suggestion, cause dangerous it would be for a lady to her to enter the city of Rome. Much crime and bandits was always inside the city, thought threw out time it seemed to had improved a little. Rome were to become a great city, and maybe one day, a great empire. This was why the Athenians wished an alliance, cause with them danger would not appear for the Greeks. In family Daphne were with some Romans, hopefully it would help making the alliance work.
The words Daphne said were gentle and kind, he loved her voice as much he loved her. Everything about her was great to his eyes, though her husband often made him jealous as time together she and him spent. When she were finished with her first words, and she came closer toward him it made him slightly nervous as never before had he been so close to her. Deeply he watched her into the eyes, as she watched him and like a magical moment they spent time to look at each other. The feelings within him grew larger, though knew he could not do anything. She was his queen, and obeying her he had too. Having his hands in her was something he always had dreamed about, but sad he was cause nothing more it could become."I am glad I can help, my lady. I am your humble servant and will do everything you wish for, cause loyal to you and your husband I am."Stratos spoke with kind word, but sonly turned away his gaze from her as ordering the crew he had. As it was done the ship headed another way, but soon again Stratos went over to were the queen stood.
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Post by Daphne on Jan 21, 2008 16:16:33 GMT -5
While their eyes locked, Daphne saw deep into Stratos eyes. She saw many things there, things that surprised or even alienated. She saw a great passion there, love, although she did not see for whom or what. It was burning like a fire in him, almost burning him inside out. What love could be so overwhelming for him and almost hurtful, she did not fully understand. It confused Daphne, as Stratos' presence mostly did. She liked him, for he was a good friend of her and Alcander, he always had been loyal to Athens and a great help for the royal couple.
Seeing all these emotions in Stratos' eyes made Daphne look away quickly again, she removed her hand from his and so sought more distance between them again. Thanks to him the ship soon changed its course and they headed towards the coasts. In the distance she could make out the Tiber, floating into the Sea. At last she turned back to Stratos and spoke "We are glad to have you, Stratos, my husband and me."
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Stratos
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Messenger of Athens
Posts: 72
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Post by Stratos on Jan 21, 2008 16:41:18 GMT -5
Stratos was captured in the eyes of his queen as she looked upon him, it made him pleased and never did he wish to remove his gaze away from her cause in deep love with her he was. To him she was everything, and he would do whatever she ordered cause trusting her wisdom and act he did. As close they now stood, was closer then ever before and having her like they now stood was something he enjoyed very much. Strong feelings was felt between them, as close they were. Though the mind of his queen seemed to wonder of as silent she got for a moment, it made him wonder but believed it was nice, cause maybe she too started to feel the same he felt for her.
As she turned away quickly to get on other thoughts, the ship approached their new destination and the shore could be seen not far away. However not long afters he turned to look at him again, but when she spoke about her and her husband it made him jealous ones again. He didn't like Alcander as she were together with him, it was her he helped the most and not him. Though as her husband were the king, he had to obey. In return to the words she spoke, he in answer responded."I am glad to be at your service, my lady. Whatever you order, I will obey."He said with a slight smile, wondering if she needed help with something intimate as he wished to be her close. Since they were soon going ashore, she would probably need to change cloths, but if she needed him he would be there to help.
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Post by Daphne on Jan 22, 2008 5:28:43 GMT -5
Daphne hesitated for one moment when Stratos spoke, she knew he was loyal and trustworthy for her and Alcander. However, she had noticed now a change in his expression at her mentioning her husband. He seemed to be unsatisfied and uneasy, as if he did not like her mentioning his name. "Thank you, Stratos, but surely you would do anything my husband would order you as well, wouldn't you? You are the most loyal messenger we could imagine." She asked him, she wanted to make sure that he did not like her more than his king. It startled her for the moment and she was not sure how to go on.
The ship was drawing closer and closer to the shores, until the anchor was dropped and the ship came to a stop soon, close to the near beach. But Daphne did not move right now, she awaited an answer of Stratos before she would order some men to build a small camp of tents for all of them on the shores. Three messengers who were to travel to Rome now and find Felicita's family had made themselves ready to leave and just climbed down the ship and rowed to the shores with a boat. Daphen watched them from above, although she was turned towards Stratos still.
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Stratos
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Messenger of Athens
Posts: 72
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Post by Stratos on Jan 22, 2008 12:24:30 GMT -5
Interested Stratos eyes watched Daphne as close before him she stood, the ship stopped and soon after three were elected to enter Rome, to seek the cousins that lingered in Rome. When his queen then returned in answer, he listened curiously to what she spoke, though nervous he got as personal the question were."I do what I must my lady, its my work to serve you and your king."He said with gentle, not wanting to make her think he didn't like her husband, even he really didn't. Daphne was the woman he loved most of all, however never had he showed her as careful he was with showing the feelings he kept.
If she would figure he was in love with her, it could cause problems as that probably could turn her more against him then drawn closer. With all his heart he loved her, but unsure he was to act in front of her. As the three chosen members of their crew went ashore and toward Rome, the rest started to make camp upon the land they had stopped close to.
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Post by Daphne on Jan 22, 2008 12:37:08 GMT -5
"It is good to hear so, Stratos." Daphne told him with a slight smile. She suddenly felt uncomfortable in his presence and so sought to escape being with him again. Where could she go to have some moments with her again? She decided to retire to her own cabin in the ship, far below deck. "I believe I can leave all responsibility for building the camp on the shores with you? I wish to retire for a couple of minutes, if you don't mind, to gather my strengths again." She excused herself.
Daphne did not really wait for a response of Stratos but left him, smiling at him once more before turning, inclining her head and walking down the steps far into the belly of the large ship where her own cabin was situated. She closed the door behind her, and closed her eyes, breathing slowly a few times. It was way cooler down here than up in the heat of the sun. She enjoyed this change. Daphne moved over to her bed now, lying down for a few moments. In fact, she had felt sick in the past few days. She was sure, it was sea sickness, never before had she been on sea for such a long time. It did not become her well, and often she could not eat anything for breakfast, although she had done anything to hide it.
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Stratos
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Messenger of Athens
Posts: 72
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Post by Stratos on Jan 22, 2008 14:15:57 GMT -5
Gentle Stratos nodded to his queen in answer, thought listened to what more she spoke as she were to leave. He didn't want her to go away, but understood she had too. With a slight smile, he nodded and watched her leave down to her own cabin as the crew had started to work on the camp. Soon nice thoughts came to his mind, as thinking about Daphne he did for a short moment. She were great and he truly loved her, but never had he deared to show it. However as she ordered him to take care of the camp to be made, he so did. Quickly he ordered the people around, telling them what to do as much were to be set for the Romans to come. They were not there to invade, but to discuss alliances.
Minutes later they were finished with the camp, as Stratos had fulfilled his duty that his queen had ordered, he then had to tell the news it was done. With gentle steps he walked on board, until he came down were Daphne`s room lingered in the rooms below the deck. Kindly he knocked on, but waited on her answer before entering.
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Post by Daphne on Jan 22, 2008 15:11:32 GMT -5
Daphne has been lying on the bed, she had felt tired all of a sudden, when she felt a larger wave crush against the ship and shake it from one side to the other. It was nothing serious, but she felt a sudden nausea creep up from her stomach. With all haste she got up from the bed to the nearest pot she could find. She threw up so that tears came to her eyes which turned a little puffy, but her stomach soon was emptied because she hadn't eaten much before.
After Daphne had recovered again, she stood up. Wiping her mouth, she decided she needed a new dress, this one now was stained. She swiftly undressed, although she felt a little dizzy and exhausted of the previous nausea. She chose to put on a slightly warmer dress for she felt that her skin shivered whenever a soft breeze touched her. It was a warm colored dress this time, peach and light yellow colored cloths, sawed together so that the wind rarely could touch her sensitive skin.
Just as she had finished to knot the ribbons of her dress, she heard someone knock on her door. She did not know how long she has been on her own now, she had lost completely the track of time during her half-sleep and nausea. But she now opened her door with one hand, the other one was trying to comb her fingers through her hair that fell openly down to almost her waist. "Stratos." She stated in surprise. "Are you finished already?" She asked him, and she hoped he wouldn't notice the paleness in her face and her puffy eyes.
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Stratos
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Messenger of Athens
Posts: 72
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Post by Stratos on Jan 22, 2008 15:46:18 GMT -5
As Daphne opened the door to her room, Stratos calm and proud outside waiting. When her body and face were seen as she lot him in, he smiled cause recently it seemed she had changed into other cloths. It pleased him cause more beautiful it made her, every time she had on different cloths it made his feelings move. In whatever she had on she were a pretty woman, although her personality he loved the most. Kind she always were to him, even a normal messenger he was. With amazed eyes he looked upon her, but unable to speak as incredible she looked in her new cloths.
After a moment of silence as he entered, he soon spoke in return to answer the question she asked."Yes, my lady. Everything is set, the camp is made and we are still waiting on the messengers to return." He said kind, thought kept watching her as in deep love he were by the sight of his queen. Many times had he wished she was his wife, thought new she wasn't as married to Alcander she were. He prayed every day to the gods, that the fate would turn. However none answer had come, and alone he still was on the earth he walked. If the gods would give him Daphne to be his one day, he would honor them and respect them as long he lived, though if wishes not granted he would curse them. As he were inside her room, his eyes were drawn towards her as the hair she had blew with the slight wind that went by.
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Post by Daphne on Jan 22, 2008 16:05:57 GMT -5
Daphne let Stratos step into her private room, although she left the doors open so that no one would think anything bad. She turned back and let him further into her room, and answered him, in maybe a slightly too polite tone than necessary for Stratos, her friend and messenger "That is good news, thank you, Stratos." Polite because in thoughts she still felt a little dizzy and had no time to think much of what to answer, too distracted she was still. She sat down on her bed, resting again, before she looked up to Stratos, now more concerned "Do you have any tidings on when our messengers will return? I am so eager to see my family again." She spoke, and then thought of something and quickly added "Oh, and I believe we now shall move to the camp. I will ready all things soon, but right now... I need a little rest." She did not want to concern Stratos more than needed. Although she has considered him a friend for a long time now, something was with him that still made her think, she simply could not put her finger on what it was that did not fit in his behaviour.
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