Chapter 3: Accepted
WARNING: Before anyone gets upset of some mentions here, check out the notes at the end!
…
It's been five months since the last time Kassandra and Brasidas saw each other. The warmth of the summer is long gone and they are both back in Sparta.
Kassandra has accomplished to win a laurel in the Olympics completing both tasks assigned by the kings. She has returned happy and confident with quite a few cultist heads ripped off on her way.
Brasidas on the other hand was sent as a second admiral at the Aegean, after Boeotia. During his assignment, there was a lot of conflict leading at their final naval combat with Athens, which was a catastrophe for the Spartan fleet. Although it wasn't his fault for the defeat, as the admiral didn't listen to Brasidas's counseling, he still feels ashamed.
Kassandra was far away in going from Thasos and Samothrake to Imbros and Lemnos with the Adrestia, roaming the North Aegean when Brasidas send her a message asking for her help. She was too late when she got there. The battle had already taken place two weeks ago. She missed the chance to see him and aid Sparta raising her prospects of acceptance while getting rich.
In between, Brasidas was demoted, assigned small humiliating jobs around Lakonia and Kassandra was in Ellis.
Winning the laurels, she earned admiration from women and children of Sparta. The citizens seem to finally find her to their liking and acknowledge her as Leonidas's granddaughter. Upon her return to Sparta, she has a warm welcoming from the locals, which she didn't expect. Making her presence known, she and her mother petition a hearing with the kings. It's actually typical, as everyone knows about their arrival and both kings know the outcome of her tasks. The Apella decides to throw a feast for Sparta's win in the Olympics so that everyone may celebrate. She is honored, in a way, as well, as the athlete who brought them the laurel.
Sparta isn't like Athens, there aren't any symposiums and luxury, things are simpler here. The people gather and march to the temple of Artemis Orthia where the priests make a sacrifice of a pig to the altar of Zeus to honor the Gods for their favor. Then the assembled participants walk back at the center square singing all together prayers both to the king of the gods and the goddess. There, the celebrations are mostly simply drinking some wine while helots are preparing the animal offerings for the black stew.
Kassandra watches around her as people talk, dance and sing. So humble, so frugal and yet maybe more genuine than the Athenian luxurious symposiums. Children laugh and run through the parties, women and men enjoy the gathering. Some long-lost images of her childhood surface in her mind. She was like those kids herself back in the days, playing tag with other skinny girls and boys with bloody knees. A brief shot of panic hits her, she feels lonely. She is an outsider, she can't feel connected with any of this, not anymore.
She turns to see her mother who smiles proudly and is already circled by a group of women. Myrrine motions to her daughter to join them and acquaint her with the ladies and Kassandra sighs and nods. It's going to be a long afternoon. Indeed, she is introduced to many people, mostly her mother's age, old friends and neighbors and she finds only a few quite familiar. She has no actual memories of anyone, but no one is displeased by the fact. On the contrary, they seem to like her, showing respect for her deeds and accomplishments and being sympathetic for the unfortunate substantial exile.
The majority is positively affected. The kings have no other choice, but to grand her family house back. The announcement is made later in the evening in front of everyone. As King Pausanias makes a toast with his wine welcoming the women and wishing Kassandra to win the Heraea for Sparta, too.
Myrrine takes her daughter into her arms with tears of joy in her eyes, being proud of her child. Brasidas is a part of the gathering group as well hanging with other men a little farther from where Kassandra stands now. His gaze is on her all the time, yet he hasn't come close to talk to her so far.
She begins to get a bit bored, meeting people, talking to strangers. She wishes her friends could be there so she could have someone to talk to. However, they would find it as boring as she does, certainly not just Barnabas, but Herodotos, too. As for Phoebe, she could actually be the only who would have some fun and she may get upset that she missed it.
The girl wanted to follow the misthios, however, Kassandra refused to let her travel to Ellis, claiming she is safer on the Adrestia, as long as they have no house in Sparta. Phoebe will be very enthusiastic when she learns the news, she will be overjoyed to finally step off the ship. Kassandra is going to get her tomorrow and bring her to stay with Myrrine, to settle once and for good. Her brain gets the road of a happier life, she takes a sip from the cup in her hand as she daydreams.
Two young women, looking quite alike in the facial characteristics, approach her with friendly smiles on their lips. About the same height, they also share the shape of face, edges of cheekbones and not much different chin. The one on the right has much darker straight hair, let loose, and shares the same honey eyes with Brasidas, while the other has the same shade of light brown hair with him and similar shape of lips and nose. It quickly downs on her that they must be his sisters.
The dark haired one wears a simple plain red chiton, a golden cloth at her waist and appears to be a few years younger. She is modest wearing only two small round gold earrings and a thin bracelet of red and pink beads with a few gold ones between. The other is more elegant, hair styled up in an updo of golden-brown curls, a white ribbon like a crown. Each earing ending in a gold coin with a small red stone in the middle, a wattle bracelet and a gorgeous necklace.
"Welcome Kassandra and congratulations!" The seemingly younger one says.
"Thank you." Kassandra replies smiling back.
"Excuse my little sister's forwardness. My name is Philothea and this is Danae, sisters of Brasidas." The older one explains with a composed yet elegant smile that matches her appearance.
Kassandra extends her hand for a handshake. "It's a pleasure. I've heard a lot about you."
Danae giggles. "You have no idea how much we have heard. Our brother doesn't shut up talking about you."
Kassandra laughs and her cheeks take a pink hue for a few moments. Her eyes stray to where Brasidas is, now incredibly attentive to her reaction. His sisters don't miss the scene and both giggle softly.
"I hope he's saying only the good things." The misthios jokes.
Philothea nods reassuringly. "Always. We wanted to felicitate you for the Olympics. You're a strong brave woman and we are happy to see you back in town."
"It is the perfect occasion to finally meet you." Danae adds and despite the other woman's side glare she continues. "We waited for so long! It would be a pity since you have officially returned, to feel estranged, when we could be friends."
"Honestly, I know almost no one here. Especially my age."
Danae giggles again and takes Kassandra by the arm. "Of course, our brother is quite old. No matter how much I love and admire him, you are so much younger that I wonder..."
Philothea clears her throat and makes her sister pause midsentence and flip her long dark hair back in embarrassment acknowledging that it wasn't proper. Since their brother became a Commander, Danae had to restrict her mouth, but she still has trouble accomplishing it.
"We do have a rather significant age difference uncommon in Sparta but not in the rest of Greece. Most importantly there are so many reasons I admire him. Besides the looks, his mind and soul. He has a big heart while fighting like Ares."
"He always bested the others when wrestling. That's how he swayed you in Korinth?"
"He was impressive, but no. It's been his character mostly."
"It's so sweet. I can't wait to hear about your side of the story."
Just like this, Danae begins asking Kassandra for her days in Korinth, making her retell how Brasidas burst inside the burning warehouse to assist her.
The Eagle Bearer's fondness is obvious as she describes his every move with the most flattering way. She blushes when she says how the two of them shared their first kiss after she faced the Monger. A day before, she had, half on purpose half accidentally, come across Brasidas on the street and requested to meet him at the dock at night. With the excuse of information, she managed to ensure a private moment, where they shared a cup of wine and drew closer. Then, during the city's celebration, they shared more wine and she came forward.
The three young women, get comfortable with the conversation and spend the rest of the evening in each other's company. Myrrine joins them with Argileonis beside her, Brasidas's mother, who after a polite brief introduction and wishes, smoothly retires followed by her daughters.
When the moon rises high above mount Taygetos, Brasidas decides to walk up to Kassandra and Myrrine.
"We are blessed to have you, Kassandra of Sparta." He exclaims and bows lightly his head in a respectful gesture.
"Brasidas, what took you so long?" Kassandra teases and pats his arm.
They lock eyes for a long moment forgetting they are in public, smiling at each other and they embrace warmly. The interaction earns attention from many pairs of eyes and Myrrine discretely clears her throat so only the two of them can hear. Brasidas notes he is too effusive and the lingering look and touch will raise gossip and hearsay, so he takes a step back.
"I didn't want to intrude, but I'm here to congratulate you for your great achievements. You finally have your house back." He replies smiling to both women recollecting himself and putting his hands behind his back.
Myrrine gives him a restrained smile, glad that the Commander still has some of his senses and isn't completely deranged by her daughter.
"Kassandra won't stay for long in our house, yet we have our citizenship." Myrrine's words have a double meaning and Brasidas knows it very well.
"Let's go and see it first. I'll decide later." Kassandra intervenes suggesting to head there being tired of all the attention and the hundred pairs of eyes on her.
"Gladly. I would like to talk to both of you in private." Myrrine mutters glancing at her daughter and the Spartan commander alternately.
Brasidas tenses up. He had already an unfortunate chat with Kassandra's father and after all these months that he hasn't seen her, he'll face her mother. No matter how he feels, he obeys and walks with them.
They enter the old family house and almost immediately they are overcome by memories as they reminisce moments of their past life within these walls. Brasidas remains silent observing the women as they wander around the room and touch the surfaces lost in their own thoughts.
After some time, they sit down around the table with some wine.
Myrrine has found some clues about a cultist in Arkadia and she is very troubled by the information she has so far.
Myrrine has learnt that the archon of Arkadia sends food to Athens instead of supporting the lines of the Spartan soldiers in Attika.
Brasidas freezes and his eyes go wide while Kassandra asks her mother for more information. She wants a name and this man will be dead and gone in no time.
Myrrine doesn't know his name and neither of the women have understood that something is wrong with Brasidas before he turns the attention on him with his words.
"It can't be Lagos." He utters shaking his head in denial and staring at Myrrine hard.
"The archon? He's called Lagos?" Myrrine questions a bit confused as to why Brasidas has that expression on his face.
"It can't be him!" He states with anger in his voice and cold eyes.
Kassandra catches his hand. She has never seen him like this before.
"Who is this man, Brasidas?" She asks calmly locking eyes with him concerned for his reaction.
"An old friend." He answers calmer than before. He shifts his gaze to Kassandra's mother again.
"I am quite sure Brasidas, I have no reason to lie. Kassandra has to go there by herself and do some further research."
"No, I'll go and talk to him first."
"We can go together. Calm down." Kassandra suggests hoping to end the disagreement.
"No, Kassandra. I know how you deal with situations." He refuses with furrowed forehead and stands up.
"What's wrong with you?" She fumes up raising her voice.
He paces around driving his right hand through his hair while he opens and closes his left fist. He turns around and faces Kassandra with pleading eyes, still being on edge.
"Promise me... You won't do anything to Lagos before we're certain of his guilt." He requests and purses his lips together when he closes his mouth.
Kassandra sighs and crosses her hands to her chest watching the man she loves irritated. At the same time Myrrine watches the young couple careful not to get between them and worsen the things right now.
"Promise me, Kassandra!" He demands with renewed nerve. He closes his eyes almost immediately regretting his wrath.
"Fine." She hisses. "Is this Lagos so important to you?" She asks annoyed.
He ceases pacing and sighs heavily. "He's a friend and a good man. He wouldn't betray his brothers."
"Alright, there is no reason to disagree any longer now. We can rest and depart for Arkadia tomorrow to find out what's really going on." Myrrine suggests.
"You're right. I should go. Goodnight." Brasidas mumbles still worried with the information and heads for the door.
Myrrine wishes goodbye behind him and watches her daughter's face fall. Kassandra follows him as he opens the door. She closes it behind them and calls his name hoping that he'll face her and she will find his eyes.
He doesn't.
She grabs his shoulders. She is angry and sad, yet she won't let him go away so easy. They haven't seen each other for so long, it's the worst reconnection they could ever have.
How could he not take her in his arms or kiss her now that they are so close. She embraces him from behind holding him there, refusing to let him go.
"I missed you so much, but it seems you didn't." She groans unhappy and she loosens her grip.
He turns around in her arms. His face is unreadable, but his eyes bear sadness. He wraps his hands around her loosely and places a quick gentle kiss on her forehead.
"I did, more than you'll ever know, I just got upset with Lagos. I'm worried for him." He claims softly raising his hand to caress her cheek. "I am sorry, Kassandra." He whispers and lowers his head.
He breaks contact averting her gaze. She steps aside and takes his head into her hands forcing him to look into her eyes.
"Lagos has only me to be afraid of. And I'm here now, with you." She admits with a small smile, rubbing his cheek reassuringly.
They communicate without another word. She is frank and she's promising him not to hurt the archon. Not without telling him of her intentions first if she finds proof. He has to trust her. She isn't the best person, but she always listens to his advice. She won't let him down, she will find information and evidence before she acts. She is willing to be patient with this task.
He heaved a sigh of relief and obviously relaxes. There is no doubt his adoring troublemaker will lie and trick him. His old friend I indeed safe right now and soon Brasidas will be able to help him out of this misunderstanding.
"Maybe I need to find a way to keep you here. Do you want to come over tonight?" He prompts a bit more cheerfully than before and encircles her waist with his right hand bringing her closer to him.
"You should stay over to mine for a change, now that we finally got it." She suggests smiling and kisses him when he makes a face.
"You are better than me into sneaking in and out." He chuckles and kisses her again.
"You are a spy don't make excuses. Admit that you are afraid of my mother." She teases him wrapping his braid around her finger.
Myrrine got to the window to glance at what was going on for just a second and she watched them kissing. She calmly decides it's high time she puts an end to the couple's conversation. She opens the front door and finds them kissing again. They part when they hear the cracking sound.
"You two get inside right now, or at least stop kissing on the streets." She scolds in a low voice.
Kassandra laughs and pulls Brasidas towards the house again. He is hesitant and watches Myrrine apologetically.
"My daughter grew up without me and became a misthios. She is a big girl now, I won't get involved into her life. You could just be more discreet in Sparta for your own avail." Myrrine explains to Brasidas in order to make him feel more comfortable around her.
"I asked her to marry me, but she refused." He exclaims still feeling the need to justify his behavior.
Myrrine is the one to laugh at this revelation while Kassandra punches her lover's arm and heads to her old bedroom.
Myrrine motions to the young commander he can follow her daughter, still laughing.
Kassandra is frozen at the door looking inside shocked. Brasidas embraces her and kisses her neck before he turns his attention to observe the room.
It's exactly as she left it. The only difference is Alexios's crib at the left corner almost behind the door. Nikolaos didn't throw away her few things. All her toys still there, her favorite toy horse is up at the window at the spot where she always put it when her games were over.
The room was clean just like the rest of the house. It was closed for some time as Nikolaos was away with the army, yet it wasn't neglected. Not like it would be if it was overlooked for over seventeen years. It must have been regularly cleaned just like the rest of the house.
For a moment she feels like she is nine years old and she can call for her parents to tell her a bed time story. But she is not, she is twenty-six. She finally steps inside and sets her weapons down all except from her spear.
Brasidas sets his shield to the wall and all his weapons to the ground in front of it. He glances over to her.
"He never stopped loving you." He mutters into her ear smiling as he rubs her right arm.
"Shut up Brasidas. That man is lucky I didn't kill him." She huffs irritated.
"He was never again the same man after that night Kassandra. He never forgot you, that much was obvious." He states to his headstrong girlfriend.
"I don't care for a stranger!" She claims angrily, yet she doesn't mean it. Deep inside she is touched that her father cared for her and somewhat regrets his decision in his own way.
"Let me calm you." He chuckles a bit almost sure she doesn't mean her words and presses his lips on hers. "What do you think of my sisters?"
"I like them, more than you." She teases.
He chuckles and teases her back. "Then why do you choose to spend your spare time with me?"
"Well, maybe I like the way you kiss."
He chuckles and his hands find their way to her waist, pulling her closer. His mouth crushes on hers with passion at first and then moving more slowly, changing pace playfully. They kiss for a long time there, embraced, refusing to move. When their armor gets in their way, they help each other remove it carefully, not to make a lot of sound and they lay down on the bed.
They spend most of the night in each other's arms with heated kisses, making love. They don't want to rush and they don't want it to end. Both careful, for once, to shuffle any sound that could wake Myrrine.
Hours later Brasidas lies onto his back so Kassandra can sleep in his embrace with most of her body on his.
The bed is small, surely not for two adults, but they don't care. It's just a little smaller than Brasidas' bed at the Spartan camp. They are used to share small beds and they enjoy it. The constant contact is relaxing and exactly what they want. After being separated for months it's just what they need. Their breathing begins to slow down as they fall asleep, only a while before dawn.
The first sun rays have touched the surface of the earth and Myrrine wakes up and makes breakfast. She is sure her daughter slept late last night, so, she decides to have everything ready alone.
It takes some time for Myrrine. Emotionally it isn't the easiest night or day she is having. Sleeping in that room brought so many memories back and now preparing food in this kitchen. However, there is no Nikolaos around and neither a small bundled baby named Alexios. Myrrine holds herself not to let any tears fall and releases a heavy breath.
She walks and stands in front of Kassandra's bedroom door. She knocks on the door, but there's no answer. Myrrine sighs and knocks again. Maybe it was a bad idea to let the lovers alone last night with her blessing.
"Kassandra, breakfast is ready." She shouts loud enough for her daughter to wake up.
Brasidas is the first to open his eyes. He shakes Kassandra lightly, but her eyes only flatter sleepily.
"Good morning sleepyhead." He chuckles and kisses the top of her head.
Kassandra groans irritated. "It's early." She huffs half asleep.
Brasidas grabs his inner chiton and wears it over his head. He carefully leaves the bed, covering Kassandra better with the fur and wears his armor piece by piece.
He picks up his shield and spear putting it in place. He kisses Kassandra and plays with her destroyed braid.
"Come on, we have to eat and leave." He reminds her as he tugs her hand.
"You and mater are disturbing." She groans loudly.
Brasidas chuckles and leaves her alone in her bedroom. He has to face Myrrine, he can't delay it. He was reckless again.
"Good morning, Myrrine." He says entering the main living room.
"Good morning, Brasidas." Myrrine replies normally. "Sit down to eat something. We need to talk."
He obeys silently meeting her gaze and waiting patiently for her to address the matter.
"You have to protect your reputation and Kassandra's. Sparta won't accept you being together and unmarried. My advice is to keep a distance in public."
He nods in understanding. "You are right, but I thought that we could... she would be more accepting."
She raises an eyebrow at him, amused. "You believe she is willing to become a wife. I doubt it, she values her freedom, likes being a misthios."
When she observes his own shift of emotion, a sobber expression replaces her teasing demeanor. She offers him a cup with a genuine condescending faint smile. He gives her a weak smile and sighs.
"I'm aware, I didn't expect her to change who she is. I just hoped she would like to be herself and my wife at the same time."
"If or when she changes her mind, she will tell you. Until then, you know what you have to do."
. . .
Notes:
1. The animal sacrifice and the feast that follows are mostly historically inaccurate. Generally, there are very few documented about life in Sparta, but we have information on these subject from the rest of the ancient Greeks. Probably, no matter how different life in Sparta was, worshiping and rituals would be the same or alike. Anyway, this part was completely fictional, so discard any information from it.
2. Additionally, in the period of 8-6 centaury Greek colonization was very intense into the Mediterranean Sea and Black Sea. You can check it on Wikipedia even and you'll see that there were some colonies in many places around the world. For example, Apollonia was founded by Greek colonists then and its location is in Libya, and Syracuse is nowadays in Sicily. The "map" of ancient Greece is different than that of modern Greece and different than that displayed by Ubisoft. So, any mentions of cities or islands that so many thousands of years ago used to be inhabited by Greeks or Greek "tribes" are NOT any claim or indication for modern times. It is a simple fact of the ancient world and again it has nothing to do with the nations and counties today. What can we say? Those guys travelled A LOT!