Reinaxc - The Last Olympian; - Tumblr Blog

Maya nodded in agreement, her diplomatic training guiding her response. "They do have a timeless charm, don't they?" she replied warmly. "I'm sorry, but I don't believe we've been introduced. I'm Maya Rousseau, the Deputy Prime Minister of France, and this is my son, Nicholas." The mother smiled warmly at her son, encouraging him gently. "Nicholas, why don't you say hello to our new friend?" With his ever so curious and friendly nature, he turned to the woman with a bright grin. "Salut" he exclaimed cheerfully, his youthful energy evident in his voice.

Elisa had a particular fondness for France. For all the Orleans' decadence they had a sense of self preservation that was admirable, to say the least. Gilded puppets, bowing to a constitutional monarchy. And soon, God willing, to no monarchy at all. When she noticed the Deputy Prime Minister and who she presumed to be her little son in the courtyard, Elisa decided to take a stroll herself. As she came closer, the boy pointed at her - probably because of the bruises still on her face and neck. "There is no need to apologize," she smiled sweetly, "I just thought the fresh air would do me some good. "Hello," she said to the boy before turning back to his mother. "I love the courtyards...they look just as I've remembered them..."

Maya considered Safiye's words, her heart heavy with understanding. "You're right, madam. Wars, as horrible as they are, often have a declared purpose, a twisted sense of order and morality within their violence. But what we see now... it feels like intended chaos, cruelty without bounds and the destruction of what we hold dear." She sighed, her eyes reflecting the depth of her own sorrow and fear. When Henri was taken from Maya during the Reckoning, it felt like the very ground beneath her feet had been pulled away. "It's a painful truth," Maya began, her voice gentle yet firm. "They forget the lives lost, the futures erased. It's a kind of hubris, thinking they can play god and manipulate the course of history however I fear this is just the beginning"

She glanced at the ground for a moment, memories of Henri flashing through her mind—his warm smile, his reassuring presence, and the way he had always stood by her side. "I lost my husband, Henri, during the Reckoning," she continued, her voice tinged with sadness. "He was a man of integrity and kindness, caught in the crossfire of political ambitions and violence."

“ It is so strange. “ Safiye blurted in earnest, head nodding in agreement with Maya’s words. “ Wars make sense. Tragic and despicable and always the wrong choice, but… “ they followed order, they held morals within their violence. Oftentimes, motives for aggression were declared && clear. This display before her… the roots seemed untraceable. It was frightening, and Safiye shivered, wrapping arms tighter about herself with a deepening frown. “ Unsettling indeed… “ she sighed, wishing for innocence restored. Her brother was among those who had fallen; maybe she, too, was motivated by fear of the same happening to her. Where the prisoners somewhere below them used fear as a weapon, Safiye clung to hers as a reason to stay pure. “ It’s like they chose to become Gods and alter the course of history. “

"Not at all, Leonor. Your presence is always welcome," she replied, her voice reflecting the warmth she felt.  "This place does have a certain serenity." She moved slightly to make space for Leonor on the blanket, nodding in approval. "Please, join me," Maya said, gesturing to the spot beside her.

As Leonor settled down, the Deputy Prime Minister followed her gaze to Nicholas, who was running around with a group of other children, his laughter ringing out in the courtyard. "Nicholas is eight," she answered, her eyes softening with maternal pride. "He does have a way of bringing light wherever he goes. It's a gift, especially in times like these." Maya's smile deepened as she remembered their shared history. "It's been quite a journey since we first met at the English court, hasn't it?" she said, her voice tinged with nostalgia."I'm grateful for the friendship we've built, beyond the realms of politics." She reached out, giving Leonor's hand a gentle squeeze. "It's been too long. How has life been treating you?"

Leonor approached Maya with a soft smile, her demeanor warm and understanding. The tranquil setting of the Twin Soul Courtyards seemed to invite a sense of peace and reflection. "I hope I'm not intruding," Leonor began gently, her tone carrying a genuine concern. "This place holds such tranquility, doesn't it? A haven for moments of quiet contemplation." She gestured towards the cozy blanket spread beneath the ancient oak. "May I join you?" Leonor asked politely, indicating her desire to sit down beside Maya. "Please don't apologize if I'm the one intruding. Leonor settled down gracefully, her eyes briefly wandering to Nicholas, Maya's son, playing happily nearby. "Your son brings such joy to the courtyard," she remarked warmly, acknowledging the lively spirit he brought to the serene surroundings. "How old is he?"

#REINAXC  .  dependent multi  -  muse  blog for theopulent.hq penned by Mara. (twenty six, eastern tmz, she/her).

PRINCESS LORENA CATALINA ORTIZ of SPAIN - intro. DEPUTY PRIME MINISTER MAYA ROUSSEAU of FRANCE - intro. GRAND DUCHESS LYANNA HELMINSKI of WOLIN - intro. LADY AMARA SALAZAR of CARDIFF - intro.

Lorena's eyes sparkled with appreciation for the woman's poetic sentiment as she listened to her words about the ocean's allure. "I understand what you mean," Lorena replied softly, her voice carrying a hint of wonder. "The ocean has a way of drawing us in, inviting us to explore its mysteries and depths." She glanced out at the waves rolling gently onto the shore, the sun casting a golden hue over the water. "In Spain, near my family's estate, there's a beach where I used to spend hours as a child," Lorena continued, a nostalgic smile playing on her lips. "The sound of the waves crashing against the cliffs, the salty breeze... it always felt like a gateway to another world, my imagination always ran free."

Being away from the temple of Athena had freed up many hours of Safiye's day; and she found, she did not enjoy to spend this time cooped up within Paço Imperial palace. Shoes in hand, the lady trawled the beach, stopping to listen to the tales of the devil's side from the locals, feeling warm from the kiss of the setting sun. She may be twinged red across her nose, come morning, but Safiye held no regrets as she allowed water to wash over her toes, chin tilted && eyes closed as she tried to hear the sounds of sea through the wind. The Gods communicated through nature; and it was hard not to feel seen by greater beings when surrounded by such beauty. " The view... the feel of it all. " This, Safiye said eyes still closed, before opening them to turn && greet the speaker. " It is hard not to imagine you could just walk right into the ocean, enter a new world. "

Lorena listened attentively, touched by the genuine gratitude. "You are very welcome, I want you to know that people often mistake innocence and curiosity for childishness," Lorena replied, her tone gentle yet firm. "Never let anyone underestimate the value of your curiosity and creativity."

"I am not most people," Lorena stated calmly, her voice carrying a quiet strength. She offered a small, reassuring smile, hoping to convey her genuine support. "And I believe that your curiosity is a valuable quality that should be celebrated." With a sense of purpose, Lorena suggested "If you'd like, I can help you with that flower," she offered kindly. "Together, we might even find a way to free it without causing any harm."

when told her courage was admirable, that her idea was bold and adventurous; the little princess was shocked. no one had ever told her such a thing before, and automatically — she wrote herself off as clumsy and foolish. " thank you, " she said sheepishly, appreciating the kind words before very intently listening to what lorena had to say.

" those are all great ideas! " she exclaimed, feeling like she should have thought of something like that before. the princess began looking around for a large stick. " you know, most people think i'm childish or that i don't think things through — which might be true, but anyway — what i mean is, thanks for helping me! " kai-ming said with a smile, as she picked up a stick with joy. " most people would tell me to leave the flower be. "

"I must admit, I've always been fascinated by astronomy," Lorena confessed with a gentle laugh. "Though I'm far from an expert, I do enjoy learning about the stars whenever I can. My tutors taught me the practical aspects of astronomy—navigation, timekeeping, and the like." Lorena's moments under the stars were rare respites from the harsh reality of her confinement. In those fleeting instances when she could steal a glimpse of the night sky through a barred window, the stars became her silent companions. "I would be delighted to hear more," Lorena replied with genuine interest, her voice carrying a warmth that reflected her eagerness to delve deeper into the topic.

she was glad to hear her opinion about the ballroom was not simply a personal one. she had no idea how people stayed in there all night, dancing away as if it didn't feel like some sort of cage. zelenia was quiet, unmoving, as she listened to the woman speak about the stars. it was not unusual in athens, to find the oracle staring at the stars above — but she had learned, that outside of her home; some found it strange, to have your head in the clouds instead of on the mortal earth.

" do you dabble in much astronomy? " zelenia asked, her stoic gaze finally dropping from the stars to look at the woman. " it's very heralded in athens. many gaze at them, for guidance or simply to lose themselves for awhile. "

"That sounds fascinating," Lorena replied with genuine interest, her voice carrying a hint of curiosity. "I've never been to Cardiff, but your description paints a vivid picture. Rugged coastlines and rolling green hills— it sounds like a place that embraces the raw beauty of nature." She imagined the contrast between Cardiff's landscape and the vibrant warmth of Copacabana Beach, yet she wanted to speak of her homeland. "In Spain, where I come from, we have diverse landscapes too," Lorena continued, her tone reflective. "The south of Spain holds a special place in my heart," the Spaniard began, her voice carrying a soft, nostalgic tone, she missed it. "From the sun-drenched shores of Andalusia to the countryside, with its olive groves and vineyards, it's truly a sight to see..."

She had been eager to experience the famed beauty of Copacabana Beach. The moment she set foot on the sandy expanse, she felt a sense of freedom and peace that was often elusive in her life. The sun was warm against her skin, and the sound of the ocean was a soothing balm to her restless mind. As she stood near the shoreline, taking in the vastness of the sea, a soft voice called out to her.  Esme smiled, "I am, the view here is quite breathtaking," she replied, her voice gentle and warm. "In Cardiff, where I come from, the landscape is quite different. We have rugged coastlines and rolling green hills, which have their own charm, but there's something magical about the warmth and vibrancy of this place."

Lorena approached Meilin with a mixture of concern and calmness, noting the distress evident in her demeanor. She knelt down beside her, keeping her voice gentle and reassuring. "It sounds like you've had quite a scare," Lorena began, her tone soft and understanding. She glanced at the black jade earring still in place, then focused on Meilin's frantic searching. "Let's take a moment. We'll find your earring, I promise." With a calm gesture, Lorena started scanning the area around them, her eyes combing through the sand meticulously.

"No, actually, I am not," said Meilin, her tone verging on hysteria. Her eyes were trained downwards and she was making frenzied circles in the sand like some kind of crab. Finally, she dropped to her knees, too frantic to be embarrassed. "My earring," she said hurriedly, by way of explanation. On the left her black jade earring sat snugly. On the right...Well, she'd only noticed it was gone moments ago, so perhaps it was still on this blasted beach.

Lorena's demeanor shifted slightly as she recalled her interactions with Matthias through their letters and his visits to the Spanish court. There was a familiarity and ease between them, born from shared moments of exchange and understanding. "Well, Matthias," Lorena began with a playful glint in her eye, her tone lighter now, "you've caught me in one of my rare moments of escape from the palace walls. Perhaps the sea air has a way of drawing out the carefree spirit in me." She smiled warmly at him, appreciating the chance to speak freely with someone who understood her. "It's refreshing, isn't it?" she continued, gesturing towards the expanse of ocean before them. "To be here without the formality of court etiquette, just two souls enjoying a quiet moment by the sea."

Matthias stood at the edge of the water, the rhythmic crash of waves matching the cadence of his thoughts. The revelation his mother had confided on her deathbed weighed heavily on him, casting a shadow over his sense of identity. The beach, with its vast expanse of sea and sky, offered a temporary reprieve from the complexities of courtly life and the burdens of royal expectations. As he gazed out over the ocean, Matthias contemplated the implications of his mother's secret. It stirred a whirlwind of emotions—confusion, betrayal, but also a strange sense of liberation. The knowledge that his biological father was not the man he had revered added layers of complexity to his understanding of heritage and duty. He turned towards Lorena with a faint smile, his gaze tracing the sun's reflection on the water. "Indeed, the view is quite captivating," he replied, his voice carrying a hint of contemplation. "There's a certain tranquility here that's hard to find elsewhere. It's a reminder of how vast and serene the world can be." He glanced back at the ocean, the waves rolling gently onto the shore. "Do you often come here to unwind, Princess?"

open starer; interactions with maya rousseau

location: twin soul courtyards

Maya nestled on a cozy blanket spread beneath the shade of an ancient oak in the Twin Soul Courtyards. The air was alive with the soft hum of music, a tribute to her late husband's fondness for lively melodies. As she savored delicacies from a wicker basket, Maya's gaze wandered thoughtfully across the courtyard. Her son Nicholas, a bundle of youthful energy, had joined the other children in playful games nearby. Laughter and gleeful shouts punctuated the serene atmosphere, adding a joyous backdrop to the day's commemoration. "I miss you, Henri" she whispered softly, her gaze drifting to the clear blue sky above. "We would have loved this day together, celebrating your birthday with laughter and music. " Lost in her quiet contemplation, Maya remained unaware of the gentle presence beside her until her son pointed at someone from affair that picked his mother's interest. "My apologies, I hope you're enjoying the tranquility of the courtyards," she remarked softly, her voice carrying a warmth that invited conversation.

Lady Sybil Crawley in season 1 of Downton Abbey

“I’ll never give up, nor will you. Things are changing for women.”

Maya, having just concluded a serious meeting, stepped into the grand jury hall. The weight of the discussions lingered in her mind as she scanned the somber space. The French noblewoman approached quietly, mindful of the gravity of the space. She considered the woman's words, her brow furrowing slightly in contemplation. "It is indeed difficult to fathom," she replied thoughtfully. "The scale of suffering and the motivations behind it... It appears almost incomprehensible, doesn't it? To see lives shattered and futures erased in the pursuit of power or ideology. Perhaps even fear, it's unsettling to think how easily humans can be swayed towards darkness."

status -> open starter! capping at three responses

setting -> the grand jury hall

despite having not left athens since her arrival after fleeing turkey's court, safiye was aware of the presence of war. she had not been present during the reckoning, instead safe in athena's temple, but tears had been shed for the fallen ones when news came to her ears. she had almost chosen to stay behind; tending to the olive trees, and pacing the vineyards of the temple, rather than set sail to brazil. it felt almost certain that more tragedy were to lurk, and safiye felt she'd been right.

now, brown eyes pulled over the rest of the portraits, the letters, the sketches from memory. evidence of a dark world, displayed before her. of power-hungry, tainted hearts && ended stories. fingers came to turn her pendant necklace over within them as she thought, sighing thoughtfully as she straightened when another entered to approach the display of evidence as well. hopefully, it wouldn't look odd for her to there, looking so forlorn. " it is hard to truly imagine what the... prisoners had hoped to achieve with this much senseless death && despair. seems quite mad this way, all tacked up to try and make sense of. "

Maya, adjusting the delicate folds of her gown, let out a soft sigh as she entered the dimly lit hall. Her eyes scanned the room, the strains of music a bittersweet reminder of the evening's purpose. She understood all too well the exhaustion that accompanied roles of responsibility, her own duties often leaving her little time for genuine respite. "In a way, yes," Maya replies softly. "I finally managed to put my son to sleep, he had too many hot chocolates before bed, but it seems the night isn’t quite ready to let me rest. These events can be... draining, can’t they?"

open starter: ( 0 / ? )

location: mysteries of osiris gala

another place to drift away. the hall remains empty despite the music still enveloping the area. şenay rubs their headdress at their temple, trying to prevent a migraine beginning its stampede. the networking --- the politics --- of the night keeps enjoyment at bay. perhaps they should fall to its whims, but şenay doesn't wish for this night to be the one that begins something they cannot control. for one conversation to spark an idea in one person, then another, until their life is decided for without their input.

so lost in thought, she nearly missed the person walking into view. şenay swallows, a small bow of her head. "are you here to escape too?"

open starer; interactions with lorena ortiz:

location: copacabana beach

Lorena strolled along the sandy expanse of Copacabana Beach, the waves gently lapping at her bare feet. The sun hung low in the sky, casting a warm, golden glow over the azure waters. She paused to take in the beauty of the scene, the rhythmic sound of the ocean filling her ears. As she turned to continue her walk, her eyes caught sight of a figure standing alone near the shoreline. "Excuse me," she called out softly, not wanting to startle him. "Are you enjoying the view as much as I am?"

As Lorena hesitated for a moment, her natural shyness and the remnants of her recent anxieties making her feel slightly awkward. With a playful glint in her eye and a slight tilt of her head, Lorena responded in a jesting tone, "You know, Your Grace, I couldn't agree more. It seems the esteemed cartographers have overlooked the comfort of their guests. Who would have thought that royalty would find themselves seated on the floor, amidst maps and musings of empires?" 

She eventually took a seat next to Isaak, smoothing her skirt as she did so. "Thank you," she murmured, her voice soft. Lorena listened carefully, engaged in conversation with the Tzar about Spain's history and the challenges facing the nation, she found herself captivated by his insights into geopolitical dynamics and territorial mapping. "The path to power is often fraught with difficult choices," she mused, her voice carrying a mixture of pride and introspection. "My family believed fervently in the principles of progress and equality. They saw beyond the constraints of tradition to envision a Spain that embraced enlightenment, education, and opportunity for all."

She traced a finger lightly over the map of Spain, her touch gentle yet deliberate. "Yes, there were sacrifices," Lorena acknowledged, her gaze steady as she met Isaak's eyes. "But every decision made was in service of a greater ideal—to create a nation where every citizen could thrive, regardless of birth or background." His mention of imagining new territorial lines sparked her curiosity, especially given the outdated nature of the maps they were discussing. "Here," Lorena said, her voice steady as she pointed to the map spread out before them. "Beira, located here in the southwest, and Cataluña, to the northeast of the peninsula." Her finger traced the paths across the map, marking the regions with precision. "These regions, along with the southern territories," she continued, indicating the broader southern expanse on the map, "have seen significant development and governance under the Ortiz family. Regions such as, Leon Aragon and Castile remain loyal to the Bonaparte legacy," Lorena noted, her tone reflecting a blend of pragmatism and concern. She gestured towards the corresponding areas on the map, tracing the boundaries that delineated these historically significant territories.

it took a moment to place her; isaak had never left russia before coming to brazil, and as vast his knowledge was compared to the resources given - the royalty of the world tended to blur faces together, names in a jumble. but the connection of spain put the tsar on the proper track; the word princess ringing in mind, followed by the delayed memory... lorena. ortiz, one of the southern rulers. the facts came together a she approached, and isaak nearly laughed in the face of his own good fortune.

" by all means, your highness, please join me. you know - we should really petition for some chairs to be put down here, " he commented, the lack of such notable suddenly as the pair huddled among the maps && pages there on the floor, an unseemly collection of skirt fabrics && coattails. " indeed, " the tsar commented sympathetically, hearing the depth of the princess' tone. he knew what it meant to be in a country torn apart by war, and how the wounds cut deeper than map lines. a finger traced the outline of the map he'd drawn, thoughtfully. " i was reading up on the history - fascinating stuff, your highness, as unfortunate the events shed light to being. a clash between values, traditions versus change. quite fitting, " he quirked his lips upwards in a rueful smile. " i was just trying to imagine what the new territorial lines would look like, as the maps do not signify that. "

Lorena turned her gaze to the sky, mirroring the Athenian's contemplative posture. The cool night air was a welcome contrast to the oppressive atmosphere inside the ballroom. “The ballroom is indeed stifling,” Lorena agreed softly, her voice carrying a hint of empathy.

As her eyes traced the patterns of the stars above. The stars, with their distant, unwavering light, seemed to offer a sanctuary of honesty and clarity, a stark contrast to the deceptive glamour of the royal gala. Lorena often felt like a performer on a grand stage, playing a part dictated by her title and duties. Every move, every word was scrutinized, measured, and judged by those around her. The endless dance of politics and power within the palace walls left little room for genuine expression or vulnerability. Finally, Lorena looked at the other, her eyes reflecting the starlight. “I would much rather listen to the stars. They speak a language of eternity, one that reminds us of our place in the universe and the fleeting nature of our earthly concerns."

“ — the ballroom is stifling. “ zelenia said, her emerald gaze still aimed towards the sky. “ full of faces playing a part, selfish desires and unspoken wars waiting to be waged. “ though she was there, attending the gala as any other royal was; it did not mean she wanted to be there and she imagined that was the case for many.

zelenia was quiet for a moment, before adding — “ the stars are honest. they shine, unapologetically, and tell their story without deceit. those in athens believe the stars are souls lost to this world. “ finally, the oracle brought her stoic gaze down to the earth; looking at the spanish princess. “ i rather listen to the stars, wouldn’t you? “

Rena chuckled softly, shaking her head. "It wasn't a mistake, Kai-Ming. It was a bold and adventurous idea. Your courage is admirable, and I can see why you were drawn to that beautiful flower." She glanced up at the cliffside, assessing the situation. "We just need to approach it differently, with a bit more caution. Let's see if we can find another way to get that flower without risking another mishap."

Lorena took a moment to study the surrounding area, her eyes tracing the safest path up the rocks. "Perhaps we can find a longer stick or a sturdy branch to help us reach it," she suggested thoughtfully. "Or maybe there's a way to climb up from the other side where the slope isn't as steep."

kai-ming let out a sigh of relief as someone came to her rescue — the smile on her face making the little princess feel at ease. " thank you, i greatly appreciate it! " she exclaimed with a soft smile, as she stood absolutely still while the other worked to free her foot.

" well, you see . . . " the princess started, as her foot came free and she hopped away from the rocks with their help. kai-ming turned, to point to the flower that was vining down the cliffside. " i was hoping to grab that flower, so i could take it back to my room and paint it! " she then huffed, and looked at them. " but, i suppose that had been a mistake. "

Renata Notni by © Richard Ramos

Lorena needed a break from the stifling atmosphere of her family and the never-ending charade of normalcy she was forced to maintain. After dinner, as the evening hours stretched into night and most of the household retired to bed, she slipped away to the underground map gallery. The quiet, candlelit space promised a sanctuary where she could find some peace and collect her thoughts. Upon entering the gallery, Lorena took a moment to appreciate the tranquil ambiance. The flickering candlelight cast gentle shadows on the walls, creating a soothing environment. She didn’t immediately notice the figure seated on the ground, surrounded by an array of maps and notes. It was only when she stepped further into the room that she saw him—Prince Isaak, deep in concentration, his bad leg stretched out and a cane resting beside it.

Lorena observed him for a moment, noting the intensity of his focus as he studied the maps and scribbled notes. She was about to turn away, not wanting to intrude, when he finally looked up and noticed her presence. "Actually, I was looking for the maps of Spain, may I join you, your Grace?". She could see he was working on a detailed analysis of Spain, the lines of potential conflict and alliances clearly marked. "Spain is indeed at a crossroads. The tension between the North and South has been escalating, and it’s difficult to see a clear path to peace. Especially now....."

status -> closed stater for @reinaxc {lorena}

setting -> underground map gallery, after dinner && into the evening hours when most would be retiring to bed

to one just entering the candlelit gallery, they may not notice the tsar at first - from his spot on the ground, his bad leg stretched out with the cane resting beside it, isaak hunched over an array of maps spread out. other parchment with notes in his own script dot the spread, and there was a look of deep thought && concentration written over the strategist's mind. of course, russia had maps too - he knew where each place on earth took up it's space, but now, each little world of landmass was so much more than symbols on a faded page. now there were conflict && war, alliances && broken bonds attached to each... and isaak sat, trying to decode the jumble of it all. currently, he was marring a blank page with ink, staring between it && the large map of spain, trying to distinction where the lines were drawn between north && south; curiosity taken by the threat && rumblings of a civil war.

at first, the tsar did not even realize he was no longer alone, lost in the mission of it all, and for once, finally feeling as if his mind come alive. but finally, the presence of another was made clear, and he pulled his gaze up from the materials laid out. " oh... hello. " he greeted, still from his place on the floor; it would be difficult to stand, awkward && clunky in the motion of it, so he did not make a move to do so; not realizing it could be seen as impolite or even rude to remain seated when a woman of royalty enters one's presence. " please, do not let me be of any disturbance to you. though, i do believe... i currently have all the recent maps of spain with me, but i am happy to share should that be what you are needing."

Célestine's eyes softened as she listened to Aurora's words, the vibrant atmosphere of the festa junina temporarily fading into the background. "Paris does have a way of capturing one's heart, doesn't it? The energy there is unmatched." She spoke softly, smiled at the princess, touched by her interest in her home. "My village is indeed special, Aurora. The rolling fields, the warmth of the people, the sense of community... It's a world away from Versailles. I would love for you to see it someday. You would appreciate its charm, I'm sure." As Célestine sat by the bonfire, her thoughts drifted back to her village outside Lyon. The aromas of roasting meats and sweet breads mingling with the lively music reminded her of home. The rustic charm of her village was a stark contrast to the opulence of the world she now navigated. It was a place where the air was always fresh, the fields stretched out in a patchwork of greens and golds, and the people knew the value of hard work and community.

As the crown princess spoke of her troubles, Célestine's concern deepened. She reached out, gently placing a hand on Aurora's arm. "I'm so sorry about your cousin," she said sincerely. "I can only imagine how unsettling it must be, but fear not, I am certain that no harm will come to you or your loved ones. I would like to believe that the Tribunal will sort everything out." She knew it was wishful thinking, but she couldn't bear to see Rosa upset. When Aurora asked about her own well-being, Célestine took a moment to reflect. "I've been managing," she said, her tone honest yet resilient. "These festivities are a welcome distraction, but I can't help but think of my sisters.. I keep getting letters from my sponsor" she spoke frankly.

Célestine smiled softly at Aurora's words, nodding in agreement. "Indeed, sleep seems elusive tonight," she replied, her voice carrying a hint of amusement. "The energy of the festival is quite infectious, don't you think?" She took a seat beside Aurora, letting her gaze wander over the bustling scene. The sight of children laughing and playing, the aroma of sweet treats, and the vibrant music all created a tapestry of happiness that was both comforting and bittersweet. It reminded Célestine of home, of her sisters, and the simple joys they shared before the complexities of their current lives.

"It is nights like these," Célestine continued, "that remind me of the simple joys we so often overlook in our daily lives. The laughter of children, the warmth of a shared meal, the beauty of a starry sky... It all seems so far removed from the intrigues and burdens of court. These sights and sounds take me back to my village, to evenings spent with my sisters, where we would find happiness in the smallest of things..." She glanced at Aurora, noting her serene yet thoughtful expression as she gazed up at the stars. "You look like you have a lot on your mind," Célestine observed gently, she had known Aurora for quite sometime now. "Is there something troubling you, or is it simply the restless nature of the evening?"

closed starter for @balteren | max & célestine

location: enjoying a serene ride on horseback along the shoreline of Paraty.

The sun was setting, casting a golden glow over the beaches of Paraty as Célestine rode her horse. The gentle breeze played with her hair, and she relished the freedom of these moments, away from the demands of high society. As she rounded a bend, she caught sight of a figure in the distance, instantly recognizing the familiar silhouette. Her heart skipped a beat—Max, her favorite uncle and closest friend. It felt like an eternity since she'd last seen him.

With a playful smile, she urged her horse forward, closing the distance between them. "Max!" she called out, her voice carrying a mix of excitement and a touch of reproach. "I was beginning to think you had forgotten all about your favorite niece!"

As she approached, Célestine slowed her horse to a trot, her eyes sparkling with both delight and a hint of mischief. "It's been far too long since we've had one of our talks," she said, her tone light but with an undercurrent of genuine hurt. "I've missed you, you know. What could possibly be so important that you haven't had time for me?"

She dismounted gracefully, leading her horse by the reins as she walked towards him. "I hope you have a good excuse," she teased, her smile widening. "Otherwise, I'll have to take it personally." The Redhead stood before him, hands on her hips, and raised an eyebrow in mock seriousness. "Well, I'm waiting. What have you been up to, and why haven't you shared any of your adventures with me?"

Lorena had decided to take a walk along the trails of Sugarloaf Mountain, seeking a peaceful respite from the worries that plagued her mind. The midday sun bathed the landscape in a warm glow, and the flowers along the path provided a comforting presence. She took a deep breath, trying to center herself and find some semblance of peace. The past months had been a whirlwind of fear and uncertainty. Her abduction by anti-monarchists was a nightmare she couldn't escape, even now. The isolation, the interrogations, the constant threat of harm—it was all etched into her mind. Every night, she was haunted by the memories: the cold, damp cell where she was kept, the faces of her captors, and the relentless pressure to reveal secrets she could never betray.Sleep offered no solace; her dreams were plagued with vivid recollections of her captivity. She would wake up in a cold sweat, the sound of her own screams echoing in her ears. The darkness of her room often felt like the prison she had barely escaped from, and it took all her strength to remind herself that she was safe now.

Yet, despite her release, the facade she had to maintain was exhausting. As she walked, she tried to focus on the present. The trail was a welcome distraction, each step taking her further away from her worries. The beauty of the mountain, the fresh air, and the vibrant flowers offered a temporary escape from the shadows that lurked in her mind. Her thoughts were interrupted by a voice calling out, tinged with nervousness. Lorena hurried towards the sound, her instincts taking over. She soon found the source of the call: a young princess, her foot wedged between two rocks as she reached for a vining flower. The sight of her struggling tugged at Lorena's heart, and she approached with a gentle smile.

"Don’t worry, I’m here to help," Lorena said soothingly as she knelt beside the other. "Let’s get you out of there." With careful movements, she assessed the situation and then gently but firmly worked to free Kai-Ming’s foot. "What happened?" She asked, calmly, trying to ease the other.

° • — OPEN starter ( 0 / 3 ) ° • — sugarloaf mountain, midday

it was not healthy for her to sit around and mope, kai-ming knew that. it didn't stop her from wanting to, however. she had stayed below deck while they traveled, and the first few days back the princess had also stayed in her chambers — but no more. despite her sorrows, kai-ming realized she was only making the people who did care about her worry. she had to be brave and put on a mask, even if it was just for their sakes.

— but she did not want to wander the castle grounds, worried she'd catch sight of him at any moment. so, her mind went to the sugarloaf mountain trails. a view to enjoy, flowers to find; peace and warmth in the sun. it was exactly what kai-ming needed. halfway through the trail, though, and the little princess found herself stuck — her foot wedged between two rocks as she had attempted to climb and grab a vining flower.

she had all but given up on pulling herself free amd was about to just sit and cry when she heard footsteps up the path. " ah, excuse me! " she exclaimed, " i . . . i could use some help! " kai-ming called out nervously, hoping they could hear her.

Lorena stepped outside, the cool night air a welcome contrast to the oppressive atmosphere of the ballroom. She took a deep breath, her heart still racing from the anxiety she’d been trying to hide. As her eyes adjusted to the darkness, she noticed another figure standing alone, her gaze fixed upward. The woman’s midnight blue gown blended with the night, and her serene expression caught Lorena’s attention. Curious, she approached, needing a moment of calm herself.

The Spanish princess followed her gaze to the sky, feeling a momentary sense of peace. “It truly is magnificent,” she replied softly. “I needed to escape the ballroom, even if just for a moment. The stars... they do have a way of putting everything into perspective.”

° • — OPEN starter ( 0 /3 ) ° • — mysteries of osiris gala, outside

zelenia was quiet as her eyes were aimed upwards, towards the stars. she had not once stepped foot into the gala, despite being dressed for the occasion in a midnight blue gown. such events were the duties of a princess, but not something she cared to attend. as priestess, her gaze was captivated by the mentor shower.

it would be the perfect night for meditating at the water springs or even the beach itself. if she could slip away . . . she would.

" it's wonderous, isn't it? the way the gods designed the stars. " she murmured to the person who had joined her outside. " i cannot imagine why anyone would want to spent their time in the ballroom tonight. "