driven by power and profit.

Ariadna Campbell. Fourty-five. Mayor of Lakewood. Wife to the late Ted Campbell. Widow. Mother.

[ariadnacampbell]

valentina-rinaldi‌:

“Deep fried butter sticks?” Valentina asked, the obvious disgust written in her voice, as she mulled her options on the small printed flyer she held, while sitting on the bench near the beer tent. A silent pause, as she looked at the person next to her. “Should I get one?” She whispered.

“It depends. Do you like fried butter sticks?” Ariadna replied, a soft smile spreading across her features. She knew who the girl was, it would be impossible not to. But they had never spoken before. They didn’t exactly have much in common, in Ariadna’s opinion. “My advice would be though to avoid anything fried. It’s poison to your body.”

[ariadnacampbell]

blckshw‌:

“Makes me kinda jealous,” he confided, leaning back into his chair. “Maybe we should ask to speak to a manager. Throw some coasters around. Cause a general ruckus?” A fleeting joke but one he wouldn’t mind acting upon if it took twenty. “So you’re saying you didn’t come to get plastered?” A shielded compliment but he figured it was as straight-forward as they came.

“Ah, it’s fine.” She was not willing to draw attention to herself, at least not tonight. Tonight Ariadna simply wanted to relax, without making a big deal and reminding people of her status. She rarely got a minute of peace nowadays. “I came to let loose, you could say.” She replied. “Just to enjoy myself and the night. Big quantities of alcohol are not necessary.” 

[thisislakewood]

→ IN CHARACTER INFORMATION

Character Name: Ariadna Campbell

Character Age: 45

Faceclaim Choice: Nicole Kidman

Gender and Pronouns: Cisfemale; she/her

Birthplace: Dallas, Texas

Birthday: October 5th 1973

Occupation: Lakewood Mayor

Family: Civilian

→ BIOGRAPHY

Ariadna has always felt a pull towards politics, she was born into it. As the daughter of the Governor of Texas, her life had revolved around political parties. Her father would often host dinners for his party members and she would get to meet everyone who was someone, she would hang around the children of other important men and women. Her family looked perfect on the outside. Her father had a high standing in society, her mother was a devoted and caring housewife, raising four children - Ariadna being the youngest.

Being privileged meant she would get access to the best education possible. She never had any experience with public school, instead, her parents would send her to the best private schools, including a posh, boarding one in Connecticut, where she actually met and fell in love with the man who would become her husband - Ted Campbell. Their love seemed destined, they came from similar backgrounds and had the same dream - both of them wished to prove themselves in the world of politics. It mattered a lot to Ariadna, as the women from her family were old-money, who were brought up believing that the best thing for a woman was to be a wife and a mother, not seek a career for heself, motherhood being the most noble career of them all. Ariadna, though, never shared that belief. She wanted more for herself, wanted to be powerful in her own right. Fortunately, her father was not a close-minded man and he had allowed her to have all the means to achieve that dream.

After the posh boarding school in Connecticut, the time came for a higher education. Ariadna stood out academically, and this mixed with her family’s money and position, granted her easy acceptance into Harvard University. Her beloved Ted followed her, after all, they were in love and had a shared dream. In her last year of university, Ariadna became pregnant with the couple’s first child and they were quickly married. The wedding was nothing lavished, as they didn’t have enough time for it, they were only doing it to appease their old-fashioned families, who would be too shocked by a child out of wedlock.

Two more children soon followed, but Ariadna wouldn’t let motherhood take her off the path of making a name for herself on the political stage. She and her husband joined the Republican Party and actively started working for the party’s best interests.

Their dream of happy marriage and love was not supposed to last though. The more time Ariadna would spend with her husband, the more she realized they had different views and ideologies. She would also find him a bit weak at heart. He never took any risks and would always play on the safe side. While Ariadna believed that safe side wouldn’t help anyone in their desire for recognition. She lost all sense of respect for her husband, and with the loss of respect, came the loss of love. Ariadna would only remain with him because of their children and because it would look bad publicly, no one would put a divorced woman in power. She supported her husband when he was elected mayor of Lakewood, even though she was secretly envious and angry that the party had not picked her as their representative. Her husband was weak and a coward. What could they win with such a mayor? Obedience and a marionette?

Ariadna knew their marriage was completely dead and buried when she caught him with his secretary one night. He had refused to come home, saying how much work he had back in the office, but when she had decided to visit him, with a meal that she had cooked for him, Ariadna caught him on top of his much younger secretary. Perhaps that was his idea of “work”. He pleaded for forgiveness and she pretended to forgive him. He would cheat behind her back again and again, and she would turn a blind eye. No one would put a divorced woman in power.

The murder of her husband that night, at the party hosted by the Rinaldi, came as a blessing. It got her rid of an unfaithful husband and the Republicans turned to her, they finally elected her. She became Lakewood’s new mayor.

→ PERSONALITY SUMMARY

Ariadna is a woman who has waited a long time to get the recognition she deserves. Her way of dealing with political matters is very different from her late husband’s. She is someone who considers the value of something in the manner of what it could bring to her, she does not view the world in black and white, right and wrong, she’s a bit more flexible.

[luciferdecker]

[ariadnacampbell]

blckshw‌:

“I’d offer to buy you a drink, but I’ve been waiting for my beer for about,” Lu paused, glancing at his watch. “Ten-ish minutes— and quite unsuccessfully trying to get the attention of the bartender who looks like he’s way too invested in the bachelorette party at the far end.”

“Oh, no. Thank you. No need.” She quickly dismissed his offer, an awkward laugh escaping her lips. Everyone in town knew who she was, it would only lead to some uncomfortable gossip. “Ah, tell me about it. I’m waiting for mine as well. I think he might have actually forgotten. Bartenders can indeed get carried away by pretty young women who don’t happen to be as sober.”

[ariadnacampbell]

drsaraxashford‌:

“Not at all,” Sara assured with her smile still in place. “I welcome the company, Madam Mayor. Or do you prefer Mrs. Campbell?” She shrugged a little and slid over one of the cinnamon buns on a saucer. Then she offered her hand, friendly as a pup and about as harmless. “I’m Sara Ashford, it’s nice to meet you.”

Surprising, but who didn’t like surprises? Pity wanted to swell in her heart, recalling the passing of the former mayor, and did, but warm friendliness just seemed.. better? Natural, too.

“You can call me whichever you prefer,” Ariadna replied as she extended her hand to shake hands. “Though since we just introduced ourselves to one another, you can even call me Ariadna, if you wish.” Yes, she was still the Mayor but also desired to make herself seem approachable and friendly. It would be good for people to like her.

[ariadnacampbell]

drsaraxashford‌:

Sara felt a warm smile spread on her lips and she stood up a little straighter. “I think your youngest has great taste,” she decided and gestured to the chair opposite her. Was she supposed to stand? Curtsy? Bow? Bow and curtsy? Crap.

“If you have a minute, you could join me and have one. Or take it with you to try, I don’t mind,” Sara decided, a giving heart willing to let go of sweets for a stranger.

The other woman must have recognized her, Ariadna thought. Why would she invite her to join her otherwise? Maybe she felt like she had to be extra polite because of Ariadna’s position of Mayor. People started to treat her differently once she took over her late husband’s duties.

“Well, as long as I won’t be disturbing you, then I wouldn’t mind joining you at all,” Ariadna replied. “What is your name, if you don’t mind me asking?”

[ariadnacampbell]

drsaraxashford‌:

She was going to do it. She was going to accomplish what she thought was the impossible and closed her eyes, sent up a silly little prayer less for her own soon-to-be-overloaded heart and more for some deity’s amusement. Then she opened her eyes and sure enough, four of the beautiful, gooey, enticing cinnamon rolls from Cafe Fairy were still in front of her. “Oh babies, you’re so mine,” she snickered with a wiggle.

“You seem to be enjoying those.” A low chuckle left Ariadna’s lips as she looked down at the cinnamon rolls on the table. 

The Mayor of Lakewood had come to get some for her youngest daughter who was not feeling so well. Ariadna hoped they would cheer her up. “I’m so sorry for eavesdropping, it’s just that my youngest child loves those and I couldn’t help but notice your excitement over them. I have, personally, never tried them.”

[ariadnacampbell]

charlottexalmeida‌:

Now that she’d gone and put herself way out there, Charlotte realized that the new Mayor probably relished in the attention as the majority of the rich women in Lakewood did. Charlotte was–well, parents were–rich, but did not enjoy the attention that came with it. A black sheep of her family, she often wondered if her mother had lied again and sought her father way outside of the Almeida clan. 

But Charlotte had to bite back that smile of triumph that threatened to form when the Mayor agreed. Lucky day! “I’d love to,” Charlotte managed to say with a normal tone, smirking back at her peers with a modest shrug. “Do you mind if I–actually, nevermind–” She managed to narrowly avoid the waiter that was distracted and almost collided with her and his tray of filled champagne flutes. “Got one. Lead the way?”

Nodding to the other woman’s words, Ariadna then turned around and proceeded to walk in the direction of the closest terrace. That should provide them with some more quiet surroundings, most of the people preferred to stay inside, that was where all the food and alcohol was, after all. 

“So tell me first,” Ariadna begun, “What is your name? I’m not sure if we have ever been introduced.” She would talk to a lot of people on a daily basis and had had to meet many journalists, all them seeking a story or asking for a comment on some subject. After a while, everyone had started looking the same to her. Too many names and faces to remember.

[ariadnacampbell]

charlottexalmeida‌:

Like a queen bee in her hive, the familiar faces of her journalist peers couldn’t help themselves from lining up to get an exclusive with the host of the night–Mayor Ariadna herself. And Charlotte, sad to say, but wasn’t sorry to admit, was one of them. Like her co-workers, she too was using liquid courage–maybe not as generously as they were allowing themselves–to find a time to talk to her. Just five minutes. Ten max. Half an hour tidbit?

She clung to her Gimlet, mostly using it as a prop for the night than actually drinking out of it–distracted by both Logan’s presence and the chance to land the top story of the night, Charlotte needed a clear mind. A steadying sigh, and she moved forward, parting the crowd and deliberately moving toward Ariadna. “Madame Mayor, can I interest you in some fresh air? Maybe a fresh drink? I don’t think you’ve had a second alone since the party started…” A death glare at her peers and she used a hand to indicate shooing them away. 

@ariadnacampbell

All eyes were locked on her, and honestly, there were no objections on her part. It was exactly what she had wanted for such a long time. And the feeling was even stronger than when she got picked to take the place of her husband’s. Tonight was the celebration of her own inauguration. Ariadna was at the centre of everything, so many people wanted to talk to her, congratulate her and compliment her on her look. In return, she would greet them with a warm smile and a polite handshake, or even an embrace, depending on the person who had approached her.

An old acquaintance was on their way to say something to her, when Ariadna noticed another person had beat them to it. 

“Of course.” The face of the other woman did not look familiar, but wouldn’t hurt to be civil and respectful. “Would you like to accompany me to the terrace then?”

[ariadnacampbell]

raphael-stone‌:

“Anything I’d like?” He repeated, as the waiter brought forth the red wine, both glasses being filled. “Ariadna, if there’s anythin’ my father taught me is you don’t get your way if you don’t wine and dine a gal like a proper Texan.” He amped that slow drawl up a bit, raising both brows as though to be questioned otherwise, and smiled softly. “I’d like to sit—talk—and when the time comes for it in the evenin’, which it usually does, I’ll ask you for a favour, and you can ask me for one. I’m sure you’re curious about things that happened at the Black Rabbit—and with your big party comin’ up—you don’t want another incident, do you?” He paused, plucking his wine glass for a quick sip, before setting it down. “Still interested?”

“Oh, your father sounds like a smart man.” She said, a soft smile gracing her lips. Ariadna didn’t think she really knew Raphael’s father, couldn’t even remember if she had ever talked to him. She had become more familiar with the current generation of Stones, observing them for years. “Of course, I’m still interested. I meant what I said.” Was there a threat in his words? You don’t want another incident, do you? She could never tell with him. “I understand favours. Quid pro quo as some would say, right?”

[ariadnacampbell]

elisabethrinaldi‌:

She’d made it sound like a good thing. Having the odds in your favor was convenient, sure, but controlling them, that was the true power. The only victory that counted. It would be most interesting to see if Ariadna understood this.

“One should call things by their right name,” Elisabeth retorted, smile intact. Between us, I hope you killed him. She let go of her old friend’s hands, folding hers delicately in the front. “Nowhere to look but forward now. I hear you got big plans for the inauguration.”

“Yes.” Ariadna confirmed. “I only hope nobody gets the idea that I’m going overboard with it.” Is a whole a masquerade ball too tacky? Honestly, Ariadna loved the glamour and she was not going to fake modesty like her late husband did. She knew that, in truth, there was nothing that modest about the Campbell name.

Glancing at the table by her side, Ariadna gestured towards the opposite seat. “Would you like to join me? If you’re not in a hurry or expect company, of course.”

[ariadnacampbell]

raphael-stone‌:

He stood, as he’d been told since he was a young man, that when a woman approached the table, you get the fuck on up. Of course, Sam Stone used a bit more colourful innuendo to describe it, but the lesson was there. Her approach welcome, as he held a hand out for her to slide into the booth seating before he returned to his seat. Snapping his fingers to get the waiter’s attention, as he returned. “Not at all, barely been here five minutes.” He quipped, turning his attention briefly to the waiter. “Forty creek—double,” He turned his attention to Ariadna. “What’ll you have to drink, Madam Mayor?”

“Well, thank you.” Ariadna said, taking his hand, as she sat down on the seat that was meant for her. Good manners were not dead yet. “Just a glass of wine for me. Thank you.” She instructed the waiter, a small smile gracing her lips. “Mr. Stone, is there anything else you would like?” Ariadna was not sure if they were actually going to drink and have dinner, or it was all just a cover up for the discussion of more serious matters.

[ariadnacampbell]

dommcretti‌:

Dominic may’ve heard a few whispers around town but, admittedly, Dominic wasn’t too sure where the mayor fell on the spectrum of loyalty in Lakewood. Customer service aside making a good impression on the newest mayor wouldn’t hurt. Plate set in the middle of the table, the smile on is face was a genuine one. “Zeppole.” Dominic responded. “It’s an old recipe from my mother who lives back in Italy. If only you knew what I had to get it from her, she’s kept it a secret for years, so hopefully it’s just as good.”

“Zeppole.” She repeated the name, her eyes locked at the pastry in front of her. “I don’t think I have tried it before.” Her family had always been more into the classic American food, with very few exceptions. “It looks very delicious indeed. But would you mind if we eat it last? We would like to have our appetizer and main courses first.” No point in spoiling her dinner. First the appetizer, then the main course, and just then she would think about desserts.

[ariadnacampbell]

dommcretti‌:

With all the chaos going on around town there was one place Dominic could (hopefully) find peace. Giuseppe’s was his little safe haven. A taste of home that kept him grounded and sane despite all that was going on. His Cartel duties meant his time was often split but he tried to spend as much time as he could in the restaurant. It was a rarity he was tucked away in the kitchen doing the cooking himself but tonight he’d been back there working on some new recipes from the menu. Managing to beg convince his mother to give him her Zeppole recipe, he was excited to try it out. Emerging from the kitchen, plate in hand, he approached one of the tables. “Care to be a taste tester in exchange for a free dessert?” 

Ariadna had decided not to bring any work home tonight, as she had made some dinner plans with her youngest child. They hadn’t spent that much time together since she picked up the Mayor duties. Ariadna did not wish for Holland to think her mother no longer cared about family.

They had just placed their orders when the man approached them. “Of course. That might turn out to be fun. What is it that you’d like for us to test?”

[ariadnacampbell]

elisabethrinaldi‌:

@ariadnacampbell

Although Elisabeth and Ravenna’s Carlo were natural adversaries, it wasn’t unlikely for them to join forces in common causes, such as tragedies, family emergencies, and their mutual disgust for vegetables.  

Today was D. all of the above.

Declaring ceasefire, Carlo—Alessandro, until the crisis passed—had knocked on the door of her office two minutes after Ravena had texted them in the group chat, and fifty-eight before their double date of doom at… whatever she’d said the place was called. Healthy Life Something. Elisabeth had never been there—duh—but she knew the concept all too well: broccoli, hummus, so-called smoothies that were all green and yucky, and countless other abominations Ravenna and Vittorio were willing to replace real food with just because they were scared of getting fat.

Well, y’all live off buffalo grass then. I sure as hell ain’t gonna.

“Hurry up!“ she hissed, holding the restaurant door open.

“Forgive me, Your Majesty.“ Alessandro’s voice oozed with sarcasm as he lifted the haul—a family size bag of chips, cinnamon buns from Cake Fairy, ten Snickers bars, and two Happy Meals—in his hands for emphasis.

A scoff. As if he’d carried them all the way from Mordor. “Just leave it here.” Her chin jutted towards a free table. “And order those pizzas already.“

“Let’s go over the plan one more time,“ he said, hands on hips, towering over her with that insufferable holier-than-thou expression. “When we order, I spill something on my shirt, get the food from the car, and hide in the bathroom. What do you do when the lunch arrives?

Elisabeth scoffed again. “Lunch.“

“Stay with me, Tay Tay.“

“I pretend I’m takin’ an important phone call and come join you. I’m pretty sure my peasant brain can remember that much.”

No sassy retort. A frown crossed his features. “What if they catch us?“ 

She rolled her eyes so hard she thought she’d go blind. Honestly, the man couldn’t even belch without writing down Belch in three days in his planner first.

“We say we’re havin’ an affair,“ she quipped, nudging him towards the counter. “Now go. And get us couple of muffins too, just in case.“

If nothing else, they could smuggle those inside in their pockets. They would do. The place wasn’t neither Giuseppe’s nor her daughter’s bakery, but the desserts were decent enough. The interior was much smaller and cozier too. She used to come here with—

“Ariadna.“

The new Lakewood Mayor had just entered the restaurant. Both women stopped in their tracks, gazes locking together. Talk about awkward. 

It took less than a heartbeat for Elisabeth to compose herself, but it was still too long.

“Darlin’.“ She beamed. “How are you?” Tone it down now. “I’m awfully sorry we couldn’t make it to the service. My husband was out of town, and, well—“ I didn’t want to come come without a plan. Wailing annoys me, also. She reached for Ariadna’s hands, so warm in comparison to hers, and gave them a gentle squeeze. “My condolences.“ The sigh that followed, the heart-wrenching sympathy in her voice, all—in her humble opinion—the usual level of Oscarworthy. But she couldn’t resist: she had to smile. “Or should I say, congratulations?“

Her secretary had personally reserved a table for her at the restaurant, just in time for lunch. After the most recent issues at the town, Ariadna barely had time to take care of anything by herself. She would forget to eat if it were not for other people who had been hired to make sure the Mayor of Lakewood didn’t tire herself to death. She needed a break, and lunch away from the office could be enough of a distraction, her secretary had thought. Otherwise, Ariadna might get too tempted to go through all the documents and files that require her attention and completely neglect her meal.

She had not expected to see an old friend though. Sure, it was a place they both used to frequent together. But time and personal goals had interfered and caused them to drift apart. No more shared lunches. 

“Elisabeth. What a lovely surprise.” Indeed. “That is all right. I understand. The service was not obligatory for anyone.” She commented, a small smile spreading across the corners of her lips as Elisabeth took her hands in hers. “I guess both would be appropriate. A loss led to a victory. If I should call it that. Life can be quite unpredictable.”

[brcnck]

Welcome Wagon || Ariadna & Geralt

[ariadnacampbell]

brcnck‌:

    Gerry had removed his jacket and rolled up the sleeves of his shirt to under his elbow, his chest holster now revealed with his pistol secured in place. He’s brought out of his concentration when he hears the light knocks from the door and the soft voice that accompanies it. Oh, so this was Mayor Campbell. He was always surprised by the apperance of the mayors, and honestly, he had been expecting a man.

    “Good afternoon, Mayor.” He says with a smile. He closes the file in his hand and places it on the desk behind him as he stands up straight. Geralt moves with purpose over to the mayor to hold out his hand for a handshake. “It’s great to finally meet you.”

"Good afternoon.” Ariadna replied in return, as she stepped inside the room and closed the door behind her. Approaching the desk, she reached out her hand to shake his. “Thank you. Likewise.” The man seemed polite. That should be a good sign. “What do you think of Lakewood so far? I hope you are genuinely enjoying your time here.”