Divine and Conquer

Divya Effendi| | 87 | Effendi Coven Leader| Counsel Elder|

[proserpinegraphics]

[judassamara]

After the last time they'd had fake memories lingering in their mind, they'd learned not to linger on them, lest they turn into emotions that weren't meant for him. This time, it wasn't a lover but a family. He already ached for his lost parents whenever they filled his thoughts, but now there were people in town who felt like family. The less he thought about it, the less their absence made their heart ache.

They had met up with a different artist they'd met in recent weeks to ask some questions as were just about to leave the gallery when there was sudden arms around them, squeezing them tightly. They bristled at first, aware it wasn't the few people they would allow this kind of contact, but then there was a familiar scent and a softness along with the long black hair and it dawned on him. They were torn between hugging Divya back or pushing her away, instead frozen in place. Eventually he relented, his arms gently wrapping around her in kind.

[divya-effendi]

Divya was thankful that her mind allowed her to savor the hug, even for just a moment before she was brought back to the surface of reality. She recoiled from the hug quickly, stumbling on her words as she adjusted her blouse, “I... I do apologize. I-I don’t know what came over me.”The elder witch cleared her throat, trying to plaster some semblance of control on her features despite the embarrassment she felt. She didn’t actually know him, not really. Even if he had hugged her back she knew she’d been foolish to let her emotions, espscially ones from another life, overtake her. Flashes of seeing his dead body being carried off flashed into her memories, the cracks in her heart spreading like wildfire for the person who was now alive and well in front of her. “Now that i’ve properly embarrassed myself I think i’ll be going,” she mused as she backed away from the pair, fighting the blush on her features.

[izakvoros-deactivated20251127]

where: the bunny with: open

𓇼 - - - - - - - - 🩸 - - - - - - - - 𓇼

Izak scanned the crowd. The turn out was more than he expected, but he guessed that if one was prepared to show off a rare jewel, then curious bystanders would love to have a reason to say they saw it.

He looked down at the human fixated between his legs. The human was sitting back on his calves, hands balled into soft fists on his knees. Izak smiled and cupped the man's chin gently, but the shimmer in his expression was far from a lover's. The human did not seem to notice anyways, and why would he? Izak had made sure to obliterate his entire self before chaining him to the stage.

He released the human, and then in one swift movement, tipped him onto his back with a kick. Not enough to bruise or break him, but enough that the human wiggled underneath his foot, clearly shocked and confused. Izak kept his foot rested on the man's chest, locking him in place. From his peripherals, he noticed a figure creeping closer, but he did not turn to meet them. Instead, he pumped his leg a few times, listening gaily as the wind rushed out of him in small bursts. "Normally I wouldn't play with my food like this, but I think it's warranted, no?"

[divya-effendi]

“Tsk tsk tk,” Divya chided playfully as she sauntered to Izak’s throne. “I would accuse you of having way too much fun with this little display, but that would be stating the obvious,” she mused, perching herself haphazardly on the arm of his chair. “So this is the little creatin everyone is so up in arms about? I’ve got to say, I’m a little underwhelmed. I guess I expected more from a henchmen hellbent on our destruction. Divya frowned before taking a sip of her wine. “So what exactly are your plans for our little VIP, darling?”

[divya-effendi]

Who: Divya x Judas ( @judassamara ) Where: Shopping District When: After the Spirit Event

The intrusive thoughts had been winning for the elder witch, which is how she found herself doing a bit of retail therapy as a distraction. She'd continued to have flashbacks of the life she'd lived in Phantom Creak, being hanged. It had been so realistic for Divya, the connections she'd had, the pain she'd felt when the noose lever was pulled... The brunette shook away those thoughts as she entered another store, pushing her sunglasses above her head and eying potential purchases.

After she'd sent her assistant with the assistant to go store her shopping bags in her car, the woman found herself entering a gallery. The witch usually redecorated her townhouse in times of great stress, something she picked up from her mother in childhood. As she perused the art on display, her attention was brought to a particular piece, and the artist. Judas Amara. Her brother from PC. A few steps into her search for an employee to ask about the piece, she watched as Judas turned a corner and her heart dropped. Without thinking, Divya crossed the short distance between them and enveloped him in a hug, relief clogging her rational thoughts.

[augustine-lycaon]

Augustine's cheeks took on a familiar pink tinge, always a sucker for Divya's flattery. His happy mood faltered for just a moment at the suggestion of trouble, answering, "Would I be back, if it was otherwise?" He gave a shrug as he added, "Was hoping you could help get my mind off that embarrassment for a bit perhaps?" His ego was wounded and paradise seemed far more like a mirage. He knew it was just a temporary escape showing up at the brothel, but he had needed out of the house, and was in no state to be putting in time at the bank or something else of that matter.. And drinking at the saloon in such a public space also felt less than enticing.

[divya-effendi]

Divya let out a soft chuckle as she shook her head. "You got me there," she mused, returning her glass to her lips. She noticed how his cheeks flushed, and an amused smirk played at her lips after her sip, enjoying how he reacted when she toyed with him. Divya's cool demeanor faltered a bit at seeing the sorrow in his eyes. He really did care for the poor girl and she had broken his heart. "That bad, hu? Wanna talk about it?" Divya had seen the way the two had looked at each other from time to time, confused as to why the two couldn't just get over themselves because it was clear there were feelings. The brunette made a mental note to talk to Gwen the next time she came into the brothel to drop off some garments. She cocked her head to the side gently to Auggie at his next words, a look of mock confusion on her face. "And how would I go about doing that?" she teased, leaning against the bar across from him, her cleavage displayed seductively against her dress.

[leon-blachedone]

Leon quirked an eyebrow, motioning around the room as he asked, “This all for you or some customer? …Relax. I’m just here to ask a few questions.”

[divya-effendi]

Divya dropped her eyes back to the wick as she registered who'd walked in, willing her nerves to calm themselves as she placed it on the mantle. "Just trying to set the mood, deputy. You never know who might waltz in your door," she purred, a light hint of a smirk on her lips. "Please tell me these questions have something to do with my services and not the chaos going on around town. If I have to hear one more crackpot theory about a man-beast I might just hurl up my dinner."

[isabellexlaurent]

"Since when are we ladies?" She smirked, looking around at the candles. It was a bit much for her tastes, but she could tell whatever this was was important to Divya. "I've been looking for you, Angel. I have something I wanted to give you." She pulled the cloth wrapped dagger from her skirts, offering it to Divya. "Teddy assures me that this will do the trick to stop anyone or anything with smart ideas."

[divya-effendi]

A soft chuckle left her lips at Belle's jest, shaking her head a bit as she placed the wick back on the fireplace mantle. Divya turned back to Belle quickly at the notion of a gift. Belle was known to spoil her children often, and it seemed tonight was no exception. A grin appeared on her features as she stepped closer to Belle, wondering what it could be. The last time it was a small ruby necklace, one that Divya never took off. She wondered what the gift could be as she watched Belle pull something in cloth from a bag. Her eyes grew wide as they took in the shine of the blade, quickly darting back to Belle's. "Belle," she muttered, almost scared to touch the dagger. She'd kept one similar under her matress, but it was old and blunted with age. If Belle was giving her this, she must suspect that Divya may need it. "You can't be serious... Has it really come to this?"

[ursanazyalensky]

He had been coming to this town for years now, having found good work from the people if they needed it. When this sort of drama cropped up in a town, Ursa would normally high tail it out of town but with everyone under suspicion, he knew to stay put. In the mean time, he could work on getting another job. He stepped into the brothel, knowing the establishment might have someone who needed help. His eyes followed the young woman who was lighting candle, his eyes narrowing. There was something familiar about her, she reminded her of someone he'd known.

"I'm sorry, ma'am. It wasn't my intention to sneak up on you," he said, clearing his throat after being caught out. "You just reminded me of someone for a second there."

[divya-effendi]

Divya took the man in with a glance, her usual size up for potential clients. The man intrigued her, an air of mystery to him that was more refreshing that the usual lot in the brothel. She narrowed her eyes slightly at his words, cocking her head to the side. "If that's your idea of a pick-up line you might have to do better than that," she teased playfully, placing the wick on the mantle before turning to face him. "And who, might I ask, do I remind you of?" she placed her hand on her hip, already ready to hear some version of Aphrodite or some other goddess.

[augustine-lycaon]

Augustine felt his cheeks tinge ping as he sat in his usual seat, gaze locked on Divya. He couldn't help but feel guilty visiting the brothel when he had Gwen and her sons under his roof, but a pleasant distraction was more than needed. The banker had admittedly been growing quite fond of playing house with his late brother's family, and knew that it didn't look good publicly to be living with a woman who wasn't your spouse nor blood family. Knowing there were multiple benefits-- including the unspoken elephant in the room of of continuing to grow closer with Gwen-- Augustine had thought it naively brilliant to ask the widow to marry him. And boy, he had not been ready for the rejection. Confused and admittedly lonely, he couldn't help but seek out some fort of comfort and distraction with one Divya Effendi. He had been a regular some time back for the woman, finding her company charming and a nice break from work related matters. He thought he had hung up his brothel days once he'd begun growing closer with Gwen... Now he found himself back in her company again, wondering if Gwen had been right that marriage was a mistake, and he was simply missing the physical comforts only a woman could provide. Perhaps that was all, yes? Augustine reached for the glass, responding, "Would it be such a bad thing if I said yes?"

[divya-effendi]

"Hmmm, I don't know. You sounded pretty convincing during our last... date. How do I know you're the real Auggie, and some devilishly handsome imposter" she purred playfully, an amused grin on her lips as she poured the drink for herself. Divya had grown fond of the banker her first years in Phantom's Creek. He had been one of her first clients, and boy had he left his mark. The two got along easily, sharing in similar touches of humor and passion. If she were being honest he had become much more than one of her regulars, but a friend...well, a friend that she occasionally fucked. A part of her did crave his touch again. Not even for the healthy tips he left, but their usual sessions were as giving to her as she was to him, which was more than she could say about some of the other regulars. She could use the distraction now while everything else in town went to shit, but she also wondered what sparked his return. She took a swig of her drink before tilting her head to the side, "Trouble in paradise, my darling?"

[isabellexlaurent]

My Darlings- Please make certain that you are both reading this together, then destroy this letter when you are finished. I suspect that whatever is in Sarah's cure-all caused the recent rash of murders. Unfortunately, there is only one way to test that theory. I will be taking a reduced dosage this evening. I have asked Leon to lock me in a cell as I am uncertain what will occur. With any luck, I shall bring you both breakfast tomorrow. Without luck, please take care of one another and the girls. The deed to the brothel along with a sample of the cure-all is locked in the safe underneath the floorboards in my bedroom. The combination is the date that we all became a family. Remember that I love you both dearly and nothing that happens shall ever change that. Take care of Atlas for me and tell her that I was just trying to keep her safe. I fear I might have angered her this afternoon with my vote. Trust yourselves and your hearts. Your devoted mother, Isabelle

@judassamara @divya-effendi

[caia-sjofrid]

black gold | divya & caia

for: @divya-effendi location: the brothel

"Ugh. Five more minutes, Div..." Caia groaned from where they were snuggled comfortably in Divya's bed in the town's brothel. Being here beat being back home and with their mother. There were many reasons that Caia left town more often than not, but being in the brothel was not one of them.

They blinked their eyes open when Divya poked at them again and sighed. "I can give you more of that black gold if you let me sleep in here till noon."

[divya-effendi]

Divya laughed softly at Caia's protest, brushing a few strands of hair that had fallen on their face while sleeping. "I would be risking the wrath of Belle if I allowed you to stay any longer," she teased, her hand running down the length of Caia in gentle strokes. "If i'm taking such risks you'll have to make it worth my while," Divya added playfully, meaning for more time between the sheets. Her eyes instantly shot up at the mention of black gold. "You can't expect me to do it alone, do you? It's always more fun with company."

[divya-effendi]

@vievecorcitystarters

Divya was desperate for a distraction, anything to keep her mind off of the murders. It wasn't so much that she was scared of the murderer, but a fear that her past would come back to bite her in the process of the investigations. It made her antsy, and she knew that antsy would look guilty in someone's eyes so she was motivated to expel that nervous energy any way she could. She found herself relighting some of the candles that had gone out from the few times the door had been flung open when she felt someone's presence behind her. "It's rude to sneak up on a lady," she mused, turning her head slightly to see who'd approached.

[augustine-lycaon]

Augustine was no stranger to brothels… Yet it had been quite a few months since his last visit, too caught up between work and his sister in law’s family. He was use to utilizing them to blow off steam in the past, but then it had always been work related or just looking for a good time… Celebrating good news even.

That afternoon he couldn’t help but hope nobody had seen him duck over to the brothel during his lunch break… He desperately needed to clear his head though, hoping a long overdue reunion with Divya might help him relax despite telling the woman during his last visit that it was probably his last.

That had been when he found himself growing more fond of his now house-mate, Gwen. And now, after having his proposal rejected so strongly, he couldn’t help but come crawling back… Seeking something akin to comfort.

@divya-effendi

[divya-effendi]

Divya had grown restless the past few days. The murderers were on everyone's mind, including hers, and considering her line of work it made things all the more difficult to focus. The brothel had also seen a dip in customers as of late. She guessed not many people wanted to risk their lives to get their rocks off, but there were a few regulars that still slithered in.

Divya found herself polishing glasses behind the bar, anything to keep her mind busy when the familiar man sat himself in front of her. A devilish smirk graced the corner of her lips as she looked up, an unexpected surprise to say the least. She hadn't expected to see Auggie's face in the brothel again, considering he was pretty convincing in their last encounter that it was in fact their last. If she were honest, a part of her had missed the fellow, their sessions something she actually looked forward to. He was a passionate lover, even if he was paying for it, and hopefully the answer to her prayers for a welcomed distraction.

"Well, well, well ... Look who we have here," she teased, already moving to put a glass in front of him and pouring him a drink. "Missed me already?" she purred, pouring herself a drink too.

[divya-effendi]

Phantom Creek AU

Divya Effendi| 28| Brothel Worker

Divya was born in a town several miles away from Phantom Creek. Her mother was a barmaid at a local tavern where they also lived. The tavern owner and his wife had taken Divya's mother in when her parents succumbed to an unknown illness. When her mother became with child, the family continued to care for her and treated Divya like one of their own.

Divya recently moved to Phantom Creek approximately 3 years ago, after her mother was caught in the crossfire of a deadly shootout. When the man who killed her mother was released due to being a corrupt deputy, she took matters into her own hands. Panicked by what she had done, she had left town abruptly to start a new life somewhere that she wouldn't be haunted by her crimes.

Upon arriving to Phantom Creek, she was adopted by Belle, the local brothel owner. Belle reminded Divya a lot of her own mother, often looking to her as a maternal figure for protection and guidance. Through her work at the brothel, she also became quite close to another worker there, Judas. Divya had never had siblings before, but she'd hoped it would have been something like what Judas and her had.

Divya never knew her father, her mother only told her stories that he was a mysterious traveler and hero. She always hoped that one day she would find this mysterious man to discover the missing half of herself. Unbeknownst to Divya, her father is none other than Ursa Nazyalensky.

Since the death of her mother, Divya has never been trusting of men, let alone anyone in a place of authority. Now that these murders keep popping up, she doesn't quite know what to think, or who to suspect.

[eremington]

"You were out of town." He countered gently. "Astrid was the next best option and she mostly just told me to fuck off or she'd hurt me." Any secrets she was worried about were safe for now. He had a suspicion it was something stronger than ecstasy, but decided not say anything about that at this moment. Divya already seemed on edge from the questions, and he didn't want to turn this into an interrogation. "I do understand, and I know you haven't had the sort of support that I had. But I'm worried about how you're choosing to deal with that stress."

[divya-effendi]

"And? The last time I checked, Elijah, they invented these nifty gadgets called phones. Real handy when you want to communicate with someone," she shot back, trying to keep her tone level. Before she could roll her eyes, Divya let out a chuckle at Astrid's response to Elijah's questioning. "That's my girl," she mused, making a mental note to reward Astrid later for her loyalty. Her amusement was short-lived as Elijah continued what felt like an inquisition to Divya. "You're right, I don't have the kind of support that you had, so i'm doing the best that I can with what I have," she added, ever self-assured in herself, even if she had to fake it. "Oh yea, and how exactly did you handle stress when you were my age?"

[divya-effendi]

Divya let out an incredulous chuckle, "Sure, darling. Whatever you say," she mused with another bite of cheese. "I'm only teasing, of course. I highly doubt many people could pull off what you do for your coven," she added before sipping her wine. "If you tell anyone I said that I'll kill you myself." Divya considered the elder witch's words, tilting her head slightly, "If they know what's good for them they'll figure out this whole blood shortage mess before we get involved." Her eyes met Elijah's at the mention of Astrid, "And just what information were you hoping to get from her?"

[eremington]

"I wanted to know what you were doing at Absynthia, if you were just there to get drunk like everyone else or looking for something stronger." He snagged some cheese for himself and sat up a bit straighter. "I'm worried for you, Div. When we ran into each other the last time your eyes looked like you had taken something." He fell silent, keeping his face carefully non-judgmental as he looked at her, wanting to see what her reaction would be.

[divya-effendi]

“And it didn’t occur to you to ask me about this yourself?” Divya pointedly asked, her eyes darting to Elijah at his accusations. A part of her wanted to be touched by the sentiment that he was worried for her, but she couldn’t gloss over the fact that he’d crossed a line. Despite her school girl crush, Elijah had been much more of a father figure than Divya’s own. As long as Divya was building her empire and protecting the coven, he wouldn’t spare his daughter a passing glance.

“Elijah, it’s a nightclub for crying out loud. Everyone is on something,” she spoke in exasperation, trying to not come off as defensive, but her pride was getting in the way. “What’s a little Ecstasy between business deals,” she added with a casual eye roll, reigning in her temper. “I’d expect you of all people to understand the pressures of running a coven.” She wanted to ask what Astrid had told him, but she knew that would come off suspicious, and also wanting to trust her best friend.

[witchesnet]

" I can intuit your mind. " YENNEFER OF VENGERBERG