all i ever wanted was the world.

lady cecilia astoria. fantasy fandom oc. by tori.

[duchissa]

-- D U C H I S S A

an independent, semi-selective blog for cecilia astoria, a noble lady rogue / bard based primarily in asoiaf, bg3, and dragon age. open to other fantasy fandoms. written by tori. 18+.

ABOUT | PINTEREST | #headcanon | #meme

other blogs: @selunaris & @sunweaves

rules under cut.

i. my name is tori. i'm 30, from the uk. i work full time + have other blogs besides this one so please be patient with me when it comes to replies.

ii. i will endeavour to tag triggers and spicy content [#nsft] but if i do miss anything, feel free to politely let me know. this is an 18+ blog, there will be 18+ content on it. anonymous will also be switched off if anyone decides to use it to be rude.

iii. i am a mutuals only blog. if i follow you, it is because i want to write with you. i typically don't do mains / exclusives.

iv. memes are the best way to break the ice and interact. i put all ic asks in text posts so you can easily reblog them and continue them as threads if you wish. if you wish to plot, feel free to dive into my dms or even to ask for my discord. just note that i do not rp over discord, only chat and plot ooc.

v. i am open to pre-establishing things so our first interactions are not always introductions, which get boring fast. i do also enjoy shipping and writing spicy content - those types of memes are open to everyone also and can be its own contained non-canon thing if you wish. actual established ships need discussion, however.

vi. i do try to interact with all my followers be it through engaging with headcanon posts, sending memes, etc. however, if i notice that the interaction is one-way and i'm the only one sending things etc, then i'll eventually just stop. rp is a two-way street, please don't rely on me to constantly initiate interactions. if i send things and notice that nothing gets replied to, again, i will stop sending things for a while.

if i decide that it's just not working and i'm not vibing with your content, it's not a slight on you. it's just not meant to be. i tend to softblock and would prefer to be softblocked in return but do whatever you need to.

[shadowseductress]

(flirting) i am going to piss you off on purpose

[duchissa]

tbh i feel like i've been so out of the habit of writing that i'm struggling to get back into it. like? i want to do it and i'm here ready to do it but just nothing's coming out. like i've forgotten how to do it lmao

i'll get there eventually.

[duchissa]

as a wealthy and by default unmarried noblewoman in all of her verses, cecilia has had several suitors, all turned down. partly it was down to her father's complete withdrawal from public life after cecilia's mother died, so he just straight up did not look out for cecilia and do the things expected, like arrange a marriage for her. the other half is that cecilia was busy stepping up and trying to rebuild her family's fortunes, managing businesses, building their wealth back up and building her own reputation. things that needed her complete focus. the other element is that cecilia is the sole inheritor of her family's title and so on. there's a big chance that once she marries, that's it, her family name is dead. so she does want to arrange for her partner to take HER name instead in order to keep her family name going, which isn't unheard of. the exception to this would be if she married royalty, in which case it would be far more beneficial for her to take the royal family name.

she's in the position now where she is the only one left in her family and has inherited. she can essentially choose a suitor for herself if she wishes, although if royalty decides to arrange something for her then she can't really say no to it. she's aware that marrying for love in her position is highly unlikely but she'd at least like to marry someone she can tolerate. at this point as well, she's successfully turned her family's fortunes around and is very wealthy. so now she's even more mindful with suitors who may simply be looking at her fortune and title and not her.

as for having kids... well. she has that element of 'needing' to have kids to continue her family name but tbh? if it doesn't happen she won't be too beaten up about it. she'll just adopt someone to continue the line and inherit her stuff. or even if her partner already has children-- that's fine by her.

there's also the possibility of her marrying a commoner but... y'all gotta be hella special to her for that because that shit will cause a scandal that'll probably never die down.

[duchissa]

cecilia needs a knight/body guard to begrudgingly fall in love with tbh

[estarion]

　　　reclined  on  his  elbows  within  the  grass ,  one  leg  sprawled  and  the  other  bent .    “ ..  just  blue ? ”    indirect  encouragement  to  raise  her  sights .    it’s  a  dreamy  blue - beige - white  gradient  up  there .    “ i  would  ‘love’  to  assist  you  in fostering  a  little  goodwill  wherever  you  see  fit ,  my  lady . ”    the  midday  sun  catches  the  red  of  his  gaze  when  brought  down  to  her .    cooly  assessing  the  strong  noble  profile .    “ ..  all i  am  saying  is  that  we’d  better  be  damned  sure  we  are  making  the  correct  call .   but  it  seems  you’ve  discerned  something  about  these  refugees  that  my  eye  continues  to  miss .    they  don’t  have  power  on  their  side ,  so  what  is  it ?   you  pity  them ? ” the  grim  tightening  of  his  mouth  reveals  how  close  he  is  to  pitying  her ━━━ should  she  so much as wink towards yes .

[duchissa]

Cecilia moved to stand closer, not quite willing to sit herself down on the floor with him just yet. Besides, this was a far better view. Her head bobbed briefly from one side to the other as she considered his words, not quite seeing this as an act out of the goodness of their hearts. No, it had purpose. Each action was a play in a larger game.

"I'm sure we won't be stopping for every single soul in need. After all, we don't want it to slow us down too much." At first glance, she could figure that helping the refugees here was a large undertaking and perhaps not one that would pay off, though she had hope it would. She was not going to help just for the sake of goodness.

"They might not have power in the way you consider it. There's a number of them that show promise, at least. People we can call upon in Baldur's Gate. It's clear to me at least that this whole business with the mindflayers is bigger than we thought. It's not a fight we can win alone. We need to make allies, however small. Besides, what's the alternative? Slaughtering them? That's a lot of missed opportunity. Needless. I'm sure the time for slaughter will come but this is not it."

[pedrasacorns]

“Vengeance is bad for you” I’m not doing it for my health dude

[coyotesresources]

the  intimacy  of  hands.

[ win ]  –  for the sender’s muse to place a hand on the receiver’s neck and rest their forehead against the receiver’s own for a close congrats or excitement at something. [ brush ]  –  for the sender’s muse to give the receiver’s muse a passing touch along the shoulder’s / back as they walk by. [ hold ]  –  for the sender’s muse to hold the receiver’s muse by the face / neck gently and brush their thumbs along their cheeks to get them to focus on them. [ passing confidence ]  –  for the sender’s muse brush their finger’s against the receiver’s muse’s hand, too scared to hold their hand. [ intertwine ]  –  for the sender’s muse to intertwine their finger’s the receiver’s muse and kiss the back of their hand. [ intertwine & kiss ]  –  for the sender’s muse to intertwine their finger’s the receiver’s muse and kiss the back of their hand. [ intertwine & hold ]  –  for the sender’s muse to intertwine their finger’s the receiver’s muse and hold them during an emotional moment to reassure them. [ wrap ]  –  for the sender’s muse to casually wrap their arms around the receiver’s neck and lean on their shoulder from behind. [ palm kiss ]  –  for the sender’s muse to kiss the palm of receiver’s hand. [ hand kiss ]  –  for the sender’s muse to kiss the back of the receiver’s hand. [ lay ]  –  for the sender’s muse to lay next to the receiver and lay their hand in the receiver muses’ hand. [ reassure ]  –  for the sender’s muse to place their hand over the receiver’s in a moment of stress and squeeze reassuringly. [ squeeze ]  –  for the sender’s muse to place their hands on the receiver’s shoulders from behind, and offer a reassuring / affirming squeeze before moving on. [ pluck ]  –  for the sender to pluck a foreign object ( twig / leaf / etc. ) out of the receiver muses’ hair. [ play ]  –  for the sender’s muse to run their hand up the receiver’s shoulder and play with the hair at the base of their neck as a means of comfort. [ rub ]  –  for the sender muse to rub up and down the receiver’s back / shoulder as a means of comfort. [ shoulder ]  –  for the sender’s muse to place a hand on the receiver’s shoulder to comfort them, or stop them. [ hug ]  –  for the sender’s muse to drag the receiver’s muse into a tight hug by the back of the neck, and play with their hair at the base of their neck in order to comfort them. [ shock ]  –  for the sender to recoil a bit in shock at how quick the receiver latches onto them in a moment of high emotion, before returning the affections. [ cup ]  –  for the sender’s muse to cup the receiver’s face, and brush their thumb along the receiver’s cheek. [ hair ]  –  for the sender to brush a strand of hair out of the receiver’s face. [ hair & lean ]  –  for the sender to brush a strand of hair out of the face, and lean in slowly for a kiss. [ cup & kiss ]  –  for the sender’s muse to cup the receiver muses’ face during an incredibly passionate and long overdue kiss. [ what a rush ]  –  for the long long overdue kiss to end, only for the sender to rest their head on the receiver’s, and comment “do you know how long I’ve wanted to do that?” [ no tears ]  –  for the sender to cup the receiver’s face and brush away their tears with their thumbs. [ no tears & kiss ]  –  for the sender to cup the receiver’s face and brush away their tears with their thumbs & kiss the receiver’s forehead. [ stumble ]  –  for the sender’s muse to catch and help the receiver’s muse keep balance. [ shudder ]  –  for the sender to shudder a little at some gentle touch from the receiver. [ nononono! ]  –  for the sender to hold the receiver’s head / face while they’re injured, brush their thumb along their cheeks & refuse to accept that the receiver is dying. [ acceptance ]  –  for the sender & receiver to sit / lay somewhere in acceptance of their ends together. in a final act of closeness, the sender places their hand in the receiver’s own.

[ prompt ] + reverse  –  to reverse any of the prompts !

[mcflymemes]

AS SAID BY ALISTAIR THEIRIN

ASSORTED DIALOGUE FROM DRAGON AGE: ORIGINS

aw, that’s sweet.

excuse me while i begin projectile vomiting.

is it just me, or did i do really badly back there?

that just seems so excessive.

i don’t think we’re alone. i really don’t think we’re alone.

i once got pickpocketed.

where do you think they get all this stuff?

why do they call it a brothel? there’s no broth. or is there?

we’re not going to be mobbed, right?

now that is a big tree.

you feel that? it’s actually colder up here.

now that’s just unnecessary.

oh here i am! and there you are! you just disappeared!

can we expect more of those?

what is that smell? fish? and something else… oh, more fish.

it’s just like being home again.

i locked myself in a cage once, when i was a child. for an entire day. ahh, good times.

is this place even on a proper map?

what is this place?

uh oh. i’m terrible at puzzles.

hey you see those… thingies over on the side of that huge chasm?

maybe i should touch them. or stand on them?

nice campfire you have there.

let’s try not to get lost here.

i think there’s something ahead. something big.

looks like we’re done here.

do you think they understand everything we say?

you could be an utter moron, for all we know.

why doesn’t anyone want to hear me talk?

there’s a certain allure to danger, isn’t there?

you’re not going to tell me, are you?

i don’t know if i should take you seriously… but you scare me sometimes.

i’ve never been very good at that.

all right, forget i asked.

i so totally did not see you ogling each other before.

what an utter relief.

do i have a choice?

couldn’t you crawl into a bush somewhere and die? that would be great, thanks.

leave me alone.

i thought you’d like that.

i was looking at your nose.

why do you always go on about how stupid i am?

you’re not even listening to me.

oh, how the mighty have crumbled.

that… was so not what i meant.

what’s wrong with fraternizing?

shut up! that is none of your business.

i said shut up! i will run this sword through you, i’m not joking.

you’re… you’re drunk, aren’t you.

why can’t i be drunk all the time? i never get to be drunk.

i think that’s private.

so what would you do if someone told you that they loved you?

how would you react?

not this again. i’m ready this time.

really? no pinching my cheeks? no making me blush?

there it is, the last of them.

you appear to be getting younger by the day.

but you kill people. for money.

you weren’t exactly the best they had.

i’m not an idiot. well, most of the time.

oh, i get it. you’re not going to tell me.

if you aren’t telling me, there must be a reason.

well, that’s comforting.

i’m… i’m going to go stand over here now.

i’m not worried about that.

no, on second thought, i’ll just pass.

so how much did you charge to… you know… kill someone?

when this is over, what do you intend to do with yourself?

have you… had very many women in your time?

how do you… woo them?

i like my hair the way it is, thank you.

we aren’t talking about this, are we? did i hit my head?

what are your intentions with them?

is that a smirk? are you smirking at me?

just… watch yourself, then. i’ll be keeping an eye on you.

let me guess. they get assassinated.

[mcflymemes]

PROMPTS FOR LAVISH BALLS, PARTIES, AND SECRETS *  adjust as necessary, send 'reverse' for the reversal of action prompts

DIALOGUE PROMPTS

may i have this dance?

you clean up nice.

shall we?

pretend you're talking to me.

have we met?

you've got a strong grip.

my eyes are up here.

i hoped you'd look my way eventually.

you look beautiful.

mind if i cut in?

i should warn you, i'm a horrible dancer.

you help me, i'll help you.

it's a pleasure to meet you.

put your hand on my shoulder.

don't look so stiff.

i wasn't expecting you to be here.

have you tried the punch?

how did you get an invite?

you weren't supposed to find me here.

we shouldn't be seen together.

mind joining me for a walk in the gardens?

this is a masquerade party, after all.

i couldn't find a date in time.

dance with me.

quick, while no one's looking.

i need another drink.

the rumor mill's already started.

at least pretend that you like me!

the pleasure is all mine.

that's good to know.

are your spies in position?

what an unexpected pleasure.

right this way, please.

take my arm.

were you eavesdropping?

we shouldn't keep them waiting.

i wouldn't be caught dead dancing with you.

did you hear the news?

are you the guest of honor?

that's a rather garish color on you.

i've heard the rumors about you.

i need some air.

you stepped on my foot!

i was just going to introduce you.

do you like my dress?

don't waste my time with pleasantries.

a word, when you have a moment.

ACTIONS AND SETTINGS * feel free to substitute "ball" for any fancy event :)

[ crowd ] sender and receiver lock eyes across the crowded room of a lavish ball

[ approach ] sender approaches receiver at a ball and asks to dance with them

[ introduce ] sender's friend introduces them to receiver at a ball

[ avoid ] sender tries to avoid awkward conversation by staying away from receiver at a ball

[ alone ] sender finds receiver alone at a ball and quietly approaches them

[ gardens ] sender and receiver abandon the crowded ball and go for a walk in the nearby gardens

[ stolen ] sender steals a moment alone with receiver at a ball and kisses them

[ wrist ] as receiver tries to return to the ball, sender reaches out and grabs their wrist, begging them to stay

[ danger ] sender realizes receiver is in danger at the ball and tries to warn them in time

[ drink ] sender brings receiver a drink at the ball

[ blend in ] receiver tries to blend in at the ball and remain unseen, but sender notices and approaches them

[ dance ] after a dance out on the ballroom floor, sender and receiver freeze in place and stare into each other's eyes

[ balcony ] sender finds receiver standing out on a balcony alone and joins them

[ stairwell ] sender stumbles upon receiver sitting in the stairwell alone, hiding from the crowded ballroom and all the guests

[ last kiss ] sender and receiver kiss before sender leaves the ball and disappears into the night

[ bedroom ] as the ball comes to a close, sender invites receiver to come home with them

[mcflymemes]

PROMPTS FOR LOTS AND LOTS OF FLIRTING ♡ *  assorted dialogue, adjust as necessary

what did you think after our first kiss?

what did i do to deserve you?

what are you craving right now?

i can't stop thinking about you.

you can't do that and expect me not to kiss you!

i never believed in true love until i met you.

sometimes i can't get enough of you.

my days get brighter when i think of you.

don't get mad if i fall asleep on you.

will you be mine?

you make my head spin and my knees shake.

i like it when we hold hands.

i want to grow old with you.

how do i look in your shirt?

that was really adorable.

let's skip the small talk and go straight to flirting.

i've been thinking about you all morning.

what did you think of our first date?

i could stare into your eyes forever.

come here. let me hold you for a while.

sorry, i got lost in your eyes. can you say that again?

i love your laugh.

i had a dream about you last night.

i want to spend the rest of my life by your side.

are you in the mood to have some fun?

how much skin is too much skin to show on our date tonight?

can i take you on a date?

do that again. that was really cute.

was it good for you?

you're really hot. just thought you should know.

how can you resist this face?

want to be my little spoon?

nobody understands me like you do.

i'm trying to flirt with you, but clearly it's not working.

you're so cute.

you don't know what you do to me.

i don't know what i'd do without you.

when can i see you again?

my bed smells like you.

i hope you feel the same way.

how about we take this to the bedroom?

you drive me crazy.

are you wearing my shirt? it looks good on you.

let me give you a nice, long massage.

you mean a lot to me.

you're pretty irresistable.

have you been flirting this whole time?

i thought about your smile today.

why don't you come sit with me? there's plenty of room.

it's okay if you fall asleep on me.

stay close to me.

you make everything brighter.

it's you. it's only ever going to be you.

you're cute when you blush.

i don't want to share you with anyone.

i wish i could wake up next to you every morning.

you make it hard to focus.

hey, i'm not the one with the cute smile! you are!

want to try that again?

you are my whole world.

i miss the taste of your kiss.

want to make them jealous?

i was counting down the minutes until i saw you.

you're my favorite type of distraction.

i think i'm addicted to you.

don't worry, i make a great pillow.

you're a great hugger.

you make all my dreams come true.

i can't stop thinking about last night.

i never want to know a world without you.

ever since i met you... i haven't stopped thinking about you.

you're more than enough.

let me get a good look at you.

i love everything about you.

you're a very special person.

you have amazing hands.

i promise you a weekend you'll never forget.

i have something special planned for tonight.

you're cute when you get like that.

oh no. not the puppy dog pout. you know i can't resist that.

i saw this and thought of you, so i had to get it.

[chaiisms]

BALDURS GATE 3 PARTY BANTER PROMPTS LIST.

all of the following prompts are taken from party banter between the companions in larian studios' baldurs gate 3 (2023). there should be no spoilers! also, a disproportionate amount of these are from astarion and karlach. i'm not sorry.

I am enjoying our walks together, aren't you, [ name ]?

You'll be as depraved as the rest of us in no time.

Friend of yours?

Were you always so sneaky?

If there's hope for me there's hope for anyone.

How are we not there yet? My feet are killing me.

This is what I get for trying to strike up conversation.

We're not going to have trouble, are we?

If we continue this way, we may get too close for comfort.

Don't get too comfortable. We shouldn't overstay our welcome in such a place.

Do you have pet names for each other yet?

[ name ]! Was that a joke?

You know what - that is not the easiest of questions for me to answer.

Given your own nature, are you really the one to judge?

You can read?!

I'm surprised - I expected you to turn your back once you got what you wanted.

I wouldn't know a flirtation if you whacked me alongside the head with it.

Why stay somewhere safe and comfortable when we could be in mortal peril?

Can't say I love what they've done with the place.

I'm learning to enjoy the taste of chaos. Count me in.

At least you didn't tell me to 'be myself'.

You have so much to learn. Repeat after me: honey muffin, sweetie pie, sugarplum.

Nice to be in a crowd of normal people for once.

So [ name ], how is your sad, hopeless pining going?

You seemed a million miles away just then.

I fear I've been rather hasty to judge you, [ name ].

Ready to enter the belly of the beast?

Step one of starting a conversation: think before you speak.

I hear your relationship has taken on a new aspect recently…

All right, just keep it down. We're conspicuous enough without your hyena call.

Not one for roughing it, I see.

Why not have a little fun?

You're right, of course. Forgive me.

My money's on you, [ name ].

The echoes - listen! They're coming from three directions!

Want me to carry you?

Feeling at home?

Treat them right, or you'll have me to answer to.

Oh, darling, would you?

No doubt they found me too intimidating.

A girl could get used to this.

Now I don't know what to believe.

Well - yes, it was a joke.

I know that, too. It just wasn't funny.

And here I thought I rubbed you the wrong way.

Man, it's good to be home. First round on who?

Oh, I wouldn't actually leave. After all, where would you be without me?

You've quite the knack for finding the bright side of things, haven't you?

Well what would impress you, then?

Let's just stop this conversation right here, shall we?

Must've been an awful day for the people who lived here

You've clearly thought this through a great deal. I'm impressed and appalled in equal measure.

Sure, but think of the stories you'll be able to tell.

I never was scared of the shadows.

I know you're not really as heartless as all that.

I judged you wrongly. I'm sorry.

Are you charging for this sage advice, or is sticking your nose into my business just a hobby?

Pragmatism, thy name is [ name ].

That's ironic, coming from you.

We're either very clever or very lucky.

You do not need luck to survive, [ name ]. Not when you have me.

That will make getting word to my mother rather tricky.

Stop gawking at the decor. This place is dangerous.

I can't tell if you're joking.

So, what's it like caring for someone other than yourself, [ name ]?

You think I'm beautiful?

I feel it too. Here if you need a pick-me-up.

Yet another thing we have in common. We're two peas in a pod.

Is it so unbelievable that they would simply like me?

Use your words.

You gonna catch me if I eat a brick?

[ name ], I've heard you talking in your sleep.

Let's never speak of this again.

You can take a day off once in a while, [ name ]

Hey! Something bit me.

Cheer up. It might be all downhill from here.

I love a nice secret hideaway, don't you?

Think the bar is open?

[kingsmemes]

「   RP MEME :   NONVERBAL PROMPTS.  mix of violent, caring, touching and non-touching prompts.  」     SEND PROMPT '+ REVERSE' for the inverse to happen. for example 'bandage + reverse' for the receiver to bandage wounds on the sender.

[ BANDAGE ] : sender bandages a wound on receiver.

[ GUIDE ] : sender puts a hand on he receiver's back to guide them somewhere.

[ WAVE ]: sender waves down receiver to get their attention.

[ SIGN ]: sender raises their hand to sign to receiver. what follows can be anything the sender desires.

[ LIFT ]: sender lifts receiver's chin to look at them.

[ LIGHT ]: sender lights receiver's cigarette/candle/etc.

[ FIND ] : sender finds receiver beaten and/or bloodied.

[ PIN ]: sender pins receiver against the wall during combat/sparring.

[ GET DOWN ]: sender tackles receiver out of the way of danger.

[ TAKE ]: sender takes a hit meant for receiver.

[ CAUGHT ]: sender finds receiver somewhere they aren't supposed to be.

[ TRAP ]: sender traps the receiver somewhere they don't want to be.

[ DARLING ]: sender touches receiver's cheek.

[ SNATCH ]: sender snatches receiver's wrist as they turn to go.

[ STAB ]: sender stabs receiver.

[ DRAG ]: sender drags receiver from point a to point b.

[ SIT ]: sender sits on receiver's lap.

[ EN GARDE ]: sender and receiver get into some kind of fight.

[ DRUNK ]: sender finds receiver drunk.

[ BLOOD ]: sender walks into receiver's room covered in blood.

[ FLOWER ]: sender offers a flower to receiver.

[ HOLD ]: sender reaches to hold receiver's hand.

[ BRUSH ]: sender brushes a strand of hair out of receiver's face.

[ NOTE: ] sender writes a note for receiver. the contents are whatever the sender decides.

[ EYES ]: sender notices receiver looking at them.

[ STOP ]: sender raises hand to signal the receiver to stop in place.

[ TAP ]: sender taps receiver on the shoulder to get their attention.

[ WAKE ]: sender gently wakes receiver from a nap or otherwise.

[ MORNING AFTER ]: sender and receiver wake up together for the first time after a night of passion.

[ BLANKET ]: sender drapes a blanket over receiver's shoulders.

[ HUDDLE ]: sender and receiver huddle together in an effort to stay warm.

[ TUG ]: sender pulls receiver away from them.

[ PUSH ]: sender pushes receiver away from them.

[ BULLET ]: sender shoots receiver in a non-lethal area.

[duchissa]

cecilia + perfume and makeup!!!

for dragon age: tbh we know that makeup is a thing with orlesian nobles although i think that's... a bit stupid when most wear full face masks and all makeup would do is make a mess on their mask and be very heavy and sweaty under it but whatever. makes more sense if your mask is only a half mask or you don't have one. or maybe only doing makeup on lips and eyes. in the rare event a noble is without their mask, I doubt they would wish to be seen ‘bare faced’ and at least then makeup could provide that one extra layer. i’d see those aspiring to wealth and nobility opting for makeup more; they might not have a mask and so makeup could be their mask. as for perfume, some can be quite overpowering and it's definitely a Thing that orlesian nobility stink to high heavens of the stuff.

cecilia’s personal taste in makeup and perfumes is... not entirely the norm i don’t think for orlais. orlais is extravagant and over the top and that applies to things like fashion, makeup, and perfume. that's... not her style at all.

she firstly hates overpowering strong perfumes and instead opts for something more subtle; a soft, floral / rose fragrance with a hint of sweetness. not overpowering in the slightest and really only something someone is going to catch the scent of if they are standing really close to her. we're talking eau de toilettes here. eau de toilette is intimate, skin-scent, for those close in your space. eau de parfum for a wider circle, or intenses / elixirs etc for the whole damn room to smell you. i bet orlesians are the assholes who would spray half a damn bottle of sauvage elixir and suffocate you.

generally, strong scents are like to give cecilia a headache so she avoids them for herself.

her scent would be soft and floral, probably with a hint of a fresh fruit like apple or pear. maybe fresh cotton/linen scents.

makeup is similar for her. she hates heavy makeup and instead opts for minimal natural makeup if any at all.

even then, makeup isn’t common for her. more likely, she’ll only wear that minimal makeup for an event or a meeting with important people. she personally... doesn’t like makeup that much and would rather limit its use. outside of formal events, she isn’t really wearing it. she'd be more of a skincare girlie.

as for her fashion, that again is quite subdued compared to most orlesian fashion. not a fan of huge over the top massive ballgowns - she’d opt for something softer, flowy, more fitted, perhaps. sparkles maybe. a few statement pieces of jewellery rather than over the top fashion. i’d think that most would expect a duchess to be very over the top and cecilia just isn’t. quite modest in comparison to a lot of orlesian nobles and modest compared to what people may expect of someone in her position.

she does play a part in designing some of her own fashion and jewellery.

tbh while this is written for dragon age in mind, it would apply to any verse.

[duchissa]

figured these points were all kinda related so:

generally speaking, cecilia isn't fond of public displays of affection. they make her uncomfortable, whether she's on the receiving end or witnessing it. a quick subtle touch or quick kiss is probably fine but beyond that? no. keep it private. even then, depends on the scenario. there's her finding it uncomfortable but then there's also not wanting to give away a potential weakness. uncomfortable for her yes but it doesn't fluster or embarrass her. just... 'oh, really? here? now? can we not?'

in private with a lover she'll make up for it and be far more affectionate but public is a no go.

some flirting in public is Fine and she'll usually do that in certain social situations anyway, maybe to get a bit closer to a target, but it's rarely ever physical and it's not genuine affection. it sits differently.

[duchissa]

@estarion asked: ❝ we must be certain that we do not choose the losing side . ❞

"Mm, and the sky is blue." Cecilia hummed, briefly examining her nails as she seemed to take this all in her stride. "I know helping others is not your forte, but I think you just need to see it from a different perspective." Not necessarily one she agreed with, but if it got the vampire on side, then it was worth bringing it up. "A few good deeds along the way, you'll have them owing you a favour. Not only that, but it opens doors along the way, often unexpected. A helping hand here and there and things may work out better further along the line. Ignore them and let them die, you close that possibility for good."

[duchissa]

things cecilia likes!!

music. listening or even playing it-- she can play several instruments including violin and, her favourite, piano.

singing. goes along with the above.

art in general-- she's not personally good at drawing or painting or anything but she does appreciate the art made by others. enjoys museums and art galleries. in p much all of her verses, she's a patron of the arts and invests a lot in that area, commissioning artists regularly. likely has several portraits of herself out there, though not necessarily commissioned by herself. her father had a couple done of her growing up.

flowers. gardening. she never minded getting her hands dirty and assisting the hired gardeners at her family's estate, helping to plan where things would go etc.

similarly? she quite likes interior design. generally likes planning things.

reading! novels, histories, whatever she can get her hands on. she loves to read.