Nico: It doesn't seem to me like you care much about what is or isn't unbecoming.
Nico: So what exactly are you accusing me of?
Paris: You know, if you have something to say you're welcome to say it. I'm not attempting to be argumentative, but it's a question on most peoples' minds, in case you were curious. At least I have the cajones to ask.
Paris: I'm not accusing you of anything. I'm just asking a question. If you'd like me to accuse you of something, though, you're on the right track. Being defensive is definitely a red flag.
It is a real shame, youโre right. Thank you, I appreciate it. You can call me Nico. What do you do for fun around here?
Good thing Iโve come to save the day, then. No problem, no problem at all. Where are you? Iโll come to you, since Iโm more familiar with the landscape. Nico it is, then. Fun? Ha. You mean, when they arenโt finding bodies in the street? Depends on what youโre into, I guess. So, what are you into?
Somehow, I still havenโt made any friends as the new guy. Is anyone up for giving me a tour today? Iโm new to Jericho, I couldnโt resist the appeal of Nevermore so I came to find out more.
@nevermorestartersโ
Well we canโt have that now, can we? Iโll give you a tour, sweetcheeks. Iโm Paris. And you are?
Ah, that makes more sense. Yeah, Godfrey. No kidding. Sounds like a blast. I donโt know if Iโd have the patience to deal with teaching. So is there anything else that I need to know?
Iโm glad, though I could have rolled with what you had going as well. Wow. Youโre probably used to being welcomed by parades and fanfare. You must be doubly traumatized. Something like that. Wanna know a secret? Most days, I donโt either. But, fake itย โtil you make it, right? Thatโs a pretty big question, especially given Iโm not super familiar with your educational background. But, other than the suggestion to locate a damn good pair of earplugs if youโre looking to get any sort of sleep, itโs pretty easy to figure it out as you go.ย
As in, in this area. This town. These towns, I guess. I did know that, yes. Thank you. Iโm Roman Godfrey, the pleasure is mine. So what do you do around here? Besides try not to die.
Woof, my facetiousness clearly didnโt translate well. I meant, itโs not the most surprising thing to happen around here. No problem. Godfrey? No kidding. Me? I teach at Nevermore. Magical Potions. So I guess, in a lot of ways, my job is kind of all about trying not to die. Most days, anyway.
Another year, another chance to learn. Or, at the very least, another year to blow off assignments, party hard, and bug your professors during the last week for extra credit to make up points you could have easily gotten by putting in even 15% effort at any other point during the year...Something like that. Speaking of, did anyone actually sign up for Advanced Potions this year, or should I tuck those lesson plans right back into the bottom drawer of my desk for another year? Let me know, all. Oh, and welcome back.ย
โQuite unconventional, wouldnโt you say?โ Ezrak paused, as if scanning their company for any protestations as they sipped at their drink before continuing.ย โAnnouncing not one, but three betrothals? And at a summit that guarantees attendance. Howโฆeconomical.โ That is to say, he found this whole affair tacky. If the sultan and his mother had done anything like this to him and his siblings, it would have been an outrage. He himself would not have stood for it, and he hoped his siblings would have had their own objections.ย
A raise of her eyebrows was accompanied by the ghost of a smile upon her lips. Esma was, in truth, of the absolute same opinion, though to this point had worked tirelessly to stifle those opinions considering the uproar she was certain they would manage to cause. One aspect of her position the Sultana despised was the necessity sheโd been forced to accept in keeping her tongue modest. The boldness with which her brother Ezrak spoke brought with it a sense of ease immediately.ย โWell, well. I was beginning to believe no one besides myself possessed any sort of true capacity for thought. Congratulations. It is rare for anyone to change my mind. It remains to be seen whether or not there are any others, outside of our bloodline.โ Taking a sip of her drink, Esmaโs smile turned to a smirk.ย โPersonally, I find the situation gaudy at best, sly at the worst. Nevertheless, it is interesting. And telling. Is it not?โ
as ill fitting as it is for a prince to be late to his own engagement party, truth be told maxim hadnโt been expecting to be celebrated at all. heโd been perfectly content with john and auggie being the ones fawned over for the night, there in support and congratulations abound, perfectly willing to give up any kind of spotlight but just when heโd thought heโd gotten off scot free โ the announcement came to him at the very last moment, and if he werenโt busy throwing a tantrum, he would take care to be offended.
being late is one thing but maxim has always known how to make an entrance, turning something sour into something sweet. after many a people knocked at his door, practically begging for him to come out and not ruin the night (though itโs hard to believe maxim could ruin anything when uninvited guests show up. he digresses; a party crash is the last thing he could care about right now), with a practiced smile and a few breaths in the mirror, he joins the party. his absence is excused easily and he gives thanks to any congratulations, shakes hands and makes conversation with such an ease that no one would guess he had been sulking in his room just an hour prior.
in the rare moments he finds himself free from the dullards that surround him, he finds himself in front of the drinks and nurses each one he pours. it is easy to remove himself from his own realities and feelings when surrounded with such attention, allowing the tribulations and crushing realizations of how things are set to change be a thing for later when heโs once again in his room and able to sulk as he wishes. for now, itโs dazzling smiles and upkept reputations that he feels are long overgrown.
The betrothal announcements had seemingly come out of thin air, and the celebrations which quickly ensued left the Sultanaโs head spinning in an unpleasant way. While Esma had arrived at the summit prepared for betrothals to be both made and carried out in droves, the haste with which the Windsor Queen moved seemed far more than suspicious.ย
In truth, she would have much preferred to be back in her quarters, reading a book by candlelight, or perhaps charting the stars. However, her attendance had been insisted upon, leaving Esma no choice but to partake in each and every celebration. On any given day the Sultanaโs social meter rested at mild tolerance, however after having been in attendance of the latest celebration for more than her customary hour, and in such close succession with the other festivities, her mild tolerance had lessened considerably.ย
Having managed to dodge several of her brotherโs friends as well as a sea of nobles and royals to whom sheโd been groomed to know she owed at least an acknowledging curtsy, Esma had finally landed before the drinks table. To start, she took the nearest goblet in her hand, uncaring enough to simply drink its contents without question. Before the second sheโd collected could follow suit, the movement of the other partygoer, whom she immediately recognized as one half of the currently spotlighted happy couple-to-be gave her pause.ย
โI beg your pardon, Your Highness, but I feel inclined to ask. Are you quite alright?โ The Sultana furrowed her brow lightly, ensuring her expression remained inquisitive rather than accusatory as it preceded a genuine smile.
ย ย ย ย THE ITALIAN princess was sitting on the window closed, with a dish of cookies on her lap, and drinking wine. Small things makes her happy, like watching the snow falling outside, the weather wasnโt good to stay on the gardens, at least not today. God, she was bored again. Normally, when she is bored sheโd play some instruments or read, but she does not feel like doing neither of these things. She noticed a presence near her soโฆ โ Do you want some cookies?! โ The Italian princess was timid, so her face automatically blushed for interact with anyone who isnโt her family, but she was making effort to be less โanti-socialโ.
location: inside of the palace |ย @1642hqzstartersยท
While the descriptor had made its way across her mind more than once since arriving at the Swiss palace, she simply couldnโt bring herself to settle for saying that she was simply bored. Esma wasnโt particularly sentimental, nor did she find herself possessing any sort of staunch patriotism for her home country. Even so, her routine was what she craved. Routine, familiarity, and the knowledge that no matter the circumstance, she would likely have at least some consistent idea of what was happening, what had happened, and what had the potential to happen at all times. There were far too many variables attached to travel, most especially so given the uncertain times. Still, Esma was forced to endure the monotany for the sake of her title, and her family. Rounding a corner, the Sultana found herself taken aback by the presence of another.ย โCookies?โ She asked, brow furrowing.ย โThat is...Quite the odd offer.โ Tilting her head, the Sultana did her best to place the familiar face before her.ย โPolitely, I must decline. You must be...โ For a moment, Esma wracked her mind attempting to recall the reason for the other woman's familiarity.ย โYour Highness, Martina Rinaldi.โ She finished for herself, having recalled the true reason for the othersโ familiarity.ย โBy all means, however, do enjoy.โ The Princessโ obvious nerves werenโt lost on Esma, however her expression remained steeled.ย โIs there something the matter?โ
MARTINA WAS looking at the surroundings, when she heard the noise, until the voice came to her ears and she looked at the source. The Italian princess looked at the familiar figure, and pursed a timid smile. โ Hey! How are you going? โ She never know how to react to people that arenโt her siblings or parents, either way, she was raised in a super protective bubble, she hardly had friends. ย The sight of his brotherโs betrothed makes her reminds any day could be her. The blonde didnโt have any strong feelings towards, because she does not know her well. Even in Italy, Martina was recluse, not easy to be found. โ I didnโt want to be cooped up in my room. I needed a fresh air, soโฆ โ She shrugged her shoulders nonchalantly, as her cheeks blushed in shyness, and she gather her astrology book and put on her lap, but not moving from where she was. โ I see you did the same. โ
Esma offered a tight-lipped smile, reminding herself of the necessity to be cordial at a minimum. Despite her distaste for her betrothal, and her dread that she was being ushered into a gridlock which would bring nothing but misery, the Sultana did not favor the thought of creating further unrest within her family and country by offending the sister of her betrothed.ย โI am well, Martina, and my thanks to you for inquiring. And yourself?โ Pausing, Esma sighed before lowering herself to the grass next to Martinaโs figure.ย โI understand, despite the palaceโs ample space, the quarters are beginning to become far too stifled for my liking.โ Her eyes fell to the book in Martinaโs lap, her interest piqued.ย โSo it seems. Are you interested in astrology? Or, simply keeping up with your studies while abroad?โ
THE Italian blonde was reading under the tree, she likes to be in contact with nature, or at the least feel closer to it. She had noticed she was reading the same line, over and over again, and then decided to stop reading. Laying down under the tree, her gaze shifted from the book to the clouds, observing the cloudsโ shapes and seeing different figures in any of them. She recently arrived in the castle and was trying to re-adapt to a new place. No matter what re-adaption is a bit stressful for her. A noise of a cracking branch startled her a little, making her automatically sit, and adjust her posture. โ Whoโs there? โ
@1642hqzstartersยท
Esmaโs goal as she made her way across the Swiss grounds was simply to take in as much of nature as she could, in the rare moment to herself she had been granted. Having removed her shoes before stepping into the perfectly kept grass, she worked on controlling her breathing, focusing on the feeling of kinship and connection she felt with the natural world around her. The Sultana had been lost within her own mind, so much so that she very nearly failed to notice the figure lounging about in the path before her. Stepping closer, Esma realized precisely who she had stumbled upon- her betrothedโs sister, Martina. The Sultana had never been known to mince words when it came to her feelings on her betrothal, and it was for that reason Esma found herself questioning just how the Italian Princess might react to her presence.ย โEsme Osman, Your Highness.โ She called back, attempting to control her tone.ย โGood afternoon, Martina. It appears you are enjoying your time here, in Switzerland.โ
The Duke of Alba on all accounts was a rather spectacular male, sculpted by the hand of god and hewn from the finest of things. Chiseled and muscular but not overly so to be grotesquely fit but a body that plenty would throw themselves at like water crashing against the cliffs - even when their hopes to trap him were hopelessly dashed against it. Handsome and rich and oh did he know this well. He even had the aroma of hard to afford citrus and what one imagined starlight to be like. For the first time thought he was quiet, silent even for the bosterous male who was quite fond of conversation was faced with his duties. That and the presence of the thorn in his side. Not his wife no, nor his mistresses or the other lovers he kept that all longed for similar attention. No the presence that loomed over him was the shadow of his bastard brother. He had know - always. Once there was a child who despite his motherโs vehement dislike of the boy sired long before her own - once he had tried to befriend his brother. It was the attempt of a child but the man they called general now seemed to be locked in competition with him constantly. It soured quickly any brotherly feelings that had bubbled up and instead saw boys pitted against each other growing in loathing and dislike. Was the world aware of this relationship - heavens no. If anyone thought to state their last names and features were similar the son who would inherit the title would unfortunately deny it with everything in him. Here they both were and it was not like Rodrigo could kill one of spainโs most valuable assets - Rodrigo knew his brother well enough to know there was no simple reason to be here. It hurt his brain pondering the machinations of his brother. Starting still out of the window watching the gardens, the Spaniard was unaware another had entered the room muttering to himself โThe skies look heavy - perhaps it will rain. Terrible weather for ridingโ
Since arriving in Switzerland, Esma had felt burdened by a looming feeling, one she wasย not quite able to place a name to. It felt as though the Sultana had found herself under a dense sort of cloud, one that threatened her daily with torrential downpours, yet never made good on the threat. Being away from the Ottoman Empire was anxiety-inducing in many ways, not all of which she had been able to recognize at this particular juncture, though not for lack of trying. Feeling uneasy, unsteady, or otherwiseย offย in any way never failed to agitate Esma in ways she simply could not put words to, and almost always served to sour any positive mood she might have been in. Having observed the skies since awakening that morning- as she did each day, throughout the day- she found herself already more than aware of what appeared to be an impending storm.ย
Stepping into the room she had come to realize offered the best view of the Gardens, Esma sighed, initially intending to completely ignore the other figure occupying the room. Her intention had been to observe the sun, what little of it she could see, along with its position in the sky- for reasons she would not divulge even if she were to be prompted. The Sulana had very nearly made the decision to exit the room when she heard the other muttering. With a roll of her eyes, she glanced at the other, attempting to formulate a response not entirely laced with sarcasm.ย โI shall take it as a positive, then, that I had no intention of riding anything anywhere this afternoon. I take it you had other plans?โ
( aslihan malbora, cis female, she/her, 25) ** โ announcing esma osman, ย the sultana of the ottoman empire ! in a recent portrait they seem to resemble aslihan malbora. it is a miracle that she/her survived the last five years and for that reason, they are unsure of the kingdoms working together. reflecting on them now, they remind me of the slight sourness of a granny smith apple, silent tears falling onto a pillow, & sparklers shining in the dark.ย ย
BIO HCS
- esma osman has always been a bit of a conundrum. from childhood it was obvious that she was wise beyond her years, always acting and reacting differently to the things that happened around her just a bit differently than her peers.ย
- throughout her youth, esma worked hard to mask the things she thought and felt, constantly grappling with her internal self versus who she was expected to be as the sultana of the ottoman empire. eventually, as she moved into her teenage years,, this conflict manifested itself in ways of isolation, attitude, and a temperamental nature.
- her familyโs traditional and near-fundamentalist beliefs only served to heighten the sense of struggle esma felt within herself. it seemed that around every corner, who she was and who she wanted to be faced off ceaselessly.ย
- her betrothal to romeo rinaldi only pushed those feelings further. not only did esma resent being promised to someone without her consent, but she resented those she saw responsible for the situation- her parents, the rinaldis, and romeo himself.ย
- in the privacy of her own room and spaces within the osman palace, esma began to put time and attention into herself, her beliefs, and finally figuring out who she was- separate from her family and her title. the more she discovered, the more aloof she became.
- ten years ago, esma began to dabble in mysticism and the metaphysical, having become fascinated by all facets of the beliefs and practices. knowing how she would be shunned, not only by society but by her family and likely her betrothed for her beliefs, esma has been practicing what some might consider witchcraft in secret, expanding her knowledge on what many might consider the unholy.ย
- while her practice has lead her to a feeling of freedom unlike any sheโd experienced before, she grapples with constant fear of being discovered. of being shunned. of being leftย for who she is. deep down, she wants happiness. she wants love. she wants the brightness of the future sheโs been promised since childhood, yet she feels as though it has become an unattainable fantasy.ย
