admittedly, he’s had far too much to drink . it’s the perk of being a painter, he supposes . that is : outlandish, unseemly behaviour’s almost in his job description . besides, inebriation inspires delight, right ? he’ll argue for it, at least . as the room spins, and the riches and the people in it do too, he’s inspired to create . or to at least dream, at least — and court as many paying, impressive ( and beautiful ) patrons as possible . he’s an impossibly shallow man . “ — there is something about you . ” he calls upon a passing lady, a glimmer of mischief in his eyes . “ of course, only god can truly capture such a light . but might i give it a try ? ”
Maria was secretly waiting for the groundbreaking artist to make his appearance. If the night at any point lacked life, it was not while he was around. She just did not expect to see him like this. Not so early, at least. “Piero. Are you already so far gone that you do not even recognize me?” Maria feigned frustration, but a small grin cracked through. Maybe he did recognize her, maybe he didn’t. But if he did, it didn’t seem as such to her. “Although you were correct about something. Your talents surely could never match his. But, if you do feel the need to give it a try, I’m all yours.”
“I want to glorify God, and I want to do whatever it is he is calling me to do... If only I could discern that. No matter what it is, this is all about him. That is one thing I know to be true.”
SEBASTIAN: Is violence ever the answer?
“Of course not. Never are we called to strike another. Violence comes from a dark place, one void of any well-intent. It can never be the answer.”
ANTONY: What bad habits do you need to break?
BEATRICE: What is the achievement you’re most proud of?
BENVOLIO: What comes to mind when you think of peace?
BIANCA: What do you want most in life?
CELIA: Do you want to fall in love?
CIRCE: Would you rather be loved or feared?
CLAUDIUS: What is the worst thing you’ve ever done?
CORDELIA: Do you consider yourself a good person?
CRESSIDA: What makes you feel trapped?
DESDEMONA: Do you believe that the truth will set you free?
EDGAR: Do you want to make your family proud?
EDMUND: Do you ever wish you’d been born someone else? If so, who?
GERTRUDE: Would you (or have you) ever cheated on a significant other?
HAMLET: Do you prefer to think things through thoroughly or act on impulse?
HECATE: Do you consider yourself an introvert or an extrovert?
HELENUS: Do you believe in God?
HIPPOLYTA: What is your biggest regret?
HORATIO: Who do you love most?
JULIET: What is your favorite luxury?
LADY MACBETH: What is your favorite thing about yourself?
MACBETH: Have you ever killed anyone? Would you?
MALCOLM: What does honor mean to you?
MEDEA: Do you have any quirks?
MERCUTIO: Is there anyone you would die for?
MIRANDA: Is happiness a choice?
OBERON: Does reputation matter to you?
OPHELIA: Is there anything you regret not doing?
ORSINO: If you could have any material thing in the world, what would it be?
PARIS: If you had the chance to rule the world, would you?
PORTIA: When did you lose your innocence?
PUCK: Do you consider yourself a mischievous person?
ROMEO: How far would you go for love?
ROSALIND: What does your ideal day entail?
ROSALINE: Which people from your past haunt you?
SEBASTIAN: Is violence ever the answer?
TITANIA: Do you believe in magic?
TYBALT: If you could kill one person without consequences, who would it be?
VIOLA: How skilled of a liar are you?
VOLUMNIA: Describe the biggest sacrifice you’ve made.
❇ — Soft fingertips lightly traced over the warm paper in her lap, the charcoal she had used to trace the church before her was smudged in several places, but over all, it was a good likeness for an amateur. Brown eyes watched as people went about their day; walking through the square to get to peddlers, to spend their money and get in as many social calls as necessary. Lucia tipped her head back with a satisfied hum, closing her eyes in order to bask in the heat of the sun. As a young girl she had been chastised for not covering up and using a parasol to protect her skin. She had always loved the sun, choosing to spend her time out of doors rather than in. Which, in truth, made doing her studies during the cooler months close to hell on earth; both for her and her tutors.
“The weather is just glorious today, is it not?” she stated, blinking slowly before glancing over to the reason shade had overtaken her features.
To be honest, Maria had not noticed she was blocking the sun of anyone at first. She was too wrapped up in thoughts of the present conflicts. When it did, she promptly moved to let the younger girl feel the sun on her face again. “It is, yes. I apologize for putting you in the shade.” Maria’s smile was curt and distracted. As her gaze shifted down towards the materials in Lucia’s hands, her focus was completely turned. “Are you drawing?” Her interest piqued, Maria sat near Lucia, her eyes lighting up. “May I see it?”
“That is true. As it is some are cleaner than others.” His certainly were not all the way clean. Though he judged her brother’s still. He did not want to admit it, and did not completely out loud, but she was right about both things. This was hardly a place for them to engage in their quarreling. His careless comment thrown about from his own deep irritation over the decree that she had zero involvement in. It was becoming a habit to keep adding to the fire of uncertainly and difference between them. He remembered the day he fought with his father when the man extended the offer to her household. Their change in loyalty didn’t come because they believed in Giordano, it came only in exchange for wealth, soon bringing the Moretti’s from foe to corrupted allies. He often found that those who could be bought once could be bought again. No matter what connection or bond they started to share before he found out who she was, nothing would change the absence of something as important as trust.
It came as surprise that she didn’t just let him leave. “Where I should be is home surrounded with wine of the finest Italian delicacy celebrating my upcoming marriage.” He reflected, holding onto his facetious wit for dear life. Must he overcomplicate everything? His father would agree so. The sanctuary was not a good, but a necessary place for him. Now more than ever Stefano required God’s wisdom for the future. He approached Maria, the sound of his steps echoing off the walls followed until he begun to kneel himself. “I’ll be quick.” He tried conveying a however small moment of gratitude through his gaze on her.
“What matters not is what we think of each other’s sins, for it is not our place to judge or compare sins. Which we do, because we are not perfect, but we do this in hopes of becoming better at it.” No matter how many times Maria had repented over her anger towards her brother, anger towards the Giordano’s, for her family’s greed, or anger towards greed itself, she could not let go of the enormous guilt and frustration that came with being in the room with someone who felt distrust towards Maria for actions she herself did not commit. It ate away at her like nothing she had ever experienced, and as much as she believed in the power of prayer, there was something else she had to do have true resolution. Something that God had not made clear to her.
“Maybe so. Congratulations, by the way. I’m sure everyone is thrilled. But even in times of glee, prayer is necessary.” She knew thrilled was not the word to describe the feelings of the masses, but it was her turn to let something less than genuine slip out. She didn’t mean to, not here, but whatever power she had for biting her tongue suddenly fell away. What she really desired was to defend Gianetta, to let him know just how fortunate he was to be acquiring her as a bride. She was one of her oldest and dearest friends. Maria might never truly forgive her brother for tearing her away from her, as much as she tried. Despite their uncertainty, Maria loved her, and she could not help herself. “She is lovely, you know. You’re lucky. Take all the time you need here.”
aurora quickly prayed to whoever may have been listening , hoping that nothing like this would ever happen to her family . she had no idea what she would do if her family had to switch sides in this … war . “ i know , i know . ” thin arches furrowed slightly , sides of her mouth turning into a frown . “ was it just for the … for the money ..? ” frown deepening , she felt her stomach drop . “ maria … you’ll always have me . even if you … cannot see me as often , i’ll still be here . no matter what . ” she was crushed , but the last that aurora could do was promise her eldest friend that their bond will still stay , no matter what .
“Of course it was for the money. Money is all people like him think about. He knows nothing of true loyalty and his greed will certainly follow him to his end. I fear it will follow all of us. Does he not understand the consequences of his damn greed?” Maria’s anger was quickly getting the better of her. She knew she was speaking terribly out of term, and if anyone were to overhear her words, Maria might be in more trouble than she was ready for. “Aurora...” She started, moving closer to her dear friend. “It will be difficult, but I cannot afford to lose you.”
perhaps gianetta found herself at the sanctuary because she knew maria would be there. however, if anyone caught gianetta in her presence, she could claim that she was simply here to pray. it seemed that the giornado would continue taking people from her life. maria, her darling maria, on the other side. it was awful and unfair but there was little that either woman could do about it.
gianetta approached the young woman, her own figures touching the cross around her neck. she felt a moments peace, different from the chaos in the streets. gianetta did not understand what her role in all of this was. was her marriage to stefano going to finally bring the city together…or would it serve as a catalyst to disaster.
when maria stood, gianetta’s eyes widened. she paused for a moment, before the softest smile appeared on her face. “i do not intend to break you from prayer.” she licked her lips and knelt, before turning back towards the other. “will you pray with me, maria?” an ivory hand was outstretched to the woman she once called a dear friend.
“Gianetta...” Maria’s heart quickened at the presence of her lost friend. She had been far too fearful to face her since her family’s betrayal. Gianetta, she figured, might not be as harsh as her relatives, but her fear remained. This time must be difficult for the girl, with the decree being so fresh. There was no way Maria could predict how she was taking it, admittedly, but she was willing to bet that Gianetta’s mind was racing.
She felt frozen in place at first, as the girl asked her to pray with her. Maria did not know what to expect from this encounter, but this was not it. “Of course I will.” Maria knelt again and slipped her hand into Gianetta’s, trembling only slightly. Despite her nerves, Maria felt great comfort in being with her old friend once again. “Would you like me to speak a prayer, or would you prefer simply my presence in your own?”
a vision among blossoming flowers , moves with a studied grace , every movement a performance : in another life she’d be an actress , charming the crowds with feigned confidence . a rose picked up from the ground now caught between soft fingertips , thorns scratching at skin met with little attention , gaze focused on her companion instead . ‘ this must be the most beautiful garden in the world , don’t you think ? ‘
“I can’t be certain. There are many gardens, I”m sure. Some that might even surpass this in beauty. But I can agree that they are astounding.” Maria, her head in the clouds, admired the petals. “As a child, do you remember how I hated the roses? I could not run among them so easily.” Her attitude towards the flower had changed as she aged, now appreciating their beauty when she allowed herself to roam through the gardens. Maria didn’t spend nearly enough time among flowers anymore.
It was strange how often in his youth he vouched for end to the old rivalry. For them to find a peaceful solution for their families and allies to co-exist in the city. But now, because of the announcement of the royal decree which proposed to be exactly that, he found his old hopes forgotten. Only wishing for this new effect to be reversed. There was not a single path in his mind where wedding the Lombardi’s daughter stopped all of the calamity and made up for the wrongdoings of a scorned past. He knew his father. The man was someone who would never sit idly by while his line threatened to mix blood with others who presented themselves as a threat for so long, even in the face of dangling harmony. He could almost hear his voice echoing far from his estate. Repetitively, sarcastically, mockingly: Isn’t this what you wanted, son? And he could openly say for the first time in his life that he did not. It hadn’t been more than a day since the news broke, many eyes turning to them for reaction and already his mind was reeling at an unstoppable force. Frustration bubbling from within. There must be another way. He would not stand to be the one blamed in the leading role of Giordano’s spiral downward.
As he sought for a moment of silence between himself and God to clear his head, it seemed the one he looked to was truly on a mission to test him today. Coming across Maria Moretti, knelt quietly in prayer. He mumbled just that underneath the weight of a heavy exhale, unmeaning to capture her attention though doing so nonetheless. “Nothing.” He dismissed curtly. Their confusing dynamic happened to leave leeway in that moment for him to release his sharp tongue even more freely, motivated by building stress. “Perhaps, elsewhere. But I assume you may still have much left to repent so I will return later.”
Maria loathed having to speak to the Giordano heir, but not because she loathed him. No, she had no true issue with him nor his family, other than those rooted in fear and disloyalty. There was a time, albeit short, before they knew of the other’s identity, that she quite liked him. But how could she bond now with someone who she knew could not trust her, nor she him? Speaking with Stefano was nearly insufferable simply for the uncertainty, if not also for his rudeness. “We all have much to repent for, Stefano. None of our hands are clean.” Her gaze moved up towards him, all but abandoning her previous moment. “That being said, I urge you not to bring your pettiness here. This is not the place for it. This is the place to free yourself of it.” His comment had upset her slightly. He was indeed correct, but it wasn’t a genuine expression of his belief in sin and repentance. It was an attack, and she would not accept that here.
As much as she wanted to be rid of him, her curiosity was beyond piqued. She imagined he might be feeling rather conflicted, perhaps upset. Such a public change that she figured he had little control over could not be easy to cope with. Maria figured that it might even be the reason for his presence here. She wanted to ask, to hear about how this was effecting his family. But it was not her place. “Please, do not let my presence stop you from doing what you intended... I imagine this is a good place for you to be today.”
for a short time after her father’s passing, the pious heiress lost some of her faith . but almost as soon as she lost it, she felt it again in a surge of purpose — and her desire to kneel, and pray resurfaced . the unforeseen declaration, has been but her second obstacle to faith . so, she chooses stay behind after mass, searching for comfort in quiet isolation . but her mind reels loudly, instead of succumbing to devotion, so she chooses to move on after some time and strangled prayer . she’s readying to leave, frustrated by her distractions, but stops upon noticing the moretti girl . observing her for a moment, she has no doubt that she’s in deep, undisturbed prayer . so, though it pains her to do so, fiora interrupts the other’s prayer, hoping that close proximity to such devotion might be of help to her racing, distracted heart . “ do not apologize — i should not have interrupted your prayer . i was just wondering if i might join you ? ”
A soft smile came to her lips as Fiora spoke. Maria figured there would be a great deal on her mind. “Fiora, by all means.” Maria turned towards the girl. “Are you seeking simply my company or are you in need of my ear?” She wouldn’t push the girl to speak on the sudden and terribly public changes in her life. Her thoughts are hers to keep, if she so chooses. But maybe she did need to speak, and as she was entrusting her with her presence, the least Maria could do was offer. Her prayers could wait, if it meant she was instead to be there for another.
aurora and maria were childhood best friends . there weren’t many people that aurora really confided in , but the only female moretti quickly became an outlet for her to talk abot whatever was on her mind without any judgment . but , when maria had come to her telling her that her older brother was switching alliances , all aurora could do was nod slowly ; eyebrows moving closer together .
“ you're just playing some sick joke , right ? ” aurora couldn’t lose one of her closest friends — not right now .
closed starter — @ladymcria
Her friend’s response struck fear into her heart. Maria was worried that telling anyone would mean absolute destruction of their friendship, and the thought of losing those closest to her was crushing. “Do you believe that I might play a sick joke such as this? Aurora, I do not take these matters lightly.” Maria sighed, her breath shaking. “I don’t know what to do, my friend. How... how could he allow us to be bought?” The word spit out and made her mouth feel as if it were burning. Maria was not the type to be bought, and certainly not on matters of loyalty. “Aurora... I fear for what this means for the life I have come to know. The friends.”
She knelt, nearly alone post-mass in the sanctuary she had taken spiritual refuge in nearly every day of her life. Her hands clasped together with her rosary comfortably, familiarly, intertwined in them. But Maria was not praying the rosary today. She had been deeply in thought since the decree. Surely she was hopeful that unification may put an end to the unjust hatred, but she was not so blind to believe that all would be willing to lay down their fight so easily. Maria feared it would only tear their city apart. But perhaps it meant unity. Perhaps it meant that there would be no sides to choose from and therefore some sort of retribution for her family. Perhaps it meant peace. And for that, Maria prayed. She prayed for the Bianchi’s, that they are being lead in the direction of grace and that their hearts are open and good, for the Lombardi’s and the Giordano’s, and all who follow them, that they all may be delivered from the evil of hatred, she prayed for those she held dear, names occasionally escaping her lips in a hushed voice. Maria prayed for her siblings, for the well being of their city, for the poor, for those in darkness who have lost their way, for her own health and strength.
She continued to pray, mind far from the world as she spent time with her God. In times of uncertainty, she often got lost in it. Maria did not hear the approaching footsteps nor the words spoken to hear, not until she had missed a fair amount of what was said. Her eyes opened, hands retreating as she broke from her stance. “I do apologize, I was in prayer. What is it that you were saying? Am I needed for something?”
⇢ Introducing MARIA MORETTI, the 24 year old CIS-FEMALE, LADY of MORETTI. SHE is known for being PIOUS, LOYAL, CEREBRAL, and PERTINACIOUS. MARIA bears an uncanny resemblance to FLORENCE PUGH and is playing ( CH 3 ).
Hi, friends! I’m Christiana, this is Maria, and I’m super hyped to get this party started. I haven’t written much historical rp but learning is part of the fun! This is a bit long, and I’m still trying to get to know her admittedly, but that’s just how it be sometimes ya know ? Also I used lines from Christopher Smart’s Jubilate Agno in the bio, for the little title things. It’s an astounding work from the 18th century, if you’re a poetry nerd!
Quick summary: girl who lost her childhood loves God more than anything and fears she can’t trust anyone so she trusts very few, is a very scared baby, bites her tongue but boy is she ready to let her voice be heard, actually cares a lot about everything and that’s why she’s a wreck,
Basics
Name: Maria Moretti
Title: Lady (Eldest daughter)
Age: twenty-four
Place of Birth: Florence, Italy
Gender: Female
Social Class: Nobility
Sexuality: Unexplored/straight
Height: 5'6
Personality/Attributes
Hobbies: Reading/study, prayer, supporting the fine arts, horseback riding, needlework
Religion: Roman Catholic. Maria is incredibly pious. She’s completely devoted to God and her entire worldview is formed within that lens. Every opinion she has, from marriage to political practices, are formed by her devotion to God.
Education: Maria is quite educated, being proficient in mathematics, in reading and writing in Latin, English, as well as Italian, and in many household responsibilities. She particularly took a liking to needlework, which continues to be a soothing task in her adulthood.
Allegiance: her familial allegiance is to the Giordano family, but Maria struggles to feel any loyalty to them. Maria hadn’t concerned herself with the rivalry as a child, but she is older now and unable to ignore such things. That undoubtedly includes showing unwavering loyalty when it is due. Greed certainly is no grounds for wavering, in her eyes.
Biography
For the flowers are great blessings — Maria was a vibrant child. She loved to laugh and play, loved to spend time with the horses and to lay in the flowers imagining she was like the soft petals, loved to bother her older brothers, loved to dance. She would paint with the juice of berries on any surface that would take it and not quite understand why she would be reprimanded for such a thing. She was rowdy and maybe a bit impolite. But in her education, as her childhood whims were beaten from her sensibilities, she learned she could be nothing like the flowers. Not so soft, nor so breakable.
Rejoice in God, O ye Tongues — The only true loyalty Maria knows to be in her heart is to God. For God is in every flower, every brick, every heart of Man, every weave and every stitch, for all creatures were created to be in his image. Because of God, she knows mercy and the deepest love in the universe. A pious woman, Maria grew up with a scripture-based education. She learned to read and write, to do mathematics, to sew and stitch, all skills needed to eventually take care of a home the way a wife should, all she needed to know to become a good Catholic woman. The messages of the gospel reached the deepest crevices of her heart, and she has taken it upon herself to decipher scripture. Heresy, some would say, but her heart is with God and while she loves the church, there is too much disagreement among the men of it for her to trust someone else to tell her what it means. Sometimes her beliefs cause her to judge others, for it is in the nature of humanity to ignore the branch within their own eye while pointing out the twig in another’s.
For all good words are from GOD — Maria observed her environment as a girl. She saw the way she was treated as a lady, the way her brother ruled their house, the way friends would turn on one another, the way her own people treated those below them. She saw deceit in the eyes of those she was meant to trust, pity, not kindness, for the loss of their parents, and she saw evil in those of men who were meant to be like pillars to her community. There are few she does trust, for her eyes are not oblivious.
For it was taken away all at once from all of them — Maria was young when her parents died, and the memories have faded into each other, now nothing more than seemingly a conjured picture of grief. She did not remember them enough to miss them, but she missed the idea of security, and she longed for a time when her duties as the eldest daughter were not magnified by their absence. The pressures that truly settled on her shoulders as a young girl tore her childhood from her, and every so often there is a glimmer of desire for a life far more free than her own.
For the more the light is defective — Maria has become excellent at biting her tongue. When her brother decided to switch allegiance to the Giordano's, Maria was outraged in his surprising lack of loyalty. She became conflicted. Her brother was the ruler of her household, and her fate was in his hands. She had very little choice but to at least not speak so blatantly against his decision. But how could she support it when his actions, allowing their loyalty to be bought, were so far from what she believed to be right? She feared for what this decision meant for their name and their reputation, for the genuine friendships she had made, and for the consequences of the greed. But she bit her tongue. She knew it wasn't her place. As much as the words, fueled by anger and betrayal, threatened to spill out, they stayed, waiting, behind her gritted teeth.
For the TRUMPET of God is a blessed intelligence — Maria was always attracted to music and the arts, admiring the artistry and the passion. She spent free time among artists, musicians and poets, listening and learning. She continues to this day, when she can afford it. It it a bit of a guilty pleasure.
Lil headcanons
Maria adores stitching, and sees it as a form of relaxation and creativity. She is quite skilled with her hands in this sense, and has the artist’s eye for it.
some would see her as naive for some of her stances and tbh she kind of is, a bit
is highkey afraid of marriage for so many reasons
click here for my wc page!
and please come plot with me i wanna love all your characters!!
I’m not a poet. I’m just a woman. And as a woman there’s no way for me to make my own money. Not enough to earn a living or support my family. And if I had my own money, which I don’t, that money would belong to my husband the moment we got married. And if we had children they would be his. Not mine. They would be his property.
