but you dream of some epiphany.

aydin & ariana for whistledownhq.

[ofravished]

OFRAVISHED - dependent blog for whistledownhq.

AYDIN DEMIR   //   intro.

ARIANA YADAV   //   intro. 

written by deanna.

[n0bilitiies]

@ofravished

kiyan wouldn't say he's dreading the event at the palace, but there is a small part of him that would much rather just be ... well, just about anywhere else. there's the pressure on him from his family to find a wife as well as the responsibility of vetting all the other eligible bachelors for his sisters. so there's no surprise that he decided to visit almon's books just to peruse the aisles and see if john had anything new taken in recently. he leaves the shop empty handed, about to be en route to the palace, so he's dressed in all his proper attire. he's sure he's sticking out amongst the people in the streets, but he is definitely taking his time to walk to where his footman waits for him. he doesn't see ariana right away as he's walking, but when he does, there's still the faint feeling of butterflies in his stomach that he has to push down to ignore. "miss yadav," he says with the faintest of smiles as he slows. "it's a lovely day, isn't it?"

[ofravished]

SHE'S ON HER WAY BACK TO HER EMPLOYER'S HOME, where she will be spending her evening watching the children while their parents are at the palace event. it's a voice that has her stumbling back in surprise, not at the sound of her name, but the sound of him. of course she'd recognize his voice anywhere, the voice that she had spent countless nights falling asleep to the thought of—back when she had thought he would be her future, and even when she knew it was nothing more than just a fantasy. clearly her throat, ariana manages a small smile, though her eyes can't help but assess his apparel. it appears it's not just her employer that's attending the event tonight. she'd never even considered that it was a party she'd want to attend, but seeing him in front of her now makes her stomach pang in rejection—of the life he has, the one she was forced into, and how the two will never be the same. " it is. " somehow she manages to make words, holding the book she's just purchased close to her chest. " you look very dashing, " she tells him, with a smile that she hopes doesn't seem insincere. " will you be attending the palace gardens tonight ? "

[grcndiose]

alonzo remains silent for a beat as she gives her reasoning, features pinched in contemplation.  with nothing obstructing his sight of her, alonzo can understand why the men swarmed to her like moths to a flame. the woman standing before him is quite beautiful. so much so that instead of dulling her elegance, the dim lighting of the moon only served to compliment her features, giving her dark locks a blueish tint and her doe eyes a gentle glow.  alonzo doesn’t regret driving those drunkards away but he certainly curses the skies for not having encountered her first. then he could have attempted to woo her with a clear conscious. instead, he now has to resort to nagging the poor woman.  “quiet nights are just as dangerous. if not more so.”

amusement flickers in his gaze then as she straightens her posture. he crosses his arms across his chest, leaning back to get a better look at her as if to size her up. “oh, i’m certain you could have handled them. ” there’s a smile there as he says that, “so maybe i should be thanking you. surely this ‘play the hero’ bit has earned me some good fortune for the days to come.” as if saving a young maiden in distress is enough to absolve some of his former sins. “so in the spirit of tipping the karmic scale further in my favor, i would ask that you allow me to walk you back to your residence.” and in hopes of not sounding too familiar to the men before, he adds, “or at least to the main road, where the lighting isn’t so medieval. you never know what creatures may be lurking in the dark. best to proceed with caution, wouldn't you agree miss …?” he lets that hang in the air for a moment, so that she may say her name and or correct the ‘miss’ part. “as for my work, i doubt they would truly miss me if i were to depart for a few moments. i’m almost certain they forgot why they hired me in the first place.”

[ofravished]

" YOU NEEDN'T TELL ME ABOUT DANGER. " it's less of a scathing remark and spoken more matter-of-factly. aria has been on her own long enough to know how to take care of herself. but he is ; she'd been stupid to make the trek all the way here unaccompanied, and if he hadn't come earlier, maybe she wouldn't have made it back. as usual, her need to be right is always at odds with her need to be polite, already biting her tongue for speaking to him so plainly like that. just because she doesn't know who he is doesn't mean he isn't of importance, especially in this city. " but thank you, " she says again, slowly. his offer to walk her home earns a bit of a side-eye from him, trying to assess if it's a genuine white knight offer, or if he's no different than the previous men—only sober. and strong. yes, there's no denying that whoever he is, he can handle his own. typically ari would say the same about herself, but the interaction with the men earlier had thrown her off her game. reacting to his comments feels like she's a few seconds behind, smiling slightly a beat or two late than when it's properly polite to do so. " i am sure you have no shortage of maidens to play hero to, " she says, slowly. " —ariana, " she says, after a beat. " my apologies. i would normally not be deigned to take you up on your most generous offer, but... i suppose i could use a companion. just back to my mistress' street, " she adds, quickly. " it is not far. " there's a small pause. " what's your name ? " no point in beating around the bush.

[countenanced]

– LUCY LAUGHS. " for an establishment that doesn't look like the hazard room ? " she remarks. " i might know a few, " her tongue traces the shape of her teeth for a bit, drawing out the sentiment. generally, she's just trying to see how desperate he'll look at the notion. " but they all tend to fall apart the same way by the end of the night, don't they ? " granted, she's probably sharing her opinion with the wrong gentleman, considering he's likely arrived with full pockets – but that's never really stopped lucy before. and neither has a method in which to line her pockets, " i do know of a place with a better wager tonight, " she admits, testing whether it'll pique his interest. most men are like an extra appendage to her, useful if only for only the ways that she can extend her reach. " lucy chapman. of tower hamlets, " she retorts, a mocking air to her tone as she introduces her lack of title with the use of her borough of residence. it's clear she doesn't care much for his title. " what brings you to london, my lord ? "

[ofravished]

HE'S WATCHING HER AGAIN CURIOUSLY, and it's hard not to feel like she's a siren that's about to lure a certain sailor to his death. the blonde holds a considerable amount of confidence for a woman of her status, especially when accompanied by a gentleman. aydin can't help but wonder what kind of establishment she would bring him to. " i cannot say i am used to nights ending like this, " he quips, although it's not entirely untrue. at least for once, he's not a part of the squabble. eyebrows arch in interest at her offer, especially when it's basically said in the same breath as mocking him. lips pinch together unpleasantly. " nothing that a lady such as yourself should be concerned with, " he tells her. emphasis on lady, because a true lady would never speak to him like this. " where might i find better wagers for the evening ? "

[seatiides]

importance of the event not lost on the countess, the signification of the smallest curl of a smile could entail for the rest of the young season enough to send a tremor down anyone. those saying they did not mind were only of wicked tongue kind, not even fooling the most foolish of all. yet, being an active part of it all remains challenging. although, the eyes doting on her from a handful of her dearest friends enough to make her not coward herself in a small corner of these grand gardens. enough to even return a few glances she had not thought meant for her at first. ❛ lord demir, ❜ blissful surprise barely hidden behind the tenderness of her smile, concealing the eagerness to make up for an abnormal meeting with something much more proper. his gentle demeanor had lasted in her mind. ❛ i would be delighted to share a moment with you. likewise, demonstrate my feet are other than clumsy. ❜ words fight through a blush warming her cheeks, too easily affected by sweet honey. ❛ i shall not trip us over, notwithstanding the crowd. ❜

[ofravished]

SOFT FEATURES, WARM SMILE. alice kang seems to be everything that a good society girl should be, from the lavish dresses down to the petite hands, soft and buffed and having clearly never worked in her life. it feels almost too easy to make her smile, though it could have something to do with how rarely aydin cares about eliciting such a positive reaction from someone. and to think—his mates at home had laughed when they heard his plans to arrive to london, sure that there's no way he'd be able to be such a talented actor. " i shall make sure you never trip again, " he promises her, eyes glancing past her for a moment just to look out for whatever chaperone she's with tonight, in case he needs to get their approval as well. but if the cholmondeley family had someone watching over their ward, aydin couldn't tell. so instead his eyes fell back down to the shorter woman, offering his hand. " but it's me you may have to excuse, " he adds, a little sheepishly. " i fear i have not waltzed in quite some time. "

[saltkissed]

to be a close acquaintance of a noble lord must mean something, nadir is sure, but he thinks that there are no better noble lords to make friends with than aydin. it is easy to laugh along when aydin graces him with a smirk and a question in return, nadir's own grin pulling wider as he clasps his hands behind his back. "why, you have yet to answer my question, lord demir," he says. "i would not dare ask for your hand—or ask you to ask for mine—if i knew you have better offers on the table already. but no matter. if you would not grace me with an answer—" he pauses, taking a step forward. the sole of his right shoe almost presses right against aydin's. they're close enough that nadir is certain aydin could feel the change in his tone—deep and almost coquettish. "at least tell me this. would you have considered me had i offered my hand?"

[ofravished]

" ARE YOU NOT A GAMBLING MAN ? " aydin presumes, although everything he knows about nadir has him assuming otherwise. what sort of man who spends more time on sea than land doesn't enjoy a game of cards ? and what good is a game without stakes to be raised ? aydin can't imagine there's much else to do on a ship full of men for weeks on end. then nadir nears closer, voice dropping an octave, and aydin has a sneaking suspicion how they manage their time. dark eyes cast up at nadir, trying to keep his face composed, but a twitch of his smirk and flash of his eyes gives him away. " i would not ask questions you don't truly want the answer to, " he tells him, voice also dropping in sound. his gaze snags onto the man's crooked collar ; a careful hand reaches out to fix it for him, though his eyes don't stray far from the other's gaze. once it's good, he gives nadir a small pat on the shoulder, before taking a small step back. more distance between them seems necessary. " have you had a dance yet ? "

[ofravished]

location : queen's garden party

featuring : @etheraely

AS A NEW BACHELOR ON THE SOCIETY SCENE, aydin has a strict plan when it comes to the party tonight, and it doesn't involve alara. actually, in a way, it sort of does—staying as far away from the woman as possible. in the short time he's been in london, she's been the only wrong turn he's made, that fateful evening when they found themselves alone together. he's used to dalliances with women during his rakish years, but a slip-up like that was the last thing he needed while still trying to get a handle of london society. keeping the secret of his wealth was hard enough ; he doesn't need the society papers to catch a whiff of some entanglement with a respectable engaged woman as well. it's purely by accident that he ends up crossing her path, the older woman whose been talking his ear off for the past five minutes flagging alara down, introducing the woman he already knows intimately well as her child's betrothed. aydin could be honest and say that the two have met already—numerous people at the party they had frequented would corroborate the statement—but it seems easier for him to flash a wane smile alara's way instead, offering her his hand. " it's a pleasure to meet you, " he tells her, voice smooth as butter. now that she's in front of him again, it's hard to keep his eyes from lingering on her beautifully feminine features, the alluring curve of her neck. it's not until the woman excuses herself, leaving the two of them together, that he lets himself really soak her in, body stirring at the reminder of the last time he had seen her. " where is your betrothed ? "

[ofravished]

location : queen's garden party

featuring : @wcndrlnds

" LADY KANG. " aydin's voice is sweet as honey as he greets the countess with a gentlemanly bow, a smile tacked gracefully on his lips. since the last time they had met, aydin had done some digging on her. it had been surprisingly easy ; all he had to do was mention her name once, and his sources were abuzz with information about her background. her family—or rather, lack thereof. it's exactly why she had been the top of his list to talk to tonight, although he waits until the party has been going off for a while, stealing a few glances her direction throughout the evening, so it could lead to this moment tonight. this is what you're here for, aydin reminds himself. the pressure to make a good impression has never been stronger. " might you do me the honor of one dance ? my eyes have not strayed from you all night, and admittedly they're getting a bit tired of straining so far. "

[glamoroussource]

Naomi Scott for W Magazine Volume #3

[saltkissed]

location: palace gardens — the ball.

( @ofravished — aydin )

lord aydin demir of swansea is a useful face to be seen with, nadir has been told. he could give him a bow. he could then trail behind lord aydin and pretend that they are cut from the same cloth in hopes that someone else may notice him through it. he could also pretend that it isn't sheer shamelessness to be clinging onto the lord's coattails for an ounce of status that means nothing to him.

nadir does one out of the three: a bow long and deep and far too polite for it to be sincere coming from him. aydin knows it just as well as he does, he's certain. the words that tumble out of his mouth only will reaffirm it. "my lord," he starts. it's a greeting that would've been otherwise perfectly gentlemanly if not for the curve of his lips into something much less than it. "has anyone asked for your hand already, i wonder? or asked you to ask for theirs?"

[ofravished]

VERY RARELY HAS AYDIN BEEN GRACED WITH FAMILIAR FACES during his time in london, and even less familiar faces that he actually appreciates. truthfully, seeing the son of a family friend from back home is a bit unnerving, perhaps the closest aydin has gotten to his secret being revealed, save for laila. but if nadir is aware of the changes in the demir household, he doesn't show it. instead he gives a bow that has the corner of aydin's mouth twitching into a small smirk. " you flatter me, lord gulse, " he drawls, just dry enough for it to be mistaken as humor between the two men. " is this you throwing your hat into the ring ? "

[countenanced]

– LUCY SHUTS THE DOOR BEHIND HER FULLY, allowing the men inside to indulge in whatever drunken rampage that follows. there are pros and cons to this – now, she may have the night to herself. but such a thing also means forgoing the paycheck that her plans would have entailed. " well, i am certain you can find another establishment to rid you of your finances, " lucy remarks, leaning back against the closed door. his question doesn't surprise or offend her. they've never been formally introduced, and to men with a certain measure of arrogance, the faces of women tend to blur together. " often enough to know i could walk away with the pot if i were allowed to play, " she says, not feeling the need to play coy about it. " but you're new. " and consequently, she hasn't figured out aydin's tell – yet.

[ofravished]

" MIGHT YOU HAVE ANY SUGGESTIONS ? " is the first thing to fly out of his mouth before he can think better of it, tone only vaguely sardonic—otherwise known as aydin's typical tongue. he's well aware that in london, there are more than enough places where he could win ( or lose ) at a game of cards, but the abruptness of his evening feels like a sign that he should quit while he's ahead. the last thing he needs is to senselessly lose more money ; it's how he got in this mess in the first place. dark eyes take the woman in once more, sizing her up. she's certainly not afraid to speak her mind. " i am. " aydin is never coy. " lord aydin demir of swansea. and you might be ? "

[grcndiose]

event starter for ariana @ofravished

it’s not alonzo’s habit to involve himself in business that doesn’t pertain to him, which is why he doesn’t offer much of his attention to the two gentlemen stumbling past him out of the gates. if there isn’t a coin to be won, he could care less about what drunken trouble those two get themselves into after leaving the comfort of the queen's garden party. he might have even been so inclined to rob them had he not been on security duty for the event. strangely enough, he finds comfort when they approach a woman – a sex worker he assumes – who might do the job for him. he looks away, so as to give the woman the space to do her work when her voice brings him to pause. it doesn’t hold the same sultry tone he’s accustomed to hearing from women of her line of work. instead, she almost sounds… panicked. alonzo glances in their direction, catching a glimpse of the woman just past the men’s shoulder. 

“my lords.” he calls, leaving his position by the gate to approach the trio. “it seems you have strayed away from the party. i advise you return to the garden at once, should the noble ladies start losing their heads wondering where you fine gentleman are.” pretty words, heavily laced in sarcasm and accented with a vice grip on either of the men's shoulders. he all but shoves them back in the direction of the gate, but attempts to play it off as their stumbling being of their own accord by muttering a cautionary ‘be careful’ their way.  it isn’t until they disappear that alonzo speaks up again. “damned bastards. as if any woman would spare them the time of day when they’re drooling about, pink-faced and mumbling like newborns." it's embarrassing, really. how little these lords can hold their liquor. "speaking of time.” that's when he directs his attention to the brunette, any disdain in his features melting away into an inquisitive expression.

“are you not aware of the dangers that come with traveling alone at this hour?”

[ofravished]

SHE SHOULD BE AT HOME WITH THE CHILDREN, but thanks to a long story that involves a thieving child and missing necklace, ariana had no choice but to beg the cook to watch the kids long enough for her to run something to her mistress. her eyes were green with envy as she watched the beautiful ladies and gentlemen disappear into the palace gardens while she swung around the servant's quarters, passing off the necklace off to one of the maids that would give it to her mistress. the party isn't terribly far from the manor she works at, nothing a brisk walk couldn't fix, but ariana only realizes on the way back how dark the night has gotten—and bugger, she should've convinced one of the butlers to do it instead. her assumption is proven correct when two men from the party approach her, having drank clearly more than they can handle, despite the night still being young. it's not the first batch of inappropriate lords she's had to deal with in her lifetime ( nor will it be her last ) , but her tongue feels like putty in her mouth as she tries to rattle off some excuse about having to get back to her job.

thankfully some man shows up before they can start getting grabby, scaring them away. ariana's not really sure if one man is much better than two—especially when this one seems far more physical, literally shoving them away—but she likes to pride herself on being a good judge of character, and the moment her eyes meet his ari feels a shift in the atmosphere. there's no denying there's something dangerous lurking behind those dark eyes, but it's not her who has to worry. she'd agree with him if she wasn't so shaken up, by the men previously and now this new one, who seems intent on giving her a lecture despite being six-and-twenty and a complete stranger to him. even worse is she knows he's right. " the streets are usually very quiet during palace events, " she tries to defend herself anyway, finally regaining her confidence back as she stands up straighter. ari hesitates for a moment, before adding, " but thank you. that was... far more persuasive than i suppose i could be. " because if there's one thing men respond to, it's a strong grip, not a woman. her eyes linger on his clothes for a second, trying to size him up. " my apologies if i distracted you from your work, sir. " she can't place what exactly he's doing here, but ariana knows her own kind when she sees it.

[ofravished]

starter for @grcndiose

AS THE FIRST OFFICIAL EVENT OF THE SEASON, there's a lot riding on this night for aydin. after all, events like this one is the whole reason of why he's in london altogether, shacking it up with one of his close friends rather than living off what little funds he has left in the welsh countryside. a year ago, he wouldn't have been caught dead at a soiree like this : women dressed up like paper dolls, their match-hungry mamas looming over them, society gossip spreading like wildfire. it's ironic that in order to afford a future for himself that involves no more inane events like this, first aydin has to play the game of society—and for now, that means one of his least favorite things in the world : making small talk.

he's already danced more tonight than he has in years, woman after woman chatting his ear off about her needlework or paintings. now he's taken to hiding himself on the outskirts of the dance floor, dangerously close to the refreshments, so he could refill his punch as soon as he runs low. if he's going to get through the rest of the night, he's going to need the alcohol in his system. a couple women approach the drinks table, one of them offering aydin a demure smile as she catches his eye, but his attention is snagged on another one of them—a woman with familiar features that he's certain he's never met before. it only takes him a minute before he puts the face to a name he's heard before, finishing his drink before coming over to join them. " excuse me, " he clears his throat, getting her attention from the other women she's with. " might you be armin davani's sister i've heard so much about ? "

[nvctvrnes-deactivated20231223]

A subtle warning from Aydin, brought her consciousness back to the present. She often forgot where she was or whom she was conversing with, a lingering vestige of her former life. Her demeanor remained unfailingly cordial, though. "Indeed, my words were amiss. I beg your pardon, Lord Demir," she swiftly rectified, upholding the pretense requisite for public scrutiny. Aydin's observation regarding the somber London day garnered a nod of agreement from her. "It is," she concurred—her gaze flitted across the cozy ambience of the tea emporium before returning to Aydin. His query evoked a slight inclination of her head. "Nay, I am here of my own accord. And what of thyself?" 

[ofravished]

THE CORNER OF HIS MOUTH TWITCHES UPWARDS, something resembling a smile, had his eyes not stayed stoic. he still found it completely absurd, what laila was doing ; a woman her status shouldn't be parading to be anything less, even if it was for the sake of an unsavory wedding match. is an unsatisfying marriage really worse than cleaning chamber pots and running errands for those not truly beneath her ? it's a shame, letting a woman as beautiful as that go to waste, but as one of the only people in town who knows aydin's own masquerading, he's careful not to do anything that could potentially upset her. " i am just here to pick up a few things, " he tells her, finding no need to go into specifics. " do you have a preference between these ? " he asks her idly, motioning to an array of colorful teas on display. can she even afford them ? can he ?

[countenanced]

– "THERE'S A SORE LOSER, AND A CHEATER," she adds, lowering her voice slightly. there's a knowing arch of her brow. so rarely is there a new face around here. her eyes linger, but likely not long enough for him to realize that she's sizing him up. " it's about to get ugly. lord pinkerton owes the viscount quite a lot of money . . . " she trails off when there's a crash in the other room, lowering her line of sight to peer through a sizable crack in the door. teeth scrape her lower lip, but she can't stifle a peal of laughter. she peers up at him from where she's slightly crouched, " if you were looking for a game tonight, you're better off finding another. "

[ofravished]

IT'S NOT LOST ON AYDIN, the weight of her eyes on him, however brief it may be. the lord can only assume she's admiring his good looks, since it's not exactly something he's not accustomed to. he may be new to town, but by now he's seen her enough around this establishment to allow his own eyes to linger, usually when she's wrapped up in a conversation with another lord, letting the man's hands touch her most improperly. no woman that's any prize to be won would find themselves amongst this crowd, let alone enough to know the gossip between the men. however, aydin's judging is cut short by a crash sounding in the other room, making him flinch. none of this means anything to him—men being men—but she finds it so funny that his lips press together, not sure if he should find it amusing or not. it's a little bit of both. " unfortunate, " he sighs, peeking through the crack as well before looking down at the redhead. " do you often frequent yourself among this crowd ? " aydin asks, as if he hasn't seen her here before.

[barouche]

with aydin ( @ofravished ) at fortnum and mason !

"my good sir, forgive me for interrupting," she demures, smiling kindly at the other, carefully sheepish in her interruption, a slight gesture to the ribbons she was looking at for her sister. "do you frequent this establishment regularly? i am not quite sure which of these would make the best impression — has the best quality, really, and i could sorely do with a more discerning eye."

[ofravished]

EYES RAISE TO MEET THE GAZE OF A YOUNGER WOMAN'S, soft in her features and warm in her cheeks. asking her why she thinks him of all people could tell her which ribbon to get is on the tip of his tongue, as if he looks like he's an employee here—despite the suggestion of aydin getting a job not entirely far off, in his financial crisis. but there's no way she would know that. the old aydin would've snapped, but the lord aydin of london is far kinder than his older self, so instead he manages a curt smile back at her. " i'm afraid i would not be much help in the department of ribbons, " he tells her, though he does humor her, reaching out to thumb both the materials lightly. " but they both are lovely colors. what sort of impression are you trying to make ? "

[elainexhale]

Who: @ofravished Where: Almon's Books

Elaine browsed the various texts at Almon's Books, her arm full of classic texts as well as scientific journals and essays. Her recent conversation with Riley had ignited a new curiosity within her. She had not been able to put down the book the duchess had lent her, and thirsted for more knowledge like a man thirsted for water in the desert.

She pulled another book from the shelf, looking at the first page with a furrowed brow as she assessed if she wanted it or not. When she heard movement near her, her attention was quickly pulled away from the text. She smiled over at them, nodding gently towards the book as she held it up, "Have you read this one? I can't tell if I want it or not."

[ofravished]

JOHN ALMON IS KIND TO HER, find kinder than a woman her status may deserve ; for all the times she's been in his bookstore, surveying the shelves and cracking open a book between aisles, ariana spends a lot more time browsing than purchasing. if she had the funds of the other ladies and gentleman who came into this shop, it would be another story. ariana's never understood what people with so much money do with it, after paying for the basic life functions : food, clothing, a roof over their head. but if ariana were ever to come across a significant amount of money, she'd spend every last penny building her own library. even one half as large as this bookshop would be to her liking.

her nose is in a book when she hears a voice beside her speak up, dark eyes looking up at the lady. it's not often she's asked about her opinion on reads, despite how often she frequents the store, but ariana has never been the sort of woman to not give her opinion—especially when asked. " dreadfully dull, " she warns her, clicking her tongue lightly. " unless you're an expert on the subject, it's not particularly... enlightening to get through. wait, " ariana adds, moving towards the rack of books the woman is looking through, searching the spines before pulling out a book on the same subject. " have you read this one yet ? "