water of the womb

riah akulakrovi first princess of elv, scorpio, twenty-two years old the crown is my right, the war my dowry for union with the throne

[mavori-deactivated20161130]

* distorted reflection;

rgriah

after spending some time in the forest, teaching her little sister the way of the hunt dahlia had since abandoned her home in pursuit of the castle to spend the remainder of her day with riah. flecks of dirt littered her cheeks, sweat clinging to her brow, she was certainly in no condition to present herself in front of a royal. at least, not to other people’s standards. some people would kill to be in the same position as the young waterbender, eager to toss their broken bodies at the well groomed feet of the royal princess, pathetic whimpers of praise leaving their chapped lips.

she hated those people, and especially the envious stares she got as she approached the palace fingers habitually touching the pendant around her neck as she prayed for patience to deal with riah for the evening.

once permitted inside, easily being recognized as one the colonels of the coalition military ( and dare she say riah’s friend? ) she raises her arms above her head, stretching out her sore limbs. ever since her fifth trip to the palace, the grand place had lost its luster and she viewed it simply as a regular home. of course it was much more magnificent than other homes, but she had since stopped staring at its interior with wide brown eyes full of awe and wonder. it’s been eight years since she started sparring with the first princess of elv and she knew her way around the castle as if she had been born and raised within the confines of its walls. “hey princess,” she calls as she turns the corner, walking down the corridor that would lead her to riah’s room. “are you ready for me today?” she asks upon reaching her destination, arms folding across one another as she leans in the doorway to stare at the younger female.

[rgriah-blog]

there were very few ways one could get away with treating riah with anything less than worship. one: be directly related to her. two: beat her one on one. three: know her for a very long time and do something to earn her respect. it was just riah’s luck that there was someone out there that had managed to do two of the three things on her list. she’d known dahlia for a while now. too long, she thought with a smirk - it had been, what, eight years since that first fight - and as much as the other’s usual disregard for manners irritated her, she couldn’t bring herself to bother with correcting her. perhaps that was the greatest sign of her tolerance.

whenever she needed some kind of stress relief, she knew she could call dahlia up for a spar or two, and with the war and cain’s return hanging heavy in her mind, riah thought this was definitely an occasional for some mindless violence. it wasn’t like dahlia was the type to pass up an excuse to tear into riah anyways.

she was waiting inside her room, tightening the leathers around her hands. more often than not, her spars with dahlia passed only bending and went all the way to more physical attacks, so she’d gotten into the habit of wearing specially-crafted leather bands around her hands. they were supposed to help somehow - what exactly they did riah couldn’t quite remember. “are you?” she replies, finally satisfied with the fit of the bands. “and don’t call me that,” she says as she walks up to meet dahlia at the door. “come on, let’s go.” she gestures to the hallway that would eventually lead them to the few practice rooms in the heart of the palace.  

[rgriah-blog]

yo so i know i said that i’d get to replies last weekend but things are turning out to be really really hectic irl so... i’ll just periodically get to things over the week? i’m really, really sorry about the delay! in the meantime i’m putting riah on a semi-hiatus because i won’t be as active as usual for a while. i’ll still try my best to be around tho!!

[rgriah-blog]

« tracker ! »

okay first off welcome to all the new people!! i’m really tired rn so you won’t be getting individual welcomes weeps but as an apology (??) i’ll be making royal family edits over the weekend??

owing

rgdahlia - dr

rgxcain - starter

 rgjinyoung - cfmf

rgdaehyun - chan

rghikari - tea party

waiting

rgyuriy - tgfc 

rgxsooyoung - wai

& others (see previous tracker)

plotting (recently messaged)

jinxrg

rglilith

rgjian

note*// i will be getting to all(?) replies this weekend, but school’s started up for me so i’ll be around less... also riah is actually becoming water azula...

[rgriah-blog]

« tea party »

[rgriah-blog]

rghikari:

Hikari leaned against the chair and her right hand was gracefully curled along the neck of the wine glass in her hold. Truthfully, she was in no mood to fight and she fervently hoped that the Elvan princess would give her no reason to retaliate. She relished the peace that blanketed over the four nations though she knew it was temporary (her father would not give up all of his conquests just like that) and to have it broken by princesses was probably not the best way to go about things.

The mention of the Elvan princes succeeded in keeping her at ease and distracted from suspicious thoughts. A once over at the party a few feet from them allowed her to collect her thoughts and positively align all of them– choosing to focus on the good events that resulted from her most recent visit to Elv. “I enjoyed myself there. Your people were very welcoming considering the present circumstances and I especially enjoyed the scenic views of the ocean.”

it was relaxing to pretend the war was not going on, riah would admit, to imagine that they were still the children they had been before it started. she could remember those days, when the bonds between the royal families had not been broken by war. it was odd to think that there had been the possibility of no war, of growing up with the rest of the royal children as her friends, even the dragonborns. it was so strange, so foreign to her that she put it out of her mind immediately. 

riah watched the other princess cast a thoughtful glance over the attendees of the party, the ones actually treating the event as a ‘party’, then listened to her reply. “i’m glad they were. it would be a bit of a disaster if anything happened to you while you were there,” she paused to shift in her chair, “and the ocean really is very beautiful. did you manage to see it during the sunset?”  

[rgriah-blog]

« thank god for courtesy »

[rgyuriy-blog]

he had to take deep breaths in order to prevent himself from creating his personal air bubble–something he was used to doing as a child, especially during his stay in the slums–as their little chat went on. his complexion had turned a little paler but he had forced himself to not let his restlessness show on his face.

so his facade went on, a grin plastered on his face as he watched her glare daggers at him, waving his hand dismissively as she spoke once again. “now really, were you not taught manners as a child? i was barely raised and i at least know how to properly ask someone a favour.” he nodded, his breath hitching as a passer-by bumped shoulders with him. clearing his throat, he continued, eyeing her as he straightened his clothes and patted the area where the stranger had touched. “now what does that say about you?”

[rgriah-blog]

riah felt her face scrunch up unattractively as she examined the man in front of her; she definitely didn’t like him, for more reason than one. firstly, he was denying her answers, and then he looked like one of the pale, delicate noble-born girls of duur who could only nod their heads meekly and didn’t dare look people in the eye, except he was daring to defy her. that was perhaps the worst thing. 

if riah had the ability to look so deceptively fragile and still have that confident, combative spirit she was so well-known for, she would jump at the chance. so she regarded him with the most calculating, curious gaze; was he as similar to her as she seemed or was she fooling herself? “i was taught to treat those who deserve it with manners, but you don’t go around apologizing to animals, do you?” she sniffed, then continued, “and besides, i wasn’t asking a favor.” it seemed that her careful observation paid off, she thought as she watched his apparent discomfort as a passersby brushed against his shoulder. she was fairly courageous, she figured, so she extended a hand to rest on his other shoulder. “it says i know what i want and who deserves my respect.” 

[gnminhyung-blog]

* can’t feel my face

[gnminhyung-blog]

riah’s provocation almost has no effect on him anymore – it’s a daily routine, it seems, for her to constantly and mercilessly tease him, until the sun creeps below the horizon. prior to the present, the insults and mischief caused on her part had affected him, triggered him even. he’s learned, though, that even though her fighting spirit blazes brighter than his own – by leagues apart, apparently – she would cause no serious damage to his physique.

not that he isn’t damaged already by the concept of being the odd one out of the entirety of his family.

jinyoung just sighs, sipping more tea as he stares out the foyer windows. “mm,” he nods, “perhaps a bit of both – because, you see, dear sister, i can never come close to your apparent prowess.” he’s silent for a moment, then continues. “maybe you even surpass aki’s strength, who knows? mother and father won’t consider me for the throne anyway, so what’s the point of running for a position that, truthfully, does not fit me one bit?”

another sigh escapes his lips. “i wish i was as strong as you and aki, though – it’s become apparent that i am eternally the effervescent youngest child. might as well capitalise on that principle.” he says honestly, covering his mouth with a closed, clothed fist.

[rgriah-blog]

it’s almost habitual, to call jinyoung out and poke fun at him, but riah can’t help it. it extends past the usual teasing of the youngest, the certain kind of abuse seen to be almost exclusively riah’s doing, but the opportunity is there so she’ll take it. it’s not enough to be more than slightly annoying, though, she knows her brother can handle it. (if he couldn’t take it or she truly wanted to ruin him, she would’ve gotten rid of him a long time ago.)

riah flashes that smile that’s all flashing, dangerous teeth, the one that overtook her genuine smile a long time ago. “you’ve wizened up, jinnie,” her voice is patronizing; riah looks down on him from all planes except the physical. “don’t worry, though. mother and father saved at least enough good genes for you to make a pretty extra.” it’s an honest observation on her part - she can remember a good number of times where all three of the siblings had been present for royal duties, meetings with diplomats, where riah had argued, aki had placated, and jinyoung had simply watched on in silence. 

she huffs at his words. “i’m flattered, but of course you’re going to be stuck as the baby of the family if you don’t do anything about it. if you want something, fight for it,” she considers all the meanings of what she’s just said; it’s good advice, in her opinion, especially for someone like jinyoung, and despite all of the hostility between them she’d still choose him over another elvan noble, but it’s a little too open-ended for her not to tack on, “doesn’t mean you’ll succeed, of course.” with riah, it always comes back to this.

[bowtiesandtutus]

Hwasa + Um Oh Ah Yeah Live Performances

[rgdaehyun]

––✱ crazy has a name

[rgriah-blog]

rgdaehyun:

“you’re not an insane savage.” he says, bothered now by the fact that the woman in front of him assumes and assumes, never cares for the reality of the situation; and he feels it, carries the looming truth on his skin, shivers as it curls around him, thick, hard to ignore. he wonders how she can deny it, how she lives in a fantasy where the world ends where she wants it, starts when her delusion allows her to. “all you are is a pompous girl who would rather show off than have a reasonable discussion.”

he’s not used to this, he realizes; not used to dealing with people who choose to not understand, to not help, people without logic and education. she’s the people he’s been trained to encounter—the ones who would, in some universe, face his fist, his fire; not his dodging but an actual attack of offense. and the will is overflowing, brims at the tips of his fingers that curl, tighten into a fist. there’s energy there, a warm power that pools in between his bones and threatens to conquer him.

but he holds it back, finds his reason, compassion; searches for what separates him and his father—that natural tilt towards peace. “i don’t mean any harm, i just want justice and information. this isn’t about muddling royals and relations; i could care less. i’m coming here as an angry man, not a prince.”

she gives him that patronizing smile, her eyes narrowing in simultaneous appreciation and threat. “aww, thanks,” she coos, watching him ever more carefully. if he’s trying to talk with her, she can’t help but think that he’s planning to attack when her guard is down, so she begins to stretch her hands, hiding it by running them through her hair. at his second observation she tilts her head. “that’s probably true. did you do some research?” she recognizes some of her faults - if aki will call her pompous to her face, then she probably is, and what does it hurt to show the crown prince of surya true elvan might. 

he’s wrong on one point though, she’s entirely serious. “except... it’s not all showing off,” she pauses to bite back a laugh, “i. want. to. kill. you!” she ends by pointing finger guns at daehyun and winking. she’s a mixture of violence, ignorance, ambition, and a little girl who never really grew up - it results in something more than horrific. 

she considers his words. “that’s the thing, though - the reason you can just walk in here is because you’re a prince, the reason your fiancee is gone is because you’re a prince. it’s inexcapable, really. just like how the war will never leave us until it’s over.” she shrugs, her fingers now completely ready for action. bloodbending crosses her mind, but riah decides to tell him clearly to most important piece of the puzzle first. “but i don’t have anything to do with it. she’s just your fiancee for now, just some suryan girl, i assume, not your wife. it’s then you should start worrying about me.”

[rgriah-blog]

rgjinyoung​ replied to your post: « tracker ! »

are we still doing our thread or e n o*

wEEPS I FORGOT TO INCLUDE I’M SORRY IF YOU STILL WANT TO WE CAN I’M SO SORRY

[rgxsooyoung-deactivated20150829]

〔 Who Am I 〕w/Riah

She entered her tent from the training yard. She had grown bored of watching the sparring between the soldiers. None of them would be moving from the fort anytime soon since Sooyoung had halted all plans to move her troops in lieu of the statement of peace at the Festival of the Leo. After closing then tent, she took off her armor. She began digging through her dresser and put on her regular along with a travel cloak. She put the hood up before ducking out of her tent and quietly leaving the camp.

The brunette slipped through the woods until she came across the large gates leading into the city. Although the gates were guarded, people entered and exited the city freely. Keeping her head down, she walked through the gates. Once safely inside the city, she looked up for the first time. The city was more amazing than she had imagined. Although not better than her own, it was still a sight to behold. She had always wanted to see Elv’s capital city. While she expected to see the city in ruins, she wasn’t disappointed to be able to see it in one piece.

She moved through the streets admiring the detailed architecture of the buildings. She stopped upon reaching the castle and hesitated to enter. She figured the royal guards would only know her by name so going against her better judgement, she pulled the hood up further and entered the castle. Sooyoung’s eyes were glued to the tall ceilings as she ignored the glares her Suryan clothing earned her. As she studied the paintings on the wall, someone bumped her shoulder. Sooyoung sharply turned to face the culprit. Knowing the woman had purposely bumped into her, she didn’t take kindly to it. Sooyoung began to walk backwards, staring the woman down until she walked away. Her victory was cut short when she bumped into someone else. Feeling as though the other person was at fault, she turned to face them.

“Watch it! What’s with you Elvans?” She hissed.

[rgriah-blog]

today was one of the slower days at the castle - they hadn’t quite finished packing everything for the upcoming trip into duur, but riah had nothing left to do and spent her time patrolling the castle, accosting any suspicious figures. most of them turned out to be simple commoners delivering goods or asking for audience with the king, but it was rather enjoyable to watch them quake in fear as she asked them to state their reason for visiting the castle. 

this time, she’d been focused on the cloaked, hunched figure talking with one of the guards. in all honesty, it was probably just some old woman coming to visit her grandson, but if she looked vaguely dangerous in any way riah would take the chance to butt her way into the conversation. she’d been so single-mindedly making her way over to the cloaked person that she’d hardly noticed someone walking right into her. 

she turned on her heel to face the offender, look of shock already comfortable on her face. “you watch it!” she yelled in reply. “what makes you think you can just waltz in here, suryan scum?” sure, the nations were in a supposed time of peace, but riah had never been called peaceful. she had her own collection of thoughts on lord hyunjin’s true intentions, and for all she knew this girl in the suryan clothing could be doing some of his dirty work. 

[rgriah-blog]

« tracker ! »

owing

rghikari - tea party

rgyuriy - tgfc

rgdaehyun - chan

rgxsooyoung - wai

waiting

rgaki - wol

rghani - s&s

rgselina - breathe

aeronrg - fatality

rgchoa

plotting

rgxyien

rghelicity ( did we agree on someone doing the starter???)

rgtaemin ( who was going to write the starter? )

rgsohee

others????

dropped

rgxiota - by feather

[rgriah-blog]

« by feather »

[rgriah-blog]

rgxiota:

Iota had been fretting over addressing royalty so casually for the rest of yesterday and even today, walking past the window where she sent the bird away more than a few times. She had asked Sadaham about Princess Riah, knowing that he was much more knowledgeable about politics than she was. Apparently, the Princess was around her age. And, judging by the Elvan hierarchy system was just a viable for the throne as her brothers – or anyone else who proved themselves worthy. No wonder the letter entailed something about the next Queen.

Later in the evening, her anxiety eased and Iota sat down alone at the table to eat some bread and a piece of fruit that a farmer brought by. In such times when food needed to be spread around, it was nice gift; given to the clergy for their service. It lifted her spirits.

No sooner than she tore her piece of bread in half did a hawk fly in, landing on the table rather than the windowsill – of course making Iota’s shoulder jump.

The priestess set down the bread after calming herself, leaving it for the bird to snatch up a piece while she read the letter. Forgetting the food all together, she reached for the ink, quill, and parchment.

Princess Riah,

I am glad that the letter got back safely to you. I also hope you were able to send it to the intended destination, your majesty. Perhaps try giving the hawk a treat? One will find that they are more attentive after eating.

Yes, I would be glad lend an ear to you anytime. I cannot quite see you from Tempestade. If it helps, I believe we are close in age. I am nineteen, while I hear you are twenty-two.

Also, I must apologize for referring to you so casually in my last letter. When I had wrote it, I had not realized who you were. It was only after the hawk flew off that I remembered.

Priestess Iota

she hadn’t been expecting another reply; more often than not things like accidental messages ended in eventual silence from one end, and it would slip the minds of both parties like it had never even happened. so when she’s told there’s a message waiting for her, she expects it to be something other than the priestess. 

of course, she’s wrong. riah made her way to the tower as soon as she had the chance, but didn’t rush up the stairs. the stupid hawk probably needed some rest by now, and she was more than happy to give it some by walking up the stairs slower than usual.

the bird flies over as soon as she makes her way inside the room, the smell of droppings heavy in the air. she made a note to send someone to clean it. the letter is already laid out on the desk face down, and riah picks it up and reads it. once she’s done, she grabs a pen and a piece of parchment, both also already on the table, and begins to write her response.

priestess iota,

thank you for your concern; my previous letter has safely made its way to its intended. i will also give the hawk a treat at your recommendation, as soon as i can find out where the animal trainers have squirreled them away, at least. 

you are only nineteen? i had assumed that priestess usually meant someone older, my apologies. while we may never meet in the flesh, i am thankful for your offer, and would like to extend the same offer to you.

i understand; what is so important in elv must not make much impact in tempestade, and vice versa. perhaps you could inform me more on what you know of your culture?

princess riah

[rgriah-blog]

« tea party »

[rgriah-blog]

rghikari:

One of the reasons why it had often irked Hikari to have been born a royal was precisely this; the false pretenses they always had to put up around each other. Try as hard as Princess Riah did, the Suryan blue blood could tell that the other was simply engaging in her in small talk mostly out of curiosity and the need for diplomacy. The truth of the matter still remained; Elv and Surya were sworn enemies especially in these most recent times and if it were not for this festival, Hikari was pretty sure the Elvian heiress would have treated her differently.

She copied the act of truce by blowing on the candles that adorned the center of the table where they sat. “Meeting your brothers was a lovely experience, your highness.” Formality settled on her tongue even before the words left her lips. Royal etiquette was like a cloak she could not shake off no matter how hard she tried. “Prince Aki did a wonderful job at handling all the affairs of my visit, including the negotiation talks. Prince Jinyoung was unexpectedly very good company. I enjoyed my stay there and I have them to thank.” Though formal, her words were laced with fond sincerity as she recounted her experience to the older princess. “I also apologize that I was not able to greet you myself. My schedule was packed, you see.”

this wasn’t going as badly as it could have - riah hadn’t felt that tug at her nerves to call out the water and attack, yet. she hoped it would stay that way, but she knew herself well enough to know that was less than likely. the girl in front of her was an enemy - one whose portrait riah had used as target practice as often as she had any other suryan royal - and as nice as riah acted, she knew that in the end, elv, and by extension herself, would be on top.

she gave hikari a cheery smile when she blew the candles out. not because she had accepted her false offer of peace, but because this would put riah at an advantage if things came down to blows. a very small advantage, but a real one. “i’m glad you thought highly of them,” and this, this was genuine. because while riah could hardly hold a conversation with just about anyone without starting a fight, aki and jinyoung could smooth things out like true diplomats. it was her one weakness, riah conceded. she shook her hand at the other girl’s apology. “don’t worry about it, i was busy too.” just what she was busy with was left unsaid.

[rgriah-blog]

« thank god for courtesy »

[rgriah-blog]

rgyuriy:

“oh.” he huffed, thankful he was made to put on such thick clothing with how many people had bumped into him. he’d probably burn his clothes right after, already wanting to return to the safety of his home and cleanse himself. he’s starting to run out of gloves, and he’s quite annoyed he had to touch her already. if being nice and helping people meant this much trouble, he wouldn’t venture into trying this again. damn what others tell him to do.

“if you weren’t asking,” he replied,  brows quirked in both annoyance and amusement, “then by all means, please leave.” sidestepping to give her some way–and to avoid others from bumping into him in the busy street–he gestures towards the path with a smirk plastered on his face. if she was going to be like this, surely she wouldn’t mind going off and wandering alone again. her attitude wouldn’t get her anywhere, either way, and he was in no way threatened by her words.

she took a deep breath to center herself. inhale, exhale. okay, she could talk now without wanting to watch this guy drown slowly in a bubble of water of her own making. the insubordinance she was used to was much quieter, much more, well, terrified than this. it made her feel looked down upon, more than anything. like he thought he was talking to a child. another deep breath. 

she glared at him, eyes narrowed. she wanted to bend the smirk off his face, make him do something more useful - begging for mercy, for example. “no.” she demanded, quite literally putting her foot down, but more in preparation to fight than anything. her feet were already getting comfortable in her fighting stance. “tell me.”

[fyhwasa]

[rgriah-blog]

« thank god for courtesy »

[rgriah-blog]

rgyuriy:

he couldn’t help but raise a brow at the other’s apology, having sounded as insincere as his–more than, in fact. it felt new, having someone talk to him in such a way. there was no respect at all–even his commanding officers at least know how to respect a person despite their differing ranks. “such poor etiquette.” he huffed, eying her from head to toe.

she didn’t seem like a commoner, despite how she was dressed. didn’t act like one, either. at least they knew how to properly apologise and ask for help when they needed. “you don’t ask a stranger for favours in such a tone, young miss.” he replied, still slightly put off with her tone. who was she to talk to him in such a manner? surely the people of duur weren’t all like this.

she quirked her eyebrow in reply to the stranger’s own, the action almost defiant. her face seems to split with a smile that’s more a baring of teeth than anythings else, and riah lets out a quiet giggle. “etiquette?” she mutters between laughs, one hand coming up to hide her words. i wonder who he thinks he is, she muses, i wonder who he thinks i am. at his look, she strengthens her stance, practically radiating confidence.

because if there’s one thing riah is, it’s confident. she figures she could probably crush this stranger like a bug under her heeled sandal, he looked almost delicate. the too-wide smile returns, and a hand reaches up to run through her hair. “i wasn’t asking,” she bites out, eyes hard and screaming ‘dangerous!’. she couldn’t reveal her true identity, so she decided right then she would say she was some kind of duuri or elvan nobility, the spoiled daughter of some lord, should he ask. it would probably do the trick. 

[rgriah-blog]

« tea party »

[rgriah-blog]

rghikari:

It was a known fact that unlike her siblings, Hikari preferred to keep her distance from people and if it wasn’t for the diplomatic mandate of socialization, she would prefer to read in room than attend the welcoming tea party for the nobility. The courtyard was alive with excited energy as aristocrats and high-ranking government officials mingled in friendly exchanges that have not happened since the war began. By the time she had finished greeting the fifth guest, the Suryan princess wanted nothing more than to escape to a quiet place.

Her relief came in the form of an empty seat to the side of the room that kept her visible to the guests but allowed her the rest she so badly needed. Or so she thought. She could trace the forced delight in the voice that called her attention though the other tried to hide it as best as they could. If anything, Hikari knew a thing or two about being able to read people.

“Princess Riah.” She greeted respectfully, turning in her seat to face the Elvian heiress. “It has indeed been a while, yes. Have you been well, your highness?” As they exchange pleasantries, she wondered if Riah knew of her visit to Elv a week ago or what it something only her brothers, Aki and Jinyoung, knew of.

riah flashed her best smile at hikari, the one so wide and blinding you couldn’t even tell it was practiced. “i’ve been good! great, even. you?” she asks, with a tilt of the head. she’d known her greeting had sounded a little too.. manufactured to have hikari at ease, and now she had to fix that. with another one of those blinding smiles, she slipped the pouch of water she carried with her at all times onto the ground, to convince the other princess she meant no harm.

(of course, she didn’t say that her particular water skin had been custom-fitted with a lid she could remove easily by bending the water inside, but in this case it was the action that counted.)

falling back to lean against her seat, riah primly finished off the pastry in a few quick, decisive bites, then turned back to hikari. “so,” she began with a wiggle of her eyebrows, “how’d you like elv? my brothers? they’re terrible, i know.” she said, just the right amount of affection in the word ‘terrible’. riah had never been one for the stiff words of the court, had never had the patience to pass her thoughts through a filter of ‘noble-speak’. it didn’t particularly matter to her - and besides, her informality boosted her popularity with the peasants, who, as insignificant as they seemed, would play a major role in deciding whether or not she would ascend the throne.