shadows on the floor

𝗅𝗈𝗇𝗀 𝗂𝗌 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒅𝒂𝒚 𝗐𝗁𝖾𝗇 𝗍𝗁𝖾 𝗆𝗈𝗈𝗇 𝓸𝓫𝓼𝓬𝓾𝓻𝓮𝓼 𝗍𝗁𝖾 𝗌𝗎𝗇

[rulewits]

ꨄ︎ 𝓻𝓾𝓵𝓮𝔀𝓲𝓽𝓼 ,  𝚊  𝚍𝚎𝚙𝚎𝚗𝚍𝚎𝚗𝚝  𝚋𝚕𝚘𝚐  affiliated  with  ｖｅｒｏｎａ， ｉｔａｌｙ. 𝗁𝗈𝗆𝖾  𝗍𝗈  𝓵𝓸𝓻𝓭  𝓵𝓸𝓻𝓮𝓷𝔃𝓸  𝓭𝓲  𝓬𝓸𝓼𝓽𝓪  𝖺𝗇𝖽  𝓻𝓾𝓵𝓲𝓷𝓰  𝓵𝓪𝓭𝔂  𝓼𝓪𝓿𝓲𝓽𝓻𝓲  𝓭𝓮  𝓼𝓪𝓷𝓽𝓸. 𝗺𝗮𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲  𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗺𝗲𝘀  𝗮𝗿𝗲  𝗽𝗿𝗲𝘀𝗲𝗻𝘁, 𝘢𝘴  𝘱𝘦𝘯𝘯𝘦𝘥  𝘣𝘺  ...

[sealcdfates]

she’d always harbored a childish crush on lorenzo, blushing whenever his family stopped by for dinner or a visit. khaya would hide behind chairs as a young girl, sneaking glances at lorenzo. he seemed to be the one person who saw her. he’d seek her out, ask her what book she was reading, and listen to her daydreams. she’d thought that crush long gone, but as he stood before her, a grown man with an infectious charm and the same ability to make her feel like she was the only person in the world. and khaya was sure lorenzo had that effect on everyone. her heart was aflutter, reminiscent of the innocent rush of emotions when their hands brushed as they reached for the same books as children or when he’d take her hand to help her over a creek whilst exploring the basso estate. but they weren’t children anymore. and he was a man. a man who tangled her tummy into feelings she couldn’t understand.

noticing his eyes on her, khaya feared she looked disheveled or unattractive. she nervously adjusted her corset, fingers delicately took the jewel that hung on her neck and placed it between her cleavage. every word that rolled of his tongue ignited a fire in places she’d never felt. flushed and breathless, she hung onto his every word. “heaven?” she repeated, lashes fluttering as she looked up at him, a bashful smile on her ruby lips. “oh, i hardly think…no, not heaven,” a shake of her head, though the smile remained on her face.

that laugh, oh that laugh. it was deeper than the one that echoed through the halls of the basso house when they were children but it was just as melodious and infectious, eliciting a laugh from khaya’s lips. lorenzo had no idea of the power he held over her thumping heart, did he?

khaya was about to respond to his question with a resounding ‘yes’. but his touch, delicate as he tucked her hair behind her ear. khaya leaned into his touch, her warm cheek brushing against his lingering hand. holding the book out for him to see, she giggled. “it’s ridiculous, but it’s a love story. i’m hoping i can read a chapter before the night ends.” with a smirk on her lips, she tucked the book against her chest. “you’re an important man now, aren’t you?” a hand reached out to touch his forearm, a warm smile on her lips, “stay…please? i’d like to be in the company of someone who makes me feel safe and not overwhelmed.” biting down on her lip, her nose scrunched up. khaya sounded too eager, didn’t she? “i mean…unless you have more pressing matters of course.”

[rulewits]

it was not lost on him how beautiful khaya had gotten over the years. she had grown into a fine young woman, one that lorenzo's eyes could not help but linger on here and there. though, as rigid and cold as lorenzo could be with certain people, khaya only brought light and warmth to him. something she had done since they were children and the beautiful young woman she had grown into had always been there waiting to blossom. lorenzo saw it in the way she sat next to him during dinner parties, a gentle smile on her face and eyes that shone like the stars. he sees it now more than ever. the moonlight streaking in through the cracks of the window and catching onto her irises every time she blinked—what he said was true, heaven was in front of him now, "and why not?" lorenzo asks, tilting his head in question, "if i were god and i were to look upon earth, i swear i could only see heaven if you were standing before me." he never truly means to sound as flirtatious as he does, though the way his heart always melts in khaya's presence is something that lorenzo cannot help. she would always hold a special place in it and anyone who knew lorenzo well enough would know, including her. it would be unbecoming for someone to see them as close as they were, but lorenzo truly did not care. his thumb caresses khaya's cheek, his lips parting up into a delicate smile as he watches the excitement glitter in her voice. "love is a beautiful thing, how could it ever be ridiculous?" khaya's words make his face twist, "important means nothing to me, if you wish for me to stay, i will stay—" his voice barely a whisper as he tilts her face up so their eyes can meet, "always." he pulls back from her, a warmth leaving him as he sits in the chair closest to the open window and pats the small space beside him, "come read to me, my dear."

[peacekeepcrs]

Open for @veronahq-starters

De Santo Chapel

Mekkhala sat in the chapel forlorn. She was running between the table where the Silvas and Dangdas sat since sun set.Sadness was clearly etched in her face. Why did the powers that be punish her this way. Mekkhala would like to believe that she was a devout woman. There was a sigh, not hearing the footsteps.

"Perhaps I should join a convenant, the only side I'll be on will be the Lord's." She said aloud.

[rulewits]

"i would not say joining a convent would be a bad thing," lady savitri of all people in verona understood faith. a woman who devout her entire life to it, "but i must know your reasoning for it—is it because of the desire of faith or are you running from something?" 

[peacekeepcrs]

Open for @veronahq-starters

Location the fountain

The grand ballroom was a lively place, but it was also a humid place. As the bodies packed the room, Ouyang was practically sweating in his semi formal robes.

He stepped outside for a moment opening the part of his shirt, cursing his breath. His wounds reopened. The eldest Li began to take off his top, undoing his bandages wincing in pain.

After several moments of washing the wound, Ouyang heard footsteps. Feeling embarrassed, he hastily slipped on his shirt.

" I wasn't going to jump into the fountain." He tried to reassure

[rulewits]

lady savitri had said she would stay in the ballroom, most of the people she mingled with were there, but lord forgive her for speaking so ill—she was beginning to get bored. perhaps that is why she found herself on her estate's front step, her eyes adjusting to the darkness around her, focusing on a figure in the distance. people loved to tour her home when they were here, the lady of the house never cared much, only wishing for those to enjoy themselves when she invited them into her home. but this? it was something else entirely. "i am not worried about you jumping in my fountain or not, lord ouyang," savitri does her best to hide the snicker she is holding, "i am more worried about you being half-dressed at night. is there a reason you are showing yourself to the night or shall i be concerned for you?"

[ccquettish]

" is that what you think, my lord ? " her voice lowered slightly as she took the final steps until there was little space between the two of them. lord lorenzo was everything she expected for someone of his station and family so when he broke the stereotype and bantered back with her, siena could not help but feel like the cat who got the mouse. it was rare to find someone who could keep up with her. tilting her head back slightly, her gaze remained focused on his own, " do you truly believe that your flattery will get you everywhere with me, my lord ? we both know how you prefer me and it is not falling into a pit. plus i look so much better on sheets, " the words held a teasing tone as her index finger trailed along the his chest as light as a feather. as quickly as she occupied his personal space, siena had spun elegantly away, returning back to wandering through the chapel, making her way to the front. " perhaps i have been summoned here to lure gentlemen such as yourself into temptation. is it not more fun than being righteous ? do you wish to be lead into temptation, my lord ? "

[rulewits]

lorenzo watches her movements, his face set in a steady line as she flounces towards him. he was used to her. how she acted and all of her pretty words. it did not affect him any longer. perhaps if he were the younger version of himself, wishing for any sort of affection. he was not receiving from anyone else, his feelings would be different, but they were older now and lorenzo was aware of lady siena's reputation. that did not mean however that he did not like to tease her the way she teased him. "i try to believe flattering a devil spawn such as yourself might work if i play my cards right," lorenzo's eyes follow her one more, watching her be carefree in a away he never could. perhaps if there was any feeling he had toward lady siena it was envy. "do you think of it often?" he asks, his words vibrating throughout the chapel, "you splayed upon my sheets as i hover atop of you?" should he have been speaking this way in front of whatever god was listening? of course not—but did lord lorenzo ever care? no. whoever wished to hear could. following her to the front of the chapel, lorenzo hovers himself behind her, wrapping one arm around her petite frame and uses the hand on his other to push the hair that covered her neck out of the way, "being righteous is boring—i wish to see how far temptation will lead you, my lady." lorenzo's voice but a whisper as he speaks against the bare skin of her neck.

[ccquettish]

“ how foolish of me. i have not thanked you for extending an invitation to not only me but to my whole family, ” the smile on her face grew a little bigger as she placed a delicate hand on top of the lady’s own, giving it a small squeeze. from a young age, aurora had always found herself comfortable and at ease in the company of the lady savitri. the older woman had always provided aurora with a safe place especially when things became a little too stilted in the sferra house, which was often the case especially if the matriarch was not pleased. she quickly dismissed thoughts of her mother as she gave the other an eager nod, “ i would be honoured to have a look with you. please lead the way. ”

[rulewits]

savitri waves her hand at the young woman, dismissing her thanks, "lady aurora you mustn't thank me, the invitation will always extend to you and your family, it is truly my pleasure." savitri adored the younger woman like she did with most in verona. there was a motherly instinct to her that she could not help when it came to the younger generation—they were all moldable and she did not wish to see them become what some of their elder relatives had, so what was she to do but offer a safe space for them? with the assurance, lady savitri stands proud, offering an arm out to aurora as a gentleman would to someone. she does not tug her, merely lets them walk side by side until they have arrived to the de santo family library. when they have stepped through the doors, savitri takes it upon herself to flounce about the room lighting the candles, letting them glow against the darkness. "love stories," savitri says as she sits in a chair, patting the one beside herself for aurora to join, "i have gotten ahold of one that is so very beautiful—or is your interest elsewhere?"

[nelsole]

Closed starter for Lorenzo Di Costa ( @rulewits )

The De Santos' soirée

Since the day his brother was born, Elio had felt something shift in the house. It felt as though a window had been opened after many years, his arrival a breath of fresh air. His early childhood had been a quiet one, confined to the rooms of the estate, lonely and shadowed by his parents’ constant fear that he might slip away at any moment. Then Lorenzo arrived, bringing joy to them all, and for the first time, the silence in those halls no longer frightened him. From that moment, he was never truly alone again. Of course, his duties as the heir grew with the years that passed, but he always found time to spend with the younger Di Costa. Even during lessons and festivities, there were always playful grins and suppressed laughter exchanged from opposite corners of the room, comments and jests passing between them like a secret language only siblings could speak.

And the soirée was no different. With a careful balance of two glasses in hand, Elio slipped free of a chattering circle and crossed the floor toward his brother, a smile spreading across his lips before he’d even reached him. “So—” He said, offering one of the glasses with a tilt of his head. “Tell me, have you managed to enjoy yourself at all this evening?”

[rulewits]

lorenzo loved his brother like no other. while most would assume the host of di costa was lifeless and loveless, it was far from true. of course lorenzo did not get along well with some family members considering they made his life a living hell, but that could have never been said for his dear older brother. they had quite a gap between them, but that never stopped them from mischief or care growing up and was surely not going to stop them now. though now surely did not mean right now. lorenzo had to be on his best behavior or feel the wrath of somebody when they had gotten home. except all he really wanted to was to get away from the circle of people he was meant to be mingling with and when he saw his brother from the corner of his eye, a smile on his face that was reserved solely for his younger brother, lorenzo knew it was his chance to get out. he excuses himself from the group and slips between the bodies to meet his brother, "i have enjoyed myself some," very little he wanted to add, but he could see one of their uncles glaring at him from the group he had just parted from. lorenzo takes the glass, stops himself from downing all of it in one gulp, "have the family managed to wrangle you in every single conversation or is it just me?"

[inthrone]

closed starter for @rulewits !

⸻     ･ﾟ          ཐི༏ཋྀ󠀮          “   are they behaving well amongst themselves tonight   ?   ”   her voice was light, amused, as it echoed through the room. her form, however, remained undisrupted; head lowered as she knelt before the altar, her fingers intertwined around her rosary. she made a point to set foot inside the chapel whenever she visited the de santos' residence— willingly welcoming the sense of serenity and ease the place brought her. she suspected it had something to do with the lady of the house, how her warmth and light reverberated from every corner of the room. like a friendly spectre or an old friend.

an eerie silence followed, prompting aliye to turn her head towards the chapel's entrance. she almost wished she hadn't, eyes widening upon recognition. her spine went rigid as the rosary slipped from her grip, clattering against the floor. meanwhile the desire to flee became all-consuming. it troubled her, if anything, how gut-wrenching the sight of him still was. there'd been many nights she wondered when the memories would stop taunting her, when her heart would cease to ache. “   you’re not supposed to be here.   ”   the world tumbled from her mouth, accusatory, followed by a grimace. she paused, averting her gaze.   “   forgive my brashness, lord di costa, you startled me. what brings you here tonight ? is the soirée not up to your standards ? ”

[rulewits]

lorenzo had seen her from across the ballroom. perhaps it was barely a glimpse, but he could recognize aliye anywhere. her beauty, her words, her gentle soul were etched into him as if she had been a literal part of him—in many ways she was. they were children together, lives as carefree as they could be before they had to learn to grow up, before lorenzo's life came crashing down before his eyes and things changed in ways he knew were going to happen, but in ways he never truly wanted. it was the naivety of a child that still yearned for the lady yavuz. something that reminded him of a simpler time, of a time where he did not feel as if he was someone else in his own skin. their lives were different now though, separated by years of nothing and yet lorenzo could not stop himself from letting his eyes trail to her as she followed the lady of the house around. he lost sight of aliye eventually, having to resume his talks with people his family would have wanted him to talk to. to make an appearance with lady jie, the perfectly betrothed couple when his heart yearned for someone else. it was foolish to even believe that aliye would have wanted anything to do with him at this point in their lives. they had both moved on (at least that is what he told himself) and they were not to be tied down to such ideals they used to dream of together. but of course, deep down where lorenzo does not let anyone else see, is a heart that beats with the wish to be near her, to have her speak to him as she once did when they were children. perhaps this is why lorenzo seeks her out. it is unconscious, he does not realize why he is excusing himself from the crowd—he tells himself it is the need for some silence and he will not admit otherwise. lorenzo is walking aimlessly, eyes searching for something—someone—when he hears a gentle voice in the chapel. he walks towards it without thinking. there she was, knelt upon the altar and praying to a god that lorenzo did not believe in. for a small moment he gets to admire her, drink in the sight of her after being apart for so long. it is beautiful and heartbreaking at the same time. her turning to look at him comes as a shock, but lorenzo has learned mask his emotions well. his face is cold, even if it flinches a bit at her words. "am i not? are you to tell the lady of the house about my wrongdoings?" lorenzo raises a brow, but his face remains a stone, "my apologies for startling you," the way he speaks to her is much too formal for what they used to be, "i suppose i just needed a bit of silence, you can never truly find it within a room full of verona's wealthiest, or perhaps god was calling out to me, bringing me to—" but he pauses, not daring to finish the sentence and moving on quickly, "what of you? i do not recall your holiness."

[unvertuous]

open starter: (1/4) @veronahq-starters

location: somewhere in the de santos' residence

for most of the evening, emrys had been on his best behavior—or at least his version of it—meaning he hadn’t yet drawn blood or insulted anyone important enough to matter, and boredom had begun to gnaw at him in their absence. by the time the speeches began to blur together, he’d had enough. slipping from the crowd, he idly ascended a side staircase, wandering into a wing of the house he had not yet explored. it was there he spotted someone—a figure caught in the act of something that didn’t quite fit the elegance of the evening. his brow lifted, amusement ghosting across his face as he lingered a few paces away. "what have we here?" he drawled, tone lazy but curious, "that looks far more diverting than whatever is happening in the other rooms. shall i assume you require assistance, or would you rather i turned a blind eye?"

[rulewits]

lady savitri did not make it a habit to wander outside of the common areas when she hosted a soiree such as this. she was the host and she had to be in attendance to greet her guest, to make sure they were having a wonderful evening, but she had been tired. far too many sleepless nights went into planning and extending invitations to the families, finding the perfect dressings for herself and her children—honestly a bit too much for one person to handle, but she managed. she glides easily away from the crowd, adorning a smile that has people not asking questions as she slips from the ballroom. the farther she walks, the more her feet hurt, so she kicks off her chopines and leaves them on the floor of her home while she goes deeper and further away from the noise. by the time she reaches a wing that is completely deserted, lady savitri feels as if she can breathe again. the window on the far end of the hallway is cracked open and the moonlight shines through in heavenly rays. it makes her wish to get down onto her knees and pray, but instead she lets herself sag against the window. savitri takes in a deep breath, her corset too snug on her body, so she unties it, lets her dress loosen around her with the sleeves falling off her shoulders. it is when she hears a voice that she spins around, a look of shock molding onto her features, "must sinful things always come from your lips, lord emrys?" is the first thing savitri says to the man, holding herself in a way that hopefully distracts him from her state of dress, "wandering my home without a care in the world—i would hope a blind eye is your first thought."

[rulewits]

location: the de santo estate ballroom. closed for: lady aliye yavuz (@divinefires).

lady savitri was used to evenings such as this one. the family hosted one every single year and the wealthiest across verona would fill up her home as if it was their own. she did not host for the sake of doing so, but the reason she would keep close to her chest because as much as she trusted a good handful of the families, they could not be trusted with each other. that was clear time and time again. the fights that would break out, the verbal assaults ruling lords would have with one another, and catty looks the overly pompous mothers would give to anyone in their path. it was more of a warzone than a party surely. perhaps now, after so many years, savitri was starting to second guess hosting. of course she enjoyed getting together with old friends and watching the children she knew from nappies grow into the wonderful young adults they were, but she was exhausted. there was something about this year that made her so. setting herself down in one of the chairs on the outskirts of the room, savitri brings a glass of wine to her lips, a gentle sip before she addresses her adorable shadow, "lady aliye, have you gone to enjoy yourself at all this evening? there are plenty of people who i am sure would love to dance with you."

[sealcdfates]

khaya hadn’t quite mastered the art of navigating a room filled with nobles without the fear that she didn’t quite belong nipping at her feet ( which wasn’t easy to escape, considering the too-tight heels her lady’s maid had insisted she wear ). she’d done everything by the book, though. honeyed smiles, perfectly dipped curtsies, and not speaking unless spoken to. it felt like she was folding into herself, but still khaya had romanticized every bit of it.

her cheeks hurt from practiced smiles and khaya’s gaze couldn’t flickered from guest to guest, noting how effortlessly they seemed to move through the room. her chest, meanwhile, was a tangle of nerves and awe. with four siblings, it’d never been hard for one of them to slip away unnoticed and the basso bunch had always covered for one another. khaya knew no one would come searching for her for a while.

there were many things khaya loved about libraries. they were doors that lead to other worlds, requesting a peace and silence one couldn’t find anywhere else. and the way the moonlight flooded through the glass windows, painting itself across the rows and rows of books was magical. if only she hadn’t disturbed the peace with her clumsiness.

as her name fell from his lips, khaya’s heart lost its slow, rhythmic melody, speeding up to a tempo that threatened to consume her. lorenzo was mature, elegant, and just as handsome as he’d always been, wielding the kind of presence that captured an audience. that had always captured khaya.

the breath hitched in khaya’s throat when she felt lorenzo’s hands touch her elbows, her whole body igniting with a buzz she couldn’t put a name to. and the way he called her ‘my dear’ was music to hear ears. despite all the books she’d read, khaya wasn’t sure this feeling could be explained. lashes fluttered on her cheeks as she hid a bashful smile before raising her gaze once more. “yes, i’ve missed you,” she finally replied, a giggle slipping into the space between them, “is that quite alright with you, lord lorenzo?” her fingers mindlessly trailed up and down the spine of the poor book she’d dropped moments earlier, “an escape and a read. i needed some quiet.” a brow quirked playfully as she analyzed lorenzo, “and you?”

[rulewits]

it was easy to be near the youngest basso child—they had grown up together—lorenzo vaguely remembering a time before her and a time after her, meeting only as babes, but growing together from children to now adulthood. while it was not necessarily strange, it was still odd to see how khaya had grown into herself. she was still quiet, a woman who dreamed and seemed to live looking through rose colored glass, she had matured in a way that lorenzo could not help but notice. "more than alright," the statement is smooth as it comes off of his tongue, a charming lilt to it as his dark eyes rake the woman in front of him up and down. lorenzo hardly remembers a time where she had been without a gown so stunning, but there was something about the way the moon filtered in through the windows that had him taking another look, "how could it not be? a woman such as yourself missing me? i think lady savitri has managed to replicate heaven in her home tonight." the laugh that leaves lorenzo's lips is light, something that doesn't sound quite right coming from him any longer, but khaya had always managed to bring out something in himself that seemed to die a long while ago. in her presence it is as if the light illuminates her, a halo lighting an angel. "have you managed to find something that suits what you are looking for?" lorenzo asks, bringing a hand up to tuck a stray piece of khaya's hair behind her ear—he had always taken care of her even if their age difference was barely a year. "i also needed a moment of silence," his head shakes a bit, "too many people always need something from me and i was starting to have enough." a breathy laugh leaves lorenzo's lips, "should i leave you then—to enjoy your silence?"

[rulewits]

location: the de santo estate courtyard. closed for: lady aurelia galetti (@rckindledflxmes).

ever since she was a young girl, savitri's life had been chaos. her family, who she no longer spoke to, were strict and rigid—people that followed things scrupulously and if you were to go off the beaten path, then it was not good for you in the long run. she had learned from a young age to keep her back straight, to hold her tongue, and to only speak when spoken to. of course as she aged, as she found her faith and had a family of her own, she learned to let go a little bit, but did she ever truly do so savitri supposed now it did not matter much any longer. she was a grown woman with a family and duty placed upon her shoulders that she was not going to ignore. the evening felt like one of them no matter how much she enjoyed throwing together a soiree for the city's wealthiest. her back was aching from the garments adorned on her, her feet pinched in a pair of shoes she had wished to take off. without a second thought, savitri excuses herself from her current conversation, her palms coming to clutch at her dress as she glides out of the ballroom. once she's out of sight, she reaches under her dress very unbecomingly and pulls off her shoes, bare feet clapping against the marble floors as she makes her way about her home. it is when she is finally in her courtyard, surrounded by the night sky and the shine of the moon that lady savitri finally lets out a sigh and unknots her dress a titch to let it hang against her body without suffocating her. she is puffing the air from her lungs when she hears it, a shuffle that was not of an animal or her household staff. savitri turns, herself in a state that no guest should be seeing, "lady aurelia—" the elder woman huffs out, "you have snuck up on me in such an unbecoming state," her dress not fit to her body and her shoes rested on the gravel beside herself, savitri tries to collect herself as much as she can, "have you come for a breather, darling?"

[ccquettish]

out of every individual in attendance at the party, it seemed about right that her path would cross with his, " my lord, " the words fell from lips, sweet as honey as societal manners implored for her to greet him with the manners of a lady of her station. her whole body moved to face in lorenzo's direction, gracing the male with her undivided attention. " oh, how you flatter me with such words, " his words came as no shock to the lady. siena was well aware that she was the epitome of temptation, something that did not belong in such a reverent place. soft steps echoed the nearly empty space as she moved closer to the lord, a tiny smirk pulling on the corner of the lips, " is this your way of admitting that you think of me, lord lorenzo ? do i occupy your thoughts often ? perhaps, late at night. when you are alone, "

[rulewits]

it was not that lorenzo disliked lady siena, actually he found her to be quite amusing in a time where the only things on his mind were duty and the honor he should bring to his family. she was something fresh, a ripe cherry that he got to sink his teeth into from time to time and enjoy the back and forth she offered in return—a break in his daily routine surely. lorenzo expected an answer as such, she was always on her toes, ready to strike when she felt it and he was used to it. "flattery truly gets me everywhere when it comes to you, does it not?" lorenzo hums, head tilting as siena steps closer to him. she was a beautiful woman that was for certain and if lorenzo had fallen into her trap here and there, who could blame him? "there is no doubt you do, lady siena," he is playing along, his lips curving upward in a smirk to mirror her own, "i imagine you falling into a pit and never coming out, it is very pleasurable." "what have you done this time?" he asks, pointing to the statues adorned around the room, "come to confess the many sins you carry? or are you being called back to the devil?" lorenzo was sure lady savitri would have his head if he heard him speaking like this in her chapel, but he was never a man of god, so he truly did not care.

[ccquettish]

out of all the individuals in attendance, aurora considered her lucky that her new companion of the evening was none other than lady savitri. she knew that the lady de santo would not scold her for being distracted in a dream like state, a stark contrast to how her mother would have reacted if she happened across aurora. “ it is all very grand and lovely. you have done such a wonderful job this evening, ” her words were genuine and full of compliments as she commended the older woman. it took a moment for her to gather her thoughts before she confessed what had been running through her mind moments earlier, “ please do not take any offence to my words. i was thinking how i wish to be somewhere quieter and preferably with a book in my hands. ”

[rulewits]

savitri never looked for compliments, in a way she found it sinful—to host such lavish evenings and look for the praise that came with it. but who could blame her if it made her chest swell with the pride it deserved? if anyone were to put on a soiree as lavish as the one she hosts, then she would say they stole de santo secrets. "that is too kind of you to say, my dearest, i am just happy to have you in attendance tonight." it was the truth, savitri enjoyed the evenings where she could enjoy a glass of vino and a gentle company. lady aurora always provided her with the latter, a young woman with a bright mind and darling looks, but savitri had known lady aurora far too long to know that these evenings were not her favorite. "i could never take offense," lady savitri extends a hand to rest gently upon aurora's own, "i have gotten in some exciting new things if you would like to come take a look with me?"

[sealcdfates]

closed starter for : @rulewits ( lorenzo ) location : library @ the di santos' soirée

as thrilling as it was to attend a soirée ( something khaya hadn’t done too often in her lifetime ), and as awestruck as she was watching guests adorned in beautiful clothing mingling with bright smiles on their lips, khaya craved silence. at least, for a little while in order to anchor herself to the present. the gathering was equal parts overwhelming and magnificent. khaya slipped away unnoticed, wandering the halls with excitement pounding in her chest and her eyes landed on two large oak doors that drew her in. as soon as she opened them, the familiar smell of ink and parchment wrapped around her and she sighed in content. fingers danced delicately against the spines of books as khaya stepped further into the library, the flickering candlelight bringing her the peace that she craved. it was rather difficult to find a book she hadn’t read before, but she began tugging at one a bit out of her reach before it crashed down to the floor beside her. “oh, heavens,” a soft gasp fell from her lips as she knelt down to pick it up, noticing a pair of feet nearby. her heart skipped a few beats and khaya held the book tightly to her chest as she rose. “i am terribly sorry. i thought i was alone,” khaya began to apologize, a blush booming across her cheeks as her gaze rose. but, her eyes met familiar ones and a bright smile tugged on her lips. “lorenzo,” she mused, “it’s been…forever. far too long.” tilting her head to the side, a grin played on her lips, “it’s not surprising at all to see you in the library. we seemed to have had similar ideas.”

[rulewits]

lorenzo, while apt at being apart of a crowd, did not always particularly like the fact that he had to be. at heart, the man was a bit of a loner. always preferred quiet company and silence that did not feel uncomfortable; one could never escape discomfort when in a crowded room of people of high status, it was truly inevitable. do not get him wrong, lorenzo did not hate nights like this. they were fun in their own way and allowed him to network with names his family would appreciate, but there was only so much he could handle before he felt the twitch of agitation start to mar the features of his face. he chooses to excuse himself—the mumbles of needing a drink so carefully practiced upon his lips—walking out of the ballroom without turning back. lorenzo does not care if people notice he was not getting a drink, he just needed to take a step away for a moment. the library found him moments later, a place dim with candles and the moonlight drifting in the from outside. it was peaceful, barely hearing the voices carry themselves from the ballroom and lorenzo felt he could breathe again. his body roams the room gently, eyes adjusting to the dim light to have a look. it is the sound of a thunk and voice following that lorenzo realizes he was alone no longer. hurrying to it, he notices a woman he would recognize anywhere. "lady khaya," lorenzo's voice is kind, something his family would scold him for, "have you missed me, my dear?" there is a smirk threatening to curl up the corners of his lips as he reaches for her elbows to steady her softly. "it is not a shock one bit—have you come for a read, an escape or perhaps both?"

[ccquettish]

ʟᴏᴄᴀᴛɪᴏɴ: de santos chapel. ᴛᴀɢɢɪɴɢ: @veronahq-starters

the second youngest danza lady had spent most of her evening roaming aimlessly through the various rooms open to those currently in attendance at the de santos residence. the lady had been searching for something interesting to grab her attention, though, thus far, the evening had been severely lackluster to siena in her humble opinion. in the back of her mind, she knew that all she had to do was find the right individual to change all of that. a surely simple task. a task which brought her to the chapel. dark hues roamed the space she now occupied, her hand gliding delicately across the wood of the seats as she moved further into the space. it was only when she had made it to the middle of the chapel when she heard footsteps at the door. glancing over her shoulder, a small smirk graced her lips as she batted her eyes innocently at the intruder, " now, this is not quite the place i would expect to find you coming to visit. especially all alone. is it my lucky day ? "

[rulewits]

lord lorenzo did not find public gatherings such as this one a forte of his. of course growing up he learned to be what was expected, he weaved in and out of crowds with a tight smile on his face, a welcome that did not quite reach his eyes, and words that charmed who they were meant to. however there was always an uncomfortable feeling clawing up the back of his throat, as if the tunic he was wearing was going to magically tighten and pull the air from his lungs. he had to find somewhere quiet and he was sure the lavish de santo estate would prove good for that. with quick pleasantries, lord lorenzo excuses himself from the grasps of a family friend, one who has been droning on about something lorenzo quit listening to at least ten minutes ago. his sights were set on finding a quiet place to collect himself. the de santo's chapel seemed to be the best spot, his posture relaxing as he entered the sacred space, though it tenses up again when he sees a familiar silhouette in the middle of room. "i suppose i could say the same for you, lady siena," his voice had gone cold, something tight in his throat, "a holy sanctuary does not seem to fit as your backdrop, i would expect the fiery rings of hell instead."

[ccquettish]

ʟᴏᴄᴀᴛɪᴏɴ: de santos ballroom. ᴛᴀɢɢɪɴɢ: @veronahq-starters

if it were not for the fact that there was occasional movement from the youngest sferra lady, aurora surely would be confused with a painting. her posture incredibly straight, not a single hair out of place. the perfect image of the perfect sferra offspring. however despite all of this, aurora's mind was somewhere else. instead of standing on the sidelines of a crowded ballroom, filled with both friends and foes alike, she was sitting by the fire in a little cottage, reading. a soft sigh fell for her lips without her realising until it was too late. blinking in surprise, she offered her newest companion a soft and kind smile along with a small courtesy in greeting, " apologies. please do not think the sigh was in relation to yourself. i was merely.... it does not truly matter, " she spoke earnestly, hoping the other did not find offence as she quickly switched topics, " are you enjoying your evening ? "

[rulewits]

the lady savitri welcomed others into her home with open arms—people she was close with knew that her door, while not literally unlocked, was open to them when needed. the motherly instinct she had in her could not be avoided when it came to them. now though, like every year, she had opened her home to everyone. the city of verona's wealthiest and most important were splayed across her home as if they owned the place. lady savitri was to make sure it seemed as if they did, a perfect host for a perfect gathering—the true nature of it well, she was a woman of god, she would not share her deepest thoughts with anyone but her. as much as she enjoyed seeing people in her home, lady savitri could not help the way her eyes scanned the ballroom. perhaps it was the motherly instinct in her, perhaps it was the divine power flowing through her that made her seek out those in need a stretched out hand—whatever it was had lady savitri gliding towards the lady aurora. the sigh makes her smile gently, used to the far off, dreamy look that aurora had in her eye. "i would argue it matters quite a bit, my dear," lady savitri says in a tone reserved for those she cared for, "my evening is grand, perhaps a bit too much so," her body gestures to the ballroom, elegance fluttering about the room. "though the night does not distract myself from worrying about you—what is on your mind?"