fogem d’ouvir as sereas

[sebastiaodebraganca]

sfcrca‌:

It has been a wonderful day so far - the birds were chirping, the sun was shining ( but not too brightly to vex her ), and she was in training with her long sword. But, then a man spoke and all her good mood seeped away with a murderous intent. She turned, sheathing her sword in a swift, precise movement, as her dark stare found the man who had so recklessly intruded on her. “Oi, what husband? Do I look like I have the patience to deal with a condescending man attempting to train me?” Bona all but yelled out, standing her ground, her brows furrowed as she gave the intruder a one-up. “I have had enough of that from my father. Must you insult me by assuming I have a husband to continue in his footsteps?”

His dark brow furrowed, a genuine look of confusion crossing his face. Sebastião had meant no offence by the comment, and was a little taken aback by the sharp reply from the other. “Did I upset you?” He asks, one hand going to his hair, his concern genuine. He took a step backwards, putting distance between himself and the glaring look in her eyes. “Calm down,” he said, holding his hands up as though he was taming a horse. “Surely it is a greater insult to assume that you are not wedded.” 

[sebastiaodebraganca]

vitcrias‌:

“ I know, Tião. ” She huffed out a sigh before offering a small smile. “ I know He is there —- ” She cut herself off, unsure how to continue in the presence of someone so steadfast in their faith. Did her brother not stop to question once God’s plan? Or to question his place in the world, or really — to question anything? Such surety was both frustrating and enviable. “ You couldn’t be wrong, of course, ” she continues hurriedly, waving a hand absentmindedly. “ He must be listening, and He will guide us. ” Though her words were meant to be said with the same conviction as Sebastião, they erred more on the side of attempting to convince herself of their truth. “ Again, I hope you are right. It means something, and that is a good thing! But just as many of us fight for peace, there are others who would quickly take their blades up and strike once again, ” she pointed out. “ And I have been here since winter. I thought peace was not so far away then, and yet it still has not be found. I won’t give it up, but I’m very worried, irmão. I do not want Portugal to fight another thankless war. ” 

He did not have to be a genius to realise that there was something on his sister’s mind. It concerned him, a crease appearing between his brows as he pondered her words, tried to find that it was that she was not saying. He wanted to comfort her, to offer her the same peace of mind that he found when he prayed, but he did not want to pry into her prayers, either. If she wanted to tell him, he would be there, but he would not needle her for it. “He listens. And closer to home, I do too.” There was a softness to his words, a sensitivity so rarely shown, but for his younger siblings, he possesses in endless amounts. “Portugal stands united. That is more than some countries can say. We are strong, Vitória. Do not forget that. You and I both would not see Portugal plunged into further conflict. Peace is upon us. I can feel it. 

[starfvllen-deactivated20210215]

with sebastião de bragança @sebastiaodebraganca​ .

“Someone once asked me,” Ippolita mused idly, closing the book resting idly in her lap and setting it aside on the bench, eyes turned towards the horizon and the edge of the garden, where perfectly maintained shrubs faded to grass and then melted into serene blue waters. “If I could travel the world yet never once step foot in my home, or if I could be in my home yet never be able to see anything outside of it, which would I rather?”

Portugal is a seafaring nation far more than Italy will ever be, and Ippolita can only begin to imagine the things that they could have seen in their travels. “What would you choose, sua alteza?”

[sebastiaodebraganca]

The question caught him off guard. It is not something he had ever thought of before. Portuguese blood runs hot in his veins, carrying love for his homeland to every inch of his body, but his passion for his country was rivalled only by the call of the sea. Portugal was strong because they were sailors, travellers and merchants. They had grown rich from it, had carved their place in the world purely because they were not content to stay still. 

“That... is a difficult question,” he spoke slowly, lips pursing in thought. “I could never turn my back on the sea entirely, but I would not neglect my obligation to Portugal. Such is the path that God has chosen for me.” A few more moments of pondering, and then a heavy sigh. “Though I would be unwilling, I suppose I would have to remain home. Do you have an answer to the question? 

[sebastiaodebraganca]

dukeofviseu‌:

Being landbound keeps António up at night, more so than usually. It is uncomfortable and unnatural for him to be so far from what he’d call his habitat, and the thought of being unable to know what their fleet is up to drives a shiver down his spine every now and then. There’s not much to be done, and with his hands tied, Tonho chooses to fill his day with all sorts of activities. “I do hope so, yes.” The not knowing is what kills him. “I have visited briefly, and it is charming,” he says, smiling at his brother’s proactive stance, following suit as he stands up. “We should. It is quite lovely and I would not mind going again. Castelgrande can get somewhat dull after some time.”

The sombre topic of their previous conversation is almost completely forgotten. That has always been Sebastião’s way, bouncing from one topic to another at a rapid pace that others could scarcely follow. At Tonho’s confirmation, a wide grin spread across his features, and he clapped his brother on the back. “Then you can be my guide, for I have yet to see it with my own eyes.” he found Castelgrande a little too stifling, a little dull. It was perhaps due to the proximity from the sea. He dearly missed the sense of saltwater, the feeling of freedom. Of everyone, Tonho would understand that. A moment away would surely do the both of them good. 

[sebastiaodebraganca]

@sfcrca​

He had been watching the woman for a few minutes now, and wasn’t certain if he was fascinated or horrified. She wielded a sword, and in his interest, he had let his own sword-arm fall slack to his side, weapon dangling and pointed to the ground. He had never seen a woman behave as such, and wasn’t certain what to make of it at all. He cleared his throat, sheathed his blade, and made his way over to her, placid smile on his face. “Did your husband teach you how to do that?” 

[sebastiaodebraganca]

lovelesslettrs‌:

Mariana hadn’t been exactly prepared for an awkward interaction with her brother in law — if she had, maybe there would have been more to say or at least she could have planned out precise responses that did not feel so stiff however words were falting and becoming her enemy in that moment. The infanta did not want to come off as cruel, neither of them technically deserved that even if she had significant gripes with the man. Cruel words could only get her so far in life and Mariana certainly did not want another reason for god to punish her. 

Ironic, the red head thinks to herself but instead gives a brief nod. “ You can always start, your sister and my brother have quite lovely children. “ Not that Mariana had ever been an expert, with brief exceptions they had been the only children she had experience with either but it seemed odd to her that he had made little efforts. Maybe it had been a sore subject. Her muscles tighten, Luciana completely catching her off guard. An honest mistake, she was certain but with the name falling in her place now — it felt strange, a reminder that she’d always be haunted. “ It was a suggestion, “ She clarifies, clearing her throat awkwardly in response. 

“I’m sure that they do.” It isn’t that he wants to stay away. He loves his sister, and he is certain that he would love her children, too. No, it is more than that. Despite their link through Beatriz and Alonso’s marriage, Sebastião cannot help but feel resentful of his Iberian neighbours. Why should they have prospered so from the alliance, whilst Portugal had lost more than they had gained? His marriage to Luciana had been far from fruitful, and now she was gone. Neither did Spain offer support to the Portuguese for their own concerns and troubles. They took much, gave little, and, though it broke his heart to do so when his sister stood as their queen, he eyed them with some suspicion. 

It was not until he caught wind of the expression on her face that he realised what he had done. Luciana’s name had come through unbidden, the combination of the facts she was on his thoughts at present, and coming face to face with her mirror image. Perhaps it was a trick of the light that made her look more like her, a little gentler and more welcoming. Whatever it was, the moment had passed, and the ghost of Luciana was gone once more. “Mariana,” he said, as though trying to wave away what had just come to pass. “There is much to do in Portugal for me, or else on the seas.” A polite way of refusing her suggestion. 

[sebastiaodebraganca]

forgedsecrets‌:

he agreed with what the other spoke. while the countries across the continent had been at war with one another for quite some time, he believed that they each had there fair share of losses. with peace being brought up for the first time ( at least properly ) in decades, did they not deserve to mourn their deaths and build for a better world. but perhaps God was punishing them for dividing in the beginning. there were many things he didn’t know or understand, but he believed it all had meaning. ‘ i cannot disagree with you. the losses weigh heavily on each of us. ’ it was perhaps what he believed the other deserved to hear. he couldn’t, and wouldn’t forget or forgive the death of his son. ‘ and i you. ’ because they all require the strength prayer gave.

Sebastião bowed his head for a moment, a mark of respect for the dead. He thought of his cousin, the young Carlos. It had seemed so long ago since he had passed, but it was only a few short months. Would Carlos lay forgotten in history, just another tragedy in this quest for peace? He hoped not. He deserved so much more than that. “I hope that the worst is behind us, for everyone.” Optimistic, perhaps, but Sebastião was nothing if not an idealist. “Your prayers are appreciated, my friend. I am only sorry that we cannot do more for one another.” 

[sebastiaodebraganca]

monarchester‌:

the prince’s reaction was about as predictable as it was entertaining. truly, he radiated everything the rumours made him out to be and it was to richard’s utter delight to have found a moment in which the other was surrounded by neither guards nor courtiers — those who may have been able to tell the portuguese prince just who exactly he was talking to at present. richard enjoyed the fact he wasn’t known here and he’d do little to change that fact.

still, he couldn’t help but wonder himself: what had he come here for? to simply egg on the prince or to see what kind of ruler would be sitting on the throne one day, guiding the lives of countless people? richard cared little for politics that didn’t immediately concern either of his queens but he understood the need to observe, to see what was happening on the international stage. his arms crossed before they quickly uncrossed when richard reminded himself he was in the presence of a prince, still, though he couldn’t hide the hint of a smile.

prince sebastião hadn’t done anything thus far to be labelled great at anything — let alone ruling a kingdom but he was still just a prince. perhaps in time, he’d grow into a man who was deserving of the crown.

“oh, i’m nobody important,” he replied, the smile morphing into a teasing grin. nothing about this situation concerned richard and he had no plan on having that change anytime soon. “but i’m pleased to make your acquaintanceship, your highness. or is it your grace? you’ve to forgive me, i can hardly keep up with all these nobles strutting around the castle.”

He claimed to be nobody important, and if that were so, Sebastião could not understand why he would be so flippant towards someone of such a status as he. It may be that he simply did not know - but if that were the case, how did he manage to be important enough to worm his way into the Swiss court? It made no sense. 

This left the prince with only two options. The first was that this newcomer was lying, and that he was far more important than he would have Sebastião believe. If that were the case, it was a foolish game, and to what end? There was nothing to be gained from pretending to be less than what you were, unless it was a show of humility. He supposed he could understand that, even if he thought privately that it was rather silly. 

The second option was far more nefarious. It could be, perhaps, that this man came from the court of those who schemed against Portugal, and sought to undermine them where they could. Two culprits swam to mind, both kingdoms that Portugal should call allies, but Sebastião was certain that was far from the case. England and Spain. He had long been discontented with the terms of the Spanish alliance, and had long been terrified of confrontation from his brother-in-law. As for England, the sinking of Portuguese ships was a wrong that sorely needed answering, even if The Holy Roman Empire’s alliance seemed determined to ignore it. 

“I doubt that your name is Nobody Important, my friend,” he said, doing his best to force his expression into something more amiable to hide his confusion and irritation. “In Portugal, you would call me sua alteza, which means Your Highness. I suppose whatever translation of this you like would be suitable,” he reasoned. “Now, pray tell, who may I be acquainted with?” 

[sebastiaodebraganca]

inconnuis‌:

a lazy smile decorated his features as he observed the other man’s actions. in louis’ eyes, vanity had no place on the battlefield or anywhere away from the castle but it made sense for a man of proper standing to want his appearance to follow whichever trends there were to follow in his own country. judging from the tanned skin and the accent, it couldn’t be spain. his best guess was portugal, mostly because the other lacked the same sharpness to his voice he’d found in possession of most of the italians he’d met.

“then i’m afraid we shall part ways so i may not impose on you any longer,” he quipped, voice light and features arranged into something boyishly carefree. a chuckle rumbled in his chest at the posed question, bringing louis’ attention back to the other man. “i’m afraid i am only out and about for a breath of fresh air. the castle gets cramped easily, what with the new influx of people who have arrived. may i ask what you think of bellinzona so far?”

“No,” Sebastião spoke a little too quickly, and for a moment, wondered if his swift refusal to allow the other to exit made it clear that he had been hopelessly lost. He gathered the reins again, earning a snort from the horse, who clearly longed to return to their grazing. “There is no need for that. It is not an imposition. Perhaps we may ride together for a moment?” 

“Castelgrande is not so bad, I suppose. But then, I am used to a life at sea, where space is far more limited than it may be in a Swiss castle.” His chest puffed up in his pride, his belief in his own impressiveness unshakeable. “But there is no harm in seeking fresh air when we can get it. Bellinzona is quite a charming place, though I would prefer if there were less mountains and more oceans. I suppose that nowhere can be perfect, unless it is Portugal!” 

[sebastiaodebraganca]

guilbarcelos‌:

Family was Barcelo’s weakness but it was also his strength, and though Sebastião was a nephew, his attitude and behavior had always been so easy to warm up to. His similarities with Carlos were clear, but it was not on the basis of that alone that Guilherme became fond of him. The young man had an optimistic view of life that amused and comforted the Duke in much the same way that his late wife’s faith had done. 

In some ways he wished to protect Sebastião while at the same time stepping aside to wait and listen to his changing views later in life and see how different or alike they took shape to his own. 

“Very wise nephew. However, you may have to educate me with politeness on what is in our power to change. Unless… tell me Sebastião, are there things you wish to change?” 

There was much Sebastião did not understand about the world, but he was content that way. That was not the path God had chosen for him. He was meant for crowns and glory, and wisdom and clarity were for men like his uncle. For Guilherme, the questions he asked came naturally, but they were not something  Sebastião had ever considered, and the prince had to pause to think of his answer, brow furrowing. 

“I am sure there is plenty.” Though the exact answer, Sebastião did not know. “Especially within Portugal. Though perhaps this is a conversation better suited for my father.” His lack of political expertise was blinding. “There is plenty that I wish to change. The perils faced by Portuguese ships in European seas, for a start.” 

[sebastiaodebraganca]

post count this week : n. of threads (2)

points gained : +2 points for threads

Total: 2 Points

points allocations : +2 intelligence

Updated Stats:

Total: 77

influence : 16 intelligence : 7 wealth :13 luck : 21 physical : 20

[sebastiaodebraganca]

dukeofviseu‌:

If one asks about António’s beliefs in depth, one might find that he’s perhaps not so aligned with the church as he seems to be. However, that isn’t to be public knowledge, for it might bring unfortunate conversations to him. Instead, Tonho picks and chooses what to say, careful but truthful to his personal beliefs. One of those beings that the royal blood was no blood chosen by God. António and Sebastião and Vitória alike had all been lucky children to be born within the walls of Paço da Ribeira, blessed with wealth and power. But it is not God’s will that some be so powerful and wealthy while some starve. However that may be, António agrees with his brother. It is not time for such discussion. “To be honest, brother, the more days I spend in this place the less I know why I am here.” He sighs at the edge of his words. “It does not mean I won’t enjoy Bellinzona to the best of its capabilities, though." 

Sebastião had to agree with his brother’s assessment. He had arrived here after the troubles had passed, but it was clear to him that Portugal had gained little by travelling all this way. It was unnatural, he thought, to be so far from the sea, cut off from what he knew and where his heart lay. Perhaps Tonho would feel it too. The brothers were much alike in that regard, even if they did not always agree with everything else. “The reason will become clear soon enough, I daresay,” he declared. “Until then, all we can do is make the most of it. Tell me, have you had time to visit the town? I hear it is quite charming.” He rose to his feet, gesturing for Tonho to follow him. “Why don’t we go now?” 

[sebastiaodebraganca]

lovelesslettrs‌:

Mariana did not completely mind making him uncomfortable, she could be civil — friendly if even false for now but she doubted the pair would ever be friends. She was a reflection of a ghost, a flame from his past coming back to haunt him for Luciana’s death and no matter how hard she tried to let go something still grasped onto that blame with a vice grip. Forgiveness would be something Mariana would strive for but now was not the time. 

“ No, he isn’t. You should visit more often, they are quite lovely children. Say the silliest things sometimes but are the best company. “ She loved her brother and his children dearly, they had been one of the few things to cheer her up when everything had felt so awful in Luciana’s absence. “ Like I said, you should visit more often. “ Even if it was not in her favor, he should see his sister should he not? 

He did not want this, did not want to be confronted with what he had done - but he had to admit, it was not quite as bad as he thought it may be. She wasn’t being entirely warm towards him, but she was not shouting, was not attacking him, like he had fretted over before his arrival. She didn’t even look like Luciana. Not really. Perhaps in physicality, though he could see that their souls were entirely different. It made it easier to separate this conversation from the guilt that gripped him, and easier to keep his late wife at the back of his mind. 

“I’ve never really spent much time with children,” he said with a small enough shrug. He danced around the matter of visiting. He wasn’t sure he would ever be welcomed in Spain - and he definitely knew he did not care to ask. Instead, he grasped for a persona that was far more familiar, and offered her a tentative half of a smile. “If I did not know better, Luciana, I would say that was an invitation,” he teased. The glaring mistake, the name he had so easily uttered, was for now unnoticed, coming so naturally to his lips. 

[sebastiaodebraganca]

if you could only save one of your siblings from a fire, who would it be and why?

What a terrible question! Unlike many of the royals who had gathered here, Sebastião had been raised surrounded by love. That had instilled in him the kind of man he wanted to be, and the kind of relationships he wanted with his family. The thought of only being able to save one was unthinkable. God would not allow such a thing to happen, surely. And yet, he knew his answer. It was with great unease that he spoke it, because it felt almost like a betrayal. “Beatriz.” he said. “No child should be without a mother, especially not ones so young as hers.” 

[sebastiaodebraganca]

what if you aren't chosen by god?

A crease appeared between Sebastião’s brow. It was never something he had considered, and he was not about to start now. “And what if the sun refuses to rise again? What if the moon plummets into the sea? Such things are simply ridiculous,” he scoffed. “If I had not been chosen, then I would not be standing before you today. There is nothing else that makes sense.”

[sebastiaodebraganca]

post count this week : n. of threads (10)

points gained : +10 points for threads + 2 points for tasks

Total: 12 Points

points allocations : +5 luck, +5 influence, +2 wealth

Updated Stats:

Total: 75

influence : 16 intelligence : 5 wealth :13 luck : 21 physical : 20

[sebastiaodebraganca]

vitcrias‌:

“ One might say you ought not to challenge God. ” Vitória countered with a tilt of her head. Or the devil, for that matter. Perhaps the tragedies at Bellinzona were the result of the Lord’s wrath upon Earth, or perhaps it was the work of the devil through man — or men were worse monsters than demons themselves. “ Who is to say it is his work, anyway? Perhaps his punishment comes as not lifting a hand. I pray, but I don’t think the angels are listening. ” She found it easier to speak freely in front of her brothers; in front of anyone else, she might’ve chosen her words more carefully, might’ve played up the image of the cautious youngest, the pious infanta. “ Well, I sincerely hope nothing else will happen, or what little peace left will become even harder to find. ”

“It was not a challenge,” Sebastião furrowed his brow, shaking his head with vigour. “But indeed, I speak with the certainty of his love for us. He is merciful, do not forget.” Nothing about him doubted his words, though it was clear from Vitória’s speech that her own faith did not hold Him to such high standards. “He listens, Vitória. And he will be there for us, even when it may seem otherwise.” He reached for her, his hand finding her upper arm and squeezing gently in an affectionate gesture. “I do not think peace is so far away,” he reasoned. “After all, we are all still here, together, despite the terrible things that have happened. We have all shown commitment towards making it so. That has to mean something.”