SEA DREAMS

the voice of the sea speaks to the soul

[thalassoneira]

@propesolem:

❛  please, salamanca,  ❜  he says,  ❛  you’re the detour, not the destination.  ❜  he closes his palm and puts his hand deep into his pockets once more, trying to look casually innocent in front of felix’s employees—though maybe he didn’t need to, and all of them knew all about their employer’s… predilections. with felix closing the door behind them, teo made himself pretty comfortable inside the other’s office, sitting in on a chair and resting his feet up on a desk, almost studying his salvatore ferregamo shoes.  ❛  there was a conference in berkeley and i thought: why not pay my good friend felix a visit ?  ❜  he said, stretching his arms and putting them behind his head.  ❛  scored the tabs off of a few college students so who knows how good they are,  ❜  he says,  ❛  but hey, it’s not like you have better things to do, right ?  ❜  he looks around.  ❛  why not here though ?  ❜  he asks.  ❛  be a good boss and tell ‘em it’s their day off or something, i don’t know—but hey, if it comes down to it ?  your crib’s pretty sweet.  ❜

“And I thought I was special,” Felix said, putting a hand to his heart, feigning hurt. Felix leaned back and rolled his eyes when the other put his feet up the desk, because of course he would, but listened nonetheless to his story. “Do you know how heavy a dose they are, at the very least?” he asked, sitting on his own chair, his gaze across the other. It had been a while since he had had a good trip, and really, Felix was ready to take it no matter what the answer to his question was. He laughed at the assertion that he had nothing better to do, and shrugged carelessly at the words that followed. “There’s a lot of work to be done. I can’t shut down an entire building just to trip. I’m sure they can take care of themselves. Let’s head to my place, then.” Felix stood and gestured for the younger man to follow him, pulling his phone out and texting for his driver to have his car at the ready. 

It was half an hour later that they finally arrived at Felix’s sprawling mansion, the gates opening automatically upon his arrival to let the car in. They were driven past the gardens and the front lawn to the driveway, and Felix put his palm out to ask for the tabs. “Let’s take it now, then. Come up while we set up. What do you want to do? Listen to music, watch movies, look at paintings? I’ve got a playlist for this shit.”

[thalassoneira]

propesolem‌:

he lets out a scoff, because of course that’d be her reply instead of just answering the question. fucking coward.  ❛  well, i’m sure they’d appreciate a peacable atmosphere first and foremost,  ❜  he says, which is the most he’s willing to say regarding the current state of affairs in the esteemed house of doria-pamphilj.  ❛  nobody likes a dinner with a chilly air,  ❜  he says drily, and perhaps his voice could almost be called amused if his face wasn’t stone-cold and kept to an indifferent expression, something he’d perfected over the years.  ❛  is this open to spouses  ❜ — meaning: is your husband coming and can i bring mine or is this purely to be another battlefield with just us ? —  ❛  or is your husband indisposed because of… business ?  ❜  perhaps it surprises him most of all that he’s actually responding with genuine interest, instead of shooting her down immediately.

“A peaceable atmosphere is not at all difficult to simulate,” Alessandra said, all too easily. After all, what was her role in charity if not endlessly, all day, seven days of the week, simulating a peaceable air around her, even if peace were the furthest thing from her mind? Appearances mattered. “I’m sure you have manufactured peace for more dire situations. I’m sure, brother dearest, that we can purport to set our differences aside for one evening.” At the question, her lips straightened into a thin line. She was not particularly fond of the presence of her brother’s spouse, not now or ever, but the thin line formed into a smile, a demonstration of the peaceable night that could come. “My husband is, as usual, indisposed, yes.” All the way across the world, as usual. “You are free to bring yours, if he is around.” Alessandra did not like the fact that she would be outnumbered, but the maintenance of this façade could not justify the refusal of Napoleone’s dearest. 

[britishladiesdaily]

Gemma Chan photographed by Lara Jade for Modern Luxury

[thalassoneira]

POINT COUNT (May 10 tp May 16)

claiming 33 points for ALESSANDRA-DORIA PAMPHILJ

point breakdown :

STARTERS : [3] x [5] = [15]

REPLIES : [7] x [1] = [7]

ASK MEMES : [1] x [1] = [1]

MILESTONE: [1] x [10] = [10]

SUBTOTAL: [33]

PREVIOUS WEEK TOTAL: [88]

TOTAL: 121

ALESSANDRA-DORIA PAMPHILJ  now has 121 points.

[thalassoneira]

propesolem‌:

standing here is like pulling teeth without the balm of any anaesthetic. he wonders why he was cursed to have the personification of greed and ambition for a sister, but then he thinks that’s why they fit in so well in the past.  ❛  well,  ❜  he says,  ❛  i don’t know what your standards are for treating family members anymore.  ❜  the statement is a little bit pointed, a little bit edgy, a little bit angry—but most of all, it is hurt.  ❛  but—the orsini, really ?  ❜  he echoes, and though he dislikes spending time with his sister for more than he has to, the orsini are valuable political allies—more out of history than anything else, but history seems to be the only thing that matters for a few. he thinks about it for a second, before:  ❛  are you asking just to be polite,  ❜  he says,  ❛  or are you asking because you genuinely want me there ?  ❜

Alessandra ignored the statement, and never will she admit that perhaps it hurt, just the slightest bit. Her expression revealed none of this; revealed nothing beyond stony coldness. “What, does it matter?” Alessandra asked her brother, her gaze unyielding. “It’s a dinner with important family friends; we’ve not met with them since we were children. I’m sure they would appreciate your presence, regardless of my opinion. And my children yours. Marcus can be quite shy with other children,” Which irritated Alessandra beyond belief; she wished he would get over his meekness already. “More positives than negatives.” Ignoring, of course, that the two siblings together in one room was an insurmountable negative, not weighed in the same amount as others.  

[thalassoneira]

@invxgue

Alessandra was outside the Louvre, a cigarette dangling from her hands as her other hand was occupied with her phone. Hank wasn’t able to make it to the auction, so she was updating him of its events. She had noticed, at some point, across the street was an old friend and one of their fledgling initiates. Their conversation seemed heavy, and so she didn’t interrupt, but she did watch with curiosity as the younger man seemed to flee back into the Louvre, away from Étienne as quickly as seemingly possible. An eyebrow lifted, she crushed her spent cigarette into a pocket ashtray and headed for the Editor. “Étienne, darling,” she greeted, pressing a customary kiss to his cheek, amusement painted all over her expression. “Not that I’ve never had an initiate running away from me in tears, but what did you say to that poor boy?”

[thalassoneira]

hugos‌:

hugo had always been careful to maintain a polite distance from those in the society who he deemed a slightly of more noble, respectable pedigree than his own. alessandra was certainly one of them, though he admired her philanthropy and her impeccable manner of dressing from afar. “kharis.” he replied with a polite nod. “it’s certainly an impressive collection of lots. the basquiat i like. or the darger.” he shrugged, taking a considered sip of his drink that was far stronger than one he should be consuming at an event like this. “maybe the van renesslaer, as a new name in my collection. i haven’t decided yet.” an impish smile came to his lips. “i suppose i should ask you what you’re planning to bid on, i don’t have any intentions of trying to outbid you, and i’ll not lie, probably not the means either.” he chuckled under his breath, offering her an easy smile. 

“Interesting choices,” Alessandra said, smiling as her gaze wandered over to the respective lots. “You have no competition from me — my eyes are set on the Venus of Monruz. I don’t have quite something that old in my collection; the Palazzo Doria-Pamphilj is filled with Renaissance works, mostly. Then again, it might not fit in with the rest, so I may simply donate it to the Louvre. I’m sure the world would appreciate being able to bask in its presence.” Alessandra returned her gaze to the man, and decided to return to her favourite business: the initiation rites of the Society. “Have any new initiates caught your eye? That’s a collection I’m always looking to add more names to. Many of the new initiates are... unfit for the society, it seems. It’s been hard searching for worthy gems.”

[thalassoneira]

TEXTS —> AMBER & ALESSANDRA

Amber: next week's fine

Amber: otherwise i don't really have much to do except drink wine and watch parks and recreation re-runs on E4, so

Alessandra: I'll see you then.

Alessandra: Oh, perhaps you'd like to "FaceTime"?

Alessandra: I can show you the pieces. Or perhaps you'd like to make me your proxy; you can call in your bids and I'll bid for you.

Alessandra: Or we can just talk.

[thalassoneira]

hxll-0‌:

“I want to know how to help my friend gain entrance. She’s far closer than I am and she–” is more deserving, “has plenty of values the Society seems to uphold. Your suggestion seems to be to just mingle.” It was actually a very valid suggestion; Bocephus was told to organize his social network even as a child under his father’s direction, but it was quite easy when everyone came to him first before he had the opportunity to reach out to others. Astrid was more timid than he was and there was a definite chance that some of the members don’t know who she was yet.  “..Thank you for the insight.” He hated to offer gratitude, but this time it was necessary and genuine. “I would’ve asked my sister but she’s always quite busy with keeping an entire country afloat.”

“How touching,” said Kharis, and it didn’t reveal in her voice whether this was genuine or condescending, It did allow her to glean a few things about the initiate in front of her — either that he was someone who put others first, or he was smitten over his “friend”. Alessandra always tended to assume selfishness from human nature, and so she went with the second assumption. "And who is this friend that you speak of? Perhaps I can remind the others of her presence and instil interest in those who have not yet had the pleasure to meet her.” Alessandra did smile at the mention of Leontine’s business. “I would imagine so. I asked her about you, Bocephus Morgan. She has belief in you. And I would like to see for myself what she sees — while you have my attention, why don’t you speak to me about yourself, too? Surely your friend would not appreciate it if she rose to the ranks without you there.”

[thalassoneira]

TEXTS —> AMBER & ALESSANDRA

Amber: honestly hearing from you is always nice

Amber: it makes me feel better to know people have my back through all of this

Amber: i'll have to come and see you in rome, though — let me know when your diary's clear and we'll make a date?

Alessandra: I want to make it clear that I'm good friends with Floraigh, too. I don't want to take sides. But I do realize that what she did wasn't at all appropriate.

Alessandra: But of course I'll always have your back.

Alessandra: I'll clear it just for you. Is next week too soon?

[thalassoneira]

TEXTS —> AMBER & ALESSANDRA

Amber: i thought it was a better idea if i went home

Amber: i'd either bring the mood down or punch the british prime minister and neither of those are a good idea

Alessandra: Ah, that makes sense, I suppose.

Alessandra: It's a shame, though. I missed you.

Alessandra: I'm sorry that entire ordeal happened — I could only catch snippets from the chat, but it's truly another magnitude of terrible that someone so close to you would do something so soul-crushing.

Alessandra: Please let me know if there's anything I can do to make your day a little bit brighter.

[thalassoneira]

TEXTS —> AMBER & ALESSANDRA

Alessandra: I've been looking all over for you, but I can't seem to find you tonight.

Alessandra: Are you not here in Paris?

[thalassoneira]

hxll-0‌:

“Lineage, achievement, comportment,” he repeated, as if trying to remember the main messages from Alessandra’s small monologue, “Those are the things that made the perfect initiates, hm?” Astrid had the lineage; her family was just as important as his in regards to American history and finances. She was a fantastic artist with overarching achievements– just look at how much her painting was appraised for! Comportment.. well, if she wasn’t the kindest damn thing on earth.. “I’m not asking for myself. I’ve got plenty of people to impress an’ I haven’t done a great job of it. One of my friends missed their acceptance by one vote. She seemed to fit all of your qualifications but I’m sure others value much different accomplishments. Do members know who voted for whom?” If so, perhaps he can convince Leah into persuading whichever douchebag decided Astrid wasn’t worth it.

“So what is it that you are asking for?” she prodded, without gentleness. This initiate asked many questions, and she too would ask them in return. “No, members don’t know who voted for whom. Not unless we’ve discussed it personally. Here’s another tip — there are many members. At this point, there is no way that one initiate has spoken to each and every member personally. An initiate may have all those characteristics, but fail to make himself known. A member might not vote for someone they’ve never met. I know certain people who vote like this, even for the most eminent of initiates.” 

[glittcrandgold]

Once again she’d found herself eyeing the pieces, trying to decide whether the price tag would be worth the hassle of bidding. ( and also worth the piece itself when she found herself mostly unmoved by all of them )  While she knew bidding would be good for her image - it never hurt to attempt to soften her edges for the public, after all - she could just as easily donate without purchasing. 

Her attention was quite easily stolen from the art by the approach of a familiar face, instantly seizing a moment to pay attention to something else. “Alessandra” There’s a smile on her lips as the other woman’s name leaves them. “It’s been too long.”  

@khxris

[thalassoneira]

“Elena,” she greeted in return, pressing a customary kiss to the other’s cheek in greeting. “It has been quite some time, hasn’t it? I didn’t get the chance to greet you during the New Moon Ball.” Alessandra’s relationship with Elena had never been particularly remarkable — they both had respect for each other, certainly, but it never seemed to go deeper than this initial mutual layer. “You look gorgeous tonight, as always, darling,” she commented, a serene smile gracing her expression. “Has anything caught your eye tonight?” 

[thalassoneira]

✿ ( from amber i just cba to switch accounts i'm lazy sue me )

Send “✿” for a SUGGESTIVE text.

Alessandra: I felt overworked today, so I bought myself a thousand euros worth of lingerie from La Perla as a reward. Alessandra: Unfortunately, there’s no one here to see it. Alessandra: Would you like to correct that?

[thalassoneira]

@spcakeasy

When Alessandra moved to greet Jude with the customary kiss to their cheek, her lips perhaps lingered for a moment longer than they should have. Her husband could not make the event —busy, always busy — and so tonight she was alone. “It’s good to see you here, darling,” she said, and she offered the pet name gratuitously, but there was an extra inkling of something there for Jude. “You certainly look dashing tonight. How is Paris treating you?” 

[thalassoneira]

@hugos

Alessadra walked the halls of the Louvre as though she owned the whole place, her dress fluttering behind her with every stride. Whilst she walked from piece to piece to search for one that caught her attention, she spared her gaze to those around her, inspecting the movement of every initiate with careful calculation, as though saving each breath into her memory. There was no room for error. After some time, she found herself in the presence of the Art Historian, Hugo Teng, and to him she offered a carefully practiced smile. “Diomedes,” she called, the codename carefully enunciated on her tongue. “What do you find of all this art, then? Is there any worthy of being in your collection?”