Goddess in Training

Indie private OC

[theasteria]

HIGHLY SELECTIVE & PRIVATE RP BLOG

Astra Hecuba is an Original Character inspired by Greek Mythology and lore.

Written by Vee. Mun and Muse are 28+. Please read rules and bio before interaction.  

NOTE: Semi Hiatus is in effect. Replies will largely be sporadic and based on the time/muse I have

Rules || Bio || Verses || Headcanons || Memes

[theasteria]

[themakeupbrush]

Hande Erçel at the 2026 Cannes Film Festival

[rpstartersandmemes]

Send 👨‍🍳 for a starter where my muse is cooking yours a dish

[mythosisms]

Good day, fam! I am going to be writing today and posting some replies across this blog and Astra's blog! Muses are finally waking up! Thank you so much for your patience in this lull I have experienced.

[gifsbymel]

Melisa Aslı Pamuk

in EGO (Erkeğe Güven Olmaz)

[mythologiaes]

nico  contavius     ...    ▇▇▇    he hadn't intended, to piss off the minister for magic. not intentionally. even if nico was aware that the male hated him, hated his family for their actions. but there had been something in his eyes, a certain glint when nico spoke of his mother. that had given away a weakness, a chink in his armour that nico had prodded and poked simply for some amusement. that and he knew, thanks to his mother and sisters teachings, that ones anger was easier to control, allowing to dodge around certain truths. no matter how much potion was pulsing in a persons veins. he hadn't thought it was true, that one could dodge a truth like that. but given how much nico had been able to bite back, simply by pissing the minister off, he realised his mother and sister were indeed correct. and for that he was thankful, as there were still stages, still plays he needed to make. before he could give all the details away. plus, unfortunately for the minister. nico didn't trust him, and probably wouldn't for a while. as sure nico knew he was the male, his mother had been protecting for years. but it meant nothing to nico. [   his trust would be a lot harder to gain, secondary only to his elder sister.  ]  he is thankful, when the male leaves. allowing for him to relax almost intermittently. to lower some of the guards he was wrapping himself in. his arms holding astra for the first time in years. his memory flickering back with ease, to graduation, which was the last time. the time he told her to hide, to run whilst his arms were wrapped around her. before he'd slunk away with his siblings and entered the world that became his torture. as he pushed himself to his limits, pushed himself to almost breaking point, as he works to unravel the power klarick held in his hands. as he became a brother working to save his siblings, a son working to protect his mother. and a man working or at least trying, to save every fucker else.

❛   i told you i had a plan dove. it just took longer to initiate it then planned !!   ❜ he chuckles: finding a small shred of humour in the situation. needing the simplicity of it all. the reality that for now, they were safe. that she was safe. as oh he knew his 'father' would be pissed at the turn of events. that he would lose his god damn mind and no doubt make mel kill even more people. and without nico or oli there, he wasn't sure deaths would be prevented. but he couldn't think on those what-ifs right now. instead he focuses on other things, like astra in his arms. as well as the other person tasked with watching him. the sister of one of klaricks earlier victims. his lips curling upwards, in the smallest remnants of a smile as she speaks. ❛   sounds like elias. and i know why hes doing it. but she's not gonna be happy her husbands willing to put himself back in klaricks firing line. not after everything that happened last time. or the moves shes made to undermine klarick ...   ❜ he shrugs, before snorting softly as he realises the truth potion was clearly still in effect. given the truth bomb he'd just dropped. the truth that the pair had married the night of graduation, and why elias had been the key. to his sister breaking. still his attention is drawn from that, to astra. an eyebrow raised at her steadily as he senses the stubbornness in her. his shock is enough of an action to freeze him in place, granting her the opportunity to manhandle him. and he has to bite down on his cheeks, quickly and harshly, to hide how much he enjoyed it. [   it really was not the time, for his mind to cook up images of it happening in a different way. ] 

a growl rips its way: out of his throat. as astra starts to strip the mark. the pain and violence of it all, making his large frame tremble. his whole fortitude is tested as he tries to remain standing under the weight of the pain. it had hurt like a bitch to get it embedded on his skin, but having it stripped felt like his whole body was being burned alive. and fuck he'd rather be dipped in acid right now then suffer this. his jade green eyes showing the true extent of the pain he was fighting to hide. but his gaze is locked on astra, seeing the true limit of how far she was being pushed. and anger swirls like a maelstrom inside him once more, his anger at her being so damn careless with her health. he had told her to rest for a damn reason, yes he knew she was strong, he knew she wanted to help the family. but there was a fucking limit to everything. a limit to even her fucking capacity. catching her as she collapses, he twists quickly to settle her on the bed behind him. her lithe frame relaxed against his much more muscular one. his eyes burn into hers like a fire. as he fights to not blow up. the more rational part of him knowing that right now, anger was not the needed weapon. calm and rational words were. but merlin, she was testing him. ❛   god damn it astra, you need to rest. this isn't me coddling you. far fucking from it !! this is me telling you, i didn't spend the last god knows how long protecting the woman i love. just to watch her crumble now. if you can barely handle my mark, my sister and mothers is going to kill you. you NEED to rest. properly !!   ❜ emotion clogs his throat as his eyes assess her. seeing the pain she was trying so hard to hide from him and elysia, but he could read like an open fucking book. knowing its language so easily. his fingers tremble as he pushes some of her heart back off her sweat drenched forehead. [   he was honestly wondering if the one thing that will mentally break him, is the constant worrying he does for this stubborn woman. ]  ❛   please, rest. for me !!   ❜

[theasteria]

Nico became furious with her, like she suspected he would, though she did not expect the use of her actual first name. Hearing it come out of his mouth sent a sharp pain into her chest, one she was not expecting, as he always called her 'dove' or variations of a nickname. She always referred to him as Nico because she loved saying his name. However, this situation was entirely different.

Slight tears welled up in her eyes as he went off on her, his emerald gaze burning with anger. And it was warranted, perhaps. The emotions were running high between them and he was on one too many truth potions, but his words still shocked her nervous system. She could not recall Nico ever speaking to her that way... and she was feeling extra vulnerable having done what she did just now. He had turned and broken the fall as she collapsed and was now furious with her as she sprawled atop him.

The woman I love.

That cause her brain to come to a screeching halt, her eyes widening as he continued to scold her relentlessly. However, Astra had not heard a single word past that point, the same phrase echoing in her mind over and over again. There was no way - but then again, he was under three doses of a truth serum.

Astra could not recall a single time Nico had expressed that he liked her beyond friendship during their time at Hogwarts. Girls were falling for him left and right at every turn and Astra had valued her friendship with him far too much to make a move. She was also shy beyond measure and had worked hard to build up her confidence over the last year at Hogwarts. However, Nico had never looked at her like.... like the way he was looking at her now. Passion, anger, desire, helplessness. It was all swirling within those emerald hues like a storm.

Somewhere in this moment, she heard Elysia walk out of the room, no doubt to report Nico's admission about Mel being married to Elysia's brother... and the revelation she heard just now from him. Sometimes she saw Elysia wear a ring on her wedding finger, but then other days it was gone. Though she wondered how she would react to Nico revealing what he did.

Her focus was not on that dilemma right now.

"You love me?" She asked quietly. It wasn't platonic, she understood that much. Nothing about this was platonic at all. Her gaze bore into his, not caring that her body was in pain, though the weakness took over, causing her to rest her head against his chest, inhaling his scent. "Since when?" She asked, having reached her limit of her ability to look him in the eyes, sniffling a little as she fought back the tears.

She was resting, she was atop the one man she'd been crazy about since she knew what romantic feelings were, and she wanted answers from him.

[housextour]

I love the who did this to you trope but especially in a sunshine/grump plot where they’ve never seen them upset before and then all of a sudden their SOBBING and the grump is like HOW DARE SOMEONE MAKE THE LITERAL EMBODIMENT OF SUNSHINE CRY I WILL KILL

[mythologiaes]

his mind was a god damn fucking mess, due to how much he had to fight to stay sane. from concealing memories, to erasing them completely out of his head and storing them in vials for later. there were days he wasn't even sure if this was all worth it. if there would be a future where his father was gone from this world. where his brother could go back to his building, and potentially learning to be a wandmaker like he'd always wanted. or a future where mel wasn't completely out of her mind, tortured to the brink of insanity . that she now, feared a person's touch. that his mother, his sweet mother, would be strong again. it was a future he was fighting for. but the achieving of it drained him. from him and mel concealing victims, to sending anonymous letters. to getting no sleep as he tried to plan the next few days attacks. he was drained. completely and utterly drained. his mind often tricked him into thinking that giving in. would be easier. [ but he knew that was the mark, the spell siphoning into his thoughts at his weakest. and he sielnces it as swiftly as it comes. ] and now here he was, trapped in a lovely cage. with enough truth potion pulsing through his veins that he thought he was going to throw up. that, or start divulging some very embarrassing stories from his childhood. but nico was smarter than most. his mind constantly churning and shifting like a storm. he knew what to listen to, what to focus on to make his answers make sense. to keep some information locked away behind his teeth. was aware of every word spoken, from both him and others. he was also exceptional at learning what could trigger a person. what would gain their attention. he never went around an enemy, without knowing their weaknesses. a way beneath their armor. and whilst cyrus was one private man. nico was related to the weakness, the thorn in his side that cyrus tried to bury. and he wasn't above using it. and the reaction. was one nico had been expecting. which has him biting back a rich chuckle. and eyebrow raising as he sees the bars bending, the anger palpable. but soon nico's laughter fades to nothing, and in it's place stands a side of him he rarely shows. his anger.

❛   dope me up on truth potion all you want. won't change a thing or the fucking truth I've spat. you want details, ask the fucking questions. and maybe be willing to hear the answers. but nothing will get you my mother's location by the way. as there is no fucking way I am taking someone to her, who has done nothing but tear her the fuck apart verbally and in newspapers for years. and no potion, nor spell will change that. plus, mel guards her location, and she's not on anyones side ....   ❜ he growls towards the male: not even shrinking in the sight of his anger. the part of him that makes him a son flaring up in full force. as he knew what had triggered him. could see the moment it changed in cyrus' eyes. but nico was overprotective of his mother, due to all the shit she was going through. the way even now, she was still being drained by klarick. the same, as nico was whilst the dark mark rested upon his arm. his jade green eyes burn with his anger, and it was a good thing the spell in this room was strong. containing his magic. as he was as skilled as his mother at wandless magic. with a wicked smirk on his face he steps closer. daring the other to do something, to turn his anger on him once more. but astra steps closer, and he stops. that simple action calming him. and he lets her step close. his arms automatically wrapping around her. as he fights off the anger now burning through him. [ just so he doesn't say much more under the potion. ] he takes note of elysia in the room and nods towards her softly. as his lips press against astra's hairline. his heart still racing with the adrenaline. ❛   I told you, I was going to fight till I was dead ....   ❜ his arms just pulling her even closer. wanting to almost drown in her. as he lets himself give into the feeling between them. giving into the one thing he had fought all through school. the one weapon he had against klarick. against the mark. letting astra calm, and rest for a moment. he let's his eyes trail back to elysia. ❛   hows your brother?. i never asked astra, for fear of mel finding out and, klarick targeting him again .   ❜ he didn't know if they were all aware that elias was what broke mel and made her the monster she currently was. but his words give it away anyway. his long fingers, trailing through astra's hair, before resting at the base of her neck. and soothing the taunt muscle he finds there. ❛   if you think you're cleansing me right now when you're tired. dove, you're out of your ever loving mind.   ❜ his stubbornness and anger, now shifting to something else.

[theasteria]

Cyrus Argeia was visibly upset. Astra could see a vein bulging against his forehead, his ears going red and complete fury overtaking his features as Nico spoke of Ellie. There was history there, something untold and heavy that weighed upon the Minister of Magic that had Astra tensing up from head to toe. Rarely has Cyrus ever been this furious before at anyone. She'd seen moments of passion from him when he was fighting for a cause, but this was RAW anger she did not know he was capable of. She was rather glad he stormed out of the room to get a breather.

She was even more glad to be in Nico's arms. His scent encased her, his body warm, his heartbeat strong against her ear as she briefly closed her eyes. "I never thought I'd see you again," she whispered against his chest as his lips pressed atop her hairline. She breathed him in deeply and exhaled slowly, committing the way he pulled her closer to memory. She wanted to drown in this man.

Elysia saw the whole spectacle and gave Nico a knowing look. There was a short pause after he'd asked the question. "He's in rehabilitation. Almost healed and itching to go out and fight... despite the fact that it took him a year to heal from that day... and he is more scarred than not," Elysia explained, pushing herself off the wall to stand straight, tilting her head towards Astra.

"No," Astra said firmly. "I am not tired. I will be doing the removal now." She pulled back, taking a hold of his arm as she did. Brown eyes lifted to meet his, letting him know she was absolutely not going to budge on this. "I am stronger than I look." She did not need to be coddled. This was a war and people were suffering far more than a little fatigue.

Before Nico could protest, she manhandled him onto the bench, sitting his massive frame down with a strength most people did not know she was capable of. It caused Elysia's brows to raise in mild surprise. "I don't want this mark on you for any longer than necessary." Her eyes glowed a bit as she took a hold of his arm, seeing the dark magic gathered there. Traces of ancient magic brewed around them and she gathered those bits into herself, knowing she'd need it to neutralize the dark magic that came out of this mark.

The extraction process began and she pulled the dark magic out with her wand, her movements precise, coordinated, as magic pulsed around them. She saw the tethers of the dark mark with her Sight and cut them, effectively ending his connection with Klarick before she consumed the onslaught and flood of darkness that emitted from the mark. The pain was immeasurable, worse than Oliver's pain and it sent every cell in her body into overdrive as she worked to neutralize it with ancient magic. Spikes, pins, needles, stabs, the mental torment caused her breath to hitch and hands to tremble, but the determination in her gaze never wavered, nor did the hold on his arm.

The process took twice as long as Oliver's and as the dark magic burned and neutralized within her using ancient magic, she could not imagine the amount of pain Nico had to go through to endure this. It took every bit of concentration and control not to cry out in pain. Finally, after some very long moments, it was done, the mark cleared from his skin as if it had never been there. Weakness overtook Astra as her vision blurred, but she managed to stay upright, every muscle in her body screaming from the strain. Her breathing was slightly laboured as lips quirked up to form a tired smile. "You're free," her voice barely above a whisper.

[doona-baes]

I need someone with edge.

[mythologiaes]

he could have messaged her, or even called. but he knew this was not a conversation to be had. any other way then standing in front of her. as honestly given what had gone down, in his parent's kitchen. it seemed almost impersonal to speak any other way. than face to face. plus he still had his sisters threat, churning deep in his mind. as he knew without a seconds doubt, his sister would follow through on kicking his ass. plus she was currently keeping his secret. she hadn't said a thing to the others, to those that loved astra too. otherwise he knew he would be dead. especially from payne and rina. it was why he had given her space, expecting her to only need a couple of days. and yet as the time ticked, and the days passed. he found himself growing more and more nervous. his thoughts delving into dark places as he lay along at night. [ his mind taunting him over sending her away. making her run from him. proving she didn't want him. ] the thoughts plagued him for days, till finally he worked up the courage to talk to Karina. as sure he might have potentially earned an ass kicking. he also knew she was the most willing to listen. thus as he'd explained himself. he'd cringed waiting for a hit. instead he'd been handed astra's address, and a look that spoke the words she didn't physically need too. and now he feared for his life. but he was far too determined to speak to astra to worry about that right now. if he hurt her again, or did something to cause her distress. then well he was free gain to karina. right now though he needed his answers. he needed to see her.

❛   i admitted to being an asshole who took advantage of you without a proper conversation. and her look, told me my ass beating was delayed for another day ....   ❜ he shrugs. not hiding a damn thing, as he goes straight in for the kill. as now he thought on it. what happened in the kitchen shouldn't have. not the way it did. not when he'd been her rival for ages, not once letting her know how much he wanted her. nor did he want to take advantage, after what happened at that party. as yeah he still remembered the way she'd shook, in his arms over fear of what had happened. and he never wanted to put her in that type of position. and whilst he'd not done it in the same way. he knew he'd used his charm to overwhelm her. already knowing she had a slight weakness too it. ❛   I'm sorry for what happened. i don't regret it, but I do regret not taking you on a proper date first ....   ❜ eyes burning with a seriousness that was normally lacking from their interactions. after all, he was used to charming her. or riling her if he could. it was rare he was so serious. [ and right now he was far more serious then he had been in his whole life. ] ❛   so miss hecuba, will you please go on a date with me ....   ❜ his sentence he knew, would open the door to many questions. and he reclines in his chair, sipping at his mint tea as he awaits them. as he had the answer for anything she dared to ask. he was done hiding. done pretending.

[theasteria]

Astra seemed to always lose her brain cells around Nico Contavius. First, she thought it was simply rivalry, a banter they both could not escape. However, it had become so much more than that.

She just did not know how deep her feelings ran until that day in the kitchen with Nico, when she had lost all modes of self-control. However, the aftermath had terrified her. First, she still could not bear to meet Mel's gaze. Second, she had no idea Nico had any desire or attraction towards her until that moment. Going from rivals that only engaged in banter and heated debates to THAT had her mind reeling. She didn't know what to do, didn't know if it was a one-off thing where tensions got the best of them... or whether it was truly something deeper.

Romance was not Astra's forte. And romance with Nico was so far out of her comfort zone, her mind and heart was at war over it. As the days went by and she allowed herself to sit within the uncomfortable feelings, she realized that rivalry was not all they were. Not when she found herself staring at the way the light caught his emerald eyes, or the smirk that curved his lips when she was verbally ripping him a new one, or the way he cared about his family and dropped everything to help them, or the way his eyes lit up when he talked about history and art. Not to mention, the way she visibly weakened when he cranked up the charm to his own advantage... and recent events have shown that at her most vulnerable and scared, she found comfort in his arms.

Rivalry had become another word for love.

"You didn't take advantage of me," Astra emphasized, needing him to understand that this was nothing like the other situation he had saved her from, as his mind probably went there. "I just got... overwhelmed because up until that moment, I truly believed you had no feelings for me. Not like that. I didn't know what to make of it all." Karina's glare was formidable and imagining it caused a small smile to curve Astra's lips as Nico spoke. The look in his eyes was not one she'd seen often; he was here to be serious and not mess around with his words. However, that did not mean she was going to let him off easy.

"Why do you want to date me? I don't do casual. And I'm probably going to continue to be insufferable to you." Brown eyes met his, matching his seriousness, awaiting her answer -- craving to hear the words from his heart.

[mythologiaes]

nico  contavius     ...    ▇▇▇    he knew, deep in his soul that he should turn and let her walk away. that once again letting her this close, letting her be even before him was enough to render him weak. one look in her eyes, and he was a man on his knees. fuck how many times had he succumb to her, to her games simply because he craved her touch, even if the touch was cold and empty in the aftermath. even if he knew after, she'd leave and walk away, after using him for her own pleasure. he allowed it, simply for a moment of being with her. and fuck that probably made him weak as shit. but truthfully he didn't give a fuck. he couldn't bring himself to give a fuck. not when he was a sucker for her, when he was a man who had left his heart in her hands. and watched her walk away with it each time. watched with a part of him begging for her to turn, and see that he was absolutely lost in her. [   that he wasn't like all those, who had hurt her. that he was one of the rare souls in this world.  ] 

❛   so you painted me with the same breathe you condemn others. did i ever give you a reason to think i was like them !??!   ❜ he asks: honestly trying his hardest to understand. to understand the walls she had placed around her heart, to find the way into her soul and steal what she had stolen from him. and whilst he was sure he should have let her walk away, given them both some space to come to terms with whatever settled between them, the revelations she had laid at his feet. yet seeing her walk away, cut through him like a thousand knives. he'd witnessed her doing that too many times, and honestly couldn't do it any more. and sure locking down his house was a tad excessive, but he was too lost in his feelings. too lost in the need pulsing within him to be close to her. to fucking possess her. if it was healthy or not he didn't know, he'd discuss it with his therapist at a later date. right now there was only one solution on his mind. the only solution he felt was fitting for everything burning inside him. ❛   and what do you think walking away from me every fucking time does hm. too late to avoid me being hurt darling'. but im sick of watching you leave !!   ❜ his words are thick with tension, with heat. as his jade green eyes burn into hers. becoming green jewels of fire, radiating every single emotion the male could barely contain within his skin. she could unravel him in the most violent of ways. never before had such emotions burned within him, never before had he struggled to understand everything within him. but she was the only one. who truly had him coming undone. ❛   it's hard to be friends with you little dove, when m'already so in fucking love with you it makes me fuckin' crazy !!  ❜ the truth ringing out like an almost heated vow. as he makes sure she looks in his eyes, and sees the truth and the weight of it. he was lost within her. with his chest heaving, from the strength of his breathing, he surges forward, claiming her lips for his own. his kiss filled with all the other words, he couldn't say right now. no he didn't want to speak anymore, instead to convey things with feeling. with the intensity of his kiss. [   he should also probably address the fact he'd locked his house down too. but he'd do that much later. ]  ❛   you drive me so fuckin' crazy. it shouldn't be fuckin' legal !!   ❜

[theasteria]

Astra was hearing him, she truly was, and it was at war with what men had made her feel throughout the years... and what she had thought of herself in the process. It was simple - she did not believe there was ever a heart that could love as deeply as she could in the world they lived in. Not romantically, anyway. She genuinely thought Nico would get tired of it eventually and walk away, move on to better, shinier women.

"Then I won't leave," she vowed, not helping the words that fell from her lips. "...Until you let me go yourself." Tomorrow was not promised and she'd done enough damage due to her own trauma and mistrust. This was Astra's way of opening her heart up after a decade of being closed off... and knew it came with the potential to get it shattered all over again.

However, right now, with the intensity of Nico - the rage, desire, hurt all burning in an emerald inferno within his eyes, had her simply staring at him. The weight of everything came crashing down on her, his words, his actions, his behaviour. The confession of love. She was rendered SPEECHLESS.

"Nico --," she started, but his lips came crashing down against hers. The kisses were fervent, punishing, and full of claim. It had her legs going weak, but Nico held her up. Her soft frame pushed up against his hard abdomen, arms wrapped around him as she kissed back. However, she kept it passive, letting him take the lead... and all the control that came with it.

The kisses became feral and Astra couldn't help the small noises that left her lips. However, she did not push for more intimacy, did not push for anything further than what he was giving her. "I'm sorry," she whispered in between kisses. "I'm sorry. I'm not going anywhere. I promise." Their lips kept meeting, the kisses deep, fervent, unhinged, and Astra moaned his name softly. However, she did not take the lead - he had all the power here. In every single way.

[theasteria]

Starter for @mythologiaes || Astra and Nico

The young singer examined her nails idly, but really it was a cover to avoid looking at the hulk of a man seated across from her. Both of their agents were to their right, eagerly chattering among each other as they worked to finalize a deal.

A deal that involved a duet song, comprised of herself..... and the famous Nicolai Contavius. Just the sound of his name always had her spine straightening and on high alert. The man had dominated the music charts for years and for the first time last year, she had ranked #1 artist on the charts. And since then, had consistently held that title, resulting in an industry rivalry that she was somewhat enjoying.

Nico had no idea, of course, that when she started out in this field, she was a fan of him. Nope, that was a secret she kept in the back of her mind, away from any form of reality. Her agent was her elder sister, another coveted secret kept from society. Eyes flicked up to look at Payne, who had suggesting going forward with the deal before turning her eyes downward back to her nails --

And then peaked up at Nico, only to find that he was already looking at her. Her spine straightened immediately.

"Guess we're working together instead of competing this time. Though I'm surprised you agreed to this... you're a bit of a lone wolf from what I could tell." Words thrown casually as she leaned back against her seat, finally settling the weight of her gaze on his emerald eyes - something she'd had to practice beforehand because he secretly made her incredibly nervous.

[katherine-mcnamara]

[mythologiaes]

being this close to her again, with the memory of last night burning in his mind. his senses alight with the soft scent of her perfume, as well as the lingering smell that was all hers, was invading his senses and making him feel almost insane. even now as he feels the way her waist, is almost dwarfed by his hands. it caused other thoughts to filter into his mind. thoughts he knew had no place being present. and he has to work to calm his breathing, to remind himself to be the gentleman his mother had raised. a hard task indeed. especially when he hears the way her breath hitches, her chest heaving from forcing her breath into her lungs. sure, he shouldn't have been looking there, but unfortunately for him. it seemed his body had other plans than his brain. proven by how, his hands seem to tighten against her hips. a light pressure, ut rather prominent in it's intent. [ his brain acting upon the less then stellar thoughts burning in his mind. ] thus he forces himself away, putting distance between them his large frame resting against the doorway as his eyes flicker between astra and the raging form of his baby sister. who whilst looking angry was also looking between the two of them with a calculating look. a look he was growing worried about seeing. as given how he knew demi's brain worked. she was figuring out things nico wished she wouldn't. and no amount of bribery, of veiled promises would stop her coming to her conclusions. or potentially voicing her thoughts out loud. or the worse option of her going to oliver with them. he sighs heavily at this, knowing there was nothing that could be done now. and instead focuses on the interaction between the two female. astra gaining her attention with the mention of the book, and nico has to hide the smirk upon his features. as he sees the way his sister almost seems to fold under astra's gentle speech. impressed to know he wasn't the only one, who had a soft spot for her.

❛   okay fine ....   ❜ his sister spits: in a way that has nico staring at her for a moment. wondering why she was so agreeable. whilst he knew the promise of the book was enough to sway her, normally. it was the look upon her face that had him truly worried. the smirk that curled up the corner of her lips, telling him everything. and one look shared with astra, was enough to convey those worries. but there was nothing he could do now. the damage was done. all he could hope to do was clean up the aftermath in a way that kept astra's integrity in place. as honestly he didn't see any other option in this regard. ❛   I shall excuse you ladies to get ready ....   ❜ his large frame dropping in a parting bow, before he turns to head out of the room. figuring that right now it was better to leave the two of them alone. whilst he hunted down his baby brother. in a hopeful decision, that he might be able to stop the storm that was his brother. before anything could truly go wrong. an outcome he was not truly looking forward too. as it meant he would need, to inform his brother of what he had been hiding. the thoughts in his head. [ a outcome that could truly come and bite him in the ass. as oliver was even more feral than demi. ]

[theasteria]

Nico's large hands had dwarfed her waist, his grip firm and steady, but also causing Astra's mind to wander into other, inappropriate places. Especially after feeling the way his hands drifted to her hips and tightened a fraction. The spark threatened to turn into an inferno and just as they reached the threshold of that, he pulled away.

Astra let out a breath she didn't know she was holding.

Honestly the moment Astra reasoned with Demi, she had a sinking feeling it would not be successful... until it was. The younger woman was known to have a stubborn streak that rivalled her father and a soft spot for only a few. Hence, Astra was surprised she relented. However, the smirk that Demi was showing worried Astra just a tad bit.

Nico leaving had Astra looking at his departing figure rather longingly for a beat longer than was appropriate before she turned to help get Demi ready.

The ball arrived sooner rather than later. Astra donned a navy blue dress with silver accessories, the jewelled choker resting against her throat and gloves that went up her arms. The dress had a sweetheart neckline that dipped to show her decolletage, her hair piled up in an up-do with a few stray curls strategically framing her face. Brown eyes looked around, subconsciously looking for Nicolai... knowing she shouldn't. The memories of last night in the library still had her feeling warm. And as far as she knew, he was not in the market for a wife and would not be for a while. She did not blame him, for who would give up the seas to be stranded on land?

Men at the ball eyed her with blatant interest as she walked through the ballroom, and a few fell in pursuit of her, following her and trying to catch up, unbeknownst to her. She found Demi and Ellie and greeted them with a warm smile. "Good evening," she nodded her head in respect towards Ellie. "T'is a wonderful ball, my lady. You have outdone yourself. I very much like the florals you've chosen for tonight." Despite tragedy hitting the family, the ball was a way to uplift their moods after the mourning period and to show society that they were recovering. Of course, it also allowed people to pay their respects to the Contavius family. "Good to see you here as well, Demi, I see you've held your end of the bargain. I shan't disappoint you."

[mythologiaes]

nico  contavius     ...    ▇▇▇    his mind was swirling, as memories clash and collide within his mind. timelines erasing and correcting themselves as he adjusts to the new reality of what is happening. the way he can also feel his magic once more, stronger than it had been previously. as the one downside of a contavius losing their mate, their magic is affected. due to their powers coming from their soul. and a soul torn apart, means nothing is stable. nothing works as it should. yet he could feel it now, brewing and closing in on him. and it settles him. as he also feels some of his previously bleeding wounds, stitch themselves back together and disappear as though nothing had been there. but that singular reality, carries far more weight than he ever predicted. as sure he'd always wanted to be healed. but being healed, and knowing why were two different things. as was the reality of why he had been drawn to astra. as yeah he'd noted the similarities to sigrid, he would have been an idiot to not see them. but he'd never compare them. he never got close to astra just because of that. but he couldn't help but wonder what she was feeling about that. how it was processing in her own mind. [   as it couldn't be a good comparison for sure. to know your previous life had been what destroyed him and his wolf.  ]  he raises a brow, at how she's moving. at the way she was refusing to meet his eyes, her aura bleeding of sadness, of guilt. of self loathing. it was leaving a sour taste in the back of his throat. androkles pacing in his cage so violently that nico could see the tremors of it over his inked arms. the ripples of power that it was taking, to contain his wolf. he fucking prayed that given it was a mate situation, that was enough to keep the human side in charge. as words were needed, a conversation to be had. including the knowledge to her, that the bond had never been formed fully. it was in its earliest stages before sigrid had died. the bond was weak, just starting. it wasn't as strong as say the bond between mel and elias, or karina and raza. but still destructive enough in its loss. but how did he explain, that her friendship. her support had already fixed the tattered edges. before he even understood what was happening.

❛   i lost sleep because my best friend up and disappeared, and then acted like i didn't exist making me worry for her. especially when i know from mel, the one who was behind your necklace and your guardian from the moment you were born. that loneliness is never good for you ....   ❜ he comments: hating that he'd revealed, he'd ripped those memories from his sisters mind. took that knowledge incidentally and was now speaking it. only just managing to keep his voice neutral, filled with his worry, his care. the warmth inside of him showing that right now, he just wanted to take all her fucking worries, her pain and drag it inside of him. to carry it so she didn't have too. pushing away from where he was, his long limbs take towards her, a large hand curling under her jaw. making her look in his now burning silver eyes. the bond inside of him, curving and weaving around every empty space that was within him. once more filling him with her, with her very presence that he had been missing for two thousand years. but also solidifying all the feels he was already building before this truth. that he was already in love with her. without a mate bond. but sweet fuck that would not be an easy thing to explain. nor would she believe him. he knew it. ❛   i'd lose sleep a thousand times over, worrying over the woman i love. i'd do it in a god damn heartbeat and never regret a moment !!   ❜ he comments softly. each word infused with his power, speaking it like a damn oath. [   which in a way it really was. even if she didn't know. ]  pulling on every single shred: of his magic, he pulls their souls together. letting her feel his emotions, to see the tendrils of everything that resided within him. the only one he hides from her, is the one linking him to his father. thankfully the poseidon and karina protection make it possible. but he lets her see every emotion, the way they correspond with the timelines in his head, playing out like a movie for her to observe. to learn the truth of. ❛ do you see that !! do you feel that little dove. i loved you, for you. i could see the similarities with sigrid. but i ignored them, shoved them in a box never to be touched. because it wasn't fair to you. and thus, i loved you for astra. for the woman who took a broken wolf and gave him friendship. for the girl who fell for a fictional viking she read in a book, and wormed her way into his fucking heart and the heart of his wolf with her softness and gentle touches. who taught a broken man to smile again !!   ❜ his thumb traces under her eyes, to the bags curling along the goddess' skin showing she'd been pushing herself to her limit. worry circulating once more. the curve of the emotion prominent in the seat of the others hes feeling. ❛   i stand here, as a man willing to get on his knees and become your servant for even a slither of your heart. as a man willing to walk out that door and leave you alone if that's what you want from me !!   ❜

he wasn't entirely sure though:  what androkles would do. if she did ask him to leave. but fuck, she didn't even know how much power she held over him. over the wolf, those dainty hands of hers carrying a power that could make him, or break him. and he'd take every cut, every shred of destruction because they came from her. because he loved her. lips press against her forehead, as he drags in lungfuls of her scent. selfishly stealing the calm it brought upon him. before he pulls back, once more locking her in his intense silver gaze. ❛ if you're stood there thinking you don't deserve me. that's bullshit !! when we bond with a mate, we bond with the soul. and every incarnation of that soul. we met too early, fate making us cross paths before our time. but i have always been, and always will be yours. even if you don't want to be mine ...   ❜ he knew that statement, about mates and souls needed a little more depth to it. to explain it properly. and he'd offer her it, he'd offer her anything. but right now those were the only words he knew to speak. androkles murmuring in agreement. even as the tremors of the wolf still pulsed along nico's skin. showing how close to the surface the wolf still was. [   he was really going to need to brawl with one of his siblings later. to get rid of this residue power.  ] 

[theasteria]

Astra's previous reincarnation had hurt Nico beyond repair, and she did not think she could ever forgive herself for that. All of those feelings of unworthiness, of wondering why she was always alone - it all made sense now. If that was the harm she had done in her past life, it was no wonder she was paying for it in this one.

She wished nothing more than to simply disappear. Loneliness was the one thing that hurt her the most and she could not help but wonder if that was indeed her fate, after all. The necklace that Mel gave her sat against her throat, brimming with an ancient power she now knew belonged to her guardian. Surprise filtered into her expression as Nico spoke of it, realizing that he knew the true source... and the memories that flowed from it. "I--", Astra began to say, her gaze finally lifting to meet his as he approached, but she was rendered speechless by the silver that bled into his eyes, indicating the presence of Androkles.

And then she was PULLED in, magic weaving around her, soul laid bare, a bond forging between them - the tendrils still delicate but strong. Brown eyes fluttered shut as the feelings overwhelmed her, the love that Nico had for her consumed her in a tidal wive, causing her to gasp, fighting the urge to take a few steps back and battling against the sheer unworthiness she felt. Her eyes opened just as he spoke, brimming with tears. Every word hit her heart and struck home, causing a lump of emotion to form in her throat, cheeks tinging pink. "Nico --"

She was drowning in him, drowning in how wrong she had gotten this situation. I have always been, and always will be yours. Understanding filled her expression as she took a moment to register the weight of what he had revealed, the feel of his warm lips against her forehead.

Astra went right into his arms, wrapping her own around his frame and burying her face against his chest, caving into her desires, breaking the spell of self-inflicted pain and isolation. She soaked in his warmth, eyes screwed shut, as she gave in completely to the man she first fell in love with across the words of an ancient book. "I love you," she whispered aloud for the first time, allowing herself to finally say it.

"Please don't leave me alone," the whisper was quieter, more desperate, Astra clinging onto his form because truly, it was the last thing she wanted ever. She loved this man with every fibre of her being, to the point where she was willing to break a mate bond and isolate herself forever if it meant she did not hurt him. However, with Nico speaking the words he did, she was completely incapable of rejecting him.

No part of her wanted to. Even if tomorrow was not promised, she wanted Nico by her side, she wanted her family by her side. Her heart called out for it and yet, she had deprived herself of it out of fear and feelings of unworthiness. "Before we even met in this lifetime, all my heart wanted was to be yours. I'm just -- I'm so sorry I hurt you. I was the cause of yours and Androkles' pain and I thought I was protecting you by removing myself. There is no lifetime, no version of me in existence that would ever want you to leave. You have all my heart and soul."

Her head lifted from his chest to meet his gaze, the blush travelling down her neck, disappearing into her dress as she laid herself bare for him to see. And in those eyes he could see her love in all its glory... but also the unfiltered need and desire that burned in them. She had so many more questions and usually, would fire them off, but right now, she believed questions could wait. "Did you really have to tease me about falling for a fictional viking..."

[theasteria]

Starter for @mythologiaes || Astra and Nico

Of course it would be her luck that the man she chose to give her virginity to in a wild night of passion and reckless abandon.... ends up being her arranged husband. Payne had told her to go do what felt natural with whomever felt natural... and that is what she did. Well, what felt natural was apparently Nicolai Contavius, her fiancé. In fact, he'd felt natural from the moment they'd met all the way until the morning when he'd woken her up with breakfast. Memories of their night still had her body temperature spiking at random.

And in three weeks they were set to be married.

There was no possible way to back out of this. Their families had been fighting over territory for some time now and this would seal the deal. However, mafia marriages were marked with violence, turbulence, and immense suffering by the women. That is all she had grown up to see. And it's what had formed her people pleasing habits, to avoid the painful inevitable.

"What do you mean!?" Astra blurted out, brown eyes wide as she took in the art studio before her. It was massive and stocked with easels of all sizes, the highest quality paints of different variety imported from all over the world, sketchbooks, paint brushes made from Kolinksy red sable hair - worth more than gold itself. Astra went weak in the knees.

She had only recalled making an offhand comment about wanting to rent an art studio one day so she could create artwork as it was one of the few things that made her happy. The next thing she knew, an art studio had been BOUGHT for her, with art supplies that were worth a fortune. And Nico was behaving as if it was another Tuesday.

Astra met his gaze head on, and noticed for the first time... that they looked a bit love-struck towards her, as if he was anticipating her reaction, her approval, but also full of respect. It was oddly how she'd seen Cyrus look at his wife. One could not fake such a thing. Her cheeks flamed with heat, the blush travelling down her neck. "I don't... know how to repay you." What could she do? What could she give that he did not already have? Her mind was running a million miles and hour trying to figure out how she could repay his kindness, all the while realizing just how WRONG she had been about him.