the goddess among men

never trust a survivor until you find out what she did to stay alive

[animorphs-rp]

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[ludaprilgate]

[vitablonos-blog]

Carnival | Open

[vitablonos-blog]

@flamesofnorta​

Vita was an enigma. He could usually make out the package people wrapped themselves up in. Enough, at least, to be able to find an edge and TUG just hard enough to unravel them. But there was something about Vita; something about the way she spoke, even when she doused her words with a pretty flirtation, that told him if he ripped an edge it would only tear off and regrow stronger. It was unnerving, to say the least.

He looked over at her, admiring the complexion that being a blood healer brought her. She looked plastic, almost. Entirely free of flaw, not a scar or a blemish in sight. He caught himself staring, but made no move to turn his head. He was fascinated, and his finger absently tugged at his left ear, where a chunk of it was missing. His very own reminder of what purpose he’d served at the Choke. “Surely you’ve had suitors lining up just begging for a go on the ferris wheel with you all night, Lady Blonos,” he grinned back, the charm coming easy. He wanted to sigh aloud when she praised his father. He, of course, hadn’t expected anything less, but hearing people applaud his father in any form never managed to DISGUST him less than the time before. “That he has,” he agreed, trying ( and likely failing ) to mask the distaste in his voice. “The King has his reasons for everything, most of which are beyond my rumination,” he added with a chuckle as if it would lessen the truth to the words. He pursed his lips, debating on an answer. Surely there were better ways to spend his evenings than celebrating the birthday of what might as well have been a complete stranger, but it hadn’t been as UNEVENTFUL as he’d expected. “Rather well,” he decided on, unable to mask the hint of shock in his tone. After a beat, he continued the conversation, his voice becoming rather playful as he leaned closer to her, and spoke just above a whisper as if he was sharing some scandal with her. “Tell me, have you tasted this ‘cotton candy’ that I’m hearing so much about, yet?”

Vita had lived long enough that she knew when a man was looking at her. And Domitius was. She did not look back, but his gaze did not appear to be disapproving – might he be admiring her? – and she saved that piece of information to peruse at a later date. And then came the charm, a charm that she admitted she was intrigued by. Vita looked over at him this time, taking a sip of her champagne with her free hand. “I’m afraid I have not, Your Highness,” she murmured, her voice flirtatiously demure. “Shall we make a detour?” she asked him, raising her eyebrow.

So he didn’t like his father? My, that was a plan for the future. Vita inwardly smirked and she inclined her head again. “If I may,” she began, knowing that she did not want to offend him. “I would say that I think that you would waste many good moments ruminating on things that would do you little good in the long run.” She took another sip of her champagne, enjoying the feel of his breath near her ear.

“I’m afraid I have not had that in years, Your Highness,” she murmured. “Is it worth compromising my waistline?” she teased.

[vitablonos-blog]

Carnival | Open

[vitablonos-blog]

@swelle

Sabina tensed at her description: the rabble. Though she was quite aware her views on the matter differed greatly from the Silver zeitgeist, hearing the sentiment spoken aloud was always uncomfortable. She had never felt that way and had no idea how to relate. How could someone like Emmett be bad just for the color of his blood? How could his kindness and talents be interpreted as anything lesser than? 

“I don’t know,” Sabina countered, delicately, lightly, looking away. “I think it’s been rather nice. Like the books we spoke of: seeing life from another point of view.” Her intention was innocent enough, even if her words might be leaning towards unpopularity. And they had spoken on those books, hadn’t they? Might Vita at least agree with that? “Their perspectives are certainly different, to be sure.”

Vita was not so self-absorbed that she did not notice the tenseness that Sabina displayed. But the redheaded woman was also not someone that necessarily cared about that. She could acknowledge that she needed to cater to the young woman to win her loyalty, but that did not mean completely withholding her own views. Vita took another sip of her champagne and inclined her head as she listened to Sabina talk.

It was nice to see someone have a backbone, especially when that someone knew how to approach the subject in a manner that would not offend. Yes, Vita knew she should cultivate Sabina that much more.

“Another point of view?” she asked, her voice deceptively curious. “I am certain that they could provide another point of view,” she agreed. “But I’m not sure that their point of view would be one on which I could agree.”

[vitablonos-blog]

Carnival | Open

[swelle]

In taking in Vita’s perfect gown, perfect posture, and perfect manners, Sabina realized suddenly that she was looking into the face of the woman her own mother would have liked her to be: beautiful, royal, proper, and abstractly threatening… words that rarely (if ever) described Sabina, and certainly never all at the same time. Perhaps that’s was the source of Sabina’s vague apprehension, the feeling that she was bound to do something amiss in the girl’s presence. 

Sabina didn’t drink when she could help it, but had seen flutes of the bubbly stuff floating around the square. “I suspect the champagne is being chilled, so it can’t be far from the ice cream cart?” Had she stumbled across Diana or Victoria, she surely would have linked their arms and skipped merrily away, but skipping didn’t appear to be a mode of transport someone like Vita Blonos would ever consider, so Sabina clasped her hands before her and set off at an easy pace. “My colors, I don’t think I’ve ever seen the square so crowded, have you?”

[vitablonos-blog]

Vita did not really pay attention to other families, not when it would not benefit her. The redheaded woman ran her hand through her hair as she looked over at the other woman, taking a drink of her champagne as they walked. “I suspect it is,” she drawled, though Vita did not speak down to the other woman. No, she made more friends – or allies – with honey than with vinegar. And Vita fully planned on keeping the friends and allies she’d made.

Their pace was not slow, but it was not as quick as Vita usually moved either. She was not used to leisurely walking, for usually the woman walked with a purpose. “I have not,” she agreed with Sabina. “Though I think that the square is crowded mostly because they have allowed the rabble in.” Her lips pursed. “However, I suspect it’s a wonderful way to ensure loyalty.”

[vitablonos-blog]

Carnival | Open

[axtiusosanos-deactivated2016072]

Very few people made it into what Aetius could say was his group of friends. It was really the group of people who seemed hellbent on sitting in a circle together and putting the puzzle of him back together bit by bit. Some days he was sure they felt like they were close and when they would part from their time spent with him only to discover the next time much progress hadn’t been made–well, he avoided telling him he took all the pieces they’d managed to put together apart again. Aetius was really his own worst enemy. As much as he wanted happiness, he seemed more keen on wallowing in his grief and angry. Besides, could a happy man really set out a kill a king?

“Vita it is. And Aetius, please.” Lord Osanos made Aetius think of his father, someone Aetius wasn’t very keen on thinking about ever. He bit his tongue from the words that wanted to follow, that he really wasn’t much company and he’d hate to disappoint her. He was sure the words would be met with some sort of reassurance that he’d never believe. Who wants to spend their time with a sad man? It’d really be like talking to a rock. Then again…that’d be an insult to some Stoneskins. “I’ve been well. Feels good to be in the city again.”

[vitablonos-blog]

Vita, if she’d actually cared about others in a way that was altruistic, would have wanted to be friends with Aetius anyway. He was kind, he was good, and he didn’t expect anything from her. It was refreshing to a fault and though she knew that Aetius had been having a difficult time since the execution of his wife, she truly hoped that he wouldn’t let it consume him. It would be such a waste. The redhead smiled, slightly genuine, and looped her arm through his. “Then let’s walk, Aetius,” she tried out with a teasing grin on her face.

“It’s rather lovely to be in the city again,” she agreed with him as she sipped from her champagne with her free hand. “As much as I enjoy the opulence of the castle, well, there’s nothing like being outside among the people.” Though Vita could hardly call the Reds people, she wasn’t going to say something to Aetius. His wife had cared for them, after all, and she was sure he would as well. “And it’s rather lovely not to have to worry every single time I turn around.”

[vitablonos-blog]

Carnival | Open

[generalmacanthos-blog]

Graham did his best not to choke from shock. He’d never been good at receiving flirtations, only giving out what charming compliments he’d been taught to. He had enough trouble accepting that what Juliana told him was sincere. And to hear Vita Blonos talk in such a way, well…he had to tread carefully. “I’m happy I can assist,” he grinned. “I would hate for you to be alone for long at such a marvelous party.”

He stared out into the crowd ahead of them, a somber tone clinging to his next question. “Have you been well since the ball? I hope you didn’t lose anyone in the recent attack.”

[vitablonos-blog]

Vita did not believe Graham was sincere in his attentions, but she would not complain. After all, she had gotten what she wanted. A handsome, high-ranked man on her arm for at least part of the day. “I appreciate that,” she said with a soft smile that looked entirely unbecoming on her face. “Tell me, how have you been doing since you’ve returned? Any women catch your eye?” 

“I did not, but thank you for asking,” she said, inclining her head in gratitude. She’d leave it up to him to decide whether or not he would accept it as sincere. “I trust your family did not either?” she asked him. 

[vitablonos-blog]

Carnival | Open

[swelle]

Sabina accepted Vita’s gratitude with a dipping nod that she nearly considered turning into some sort of bow. She wasn’t sure why the idea had struck her, it just seemed like the right thing to do in the older girl’s presence. “It’s no trouble at all,” she offered instead with a slight shake of her messy curls. She meant it, too. 

“If you’d like,” she continued, urged on by the sincerity she had interpreted (or fabricated), “we might find the ice cream cart and get a scoop or two in a bowl, rather than the dirt. That may be the one treat I haven’t yet tried today.”

[vitablonos-blog]

The incline of Sabina’s head filled Vita with a pleasure she didn’t often find. It was interesting how this girl seemed nearly deferential. Vita liked that and realized, not for the first time, that cultivating Sabina Welle might be worth the time spent in the other woman’s presence. “It is still kind of you,” Vita responded, not bothering to mention that she didn’t really care if people were kind or not.

Vita did not want ice cream – she much preferred to drink champagne – but she did not want to offend the other woman either. Normally she wouldn’t care. The redhead nodded. “I would prefer to get more champagne,” she said regally. “But I will, of course, walk with you.”  

[vitablonos-blog]

JOIN ME

I’ll write a drabble about my character giving your character an offer

“Convince your father to forego Queenstrial,” Vita tells himon one of their afternoon walks. “Marry me. And you can have your little Laelia on the side after I’m with child.” Itis a proposition that he needs to think about, that he should probably at leastconsider, but it is not one that necessarily shocks him. Because he’s had a bit of an idea of what Vita has wanted for the pastfew weeks. You couldn’t dangle a carrot in front of a horse without thehorse at least attempting to bite it, after all.

This has been going on for some time now [since theCarnival] and though they are loath to say anything about it, the facts speakfor themselves. Namely: Domitius will come to Vita’s door four times a week totake her on a walk through the gardens. They will speak on many things, but theend result is the same – they wantinformation from the other.

Vita does not trust him as far as she can throw him – doesnot want her sister to have to sleep in his bed as so many have before her –but still he intrigues her. He’s not Hector, of course, but he is still a man[and a good-looking one at that]. And since she’s nearing 30, she canpractically hear the exasperation in her father’s voice, can see the disdain in her mother’s eyes. Becoming queen would take that away, would make Hector notice her, would make the others realize thatVita Blonos is truly a goddess among mere mortals.

So, really, it’s quite obvious that Vita should at leastattempt an alliance, though the thought of taking the name Calore makes her shiver in disgust. She would have gladly taken Hector’s name, though it is much lower thanher own, but taking the name of the royals feels almost like a betrayal.

Domitius is quiet as they walk, the pace as slow as thefirst time he ever escorted her. He does not love her, it is true, and thoughhis father might forego Queenstrial for a love match, he is not sure that hecan pretend to be in love with the snake of a Blonos woman. But her proposition intrigues him. Becausemarrying Vita means getting rid of the problem of Victoria, it means being ableto keep Laelia without having to marry her, and it means getting his parentsoff of his back. So he’s stupid if hedoesn’t consider it.

“And what do you get out of this?” he asks her. “It’s not asif you’re in love with me.”

The thought makes her nearly snort and she looks at him withhardened eyes.

“Vindication,” she finally tells him.

He nods. “I’ll speak to my father tonight.”

Vita only barely conceals her glee.

@flamesofnorta

[vitablonos-blog]

Carnival | Open

[flamesofnorta]

Domitius took note of the red nails that rested against his skin, contrasting with the paleness there but matching his attire. He wondered, idly, if she’d chosen the color purposefully, in the same way Alessa chose to wear red when her house colors most certainly were not.

Most of him doubted it; the Blonos siblings had always seemed to be uninterested in royalty. He remembered Aurelian commenting, or rather, joyously laughing, about the fact that Aeneas and Circe had overshot when they’d gotten pregnant, successfully leaving Vita out of the running for Queenstrial. Domitius thought, however, that if Vita wanted the crown something as silly as Queenstrial wouldn’t stop her.

“Vita,” he repeated warmly, a smile curling up his lips as she hooked her arm through his. He ignored the stares as he always did when he found himself in the company of a beautiful woman. And she was that; beautiful, but Dom’s motives ( for once ) were not of the physical variety. He led them along, matching her steps to make for a slow and leisurely pace. He was in no rush to find Helene, that was for certain; he wanted time to talk. “So then tell me Vita,” he spoke, his tone casual yet charming. “Are you enjoying your evening? I’ve heard so many varying opinions of tonight’s events, I must say I’m interested to hear yours.”

[vitablonos-blog]

To be fair, being queen had never been something that Vita had aspired to. She wasn’t sure that Minerva had aspired to it either. She was higher than that. She knew it and, in her mind, others knew it, too. She followed Domitius’ lead,, the leisurely pace, smiling politely as he repeated her first name. She liked how it sounded coming from his lips. But mostly, she liked the looks she got from others and could appreciate the attention of a prince, even if she had no interest in him.

His charm had preceded him, but Vita had never expected it to affect her. But she was still a woman. So she smiled at him while simultaneously reminding herself that he probably meant little to nothing that he said. “I am now,” she replied, a slight flirtation in her voice, if only to put him at ease [for, really, she had no idea how much he knew or thought he knew about her]. “It has been lovely so far. Your father has truly outdone himself. I’m not sure how I feel about interacting with the lessers, but it’s not my place to question the King.” She looked over at him. “And how are you enjoying it?”

[vitablonos-blog]

Carnival | Open

[axtiusosanos-deactivated2016072]

“Ah yes, forgive me.” While he knew she was merely teasing him, he couldn’t help but apologize. It was difficult for him to break the habit of formality sometimes. It had been some time since he’d last seen Vita. The ball had passed and he remembered her thank you and his visit to accept her thanks. Beyond that, Aetius had been busy and kept to himself. The bombing hadn’t helped much but he was happy to see her enjoying herself at the carnival.

He wondered if she knew the real reason behind the event, how intend her mind was with the surroundings and the people. “Indeed, I’m enjoying it the best I can. What about yourself? I’m sure you’ve been having your fair share of fun and plenty of company.”

[vitablonos-blog]

“There’s nothing to forgive,” Vita said with a wry grin, pushing away the part of her that wanted to reply in a sarcastic fashion. “But if we are to be friends – and I’d rather like to think that we are – then you must call be by my first name.” She was quick to note that he had not yet given her leave to call him by his first name, though she said nothing. If she were being honest, Vita would have admitted that the people she called friend were few and far between, but she had no desire to part with such information about herself. Not this early in the game.

“I actually haven’t had a great deal of company yet,” she murmured as she looked over at him, her voice kind and her smile gracious. “Which makes me appreciate yours all the more.” She tilted her head and pushed her hair back behind her hear. “How have you been?”

[vitablonos-blog]

Carnival | Open

[axtiusosanos-deactivated2016072]

At a carnival such as this one, grand and magnificent, it was impossible not to smile and find some enjoyment. Even for someone such as Aetius there was something so contagious in the air that he couldn’t help but walk with a smile. Of course, it faded soon enough as he found himself wishing to be in the company of someone far beyond his reach. The others that could give him company and make him feel content were all busy with others, people far more important than himself. There was an abundance of those people.

He’d kept to walking through the crowds and simply keeping an eye on everyone and everything, making sure no one would cause any trouble. The last thing anyone needed was trouble caused at the carnival. It was while walking that he’d spotted someone familiar, impossible to miss. Aetius reached out to Vita, to touch her elbow. “Miss Blonos?”

[vitablonos-blog]

Of all the people she expected to touch her, she had not counted on him. Vita had not seen Aetius at the carnival yet – had actually not seen him since he had visited her after the masquerade – and as he touched her elbow and she realized it was him, she bestowed a beatific smile upon him. It reached her eyes, for while she still saw him somewhat as a means to an end, she had found that his company was at least enjoyable. She didn’t mind spending time with the young Osanos heir. Vita tilted her head to the side, lips curving upwards.

“How many times must I tell you to call me Vita?” she teased him, her voice melodic. She needed to be nice to him, would always need to treat him in such a way that he would defend her to anyone. She raised an eyebrow. She hoped he understood she was merely teasing him. “How are you doing, Lord Osanos?” she asked as she took another sip of her champagne, her lips still smiling. “Are you enjoying the carnival?”

[vitablonos-blog]

Carnival | Open

[generalmacanthos-blog]

Graham acted the right amount of bashful at her allowing him to call her by her name. He remembered their classes together, but knew much time had passed since then. They were both entirely different people now. “Thank you, Vita. I’ll try to remember that. And please, feel free to call me Graham.”

Another smile. “I would appreciate the company.” There wasn’t much else he could say. It would be rude to back out, to say he only wanted the champagne and nothing more. Instead he kept his smile plastered to his face and refused to drop it until he was no longer in her presence. He followed her lead, shortening his strides so he didn’t get ahead of her. “Have you been enjoying the carnival?”

[vitablonos-blog]

Vita had been good at playing people for years. And while she was better at manipulating others, she also knew how to tell when she was with someone who was not always being truthful. For example, she currently did not think that Graham was nearly as conciliatory or bashful as he wanted her to think, but it was of no matter to her. It wasn’t as if she would give him more information anyway. She inclined her head gracefully, lips curving upwards as he called her by her name. “I’ll be sure to remember to do so,” she replied.

She was sure he would appreciate her company. Or perhaps he wouldn’t. Vita didn’t exactly care enough to think about it. She nodded at his question as he followed her. “I have been,” she responded. Lie. “But I’ve had little company so far.” She smiled. “It’s better now.”

[vitablonos-blog]

Carnival | Open

[swelle]

Though the Blonos ability could not cause her any harm, Sabina could sense that Vita was more than capable of causing her pain: whether physical or not. Reaching out to grab Vita’s attention and arm now had not been out of character, but the expression upon Vita’s face made her reconsider the habitual action. Well, it was too late to take it back. All she could do was offer a quick smile in hopes of smoothing the abrupt gesture over.

“I hope I didn’t startle you, but you were moments away from stepping into a puddle of ice cream.” She pointed down at the melting mess just inches from Vita’s hem and brushed some hair behind her ear upon returning her attention upwards. “It’s such a lovely dress, it would be a shame to dirty it.” While Sabina didn’t mind messy, dirty, sticky, rumpled, or just about anything else, others from the palace seemed to care quite a lot and she was quite happy to help in any small way she could.

[vitablonos-blog]

Vita did not necessarily like being touched. Not because she was averse to affection or because she had problems with people, but moreso because being touched by someone without inviting it meant that Vita was out of control. And the redheaded woman had issues with control, always had and most likely always would. She looked down at Sabina, recognizing her, though they hadn’t spoken since their exchange in the library a couple of weeks ago.

Sabina had startled her. But Vita was not going to give the other woman the satisfaction of knowing that bit of information and she merely gave Sabina a soft smile, lips curving upwards as her fingernails dug into her palms. “Thank you,” she muttered. “It is a dress that took quite a long time to perfect.” She inclined her head rather regally and looked down at the ice cream in her path. Vita picked up her skirts and walked around it. “I appreciate your help,” she said to Sabina, a slight tinge of sincerity in her voice.

[vitablonos-blog]

Carnival | Open

[generalmacanthos-blog]

Graham could feel himself growing weary of the carnival. He thought a great deal of it had to do with his growing hunger, and need for a break from all the conversation that was oblivious to the real reason of the this party. He was already looking forward to when the day would be over and he could try to seek out Juliana.

To say the smell of champagne piqued his interest would be an understatement. The fact that he could smell it through all the grease said enough about how badly he wanted it. He wasn’t looking to get drunk in public, but a sip of something might settle the edge of this party. His nose led him straight to Vita Blonos, an unfortunate occurrence, but one he would deal with as he had the rest of the day. He gently touched her elbow to get her attention, placing a polite smile on his face as he bowed his head. “Lady Blonos. I was wondering if you could tell me where you got that champagne. It looks satisfying.”

[vitablonos-blog]

Of all the people to stop her, she was not expecting Graham Macanthos. Though she’d seen him at the masquerade, she had not seen him since – at least, not more than in passing. The redhead looked at him with a glance and inclined her head, only slightly deferentially. His house was higher than her own and she could play the game when she needed to.

“General Macanthos,” she replied, her voice soft as she smiled softly. It didn’t quite meet her eyes, but as she didn’t meet his own, she didn’t think he would notice. “We took classes together. I remember you when you were just a boy. You are perfectly free to call me by my first name.” And as to his question…

“Of course I can,” she said. “In fact, I can take you?” she asked him, not bothering to wait for an answer before she began speaking, trusting him to either keep up or go without the champagne it appeared he wanted. It was a selfish endeavor, as she finished her own drink rather quickly. 

[vitablonos-blog]

Carnival | Open

[flamesofnorta]

& vita ––

Somehow, the curtsy that Vita dipped into seemed odd, as if it was meant to be an out of place threat. Her eyes held the mask of an apology, but there was none of the sincerity to back it. He’d always thought Minerva to be an odd one, as so many in the court did, and he wondered now how much of it was product growing up with a sister such as this.

Domitius dipped his head politely. “That’s quite alright, Lady Blonos. Perhaps..” he paused, trying to figure out where the line was between poking a snake, and willing it to attack, or simply checking to see if it was still slumbering peacefully. “Perhaps you’d like to walk with me? To find them? I’m sure they’d both be pleased to see you.” He held his arm out, expectant. Who should turn down a prince’s offer to spend time with them?

[vitablonos-blog]

Well, fuck.

It was almost as if she could see Aeneas looking at her, a bit of pride in his eyes that she’d not seen, being unmarried at her age. Vita knew that she would have to acquiesce, would need to walk along with the young prince - and quite a pretentious one at that. She supposed, if she thought about it, that at least others would be watching her. 

Vita hadn’t expected on spending any part of this carnival near the royal family, hadn’t expected to have to hide her thoughts even more than usual behind her eyes. “Oh, you must call me Vita,” she murmured as she took his arm, red nails lightly resting near the crook of his elbow. “But I accept your gracious invitation, your highness.” She held her head high, already noting a few disappointed stares. 

[vitablonos-blog]

Carnival | Open

[flamesofnorta]

Domitius had heard of Vita Blonos, of course. Most people had. He’d heard rumors that SHE was the one responsible for Kieran’s loss of sight, and though Dom had never been one to fall prey to the gossip in the court, t h i s was one speculation that he’d always been easily convinced to believe. She didn’t send shivers up his spine in the way that Cavan Welle did, but there was, and always had been, and unmistakable something in her eyes. He’d never been able to put a word to it, it was just that –– SOMETHING. 

It intrigued him, but not enough to seek her out on his own accord. In truth, he’d mistaken the redhead for her sister, and though her name was lost on him now he knew her well enough to know that it was her duty, as a lady in waiting, to keep tabs on his dear sister. “My apologizes, Lady Blonos. I fear I’ve mistook you for your sister –– I’m looking for the birthday girl, you see.”

[vitablonos-blog]

Vita had had little interaction with the crown prince. Though she knew he would one day be her king, he was insiginificant in the grand scheme of things – but she would never state such a thing out loud. At the feel of his hand on her elbow, the redheaded woman turned towards him and lowered her eyes, dropping into a practiced curtsy.

“I apologize, Your Highness,” she replied, voice deferential. Her father would have her head if she spoke to the prince the way she spoke to so many others. “I’m afraid I have not seen Princess Helene for at least an hour. And when I did, she was rather surrounded by many, including my younger sister.” Her eyes were apologetic, though the sincerity was lacking. “Is there anything else I could help you with?” She took another sip of her champagne.