Lorena Needed A Break From The Stifling Atmosphere Of Her Family And The Never-ending Charade Of Normalcy

Lorena needed a break from the stifling atmosphere of her family and the never-ending charade of normalcy she was forced to maintain. After dinner, as the evening hours stretched into night and most of the household retired to bed, she slipped away to the underground map gallery. The quiet, candlelit space promised a sanctuary where she could find some peace and collect her thoughts. Upon entering the gallery, Lorena took a moment to appreciate the tranquil ambiance. The flickering candlelight cast gentle shadows on the walls, creating a soothing environment. She didn’t immediately notice the figure seated on the ground, surrounded by an array of maps and notes. It was only when she stepped further into the room that she saw him—Prince Isaak, deep in concentration, his bad leg stretched out and a cane resting beside it.

Lorena observed him for a moment, noting the intensity of his focus as he studied the maps and scribbled notes. She was about to turn away, not wanting to intrude, when he finally looked up and noticed her presence. "Actually, I was looking for the maps of Spain, may I join you, your Grace?". She could see he was working on a detailed analysis of Spain, the lines of potential conflict and alliances clearly marked. "Spain is indeed at a crossroads. The tension between the North and South has been escalating, and it’s difficult to see a clear path to peace. Especially now....."

status -> closed stater for @reinaxc {lorena}

setting -> underground map gallery, after dinner && into the evening hours when most would be retiring to bed

to one just entering the candlelit gallery, they may not notice the tsar at first - from his spot on the ground, his bad leg stretched out with the cane resting beside it, isaak hunched over an array of maps spread out. other parchment with notes in his own script dot the spread, and there was a look of deep thought && concentration written over the strategist's mind. of course, russia had maps too - he knew where each place on earth took up it's space, but now, each little world of landmass was so much more than symbols on a faded page. now there were conflict && war, alliances && broken bonds attached to each... and isaak sat, trying to decode the jumble of it all. currently, he was marring a blank page with ink, staring between it && the large map of spain, trying to distinction where the lines were drawn between north && south; curiosity taken by the threat && rumblings of a civil war.

at first, the tsar did not even realize he was no longer alone, lost in the mission of it all, and for once, finally feeling as if his mind come alive. but finally, the presence of another was made clear, and he pulled his gaze up from the materials laid out. " oh... hello. " he greeted, still from his place on the floor; it would be difficult to stand, awkward && clunky in the motion of it, so he did not make a move to do so; not realizing it could be seen as impolite or even rude to remain seated when a woman of royalty enters one's presence. " please, do not let me be of any disturbance to you. though, i do believe... i currently have all the recent maps of spain with me, but i am happy to share should that be what you are needing."

Maya, having just concluded a serious meeting, stepped into the grand jury hall. The weight of the discussions lingered in her mind as she scanned the somber space. The French noblewoman approached quietly, mindful of the gravity of the space. She considered the woman's words, her brow furrowing slightly in contemplation. "It is indeed difficult to fathom," she replied thoughtfully. "The scale of suffering and the motivations behind it... It appears almost incomprehensible, doesn't it? To see lives shattered and futures erased in the pursuit of power or ideology. Perhaps even fear, it's unsettling to think how easily humans can be swayed towards darkness."

status -> open starter! capping at three responses

setting -> the grand jury hall

despite having not left athens since her arrival after fleeing turkey's court, safiye was aware of the presence of war. she had not been present during the reckoning, instead safe in athena's temple, but tears had been shed for the fallen ones when news came to her ears. she had almost chosen to stay behind; tending to the olive trees, and pacing the vineyards of the temple, rather than set sail to brazil. it felt almost certain that more tragedy were to lurk, and safiye felt she'd been right.

now, brown eyes pulled over the rest of the portraits, the letters, the sketches from memory. evidence of a dark world, displayed before her. of power-hungry, tainted hearts && ended stories. fingers came to turn her pendant necklace over within them as she thought, sighing thoughtfully as she straightened when another entered to approach the display of evidence as well. hopefully, it wouldn't look odd for her to there, looking so forlorn. " it is hard to truly imagine what the... prisoners had hoped to achieve with this much senseless death && despair. seems quite mad this way, all tacked up to try and make sense of. "

Célestine's eyes softened as she listened to Aurora's words, the vibrant atmosphere of the festa junina temporarily fading into the background. "Paris does have a way of capturing one's heart, doesn't it? The energy there is unmatched." She spoke softly, smiled at the princess, touched by her interest in her home. "My village is indeed special, Aurora. The rolling fields, the warmth of the people, the sense of community... It's a world away from Versailles. I would love for you to see it someday. You would appreciate its charm, I'm sure." As Célestine sat by the bonfire, her thoughts drifted back to her village outside Lyon. The aromas of roasting meats and sweet breads mingling with the lively music reminded her of home. The rustic charm of her village was a stark contrast to the opulence of the world she now navigated. It was a place where the air was always fresh, the fields stretched out in a patchwork of greens and golds, and the people knew the value of hard work and community.

As the crown princess spoke of her troubles, Célestine's concern deepened. She reached out, gently placing a hand on Aurora's arm. "I'm so sorry about your cousin," she said sincerely. "I can only imagine how unsettling it must be, but fear not, I am certain that no harm will come to you or your loved ones. I would like to believe that the Tribunal will sort everything out." She knew it was wishful thinking, but she couldn't bear to see Rosa upset. When Aurora asked about her own well-being, Célestine took a moment to reflect. "I've been managing," she said, her tone honest yet resilient. "These festivities are a welcome distraction, but I can't help but think of my sisters.. I keep getting letters from my sponsor" she spoke frankly.

Célestine smiled softly at Aurora's words, nodding in agreement. "Indeed, sleep seems elusive tonight," she replied, her voice carrying a hint of amusement. "The energy of the festival is quite infectious, don't you think?" She took a seat beside Aurora, letting her gaze wander over the bustling scene. The sight of children laughing and playing, the aroma of sweet treats, and the vibrant music all created a tapestry of happiness that was both comforting and bittersweet. It reminded Célestine of home, of her sisters, and the simple joys they shared before the complexities of their current lives.

"It is nights like these," Célestine continued, "that remind me of the simple joys we so often overlook in our daily lives. The laughter of children, the warmth of a shared meal, the beauty of a starry sky... It all seems so far removed from the intrigues and burdens of court. These sights and sounds take me back to my village, to evenings spent with my sisters, where we would find happiness in the smallest of things..." She glanced at Aurora, noting her serene yet thoughtful expression as she gazed up at the stars. "You look like you have a lot on your mind," Célestine observed gently, she had known Aurora for quite sometime now. "Is there something troubling you, or is it simply the restless nature of the evening?"

Lorena turned her gaze to the sky, mirroring the Athenian's contemplative posture. The cool night air was a welcome contrast to the oppressive atmosphere inside the ballroom. “The ballroom is indeed stifling,” Lorena agreed softly, her voice carrying a hint of empathy.

As her eyes traced the patterns of the stars above. The stars, with their distant, unwavering light, seemed to offer a sanctuary of honesty and clarity, a stark contrast to the deceptive glamour of the royal gala. Lorena often felt like a performer on a grand stage, playing a part dictated by her title and duties. Every move, every word was scrutinized, measured, and judged by those around her. The endless dance of politics and power within the palace walls left little room for genuine expression or vulnerability. Finally, Lorena looked at the other, her eyes reflecting the starlight. “I would much rather listen to the stars. They speak a language of eternity, one that reminds us of our place in the universe and the fleeting nature of our earthly concerns."

“ — the ballroom is stifling. “ zelenia said, her emerald gaze still aimed towards the sky. “ full of faces playing a part, selfish desires and unspoken wars waiting to be waged. “ though she was there, attending the gala as any other royal was; it did not mean she wanted to be there and she imagined that was the case for many.

zelenia was quiet for a moment, before adding — “ the stars are honest. they shine, unapologetically, and tell their story without deceit. those in athens believe the stars are souls lost to this world. “ finally, the oracle brought her stoic gaze down to the earth; looking at the spanish princess. “ i rather listen to the stars, wouldn’t you? “

Lady Sybil Crawley in season 1 of Downton Abbey

“I’ll never give up, nor will you. Things are changing for women.”

open starer; interactions with lorena ortiz:

location: copacabana beach

Lorena strolled along the sandy expanse of Copacabana Beach, the waves gently lapping at her bare feet. The sun hung low in the sky, casting a warm, golden glow over the azure waters. She paused to take in the beauty of the scene, the rhythmic sound of the ocean filling her ears. As she turned to continue her walk, her eyes caught sight of a figure standing alone near the shoreline. "Excuse me," she called out softly, not wanting to startle him. "Are you enjoying the view as much as I am?"