Renata Notni By Richard Ramos

Renata Notni by © Richard Ramos

open starer; interactions with maya rousseau

location: twin soul courtyards

Maya nestled on a cozy blanket spread beneath the shade of an ancient oak in the Twin Soul Courtyards. The air was alive with the soft hum of music, a tribute to her late husband's fondness for lively melodies. As she savored delicacies from a wicker basket, Maya's gaze wandered thoughtfully across the courtyard. Her son Nicholas, a bundle of youthful energy, had joined the other children in playful games nearby. Laughter and gleeful shouts punctuated the serene atmosphere, adding a joyous backdrop to the day's commemoration. "I miss you, Henri" she whispered softly, her gaze drifting to the clear blue sky above. "We would have loved this day together, celebrating your birthday with laughter and music. " Lost in her quiet contemplation, Maya remained unaware of the gentle presence beside her until her son pointed at someone from affair that picked his mother's interest. "My apologies, I hope you're enjoying the tranquility of the courtyards," she remarked softly, her voice carrying a warmth that invited conversation.

"Not at all, Leonor. Your presence is always welcome," she replied, her voice reflecting the warmth she felt.  "This place does have a certain serenity." She moved slightly to make space for Leonor on the blanket, nodding in approval. "Please, join me," Maya said, gesturing to the spot beside her.

As Leonor settled down, the Deputy Prime Minister followed her gaze to Nicholas, who was running around with a group of other children, his laughter ringing out in the courtyard. "Nicholas is eight," she answered, her eyes softening with maternal pride. "He does have a way of bringing light wherever he goes. It's a gift, especially in times like these." Maya's smile deepened as she remembered their shared history. "It's been quite a journey since we first met at the English court, hasn't it?" she said, her voice tinged with nostalgia."I'm grateful for the friendship we've built, beyond the realms of politics." She reached out, giving Leonor's hand a gentle squeeze. "It's been too long. How has life been treating you?"

Leonor approached Maya with a soft smile, her demeanor warm and understanding. The tranquil setting of the Twin Soul Courtyards seemed to invite a sense of peace and reflection. "I hope I'm not intruding," Leonor began gently, her tone carrying a genuine concern. "This place holds such tranquility, doesn't it? A haven for moments of quiet contemplation." She gestured towards the cozy blanket spread beneath the ancient oak. "May I join you?" Leonor asked politely, indicating her desire to sit down beside Maya. "Please don't apologize if I'm the one intruding. Leonor settled down gracefully, her eyes briefly wandering to Nicholas, Maya's son, playing happily nearby. "Your son brings such joy to the courtyard," she remarked warmly, acknowledging the lively spirit he brought to the serene surroundings. "How old is he?"

Lorena listened attentively, touched by the genuine gratitude. "You are very welcome, I want you to know that people often mistake innocence and curiosity for childishness," Lorena replied, her tone gentle yet firm. "Never let anyone underestimate the value of your curiosity and creativity."

"I am not most people," Lorena stated calmly, her voice carrying a quiet strength. She offered a small, reassuring smile, hoping to convey her genuine support. "And I believe that your curiosity is a valuable quality that should be celebrated." With a sense of purpose, Lorena suggested "If you'd like, I can help you with that flower," she offered kindly. "Together, we might even find a way to free it without causing any harm."

when told her courage was admirable, that her idea was bold and adventurous; the little princess was shocked. no one had ever told her such a thing before, and automatically — she wrote herself off as clumsy and foolish. " thank you, " she said sheepishly, appreciating the kind words before very intently listening to what lorena had to say.

" those are all great ideas! " she exclaimed, feeling like she should have thought of something like that before. the princess began looking around for a large stick. " you know, most people think i'm childish or that i don't think things through — which might be true, but anyway — what i mean is, thanks for helping me! " kai-ming said with a smile, as she picked up a stick with joy. " most people would tell me to leave the flower be. "

Maya, adjusting the delicate folds of her gown, let out a soft sigh as she entered the dimly lit hall. Her eyes scanned the room, the strains of music a bittersweet reminder of the evening's purpose. She understood all too well the exhaustion that accompanied roles of responsibility, her own duties often leaving her little time for genuine respite. "In a way, yes," Maya replies softly. "I finally managed to put my son to sleep, he had too many hot chocolates before bed, but it seems the night isn’t quite ready to let me rest. These events can be... draining, can’t they?"

open starter: ( 0 / ? )

location: mysteries of osiris gala

another place to drift away. the hall remains empty despite the music still enveloping the area. şenay rubs their headdress at their temple, trying to prevent a migraine beginning its stampede. the networking --- the politics --- of the night keeps enjoyment at bay. perhaps they should fall to its whims, but şenay doesn't wish for this night to be the one that begins something they cannot control. for one conversation to spark an idea in one person, then another, until their life is decided for without their input.

so lost in thought, she nearly missed the person walking into view. şenay swallows, a small bow of her head. "are you here to escape too?"

Lorena had decided to take a walk along the trails of Sugarloaf Mountain, seeking a peaceful respite from the worries that plagued her mind. The midday sun bathed the landscape in a warm glow, and the flowers along the path provided a comforting presence. She took a deep breath, trying to center herself and find some semblance of peace. The past months had been a whirlwind of fear and uncertainty. Her abduction by anti-monarchists was a nightmare she couldn't escape, even now. The isolation, the interrogations, the constant threat of harm—it was all etched into her mind. Every night, she was haunted by the memories: the cold, damp cell where she was kept, the faces of her captors, and the relentless pressure to reveal secrets she could never betray.Sleep offered no solace; her dreams were plagued with vivid recollections of her captivity. She would wake up in a cold sweat, the sound of her own screams echoing in her ears. The darkness of her room often felt like the prison she had barely escaped from, and it took all her strength to remind herself that she was safe now.

Yet, despite her release, the facade she had to maintain was exhausting. As she walked, she tried to focus on the present. The trail was a welcome distraction, each step taking her further away from her worries. The beauty of the mountain, the fresh air, and the vibrant flowers offered a temporary escape from the shadows that lurked in her mind. Her thoughts were interrupted by a voice calling out, tinged with nervousness. Lorena hurried towards the sound, her instincts taking over. She soon found the source of the call: a young princess, her foot wedged between two rocks as she reached for a vining flower. The sight of her struggling tugged at Lorena's heart, and she approached with a gentle smile.

"Don’t worry, I’m here to help," Lorena said soothingly as she knelt beside the other. "Let’s get you out of there." With careful movements, she assessed the situation and then gently but firmly worked to free Kai-Ming’s foot. "What happened?" She asked, calmly, trying to ease the other.

° • — OPEN starter ( 0 / 3 ) ° • — sugarloaf mountain, midday

it was not healthy for her to sit around and mope, kai-ming knew that. it didn't stop her from wanting to, however. she had stayed below deck while they traveled, and the first few days back the princess had also stayed in her chambers — but no more. despite her sorrows, kai-ming realized she was only making the people who did care about her worry. she had to be brave and put on a mask, even if it was just for their sakes.

— but she did not want to wander the castle grounds, worried she'd catch sight of him at any moment. so, her mind went to the sugarloaf mountain trails. a view to enjoy, flowers to find; peace and warmth in the sun. it was exactly what kai-ming needed. halfway through the trail, though, and the little princess found herself stuck — her foot wedged between two rocks as she had attempted to climb and grab a vining flower.

she had all but given up on pulling herself free amd was about to just sit and cry when she heard footsteps up the path. " ah, excuse me! " she exclaimed, " i . . . i could use some help! " kai-ming called out nervously, hoping they could hear her.