Congee

Endeavour Records (Always Open)

I too am open for relationship discussions with Karen, ^^

Choice of Romance - Seasons of Youth

Duchess Philomena Ceswick

---

The woman seemed to be abashed by her staring, or the fact she had noticed the faint mark on her cheek. It was obvious that she made her somewhat uncomfortable, and a feeling of something else that she could not quite read clearly by her expression. Ashamed of course, or dismayed? What could it be she wondered. Either way it should be none of the duchess concern and as far as etiquette in social positions go, Philomena should just let her go and not further disturb them from doing their work. And servant or not it was rather shameful in her esteemed part to do something lousy as to uncouthly stare at her, it was rude, pitiful and a taint in her otherwise reputable decorum.

Philomena tried her best to gather her self, uncaring of the woman next to her, taking timid sips of her drink as if the encounter awhile ago never happen. Truly she did, but it proved to be a challenge when she saw the lustrous smile, curving from her lips. And oddly enough, she only noticed now how attractive this woman is. A moment later she finds herself staring again, the unfaze-able duchess is completely caught off guard this time. Displaying a forbearing aura in the most drastic of times was her best faculty, yet for some reason she made all the effort to even express her words straight to this charming woman before her.

Although there is still some regard of conduct in their exchange, having someone, a servant of all people, do so much as to warmly smile at her was something definitely new, though she finds it neither a privilege nor an insult to her status. It's just an encounter that is basically nonexistent to Philomena, as she gives out a rather entitled aura about her. Most of the time the lower classes even her own servants would steer clear of her, intimidated and even annoyed by her pampered demeanor and most of the time they are equally ignored by her.

Philomena then gave her a short nod, acknowledging her concern of her discomfort at the sight of the other woman's bruise"It's alright. And you did not." She spoke calmly. "I always believe the other desiring parts of the person is enough to mask their perceptible flaws, a tiny bruise on their cheek would be almost invisible to me." She said unawarely curving a soft smile. When realization came to her, Philomena was almost stunned by her own words. That sounded a bit...inviting, does it? And she swears she did not mean anything by it, even if she did it wouldn't be so brazen. Taking another sip of her drink she tried to "fix" the situation and caught up on her words.

"I meant to say it in a general sense. How one would perceive a rose in full bloom, so beautiful that it's ugly thorns would be barely noticeable. And even if they are it would matter little to the viewer, the bud itself is captivating enough to ignore the flaws it hides below." She stops midway, worried that she may be put off by her babbling at this point, and sooner she regrets her otherwise good use of analogy. She looked down at her drink in embarrassment.

Their exchange was shortly interrupted by the rabble, looking over to that direction to see the Marquess of Burlia having a quarrel with one of the guards. She knows him by name and by appearance since her mother had taken notes of the men who will be attending this evening's seasons and even gave her a list for reference. He was sooner joined by Merriedge's duchess, and the two seemed to spark up a conversation. From what she can discern things are looking quite well between these two.

Philomena returned her attention to the rose garden before her, and was instantly reminded how annoyed and embarrassed she is from earlier, yet all that was hidden beneath her calculating facade. Hopefully she looks convincing enough to the woman next to her. The duchess did not fail to notice though, at the other woman's glancing on the dance floor. How her eyes would glimmer at the people who waltz to the melody with their partners. Philomena herself did not care much for dancing, though she could see this woman may have a great passion for it. "Do you dance, miss?" she finally spoke. This was a timely chance to change the subject, if only to wash the awkward taste of her earlier display.

Choice of Romance - Seasons of Youth

I've posted yay

Choice of Romance - Seasons of Youth

Duchess Philomena Ceswick

---

A few guests would come and greet her, exchange a few schmoozes and either bold or discreet proposals from the lesser nobles. She heard it all before, and none of it was distinctly new, or even impressive to her. Not to the point that it would make her put an interest to that certain person. It's a repetitive cycle of Voromian courting mixed with the trivialities of politics. It was a world she was exposed to and honed to be the best in. All she's doing here is fulfilling her duties, and tonight, she'll make sure to do so well.

Not long since she arrived, she caught in the corner of her eye a man coming to her direction in officer's garbs of distinctly Stonian make. Graying hair as meticulously polished as his mustache, tilting with his smile as he gave her a respectful bow. "Ah. Lady Ceswick. Such a pleasure to meet you here." She allowed the captain to take her hand for a kiss.

Philomena greeted the familiar face, with an earnest smile she returned his greeting with a curtsy "Likewise, Captain Haugen." Captain Haugen is one of the heads of the Stonian army, an influential man and a good friend to her father. Since she took his place Haugen has been in collaboration with Philomena in the military aspect as far as ruling the duchy goes. Her father was deeply supportive of the army that he provide half of the duchy's profits to fund them, planning ahead of the brewing war they so look forward to.

"Finding other means in resolving our political matters my Lady?" he joined the duchess at her crowd scoping, his voice textured and nonchalant. "Only looking for opportunities that would save us the bloodshed, Captain. " Unlike her father, Philomena thinks, if it can be helped, that theres no need for wasting the duchy's resources in war, and would rely on the diplomatic way of settling it. Nobody wants to repeat that part of history, indeed an all out war between the countries would be the darkest Voromia will ever witnessed.

"I suppose it wouldnt hurt to try. Although if I were you I would not put all my hope to it." there was a tone of skepticism in his voice, turning to the young woman his voice now shifted in concern " And I dont suppose this is what your heart truly wishes." The duchess didnt move her current stare, and sounded more determined on her choice of words "It is not a matter of what my heart wishes, Captain. It's never been that. "

"Of course my Lady." The conversation fell into silence for a short moment. "But I know your father would have wanted that for you. I know the man well enough, and of course, you too." Captain Haugen smiled, showing the soft creases of his aged face, winking at the young woman who was frozen in surprise at his words. Could she be that obvious? If so when? As she recalls the many nights ago at a ballroom party, a celebration being held in Stonia's founding. Maybe she was less guarded after a few sips of wine, making herself obviously swooning over the beautiful red haired troubadour. But that was it as far as she knew.

After a few breaths the captain recommenced his words "That romantic commitment does not define you, instead you rule on your own. You know how to handle great power, and that's what makes you an exceptional leader, Lady Ceswick." Philomena felt a surge of relief. Of course he doesn't know, and as usual Philomena has a tendency to overthink this kind of matter.

"Thank you Captain Haugen. Your words bring me great encouragement." After keeping her company for a while the Captain excused himself, as one of his men asked for him leaving Philomena alone once again with her thoughts. The kind that worries and troubles her, even if it's not entirely necessary to. She was spaced out at the gorgeous view before her, roses that accumulated some dew drew sparkles from the moonlight.

A voice had cut her from her trance, looking over her side in an almost abrupt manner, a woman was now standing next to her. She offered her refreshments, a servant obviously yet at first glance she didn't think her to be. Collecting herself she took one from her tray, and unsuspectingly glanced at her face, more so lingering at her cheek with a faint mark, like a bruise she guessed. "So, is hitting servants a Merriedge national past time? How brutish.". There was a hint of sorry in her face but realizing that she was staring far too long she turned away. She wasn't as resolute as she thought she is, probably because of the long travel from Stonia had left her restless, or that the stress of this whole seasons was finally starting to stack up on her. "Thank you for the drink." she said. "I'm sorry miss, I did not mean to stare."

Choice of Romance - Seasons of Youth

I'll get on a post sometime tomorrow.

Endeavour Records (Always Open)

Karen

---

---

║ Name ║

Katherine "Karen" Maloney

║ Birthday & Age ║

May 3| 27

║ Gender & Sexual Orientation ║

Female | The parts dont matter hun.

║ Occupation ║

Independent artist. Performs at underground gigs. Has no permanent day job. Right now part times in Chick-fil-A as a mascot, like the ones who hold out free coupons on the streets. Gotta earn some extra somehow.

║ Appearance ║

Karen, in all aspects of life, is her own woman. That certainly includes her sense of style, which mostly defines her old school riott grrrl persona, clothes ranging from loose graphic shirts, leather cuffs/bead bracelets, flannels and old faded skinny jeans. She is taller than average, about 5'10 and rather athletic, highschool and college softball could have a contribution to that otherwise she claims it's all purely genetic. On her left forearm she has a tattoo of a crow, and a clunky text just below it reading "Nevermore!"

║ Personality ║

One could describe Karen as dynamic, spontaneous and adventurous, which is defined much from her life decisions. Although she was living life as she pleases, Karen didnt finish college nor has a stable job because she's just all over the place. The allure of money, industry politics and tranquil white picket fence living never appealed to her anyway. She's the type who would find her own style out in the muddley open rather than be given a template to start with. Personally, she likes the challenge no matter how most of it eventually turns to shit at a certain point, it's something that makes life a little more worthwhile than normal. Like adding the flavor to boring old water, if you will.

Karen is at her element the most when on stage. It's one of the major things she misses about an open performance. And she simply does so just for the fun of it. Rules and ethics matter little to her when creativity is being judged. Although on some level Karen is rather reserved, often masking answers to otherwise personal questions with deceptive sarcasm, but when on stage and through her songs, where she is most vulnerable, she expresses herself. More often slipping a bit of herself every now and again in her poetry and body language.

║ My Dreams ║

Nothing too big other than to simply write songs, perform, and stir up the world with real quality music.

---

---

║ Autobiography ║

Katherine Maloney grew up in Boston, the daughter of a middle school teacher and a retired security guard. Growing up, Karen knew her family was having trouble with money as most of the time she would witness her parents fight over it. They rely mostly on her mother's okay-payroll, and her father's pension which was still challenging enough to provide for her and her other three siblings. She went to St Mary's for highschool and there she met the future members of The Honeybeavs, Lolly Grier and Rachel Walsh.

At first the idea of putting up a band together wasnt seriously intended. By that time during middleschool, Karen played the guitar for the school choir. The same time Lolly introduced her to bands such as Delta 5, Bikini Kill and The Kinks. One day while they were waiting for the bus home together, sharing an earphone while indulged in their favorite songs, Karen thought it would be cool to start a band together. Lolly thougt it wasnt a bad idea so they started to discreetly call out auditions within the school, and sooner they met their drummer Rachel, Lolly being the band's bass. After schools they would hang out at Lolly's place to practice, her dad having been in a band as well provided them with equipments. It was all fun and games at first, nothing so serious other than writing random and silly songs. One Christmas they performed the Nativity story through a song for a school program, complete with costumes and a baby Jesus in the style of the sex pistols. The teachers were not impressed and the three of theme were suspended for the next school day.

The casual meetings became a regular thing, this time they were writing more serious songs, one with substance but just as charming as their original style. By junior high they were booking in gigs from a friend of a friend, the lowkey ones at the bars. The first time, they had to be discreet about their age since they were under 18. Not long they became quite popular in the underground scene, they've been invited to several gigs all over the country. And since they were traveling a lot Karen had to drop out of college. They've been on the road, going from one city to another for almost six years or so.

And like with great groups, they come to a downfall at some point. It was a disagreement between the three of them, Lolly wanted to venture beyond the underground scene. Rachel did not. Karen didn't care as long as she still gets to play and write. Even with the tensions they still tried to work it out, but sadly, the band was bound to hit it's downfall. Lolly eventually left the band and pursued a solo career. Rachel got married, and now has a family of her own. Everyone left for a new start except for Karen although the group still contact each other, more or less for catching up. Karen was still performing in small gigs here and there for the last two years. Though it didn't pay as much , at least she was creating her passion and art. Probably to Karen that was enough.

But she missed being a part in a band, but just the band mostly. There was a sisterhood that they shared in her time with The Honeybeavs, it felt great. They wrote songs together, shared thoughts and experiences, and most of all they made music together. During one of her solo gigs, she was offered to get herself labeled, Karen never thought much about it but to her it seems like an intriguing idea. She never left the underground scene due to sentimental reasons, but if it's opening up a new and exciting chapter of her life, then she's up for the adventure. Next thing she knew, she's sitting in some fancy studio somewhere in Philly.

║ Reputation ║

Even before Endeavor, Karen rarely went mainstream except in some requested performances. The Honeybeavs were quite well known, albeit in the alternative music scene. In the writing facet her songs are known to be "bluntly sarcastic, absurd even and uncensored but spiritually satisfying and painfully honest." And as a performer, her image is generally bare and simple. She's not one to put on a ridiculous costume or set up a sparkly stage. Not that she's against it only that it's always been her thing to go natural, in all sense of the word. A guitar in hand, the sweats soaking her hair and her clothes as her harsh singing compliments her epileptic dancing to the brassy rhythm of post punk goodness. That's Karen Maloney.

║ Extra information ║

Claimed color is Teal

Endeavour Records (Always Open)

Doneeee

Karen

---

---

║ Name ║

Katherine "Karen" Maloney

║ Birthday & Age ║

May 3| 27

║ Gender & Sexual Orientation ║

Female | The parts dont matter hun.

║ Occupation ║

Independent artist. Performs at underground gigs. Has no permanent day job. Right now part times in Chick-fil-A as a mascot, like the ones who hold out free coupons on the streets. Gotta earn some extra somehow.

║ Appearance ║

Karen, in all aspects of life, is her own woman. That certainly includes her sense of style, which mostly defines her old school riott grrrl persona, clothes ranging from loose graphic shirts, leather cuffs/bead bracelets, flannels and old faded skinny jeans. She is taller than average, about 5'10 and rather athletic, highschool and college softball could have a contribution to that otherwise she claims it's all purely genetic. On her left forearm she has a tattoo of a crow, and a clunky text just below it reading "Nevermore!"

║ Personality ║

One could describe Karen as dynamic, spontaneous and adventurous, which is defined much from her life decisions. Although she was living life as she pleases, Karen didnt finish college nor has a stable job because she's just all over the place. The allure of money, industry politics and tranquil white picket fence living never appealed to her anyway. She's the type who would find her own style out in the muddley open rather than be given a template to start with. Personally, she likes the challenge no matter how most of it eventually turns to shit at a certain point, it's something that makes life a little more worthwhile than normal. Like adding the flavor to boring old water, if you will.

Karen is at her element the most when on stage. It's one of the major things she misses about an open performance. And she simply does so just for the fun of it. Rules and ethics matter little to her when creativity is being judged. Although on some level Karen is rather reserved, often masking answers to otherwise personal questions with deceptive sarcasm, but when on stage and through her songs, where she is most vulnerable, she expresses herself. More often slipping a bit of herself every now and again in her poetry and body language.

║ My Dreams ║

Nothing too big other than to simply write songs, perform, and stir up the world with real quality music.

║ Autobiography ║

Katherine Maloney grew up in Boston, the daughter of a middle school teacher and a retired security guard. Growing up, Karen knew her family was having trouble with money as most of the time she would witness her parents fight over it. They rely mostly on her mother's okay-payroll, and her father's pension which was still challenging enough to provide for her and her other three siblings. She went to St Mary's for highschool and there she met the future members of The Honeybeavs, Lolly Grier and Rachel Walsh.

At first the idea of putting up a band together wasnt seriously intended. By that time during middleschool, Karen played the guitar for the school choir. The same time Lolly introduced her to bands such as Delta 5, Bikini Kill and The Kinks. One day while they were waiting for the bus home together, sharing an earphone while indulged in their favorite songs, Karen thought it would be cool to start a band together. Lolly thougt it wasnt a bad idea so they started to discreetly call out auditions within the school, and sooner they met their drummer Rachel, Lolly being the band's bass. After schools they would hang out at Lolly's place to practice, her dad having been in a band as well provided them with equipments. It was all fun and games at first, nothing so serious other than writing random and silly songs. One Christmas they performed the Nativity story through a song for a school program, complete with costumes and a baby Jesus in the style of the sex pistols. The teachers were not impressed and the three of theme were suspended for the next school day.

The casual meetings became a regular thing, this time they were writing more serious songs, one with substance but just as charming as their original style. By junior high they were booking in gigs from a friend of a friend, the lowkey ones at the bars. The first time, they had to be discreet about their age since they were under 18. Not long they became quite popular in the underground scene, they've been invited to several gigs all over the country. And since they were traveling a lot Karen had to drop out of college. They've been on the road, going from one city to another for almost six years or so.

And like with great groups, they come to a downfall at some point. It was a disagreement between the three of them, Lolly wanted to venture beyond the underground scene. Rachel did not. Karen didn't care as long as she still gets to play and write. Even with the tensions they still tried to work it out, but sadly, the band was bound to hit it's downfall. Lolly eventually left the band and pursued a solo career. Rachel got married, and now has a family of her own. Everyone left for a new start except for Karen although the group still contact each other, more or less for catching up. Karen was still performing in small gigs here and there for the last two years. Though it didn't pay as much , at least she was creating her passion and art. Probably to Karen that was enough.

But she missed being a part in a band, but just the band mostly. There was a sisterhood that they shared in her time with The Honeybeavs, it felt great. They wrote songs together, shared thoughts and experiences, and most of all they made music together. During one of her solo gigs, she was offered to get herself labeled, Karen never thought much about it but to her it seems like an intriguing idea. She never left the underground scene due to sentimental reasons, but if it's opening up a new and exciting chapter of her life, then she's up for the adventure. Next thing she knew, she's sitting in some fancy studio somewhere in Philly.

║ Reputation ║

Even before Endeavor, Karen rarely went mainstream except in some requested performances. The Honeybeavs were quite well known, albeit in the alternative music scene. In the writing facet her songs are known to be "bluntly sarcastic, absurd even and uncensored but spiritually satisfying and painfully honest." And as a performer, her image is generally bare and simple. She's not one to put on a ridiculous costume or set up a sparkly stage. Not that she's against it only that it's always been her thing to go natural, in all sense of the word. A guitar in hand, the sweats soaking her hair and her clothes as her harsh singing compliments her epileptic dancing to the brassy rhythm of post punk goodness. That's Karen Maloney.

║ Extra information ║

Claimed color is Teal

Endeavour Records

Ooooh I'm in.

Choice of Romance - Seasons of Youth

Finally posted. It's not much, just a short character intro.

Choice of Romance - Seasons of Youth

Duchess Philomena Ceswick

---

The bustling and lively music came into clear resonance as the carriage pulled over in front of the entrance hall. A delicate gloved hand reaching out, in an almost instinctual manner, as the coachman held the passenger and assisted her down the carriage. An escort had had readied an umbrella over her, providing enough protection from the soft evening drizzle.

It was then that the arrival of the Duchess of Stonia has been notified in court. Philomena carried herself with poise, an attribute that comes naturally to her, but more with the intention of attracting the good graces of her audience. She's no stranger to the process, thanks to the amount of times her mother pushed her to attend such events.

For all intensive purposes, Philomena partly attended solely on business. And by this, meaning that she would have to make herself available to the bachelors in court, to find a partner wealthy enough to enrich Stonia's duchy and most importantly, even ending a possible conflict between other countries. She did not principally come here to find romance, even though, that partly breaks the purpose of the seasons. Internally she would love to but appearances, expectations and the pressures of titles makes it for a difficult wish to achieve. Her father had high hopes for her, she wouldn't want to disappoint him even after his death.

Once her guide escorted her inside, Philomena was impressed by the lavishness of the place. Scoping the crowd she notices the different faces that walk amongst her. Some are familiar, and some are new to her. Yet this was unlike any seasons event that she had attended to, and truthfully, this is her first time attending outside Stonia. It's a rather refreshing change, she thought. After she was left alone the young duchess led herself towards the empty hall, in full view of the garden which caught her attention the most. She would examine the calmly view, whilst every once in a while making small talk with the guests that would stop by to greet her.