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    1. MorningStar1399 6 yrs ago

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MorningStar1399 or flowers-for-mars pretty much everywhere, either currently or formerly.
Polyvore was my main thing and where I got started with rp (outside of irl friends of course).
I don't do fandom rps unless there are reasons (and even then I'd prefer not to for many reasons).

Idk what else to say atm...

I'm a creative writing major. I act, sing, read, write, play instruments (viola, guitar, and piano), and draw.

I'm really dull...

Most Recent Posts

In Chaos 4 yrs ago Forum: Advanced Roleplay
A N A S T A S I Y R O M A N O V A

G R A N D P R I N C E o f G L A V N Y A

w i t h a p p e a r a n c e b y A R S E N I Y R O M A N O V A , P R I N C E o f G L A V N Y A


Anastasiy nodded at her request. “Of course,” he said, keeping his voice soft and gentle. He and Arseniy walked with her to the table, Anastasiy sitting and Arseniy remaining standing so not to make her feel completely boxed in. Hesitantly Anastasiy offered a hand in case she wanted it.

She seemed to calm herself down on her own, and Anastasiy smiled reassuringly. “I…I understand,” he said. “I am…same way, sometimes.”

He rested a hand against his chest. ”I am Anastasiy. This is brother, Arseniy.”

Arseniy nodded, lowering himself a bit as if in a slight bow. ”It is nice to meet you, Valentine.” His accent was not nearly as thick as his brother’s. He’d spent much more time working on his English and on hiding his accent.


In Chaos 4 yrs ago Forum: Advanced Roleplay
B R I E L L E A R C H A M B A U L T - B A B I N E A U X

P R I N C E S S o f C O R N E E T B R U M E



If there was one good thing about going to an amusement park, it was the chance to get cotton candy. Or maybe it was the chance to win teddy bears and other stuffed animals by playing carnival-esque games. Or maybe it was spinning teacups. Or maybe it was fried dough or apple crisps with caramel and ice cream or fried Oreos or the fact that she could be childlike for a while.

But no matter what, going to an amusement park was a good thing because it meant having fun, no matter how it was achieved. Thus Brielle put on a light blue dress with dancer shorts underneath for protection, lots of cute silver jewelry, and her newest art piece: sneakers painted with Van Gogh’s famous “Starry Night” on them. She grabbed a white sun hat and some sunglasses, adjusted the cute dinosaurs in her ears, and headed out to the cars.

Arriving at the amusement park made her smile widen. What would she do first? She might want to go on a roller coaster, but she also wanted to try winning prizes. She currently had no friends to hold her stuff while she went on rides, so…maybe it would be best she went on all the rides she wanted to go on first, then worried about food and prizes.
In Chaos 4 yrs ago Forum: Advanced Roleplay
E L I A S K O K I N O S

P R I N C E o f P Ó L E M O S

w i t h a p p e a r a n c e b y D A F N I K O K I N O S , P R I N C E S S o f P Ó L E M O S



Elias was entirely grateful his elder brother wouldn’t be present. Parties of any kind with Stefanos there had the tendency to get bloody or would leave the middle child incredibly tense and unable to enjoy himself as he waited for an attack that might never come. And this was to be a two-month long party, followed by a wedding. He was, however, incredibly grateful his younger sister was going to be there. Dafni got along well with Lea, and would get along well with others, too. Plus, her status as a multiple medalist (silver and gold) from the last three consecutive Olympics would likely fetch her plenty more attention.

Damn overachiever, Elias thought as he watched his sister walk into the common area of their shared suite. Unlike him, she was dressed casually in light denim shorts and a white short-sleeve shirt with skinny black stripes, sneakers, a plethora of bracelets on her left wrist, and a pair of gold-framed aviator-style sunglasses. On her arm was a denim jacket with a pin of Princess Leia’s face with the words “self rescuing princess” written across it. Dafni’s hair was in a ponytail, but the top of her head had been braided as if she started to make two loose French braids but gave up and put her hair in a ponytail, but kept the braided portion on her head.

Pretty sure they won’t be allowing weapons at the amusement park, Daf, he said in Pólemesian.

She frowned but pulled the fancy blade from her jacket and set it down on the table. You don’t think they’ll notice the knife up my shorts, do you?

He gave her a look. Trust your combat skills, Olympian.

Aye aye, captain, she teased with a mock salute, removing the knife up her shorts.

Hey, that is commander supreme to you, not captain. Elias warned lightly, wagging his finger at her. And I do not take my rank lightly.

Yes, anyone can tell you’ve more than earned your status, Mister ‘I-Wont-Dress-Casually-And-Look-Terribly-Frightening-To-All-Who-Come-Near-Me.’ She shook her head. You’re about to stand out terribly.

Elias sighed, looking at their reflection in the mirror. Her casual dress, and his white button-up shirt and black dress pants couldn’t have been more different. His hulking frame and her lithe athletic build were both on display in their attire (in her case, her rather revealing attire), and they knew it.

May I suggest you change into jeans at least? Dafni said, giving her brother a look.

He sighed, but ultimately changed into dark-wash jeans before returning to Dafni’s side.

My little sister, Elias said, arm wrapping around her waist supportively. All grown up. When did she become this beautiful young woman?

Dafni smiled, and patted her brother’s arm. There, there, brother. She snuck out her phone and opened up the camera. Picture time?

After taking more pictures than they likely needed to (some serious, some goofy-faced selfies, and there was definitely one Charlie’s Angels-style photo taken by one of their attendants), Elias and Dafni left their guest chambers and made their way to the cars.

One look at Elias and his resting glare and clenched jaw and no one wanted to ride with them, which led to Dafni taking even more pictures with him on the ride to the amusement park.

And almost immediately upon arrival Dafni wanted to go on a ride.

Come on Elias, come with me on some roller coasters! she begged, tugging at his arm.

He ultimately sighed. Fine, but only to protect you.

Like I need protecting on a roller coaster, Elias. Dafni rolled her eyes, but the two ultimately got in line for the first roller coaster she found interesting.
In Chaos 4 yrs ago Forum: Advanced Roleplay
A N A S T A S I Y R O M A N O V A

G R A N D P R I N C E o f G L A V N Y A

w i t h a p p e a r a n c e b y A R S E N I Y R O M A N O V A , P R I N C E o f G L A V N Y A



He honestly wished he had the ability to sneak off and bury himself in Tumblr or perhaps find a room in which he could practice ballet rather than pretend he was going to be king at some point and would therefore need to try to make friends to possibly make alliances in the future, or that he would need to prove to the world that Glavnya was to be taken just as seriously as any other country being represented that night. Yes, there were problems that they needed to address, but they would get there. Hopefully before his reign could begin.

”I should not be the future king,” Anastasiy had told his mother. ”That was Anatoly. He should be the one who will succeed Father.”

But the terrorist group The Niet and their five bullets said otherwise, and thus the late Grand Prince Anatoly Romanova and his pregnant wife Karina were dead.

A year in the grave and Anastasiy was still upset. This was his brother, and his brother knew that he didn’t want the throne. He just wanted to dance. But someone decided he was no longer going to dance, and thus for the last year he had been cramming extra lessons on diplomacy and politics. And now, at the two months leading up to this royal wedding, those crash-courses would be tested.

The entire world was about to be represented, it seemed, and Anastasiy had to try to leave a lasting positive impression on it.

And possibly gain future allies.

No pressure.

”What would you have done, Anatoly?” he asked the portrait of his brother sitting on the vanity in his guest quarters at the palace. ”Would you have been frightened, nervous, ready to tear yourself to shreds like I am?”

He looked at the confident smile, the mustache over his lips, the one Arseniy had threatened to shave off so many times, the blue eyes (the left of which held a fragment of brown), and the rings on his left hand, and Anastasiy knew.

”No, you would not have been nervous. You would have made friends with everyone and been the hit of the party. Hell, you might have even ended up being the one getting married in the end if you weren’t already.”

Anastasiy shook his head. ”But I’m not you. I was just supposed to be a ballet dancer. I wasn’t supposed to be future king.”

The grand prince eventually stood and looked at himself in the full-length mirror a few feet away from him. It was a day at an amusement park, which meant he was dressed somewhat casually. A short-sleeve button-up shirt with dark blue flowers on black stems on a beige base was mostly undone, exposing the white undershirt beneath. Many rings on his fingers. Black shorts that were possibly a bit too short for him to be wearing but as a dancer he didn’t really care if people stared at his toned legs. Black velvet shoes with gold dragonflies on top. Perhaps the shoes were a bit much, but he refused to wear plain shoes. He turned back to the vanity and picked up several long necklaces and put each one on carefully, making sure they did not get stuck in his dark curls.

There was a knock at his bedroom door. ”Anastasiy, you talking to yourself?” Arseniy, his younger brother. ”It’s time to go. You done?”

Anastasiy sighed. ”Da, yes, I will be right out.” He took a deep breath, one last look in the mirror, and the water bottle off his vanity before exiting the bedroom.

Arseniy was, decidedly, much more casual, in his entirely-untucked navy blue with a white flower patterned short-sleeve button-up, dark wash jeans, and black Converse. He gave his older brother one of his trademark grins, and Anastasiy nodded.

It was time to go.

The brothers walked with two bodyguards in black suits (there only because of the recent threats by The Niet as well as the actual attack on his late elder brother’s life) out to one of the waiting cars, and the four slipped inside, waiting for the procession to the amusement park to begin.

Upon arrival, Anastasiy took a deep breath. So much activity all around. The bodyguards kept close but not too close, and for a moment Anastasiy felt that maybe, just maybe, this was a mistake.

And then…he glanced over at a girl not much bigger than his sister Galya, and likely not much older than her either. She seemed…terrified. The protector in him took over, and Anastasiy walked over carefully, not wanting to startle her. He lowered his neck some, and hunched his shoulders, all in an effort to make himself look smaller and less intimidating.

“Are you alright?” he asked gently, accent thick. His voice was deep and unassuming. His face softened, trying to make what could at times be harsh features appear non-threatening.

Arseniy, realizing his brother was no longer beside him, walked over, but paused a moment. The girl his brother was talking to was his own betrothed, Edelessa of Luxième. It seemed Anastasiy recognized this the same moment Arseniy did, but changed nothing about his demeanor or actions. Arseniy himself swallowed before approaching.

”Everything alright?” Arseniy asked.






R H I A , A L E J A N D R O , & E L I A S



“Doesn't he though?" Rhia commented, giving first Elias and then Alejandro a wicked grin. "I think he does it on purpose," she teased, knowing Alejandro put a great deal of effort into his appearance.

— —

Alejandro laughed at Rhia and Elias’ comments, and part of him was slightly surprised to see a hint of the Elias he had once known show through his otherwise stoic facade. “Oh, but you flatter me,” he replied mischievously, giving them a nonchalant look. “I merely, ah, dress to my tastes. Which, as I am sure you are both well aware of, are quite...colorful.” He threw the two of them a cheeky grin.

He then turned to Dafni, beaming. “And you, of course, look even more incredible. Though you have my sincerest thanks. Flowers are quite nice, no? Even on chitons.” Another cheeky grin. “I am doing quite well. There is gorgeous decor, good food, and good company. I do hope that you and Prince Elias are doing well, too?”

Alejandro felt Elias’ eyes on him as he talked to Dafni. He gave the other prince a sidelong glance, a nigh-on imperceptible arch of an eyebrow-as if to say, well?

— —

Elias nodded. “In other words, it’s on purpose.”

Dafni looked at her brother, expecting a smirk or something, but instead being met with his serious straight-line.

Elias closed his eyes at the chiton comment. He could remember the looks he got when requesting that fabric, then leaving it in Alejandro’s room for him to figure out. The Pólemesian prince had always assumed Dafni had taught him, though it seemed a bit strange a thought now. Alejandro was clever. He could have figured it out on his own.

But seeing him in it…dear gods.

Dafni smiled. “We are doing well, yes.”

Elias nodded, catching that look. “Yes,” he simply said, leaving it at that.

— —

“I think chitons are less about the fabric and more about the legs,” Rhia commented, bringing to mind the various times she’d seen Elias in one. “That and what you can get away with for the pins.” The last time she’d been to Polémos she’d had fun with the latter. “Actually, Alejandro, I bet you could pull off a chiton. It’s not an easy look, but you’re good at pulling off...well, just about anything.”

— —

“I am glad to hear it,” he said to Dafni. “Is this your first time in Aciras? How do you like it so far?”

Alejandro then turned to Rhia, beaming. “Now, now, you are much too kind,” he said, giving her a dazzling smile. “As for a chiton, well...Prince Elias was kind enough to help me find one in floral print, when I visited Pólemos a couple years ago.” He winked. “Chitons, I believe, are one of the most excellent forms of clothing on this planet. With high heels as a close second, of course.”

— —

“Oh no, heels come in first. Back me up here, Dafni - there are many patterns which allow a person to show a little leg, but there is nothing quite like a good heeled shoe.” Rhia leaned into her words with a passion. She didn’t always wear heels, but a good pair of heels could make or break an outfit.

— —

Dafni laughed. “I’m an athlete. I live in sandals and sneakers. Tennis shoes, some people call them. But I dunno, I’ve seen Alejandro here in heels but I do not remember the chiton incident.” She gave her brother a look. “You wouldn’t happen to have proof this occured, would you?”

Her brother cleared his throat. “Uh, no, no I do not. Not on me, at least.”

Dafni frowned slightly. “Hmm, pity.” She looked at Alejandro again. “And as for your question, Alejandro, yes, this is my first time in Aciras. Elias’ too, I do believe. You know, you promised me we’d go see fashion shows at some point, and yet you never invited me to any. And yet, I sent you a ticket to my very first Olympics like you asked. Had to convince my father that one extra guard was not necessary considering we had Elias with us, and you’ve had the good fortune as well as the misfortune of seeing him in action.”

Elias cleared his throat again, shaking his head. “Not now, Dafni,” he said in Pólemesian. She merely shrugged it off. He saw no good in bringing up the first assassination attempt on his brother’s life, the one that gave him two of the three scars on his face.

— —

Alejandro let out a huff of laughter. “Well, you have a point,” he said to Rhia, grinning, “though I suppose the…versatility of chitons is what makes them appeal to me, personally.” And the fact that they are very easy to remove, I suppose, he added silently.

He shot Dafni a sheepish smile. “Well, I would love to see a fashion show with you, but unfortunately fashion month has already passed. Come to Portaya one day, yes?” He furrowed his brow, slightly. “I don’t know if you would rather see the Spring/Summer shows or the Fall/Winter ones. Women’s Fall/Winter is usually during early spring, so maybe you would prefer that? The weather would be warming up.” He winked cheerfully at her, breezing over the last bit of Dafni’s reply, as well as Elias’ subsequent lapse into Pólemesian. “Let me know when you’re free.”

— —

“I say choose based on how much skin you like seeing,” Rhia advised. “Winter tends to feature more jackets and coats, longer sleeves, pullovers, stuff like that.” She flashed a self-conscious smile, but she knew those she talked to well enough to be comfortable continuing. “I like the ladies’ shows better, to be honest. Sure, the lads are hot enough, but you can do so much more with women’s clothing — and the models are gorgeous.” It was an open secret that she swung both ways, but she wasn’t always comfortable confirming it.

“If it’s your first time in Aciras, I can show you around a little,” she offered. “Or rope Lea into it. We’re cousins, and I know she won’t mind. Beneath all the talk of clothes she’s got some interesting depths. She’s got an animal sanctuary that’s actually a lot of fun, if you don’t mind getting a little dirty. Or you can look from a distance, I suppose.”

— —

Dafni pouted. “Mmm, well, I have no use for long sleeves in a country that only sees cold weather in the mountains towards the north, so I suppose it would be best if I saw the Spring/Summer stuff. Besides, Pólemos is hardly one to shirk away from a little…bodily exposure.”

“Almost nudity,” Elias deadpanned.

His sister rolled her eyes. “Whatever. Besides, colder weather could be fun considering I’ve…never actually seen snow. Though it is a little odd to show summery stuff when it’s cold outside, don’t you think?”

The talk of animals made Dafni turn her attention even more towards Rhia. “Animals?” She laughed lightly. “I’m an Olympian and I’ve completed military training. I think a little dirt won’t hurt me.” She nudged her brother, almost spilling her tea. “You should join us.”

Elias blinked. “Only to protect you.”

“Since when have I needed protecting? I can hold my own. Besides, you need to lighten up. Maybe holding a baby goat or something will cheer you up.”

He merely shook his head. “I am fine watching.”

Dafni made a hand gesture as if brushing him away. “Ignore him. He’s been almost boorish these last few years. I’d blame Prince Sunshine over here but I know it isn’t his fault.”

— —

Alejandro gave the two siblings and amused look. “The point of the couture shows is to display what the fashion houses will have for the upcoming season,” he explained. “So Fall/Winter shows are in early spring, because they’re showing pieces designed for the, well, fall and winter of that year. And Spring/Summer shows are in autumn, because the pieces are meant for the spring and summer of the following year.”

At the mention of Lea and animals, Alejandro laughed out loud. “Darlingest Lea is a big fan of animals, yes,” he said-the understatement of the year. Alejandro himself knew that he was one who would be more than happy to simply watch from a distance...animals had a habit of mussing one’s hair and ripping one’s clothing, to say the least.

And then...Alejandro would have stiffened at Dafni’s next words, had he been the type to react to things the way a normal, sane, not ridiculously sparkly and/or outrageous person would. Princess Dafni is on very dangerous ground, here, he thought to himself, darkly. It would be wise if we did not linger on that...topic.

And so Alejandro steered the conversation in a different direction. “What are the animals like in Pólemos?” he asked, casual-as-can-be. “I’d imagine they are quite different from those in the area surrounding Lynston.”

— —

Dafni nodded. “I suppose that makes sense.” She frowned thoughtfully. “I dunno,” she said honestly. “I hardly even think about them, the animals around us. There are lots of stray cats and dogs in Agrios, not that I don’t wish I could find them homes. But there are a lot of birds. We hear them all the time in the olive groves. Believe it or not, flamingos are natives. Big ol’ pink things. They’re great. Stupid, but great. Maybe that’s why I never understand the hype over lawn flamingos. I see too many of them at home.”

— —

Rhia picked up on darker undercurrent in the conversation, but she skimmed past it with practiced ease. “Flamingos, huh? You know, if Alejandro wasn’t such a peacock, I could see him as a flamingo. Bright, vibrant...noisy.” Laughter danced in her eyes. “Elias, I think you’re more...hmm. Ah! I know. A moose!”

Elias suddenly looked at her with murder in his eyes. “Take that back.”

Dafni laughed.

“Shan’t!” Rhia’s expression told him she was only half-serious. “Consider the following: moose are huge creatures. They look all stern, but mostly harmless—”

“Oh I assure you, Rhia, I am plenty capable of harm,” Elias interrupted sternly.

“—but they’re actually quite dangerous if you rile them. Just like you.” Rhia’s expression softened. “Are you really so bothered by the comparison? Moose are majestic. Have you never seen one?”

Dafni couldn’t stop laughing, and Elias gave her a look. “No I have never seen a moose.”

“I can’t help but picture antlers over your head now oh my gods,” Dafni wheezed.

Elias narrowed his eyes at her. “I think I’d prefer a wolf comparison.”

“Wolves run in packs, Elias. And they’re not serious enough,” Rhia interjected.

“But Elimoose!” Dafni exclaimed.

Elias groaned, setting his plate and cup down on the nearest horizontal surface and holding his face in his hands.

Dafni laughed and laughed. “Elimoose! Elimoose!” she teased, earning her quite the glare and a string of Pólemesian curses.

“Alright, Dafni, take it easy.” Rhia hadn’t realized the sister would take her comparison and run with it, though perhaps she should have. She’d always thought a younger sister would be less wild than her brothers.

Dafni forced herself to breathe, shaking her head. “I’m sorry, that’s hilarious. You’d better be grateful Stefanos isn’t here to use that one against you.”

Elias gave her a look but picked up his plate and put a random piece of food in his mouth to keep himself from talking.

— —

Elimoose, is it? Alejandro thought to himself, idly, chuckling as Dafni, Elias, and Rhia argued over what animal Elias would be. Elias’ reaction, however, was not at all how he would have reacted five years ago.

Alejandro leaned back in his seat, slightly, taking a sip of tea. “Well, I for one am perfectly fine with being a peacock. Or a flamingo,” he said with a laugh, even as he surreptitiously studied Elias as the other prince started eating again. In that moment, Alejandro could feel the weight of all the words that had yet to be said hanging between them, but he brushed it aside. They would have plenty of time, later.

— —

“Well, I know that I am a bloody unicorn,” Rhia declared with a smile. “Bright, majestic, and with the ability to stab anyone as needs it. Also attracted to lovely ladies. Fits me to a t.”

Dafni nodded. “That’s fair. I’d fit that too, except I think I’m more of a pegasus. I mean, they seem so much more playful. Unicorns tend to be serious or make people think serious things. Pegasi, though, are energetic and athletic and who wouldn’t want to fly?”

— —

Alejandro had been searching for an opening to confront Elias about...about, well, what needed to be confronted, when Lea Lynton gave him the perfect opportunity.

She turned towards their little half-circle, a wide grin on her face. “Did someone say unicorns? Oh my gosh I love love love unicorns,” said Lea. “Pegasi are so cool, too. Have either of you played Robot Unicorn Attack 2? That is the prettiest unicorn game in existence.”

As Lea chattered away, Alejandro glanced at Elias, again. He leaned towards him, lowering his voice slightly. “You know, Prince Elias,” he began, musingly, “I seem to recall seeing a moose display in one of the libraries, the last time I visited.” He let his trademark grin flash across his face, though his eyes were uncharacteristically somber. “Care to join me as I, ah, re-familiarize myself with it?” His voice was light, playful, but even Alejandro could hear the tense undercurrent in his own words.

— —

Elias gave Alejandro a look. “Seriously? More moose?” He sighed, but finished his tea and the last bit of food on his plate before setting both the plate and cup down and standing. He adjusted his jacket and nodded. “Let’s go then.”

He rested a hand on Dafni’s shoulder. “Excuse me, sister, but I will return.

Dafni nodded and said a quiet, “Yeah, of course,” as she focused on Lea’s babbling.

She’d be fine. Elias looked at Alejandro and nodded once more. The two exited the room, Alejandro in the lead, Elias in tow. Quite opposite most of the last time they’d seen each other almost five years ago.


(Collab between @Morningstar1399, @shylarah, @ayzrules)
A N A S T A S I Y & V A L E N T I N E

collab between @MorningStar1399 &@shylarah

When the song ended, Anastasiy was facing the door when he bowed as if to an audience. However, it was as he stood up again that he realized something.

He had company.

There, hiding herself behind the door frame with a camera in her hand, was a young girl. Well, young might not have been the best word, but she looked Galya’s age, and to an older brother his younger sister was young. Thus, this girl, who actually reminded him of Galya in a way (shyness and appearance at least), seemed young to him.

Anastasiy didn’t want to frighten her, but he was also afraid of butchering his words in English. Still, it was better to attempt than pretend he hadn’t noticed her.

“Forgive me, miss, I…did not know room was being used. I can leave if you would like.” He paused. “You…are princess, no? Maybe saw you at ball. Only briefly. I...did not talk to many people and left early. Too many people. Made me nervous.”

He made his way over to his bag, sitting on the floor to turn off his music and stretch out his legs after dancing so much. It was probably best he stopped anyway. He needed to get ready for brunch still.

Anastasiy looked at the camera in her hands and offered a small smile. “That is nice camera. My sister, Galya, likes taking pictures. I…cannot think of English word for name of hobby. Forgive me, my speaking English is not very good. Am better at writing and reading it.”

— —

Valentine’s eyes widened when the man addressed her, and she took an unintended step back. She considered just leaving, but the man seemed awkward himself. This was a low-pressure opportunity to work on her own pitiful social skills. She should take it.

She couldn’t quite manage a response to the question of her identity, but she did enter the room properly. “I-I...I’m sorry. No, the room’s not in use.” She spoke quietly, in a tone that would be hard to hear in a crowded room. Nor did she speak quickly, her phrases shaped as much by the spaces between them as by her tone and gentle accent. “You don’t have to leave.” Val could never displace someone else, not when they’d been there first. The thought made her hold her camera a bit tighter.

“Photography, it’s called. Um...your English is fine, though.” That was all she could manage to say, and she could feel the heat of a blush rising in her cheeks. Val ducked her head, letting her hair fall in front of her face.

— —

She was sweet. Shy, and definitely uncomfortable, but sweet. Anastasiy couldn’t help but smile warmly as she spoke, continuing to stretch his feet and ankles. “Is okay, I should probably leave anyway, after I stretch. I have to get ready for brunch. My country needs all the…what is it called, um, pee-are? Whatever that means. My brother said it a lot before he…died. Um.” He swallowed. “But Glavnya needs trade relationships in order to boost economy again, or something else. Really boring. I would rather be dancing again.”

Anastasiy sighed, pausing a moment and looking slightly stressed, before turning his head to look at the girl again. “You remind me of my sister, little bit. Small, young, shy. I too. I...I mean, me too. And thank you for compliment, my…English is not as good as siblings’, dead or alive.”

It was a painful thought, Anatoly’s death, and he hoped this sweet little thing didn’t know what that felt like. But he looked at her again, at her eyes, and a bit he’d learned while in ballet school, about one of the countries who’d contributed to ballet’s development, stuck in his head. Luxième had, in very recent history, somewhat torn itself apart, but their royal family was known for distinctively bright blue eyes. Their only heir was a young girl about Galya’s age. He remembered his sister talking about it once, about how she wouldn’t want all that pressure on her.

And to think I naively hoped she didn’t know what death and loss felt like.

Anastasiy blinked, looking away slightly, then back at the camera, then at her face again. If only his French or even Luxemi was better and existed outside his usage for ballet. But looking at her, he decided suddenly switching the language might startle her and thus was grateful he couldn’t speak her mother tongue.

“I…my name is Anastasiy…by what name may I call you?” Maybe not a good question, but it was a way to verify his discovery, no? And if she tried to bolt he would attempt to calm her by saying he didn’t need to know, just wanted to be polite.

— —

Valentine couldn’t help it. She flinched when he mentioned his dead brother, both times. It took a long moment before she found her voice again after that. She needed to change the subject back to something safe. Names were safer, but she needed more than that.

“Valentine.” A short pause, then, “I watched you dancing. How long? I mean, how long have you been studying dance?”

— —

Anastasiy smiled. He was fairly certain the Luxemi princess had not been named Valentine, but he was still fairly certain of her identity for whatever outrageous reason. “It is nice to meet you, Valentine.”

Her question led him to a long exhale. “How long…well, I…I am not anymore studying, or rather am not studying anymore, since last year throne was left to me after…the accident, but…I started at age of five for birthday present—as birthday present—and will be twenty-five in November…so twenty years? Almost twenty years? I still practice because I miss it and wish I could dance instead of one day be tsar—instead of one day becoming tsar, forgive me again, but…” Anastasiy shrugged. “My people need me. Is pitiful answer, but is only answer am given when try to ask if can dance instead of rule.” He shook his head.

He looked at her camera again and thought of another change of topic (he didn’t like the thought of ruling and he figured neither did she). “Maybe one day I can see pictures of me dancing?” He held up a hand. “Not right now. I wait until you are ready. But maybe one day? I do not need to see all pictures, just ones of me dancing.” He shrugged. “Maybe I offer to buy prints of them from you, like professional…um…picture-taker person, um…”

Anastasiy looked down and started to mutter to himself. “Let us see, photography, um, y-ending, so um…constonant, no, no, consonant, da...” He looked up at her, brow furrowed and lips pursed in nerves and confusion. “Um, is it photographer? Photographier? No, is photographer, da? Right?”

— —

His people need him.

Not hers, they just wanted to have someone there. It didn’t matter who. The Athenians and the Senate handled governing. With a wrench of thought Valentine put the matter aside. She didn’t want to think about it.

Wait, he wanted to see her pictures? She instinctively pulled the camera closer to her. She was good enough for tumblr, for a freelance dabbler. But a professional? Anastasiy’s confusion over the word distracted her enough to relax her white-knuckled grip. She nodded a confirmation, even as her thoughts kept whirring. She’d watched him dancing. It was only fair to have her share in return. Wasn’t it?

She looked down at her camera and pushed the buttons to bring up the picture roll. “I-I guess you can see.” A pause as she pulled the strap over her head. “I took some of the palace too.” Val held the camera out. “The arrow buttons move between pictures.”

— —

Anastasiy shook his head. “If you do not want me to see them just yet, I wait until you are ready.” He gave her a smile, but hesitantly held out his hand. “Are you sure you are ready now?”

When the camera remained held out, he smiled and took it carefully in his much larger hands. “Thank you,” he said quietly. He looked down at the buttons and nodded. “My sister has camera like this. She takes pictures mostly of birds.” He clicked through the pictures slowly, going back when he reached the castle shots and off of his. It felt like prying, looking at any others than the ones he’d asked to look at.

“These are very nice,” he said, nodding as he held the camera out for her to take back. “I like them. You are very good.” He smiled and nodded again as if in reassurance of the compliments.

— —

“I like birds,” Valentine ventured, glad to finally have something safe to talk about. She doubted his sister had a camera exactly the same as hers, as it was the sort of camera only someone who was serious about their photography would invest in. The folk in Athens got her photography things when they didn’t know what else to get her, part of why she had such good equipment. The rest was because of a friendship with an employee at her local store who gave her good rates for unopened items even from other places, among other things.

She reclaimed her camera swiftly when it was offered, feeling a sense of relief even though she knew it had been perfectly safe in Anastasiy’s hands. She wasn’t so sure about his compliments, though she mustered a small smile, given that she’d taken the photos just to take them. She could get a better shot composition if it was earlier in the morning, or if she’d been brave enough to venture past the doorway to take the pictures.

— —

Anastasiy nodded, and removed his ballet slippers, rubbing the soles of his feet with his thumbs. There was still tape around his toes, but he wasn’t about to take that off in front of her. He’d do it in the shower later.

He picked up his phone and nearly panicked when he saw the time. “Oh…oh dear,” he said, however contrary to his internal panic he kept his voice calm so not to startle Valentine. “I am going to be late to brunch. I had better go get ready. Cannot miss it even though I want to. My parents are expecting me to behave admirably and get it out that Glavnya is…coming back into world.”

Anastasiy sighed, but put on his other flats before putting his dance shoes back in his dance bag. He stood slowly, and offered his hand for a handshake. “It was nice to meet you, Valentine,” he said. “Maybe we can become friends before time runs out?” He offered a hopeful smile.

— —

Valentine had little to add when Anastasiy said he needed to go. She wasn’t sure she intended to attend the brunch herself, but she wouldn’t make someone else late. The offer of a handshake was met with wide eyes, but she pried her hand free of her camera long enough to accept it.

A soft sound from outside the room caught her attention. “Is that a violin?”

— —

Anastasiy gave her hand a gentle shake so not to frighten her off, but his head picked up at her question. His ears studied the sound, and it made him smile. He knew that sound, or at least he thought he did. It sounded too low in pitch to be a violin, but he was also far away.

“I…I think it may be a cello, but I am not sure. It sounds far away. Shall we see what it really is?” Anastasiy cocked his head, putting his bag over his shoulder and offering a smile. She wouldn’t have to investigate alone if she was truly curious, and he figured that, behind her shy nature, she was a curious one. Why not indulge it a little?

— —

“No...you’re probably right.” Definitely too low to be a violin. She’d spoken without thinking. Valentine rather liked the idea of having someone else with her in seeking out an unknown person, but... “Y-you said...you’ll be late.”

— —

Anastasiy shrugged. “I will already be late no matter what. Besides, I…I play cello. Maybe it will be nice meeting other cellist or maybe violinist or violist or someone else to play accompaniment or melody.” He shrugged. “So…shall we?”

— —

Valentine still hesitated, but at last she nodded. However, instead of saying anything further she just made for the door. The strains of music were soft, but she’d followed quiet things before. It was how you found the animals in nature photography, when you didn’t hope they’d just come to you.

At first, she paused at each intersection long enough to make sure she knew which direction the music came from before continuing on. Soon she didn’t need to, as the source drew closer. Once they’d found the room, however, Val turned shy. She slowed down, hoping Anastasiy would continue ahead and let her trail behind -- not that she could say as much.

— —

He followed her, watching the way she moved, her feet barely making a sound, much like his. For a moment, he wondered if that was…no, best not think of things like that. It would be better not to make assumptions about her, either. Thus, he followed along a few paces behind her, always giving her more space if he felt she needed it. When she stopped in front of the room it seemed the music was coming from, he decided to enter first, letting her enter behind him if she wanted.

The girl with the cello looked awfully young, but maybe she wasn’t much younger or older than Galya or Valentine. He wasn’t sure. Whoever she was, she was very good at playing the cello.

He glanced over at Valentine and offered a small smile as he stood in the doorway to watch the girl play. He didn’t dare interrupt—he knew how much he hated it and could only imagine how much other musicians did, too—but waited patiently, enjoying the concerto. When she was finished, he smiled and offered applause.

“You are very good,” he said. “I am sorry if am interrupting, but I, too, play. Cello, that is. And…and piano. Maybe…maybe I could practice with you later? Have to get ready for brunch—lost track of time practicing ballet—but…um…” He shrugged, looking over at Valentine, who was lingering near the door, not yet brave enough to come in. She shrugged back. If there was just the two of them, maybe she’d come. She’d have to see.

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Elias turned when he heard Rhia’s voice and the closest thing to a smile he usually let appear on his face did. “Why, Rhia.” He stood, taking his plate and cup and moving to sit with the small group, Dafni following and sitting between her brother and Alejandro. “You will have to forgive me—between Alejandro’s fashion and his hair I was blinded. The man knows how to make an impression.” He managed to give Alejandro a small smile and a wink before his usual serious expression returned.

Dafni, however, smiled at Alejandro’s compliment. “Why thank you, Alejandro, though I don’t think you need to call me ‘princess’ anymore. We’re friends now.” She gave his outfit another cursory look and smiled. “I must say you look incredible as always. Loving the flowers—as always.” She laughed. “How are you doing?”

Elias looked over, studying Alejandro’s clothes first. The shirt fit well, the jeans, too, and damn him for wearing heels yet again. Well, he looked incredible as always. He remembered just how well a chiton fit, too. However, he let himself look at Alejandro’s face, maintaining a mask as he stuck a cream puff in his mouth. Five years had done a bit to slim his face, making that jawline even sharper and those cheekbones more deadly. But it was the earrings that got him. Hadn’t Alejandro worn those while in Pólemos?

He thought of the gifts they had exchanged that last morning, waking up in twisted sheets. Alejandro had set in his hand one of the earrings he’d been wearing the day before: a large cross with more decorations than he could have thought to add. Then again, that usually summed up anything the Castilyan wore. Usually it sat in his bedside table drawer, but this morning he’d slipped it in his pocket almost accidentally.

Almost.

He knew he’d see Alejandro, and thus wanted to see if he could show him beneath the table. I still remember, it would say. I still care.

But he couldn’t take it out in front of all these people, hence why he’d initially tried to draw Alejandro elsewhere, slightly more private. For now, though, it would stay in his pocket and he’d remain his usual stoic, military-trained impassive self. It was safest, if not for him, for Alejandro.




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