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[portics]

[portics]

( ilsvle​ )

he feigned  hurt at portia’s words, but was happy that nadya already did that. lucio was starting to become annoyed about how that was what everyone was talking about. he could understand why — if the war ended, everyone could live in peace for the first time in years — but being the prince, he heard about the royal decee even when he was sleeping. he couldn’t understand why nadya wasn’t annoyed by that too, but he was aware that she would make a better rule than both him and giovanni. maybe that’s why she dealt with that better than him, at least superficially. “ will i need to fight my sister for you company now ? i do not care for sibling rivalry, we’ve always fought for mother’s or father’s attention. ”

lucio didn’t believe in her words. how could one outgrown masquerades and meaningless philosophical questions ? portia could be telling the truth, but the prince could smell that there were more than she was telling him. or so he, believed, only because of the rumours he heard. well, if his father coldly killed his mother, he would probably avoid public meetings. “ do you want me to believe your words ? ” he didn’t want to push her to say anything for him, as it was too personal, probably. “ some of us were worried about you. me included. ”

          A LAUGH TOOK OVER HER, so unexpectedly portia covered her mouth. the thought of anyone having a feud over her company was absurd enough, but adding lucio and nadya to the scene was positively farcical. ❝ as much as the idea amuses me, i don’t think that will be necessary. talking with nadya for too long makes me want to cut off an arm. with you, it’s only the fingers. ❞ as sly as her tone was, portia couldn’t hold some of the affection that seeped through it. ❝ besides, it isn’t like this political affair actually interests me. ❞ finding out exactly what the other houses were planning to do could be smart, but portia had bigger concerns on her mind. she was more focused on the blood within her own home than the one in the streets.

❝ i don’t know what i want. ❞ she said honestly, perhaps more than she had been to anyone in quite some time. in a matter of weeks portia’s life had become a whirlwind unrecognizable even to herself, let alone the people who were not privy to her deranged, if not justifiable, thoughts. suddenly, her expression was much more somber. ❝ well, finding a substitute wouldn’t be too hard. pretty young ladies with a penchant  for the classics come in any street these days. ❞ deflecting with a sardonic remarc seemed easier than to deal with the weight of that admission. still, portia sighed. ❝ i am sorry for causing you worry. ❞

[portics]

( pleasuresend​ )

His smile was a small thing: small and taut, but the laughter that bubbled up was genuine.  Vasco glanced towards her with bemusement and got to business of pouring them each a glass.

“If I am not mistaken,” he began.  “The only reaction they would have of us is obedience.”  This was one rumor – if, indeed, such a term might aptly be applied – which had not been engineered for the entertainment of the masses: no, it was intended to be circulated but solemnly, with a note of passive acquiescence.  “And, of course,” he added, tilting his head.  “Pacificity.”

Nonetheless, he shared her opinion.  Perhaps the branch of the family resulting from the union – now as one – might find it easy to see past the division of their earlier generations, but asking the rest of the city to do so as well seemed a touch foolhardy as far as Vasco could tell.  “It seems, also, an attempt by the royal family to distance themselves from the factionalism of court.  I wonder if this paper shield will, indeed, protect them?”

          ❝ PEACE IS BUT AN ILLUSION to hide what lies beneath. ❞ her words were uttered in a jokingly manner, though portia would hardly consider them a lie. if her own family was built on a legacy of blood, what moral standing did she have against petty lords and their bloodsoaked oats? in that city, loyalty was as much of a weapon as hatred. ❝ and so is obedience. it comes with too many loopholes. ❞ her delicate hands reached for the glass. portia swallowed half of the wine in one breath, hoping the warmth of the alcohol would make up for her cold disposition. she didn’t use to be so hopeless. 

a frown took over her expression. she thought about the prince and princess, people who (against her better judgment) she cared for. when the city started crashing down, they would be the first ones to suffer the impact. ❝ i’m afraid not even the will of the king can control the whims of men. ❞

[portics]

( vipcreus· )

“Oh, I really hope I get to see that wedding. Even people in Milan are discussing it.” Bianca had heard rumours about it before setting foot on Florentine soil. Her noble friends in Milan had connections in Florence, who could tell them everything they needed to know about the two families and the new Florentine couple. But it was only Bianca, who might have the opportunity to witness the union, which made her feel quite proud of herself. If that happened, her Milanese friends would perish with envy. “Do you think it’ll happen soon?” she inquired. “I’m not sure how long I can avoid Father’s entreaties to return. When I left, he was furious.”

           FLORENCE WAS LIKE A GLASS of blood mixed with wine. the only thing that could distract citizens from the daily bloodshed and warring factions trying to rip the place apart was a healthy dose of mind numbing substances and music. that, of course, made for the most luxurious celebrations. ❝ soon enough. before anything can be schemed in order to ruin the big day. ❞ though many would certainly try. portia had already heard some lords dissatisfied with a possible alliance. ❝ that seems like an interesting tale. are you somewhat of a runaway? ❞ it was hard to hide the hint of curiosity in her voice. even in the gloomiest of humours, a good story was bound to make portia perk up like a small child.

[portics]

          THE SMELL OF FLOWERS was sickeningly sweet there, wilting under the sun. portia liked how gardens always seemed like a separate part of the city, a limb that was never properly attached into place. it was easier to think when she didn’t feel the weight of eyes on her back, or when she could forget everything about her uncle. if only he was as easy to deal with as the weeds she had started to plucker from under the rosebeds. 

she wasn’t exactly surprised to find someone else there after turning a corner, but it still caught her off guard. so much for having time inside her own head. ❝ oh, it isn’t mine. ❞ portia said with a smile, skipping through the vegetation to get closer and grab a small fig from the bowl. ❝ which means you probably stole it from someone much less gracious than myself. ❞ the roll of her eyes was mostly for show, but she crossed her arms in a somewhat defiant posture. ❝ pleasant is not how i would describe it, unless we are about to go on a rampage of day drinking. i’m afraid i will need a goblet of wine to support it, anyhow. ❞

open to all !

alessio was predictable ; they always had been. they were more likely to be found out in public drinking or dancing or enjoying the luxuries of another than to be sat at home, engaged in lessons. that would be the downfall of their house, now, and they knew it. if only their sister could be heiress, if only they could go back to a life without responsibility… 

well, they could pretend.

so there they were, pretending, without a care in the world, lounged out in some garden or another (they couldn’t recall the last time they truly cared about where in the city they were, territory was an illusion in their mind, and if they’d crossed into lombardi territory, if they were in for a spat, well… a fight was still more fun than sitting around and learning about taxes.) their hand was in a bowl of fruit, rummaging around until he picked the ripest of the bunch out, raising it to his lips and taking a bite. when someone approached, they looked up, fruit still in hand. “oh, was this yours?” they asked, a lazy little grin rising to their cheeks. “or are you just here for the pleasantries of my company?”

[portics]

( xsweetmelody· )

the   king   took   his   daily   walk   ,   it   was   safer   than   in   london   .   and   the   king   enjoyed   to   push   the   limits   of   safety   .   his   hands   were   behind   his   back   as   he   walked   .   there   was   something   different   about   the   streets   here   ,   somehow   everything   here   was   more   .   .   .   carefree   .   the   people   didn’t   quiet   the   moment   they   saw   his   ebony   hair   .   that   was   what   he   enjoyed   most   ,   being   anonymous   .

he   turned   his   head   ,   hearing   the   voice   of   a   woman   .   she   was   italian   .   he   took   in   her   words   .   “   you   seem   to   have   a   lot   experience   ,   ”   alexander   spoke   ,   amused   .   “   tell   me   how   do   you   feel   about   all   of   it   ?   ”

          ❝ OH NO, I ASSURE YOU i’m completely ignorant of all kinds of state affairs. ❞ she said slyly, turning around to stare at the new presence with a practiced calm expression. ❝ but i’ve lived in this city for twenty five winters, and know quite a bit about florentines, being one myself. we hold grudges. ❞ a few months ago, portia would exclude herself from the other nobles. the idea of so much bloodshed in the name of family honour had been revolting, and in a way, it still was. but how could she judge anyone when her own dreams were tinted by blades striking hearts? ❝ not a very philosophical explanation, i’m afraid, but it is the truth. ❞

[portics]

( vipcreus )​

“I believe that marriage is a good way to bring two households together.” Bianca chimed in. Her viewpoint appeared to differ from that of her current companion, but this did not bother her. Everyone was free to express themselves. Even if she thought they were wrong. “Would you rather have bloodshed?” she inquired. “I believe it would withstand anything if it were to lead to heirs.” People became more tame when children were involved. “I’m looking forward to the upcoming wedding, whenever it happens,” Bianca added, her voice optimistic.

          AN AMUSED SMILE appeared on her lips as the other woman spoke up. portia didn’t recognize her as a noble lady of florence, and hearing any opinion from outside the city was like a breath of fresh air. sometimes she wondered if they were all slowly being poisoned by the bloodshed of the city. still, that didn’t mean she thought the lady was right. ❝ it is certainly a way. ❞ marriages were a powerful symbol, but that also made them dangerous. one slip of the couple in the eyes of the public, and the whole town would know about it by midday. ❝ despite my family loyalties, i’m disinterested in these violent rivalries. it doesn’t mean i think they will go away without putting on a dramatic act. ❞ despite the seriousness of the subject, portia couldn’t stop the laugh that bubbled from her lips. it surprised her. ❝ that is something i wholly agree with. you haven’t lived until you’ve been to a florentine wedding. ❞

[portics]

          THE BEFORE TIMES, as portia had unconsciously started calling them, were a blur of parties, expensive wine and bright young scholars. the prince of florence was somewhat of a constant throughout these memories, so separated from her new detached state it took portia a few seconds to recognize his voice. she had decided to walk to the markets on a whim, afraid of the horrible shadows her mind tended to conjure up inside her uncle’s house. that decision now seemed much less agreeable. for a few seconds, portia thought about ignoring the call completely, but not only would that be exceptionally rude, it left a bitter taste in her mouth. she missed the parties and despite her best efforts, the people who she had considered friends.

❝ good. your sister already gave me some hell about it. ❞ perhaps, she thought amusedly, god’s divine punishment against her murderous thoughts was to be constantly accosted by the royal siblings. ❝ would you believe me if i said i’ve finally outgrown masquerades and meaningless philosophical questions? ❞ her voice was light, almost playful, but the words sounded like a lie even to her own ears. portia forced a smile.

ft. @portics​

lucio never thought he would find friends party community of florence. most of them were just like him — nobles who didn’t like their positions and wanted a place where they could have fun without the judgmental stares of conservative mothers. but portia was different, even though she wasn’t his friend. lucio’s friends were just nadya and damiano, but lady ferrari was close enough. and when she stopped going to the parties and some nasty rumours about her family reached the prince’s ears, lucio become worried about her. he couldn’t help himself — he was curious to know if her father really killed her mother, and why he did it. however, lucio had etiquette’s lessons when he was a child, and he knew it would be rude to ask her that straight away. 

but that wouldn’t stop him to at least ask how she was faring. “ portia ! ” he waved at her with a sympathetic smile on his face, making his way to her. his morning stroll was always good to spot the people he wanted to talk to. “ i guess you heard the news about the royal decree, but i’m not here to talk about it. ” at least one of his conversations wasn’t going to be centred on that. “ how are you doing ? we missed your company on the last parties. ”

[portics]

( iilpotere​ )

through crowds of chatter and solemn glances , it was evident that some were more skeptical of her father’s decree than others , which was to be expected since the engagement announced. but all would have to fall in line sooner than later , if they didn’t desire to pay for it. as far as nadya concerned herself florence would know peace. her family , the crown and their home depended on it. when she overheard a familiar voice , directed at a nobleman in front of the lady , she watched her speak until the moment ceased and the man parted. opportunity to burst her bubble presenting itself on a silver platter at her feet. a moment later , she turned to broach the familiar woman in thought. “ you are not wrong , my dear friend. the strongest material is the word of a king. “ her feigned politeness filled the air. “ i would hope all react with gratitude , sooner or later. for now , our great city will no longer run red with misfortune. ”

          PORTIA’S FACE SCRUNCHED when she heard the familiar voice. for a second she considered going after the young nobleman who had started a conversation with her, hoping he would kill her of boredom before nadya could speak up. lately, the mere thought of a familiar face was enough to make portia slightly unhinged, but with the man long gone, there was nothing much to do besides smiling in contempt. ❝ my sweet princess, it’s been a while. ❞ having your mother murdered happened to be a good excuse for cutting off your social circle. ❝ yes, the world of a king is as strong as the word of god himself. though i’m afraid mortals are still not capable of divine intervention. ❞ pass all the hope and tedious philosophy, portia believed that was exactly what it would take to make florence into the arcadian paradise the king seemed to sought after. ❝ blood calls for blood, nadya. and there is too much of it still on the streets. ❞

[portics]

( magdaguer )​

“We can react to the decree however we like, though none of it will change the royal family’s minds.” Magdalena said as she walked up to the lady as she overheard her words.

Magdalena curtsied before she resumed speaking.

“Pardon my eavesdropping, though the decree is a rather popular topic of discussion today.”

“Though I do agree with you that the union seems very breakable… it makes one wonder how long it will last.” She said as she paid a street vendor for an orange they were selling.

“Would you like one?” She asked as she started to peel the orange she had bought.

          A PLEASANT SMILE appeared on portia’s lips despite her sour mood. her parents raised a proper lady of florence, and she would hate to burn down whatever little dignity their family name still held. ❝ do not excuse yourself, it’s always good to hear other opinions about… the affairs of our city. ❞ portia herself had little care for petty squabbles, but she understood that the rivalry between houses was almost like another organ of the city. rip it apart and you may kill something much more vital in the process. 

❝ yes, thank you.  ❞ she answered, though the idea of a sweet, ripe fruit made her stomach revolt. it seemed that just yesterday portia was running through these streets without a care in the world, eating candied nuts and spiced wine. perhaps happiness was not supposed to last. ❝ the royal family wants to stop the bloodshed, which is admirable. but things are surely going to be interesting from now on. ❞

[portics]

           THE STREETS OF FLORENCE were the same as they had always been. joy and violence laced together so tightly one had to wonder if they were ever separated to begin with, nobles, artists and beggars all going through their day with a facade of carelessness. portia had lived in the city ever since she was a child, and it was easy to notice when some new intrigue was buzzing underneath it. the royal decree could be felt in the streets like the electricity before a storm.

❝ i did hear the news… ❞ she said casually, as if there was any chance someone had missed them. the way gossip brewed in town, they would probably be talking about it in france by the end of the day. ❝ though i’m not sure how we’re supposed to react. this seems like an union forged out of glass and good intentions, and neither are known for being the strongest materials. ❞

[portics]

⇢       introducing  portia  ferrari  ,  the  twenty  five  year  old  cis  woman  ,  lady  of  ferrari  .  she  is  known  for  being  empathetic  ,  ardent  ,  loyal  and  vengeful .  portia  bears  an  uncanny  resemblance  to  anya  taylor  joy  and  is  playing  (  ch  3  )  .  —  (  ooc  :  bee  ,  21  ,  gmt-3  ,  she/her  )

𝔰𝔱𝔞𝔱𝔰

full name : portia ferrari

age : twenty five

gender & pronouns : cis woman , she/her

sexuality : bisexual

residence : her uncle’s household

religion : catholic , not particularly faithful but filled with that sweet Religious Trauma

moral aligment : chaotic neutral

alliance : herself

𝔟𝔦𝔬𝔤𝔯𝔞𝔭𝔥𝔶

portia was named after a woman who swallowed hot coal, and she has to wonder if maybe that is why there’s something burning just underneath her skin. childhood is normal enough, filled with all types of rich colors, scents and tastes a noble lady of florence is entitled to. the ferrari house is not known for its niceties. they are sharp as a finely forged sword, and clever as the devil if the rumours are to be trusted. but even then, her parents were loving, and portia worshiped her father as if he were a saint or emperor. bloodstains and backstabbing are not immediately noticeable to a child, after all. 

blood, however, has a tendency to spread into every little creek and corner. portia grew into a charming young woman completely ignorant to the tensions within her own family, occupying her time reading about other dysfunctional families. she saw herself as a writer, forging new destinies to the likes of medea and antigone. she attended balls and parties, became friends with all the right (and sometimes the wrong) people. florence can be an intoxicating city, and the youngest ferrari was too enthralled by it to notice the tragedy happening in her own household.

unlike what the greek epics would lead you to believe, there is no way to make death into a noble event. when she closes her eyes, portia sees blood all over her mother, her father, her house. one moment, she knows exactly who she is, and the other there are people saying her mother is dead, and her father killed her.  

there was a moment of impossible anguish where she believed them. portia was ready to shift her entire worldview and admit that her father was a murderer, or insane, or both. that is, until she took a look at her uncle during the funeral rites. there is something deeply disconcerting about him. it’s impossible to know for sure, but it’s easier to believe an uncle capable of murder than her own father.

portia inhabits her new house like a shadow, or a ghost. lingering in the hallways, looking for any type of clue or explanation about the tragedy her life has become. she knows her father is innocent, and has convinced herself her uncle is guilty. something deep within her wants revenge, an eye for an eye, and enough blood to make up for the stains that death has left in her soul. and yet, she is not strong enough to do it without proof, without the certainty that she is not risking her immortal soul in hopes that murder will become divine justice.

there is only so much you can do in name of justice before it becomes revenge.

𝔴𝔞𝔫𝔱𝔢𝔡 𝔠𝔬𝔫𝔫𝔢𝔠𝔱𝔦𝔬𝔫𝔰

her best friend. a horatio to her hamlet!! the only person in the world capable of putting sense into her head. 

frenemies. they used to be somewhat petty rivals, but now that portia is more concerned with figuring out what’s going on in her family they’re lowkey worried?? “hey you haven’t called me an idiot in weeks do you need something?”

people from the giordono side she inadvertently befriended. cue lots of tension.

childhood friends. they grew up together because of their families but somewhere along the way drifted apart. they’re trying to reconnect, but things are strained.

more to be added!

[portics]

There’s nothing behind my eyes.

SYLVIA (2003) dir. Christine Jeffs

[portics]

Yves Olade, Mercy

[portics]

Looking for Alaska (2019) Created by Josh Schwartz and Ashley Wigfield

[portics]

Anya Taylor Joy as Petronella Brandt in The Miniaturist

requested by anonymous

[portics]

𝖙𝖍𝖊𝖗𝖊'𝖘 𝖆 𝖉𝖎𝖛𝖎𝖓𝖎𝖙𝖞 𝖙𝖍𝖆𝖙 𝖘𝖍𝖆𝖕𝖊𝖘 𝖔𝖚𝖗 𝖊𝖓𝖉𝖘

𝔭𝔬𝔯𝔱𝔦𝔞 𝔣𝔢𝔯𝔯𝔞𝔯𝔦; twenty five; lady of ferrari — intro

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