timearcs

[timearcs]

"IT IS I," alexander decides to announce, though furthest from the truth. he simply found it amusing. to add to the theatrics, he bows before her. "lady whistledown, at your service." of course he's earned a few looks by those around him, but he's grown to ignore them. laughing at his own humor, he then turns to her. "i have personally theorized that this author could potentially be the queen herself. she does have eyes everywhere, does she not?"

"who do you suppose lady whistledown is? clearly someone with a lot of time on their hands..." she adjusts a bracelet on her wrist. she was a little pleased that some of the drama was away from her family- but she knew that could change. "i am sure, all they write is lies. i don't believe anything they have to say."

[timearcs]

"ME?" an eyebrow raises in pure amusement, leaning forward slightly to rest his elbow on the flat surface, still holding his cards up. "if i recall correctly miss almeida, you have badly beaten me these two games past." aravin couldn't help but laugh softly. it was nice knowing he'd found a worthy opponent. "i believe it is your turn. are we still playing for a drink?"

✱     𝚂𝚃𝙰𝚃𝚄𝚂    :       closed , from marcella ! ✱     𝚂𝙴𝚃𝚃𝙸𝙽𝙶  :       undecided ! ✱     𝚃𝙰𝙶𝙶𝙴𝙳  :       @timearcs !

……………     𝙲𝙰𝚁𝙳𝚂     𝙻𝙰𝙸𝙳     𝙸𝙽     𝙵𝙸𝙽𝙶𝙴𝚁𝚃𝙸𝙿𝚂     ,     𝙱𝚁𝙾𝚆     𝙻𝙸𝙵𝚃𝙴𝙳     with     a     curl     of     a     wicked     smile     on     painted     lips     .     “     i     never     thought     you     capable     of     being     my     enemy     .     ”     jested     through     squinted     eyes     .

[timearcs]

@aristccrats

HE COULDN'T believe he was here. hands placed on his lap, knees together, sitting rather awkwardly in the sitting room of the carlisle estate. after the previous ball, especially after the moment he shared with one particular carlisle — it was safe to say that his mind was plagued by her. after their eyes met for the very last time that night, he first thought it was merely a feeling that would fleet. he waited, seven days to be exact, yet nothing has changed. he thought maybe, just maybe, being in her presence would finally ease the intensity of his thoughts. it was right at the start of calling hours. knowing that there would most likely be a line of gentleman waiting, he wanted to be the first. just as he was about to adjust his seating, the door opens before him. the eldest patel then stands before approaching, bowing with his head. "miss carlisle," a genuine smile graces across his lips. "i suppose you're wondering why i'm here." he chuckles. he couldn't even figure that out himself. clearing his throat, he presents out a golden, circular tin wrapped in a light blue patterned ribbon. "they're sweets from back home. i thought you might enjoy jalebi as much as i do."

[timearcs]

"SOPHIE," aravin gently corrects his sister, wishing quietly to himself that she wasn't mad at him enough to say a word to their parents. it was obvious that if word got to the other side of the ocean, an arranged marriage would be in place. no questions whatsoever. "someone is curious. and what of you, behen? surely i cannot be the only one who has been captivated by someone that evening," he jests. he had to admit — while he was expected to keep an eye on his siblings throughout the entire event, a part of him did get... distracted. truthfully, he felt a bit of guilt. he needed to be there for his sisters. not to play matchmaker, but to be a support system. upon hearing her words, his face softens. there really isn't a place like home. while he missed it himself, he also deserved a break. "what is it you miss the most?" he asks, taking a seat beside her.

closed starter for @timearcs

"i saw you at the ball, with that carlisle woman." devi stated as she walked into the living room of their new estate. the decoration was sober, unusual for the patel sister who struggled accommodating herself to her new life. looking back at her brother, the brunette asked: "do you fancy her? perhaps this will be your new focus?" she couldn't help but be slightly sarcastic. although she was still angry at her brother, devi hoped for him that he would find the right woman as well. perhaps he will then be busier and less focused on finding a good match to devi.

walking around, devi sat by the window and watched the gardens. they were too organized, too neat. how she missed the indian gardens, the jungles and exotic flowers. taking a deep breath, the woman simply murmured: "i miss home."

[timearcs]

( corey mylchreest, 26, he/him, cis male, fairfax #4 ) i wonder how the season will treat  ALEXANDER FAIRFAX. it’s true that HE is DEBONAIR, but i’ve also heard that they can be FRIVOLOUS. do you think they’ll find their match? i doubt it if what i heard is true. i heard that [ REDACTED ]. of course, that’s just speculation.

NAME: alexander theodore fairfax.

NICKNAME(S): alex.

GENDER: cis man & he/him.

AGE: twenty-six.

DOB: june 6th.

ORIENTATION: pansexual.

MARITAL STATUS: unmarried.

BACKGROUND. tw: violence, death

alexander fairfax is the second youngest in the fairfax family

growing up, he definitely lived up to the family name. he was loud, boisterous, and always seeking for a thrill. in fact, he was arguably the loudest in the family. wasn't afraid to speak his mind. this led to him getting into trouble a lot, especially when it came to his peers in school

he used to be all talk. his sharp tongue and wit was typically enough to win any sort of entanglement he got into, but he will never forget the afternoon he came home with a cut lip and bruises spread across his swollen face at the age of eight. it was the first time he'd gotten into a physical altercation with someone, not knowing how to fight back

his father, who shared the same temperament as he did, wanted to do something. so, he handled it behind closed doors. the next day, he began to taught alexander how to fight. which places to strike that hurt the most, and most of all, how to show no remorse

he grew bigger and taller as the years passed by. he lived directly under his father's shadow; idolizing him and whatever he did. his father indulged him in his escapades. he took alexander to boxing matches, bars, brothels... how to hide this side of him too. it was wrong, but alexander looked up to his father so much it was engraved in his mind that this was considered a good life

and then, his father died. rage consumed him for ages. he got himself into things he shouldn't have. he shut himself out from everyone, even his siblings, for a while. he lived the following months looking for a fight, mainly to fill the empty void in his heart. while many believed the late duke of suffolk was not the greatest person, to alexander, he was

now, he's going wherever the wind takes him. he continues to be unapologetically himself, carefree. while he doesn't care for what the ton thinks of him, with his younger sister debuting, he has to be on his best behavior

PERSONALITY.

if you would look up the word "rake" in the dictionary, you will not find a photo of a gardening tool. you will find a photo of alexander fairfax :)

much like his father, he hides his shenanigans well. in events, he will not hesitate to charm everyone around him, becoming a magnetic force to the ladies of the ton. he's polite. he follows the rules. he becomes this picture perfect man in their eyes, because that was what he was trained to do

a secret aside from the secret: he has a way with words in writing. he's a poet! he keeps a journal with all of his poems/writing, but he's too embarrassed to show anyone. also very much a hopeless romantic despite having no intentions to marry whatsoever

if you think he's loud, wait until he has alcohol in his system. he will not shut up

very much lives selfishly, but has a soft spot for the very few who are close to him

[timearcs]

COREY MYLCHREEST as KING GEORGE III QUEEN CHARLOTTE: A BRIDGERTON STORY — 1x04: “Holding the King” (2023)

[timearcs]

IT WAS ALMOST a culture shock, coming from india and stepping into an environment that thirsted for gossip. and of course, after the ball had ended a few days prior, the ton swarmed to one another, whispers buzzing like busy bees. it was amazing what a piece of paper could do. he had never thought such writing could make a lasting impact. standing a bit straighter per the tailor's orders, he couldn't help but hear the words of someone being fitted nearby. "well, i suppose both could be in order," aravin muses, careful not to move even the slightest. "it is rather... odd isn't it? it seems that everyone wants to put their noses in places they shouldn't these days."

OPEN 0/08

Between all of the talk of diamonds and rubies and well-made matches and duty and responsibility, Patrick longed for nothing more than to be back in the thick African brushlands hunting lions or the mangrove swamps of India stalking Bengal tigers with a crew of other sportsman. There, he wasn't Mr.Byrne, an Irishman in need of a wife to spend his money and produce the heirs he knew his family needed, but simply Pat, a man no different than the others beside the fearlessness he displayed in the face of all nature had to throw at him.

Now, he felt nothing but out of place as he was fitted for yet another waistcoat at his aunt and uncle's insistence, his lips drawn into a thin line as he watched the other members of the ton whisper back and forth to each other.

"I need a drink," he said, mostly to himself, "and a cigar."

[timearcs]

Dev Patel as David Copperfield in THE PERSONAL HISTORY OF DAVID COPPERFIELD (2020) dir. Armando Iannucci

[timearcs]

@fortuneandfeasibility

THERE WAS one thing that he was not prepared for when stepping foot into this country — the ton's mamas. the amount of times their daughters were pushed into aravin's direction in one night was too many, and frankly? it was overwhelming. after slipping out from the crowd for a moment, he manages to find a study to seek refuge in for the time being. upon entering, he lets out a sigh of relief seeing a familiar face. "ah, there you are," a smile forms on his lips. "you know, you've failed to inform me about the mamas in your letters," he laughs. "how does one... manage them?"

[timearcs]

EVER SINCE he and his sisters have arrived in london, aravin couldn't help but feel an incredible amount of guilt. agreeing to his parent's demands was a tough decision, and he almost expected the reactions he received after having to share the news. the last thing he wanted was to put his sisters in a bad position. though in retrospect, he had to think of himself too. if he could be away from his parents for even just one season, it was more than enough time for him to do what he wished — to be free. and unfortunately, it came with causing a rift between a certain sister of his. today, his primary goal was to somehow convince devi that england isn't all that bad. he wasn't going to push the idea of marriage so soon, but rather have her acclimate to the new surroundings first. he still had a lot of time, and his sister's comfort matters most to him. as they stepped foot into the ball, he couldn't help but chuckle softly at her remarks. it was such a devi thing to say, which made it all the more amusing. "and your presence alone has made everything brighter, behen." she will warm to the idea soon enough. "now, shall i fetch you a lemonade? perhaps a slice of... cake?"

her heart was broken as she looked at the event taking place in front of her. all those unknown faces, all those formal etiquettes to follow. nothing was the same anymore, they were now in another kind of society. far from their culture, far from their homeland. devi grew up to be a tough woman, often causing her mother to roll her eyes and scold her for being so stubborn. raised not to show any sign of weakness, devi locked her emotions in her heart and endured the challenges of life.

the travel to england was dreadful and devi was convinced that aravin was responsible for bringing her sisters and her to another land. perhaps she was unfair to him, but there was no one else she could be mad at. to her eyes, aravin let her down. she always saw her brother as her protector, now she saw him as her parents' ally. swallowing the lump in her throat, the woman stood by her brother's side and commented about the event: "this is sad. there aren't colors at all. where are the flowers? and the colorful saris? i only see.. dark colors. as dark as the sky is most of the time on this land."

@timearcs

[timearcs]

IT WAS unexplainable, how a moment one can share with someone can make him feel a certain way. because the moment she spoke, it was as if all of his thoughts have left his head, leaving him... absolutely speechless. aravin normally always knew what to say in any situation he's put in, so this was a first. it took him a minute, and he managed to come out with a, "i am simply speaking my truth." it was a shame, how the ton easily turned their backs on someone so soft, so warm, and so gentle. and it was worse knowing that she had nothing to do with their family's downfall. "but i give you my thanks lady carlisle, nonetheless." there's a genuine smile that graces his lips in the midst of their conversation, and he almost feels this pull within him that is beyond incomprehensible. "of the season, yes. my sisters and i have arrived from india a few days prior in hopes of — well, finding a match," he chuckles. "i presume you're no stranger to these sorts of events?"

her brown hues lit with a little sparkle as she noticed this very handsome man standing by her side and commenting about the couples dancing. shyly nodding her head, sophie just sighed: "they certainly are. they are lucky..." she mused, her heart clenching as she longed for the same kind of love. these couples danced in harmony and love, something the woman wished she could experience. alas, with her family name, sophie doubted that a gentleman would want her. as she heard his next words, her cheeks turned pinker as sophie offered him a genuine and beautiful smile. "you are way too kind with me, my lord." she paused before adding. "if i may say, i return you the compliment." her smile grew wider before hearing his name. "aravin patel..." she whispered, loving the sound of his name. "what a beautiful name. i am sophie carlisle... it is a pleasure to meet you as well." sophie bowed her head respectfully before asking: "is this your first event?"

[timearcs]

HE WASN'T angry at what happened, aravin knew that accidents were bound to happen. was in unfortunate? sure. but he's not the type to let a small accident such as this ruin a whole evening. he could tell she was flustered, so he tried his best to not escalate the situation. "i should be asking if you are alright," he smiles, taking a handkerchief from his waistcoat to lightly dab the stain. "shall i get you another drink, miss...?"

𝒸𝓁𝑜𝓈𝑒𝒹 𝓈𝓉𝒶𝓇𝓉𝑒𝓇 // @timearcs

" apologies, sir. i didn't realise anyone else was standing right next to me, " the apology quickly left her lips as a sheepish blush coated her cheeks. lottie could not help but make sure that the liquid from her glass had not soiled the male's fine clothing. " are you okay ? "

[timearcs]

HE WASN'T sure if it were appropriate to laugh, but the comment surely made him speechless. it was a nice distraction though, being away from the ball for a moment. at times, while it was his duty to present himself always, it did get suffocating. raising an eyebrow at the figure before him, he nods. "...intriguing. our fathers must share the same face." at this point, a small chuckle leaves his lips. some sort of punishment would surely be waiting for him back home if his father were to find out. "what brings you in here, albert? surely you've not run out of dance cards to fill."

the small artefact museum was not a likely place to find albert, but he was danced out ( for the moment, at least ) and feared if he ate much more cake he might turn into a slice himself and so found himself there in search of something else to do. discovering he was not alone in the room, with a soft laugh he pointed out a nearby figure. "he's a funny looking fellow, is he not?" if it was in fact meant to be a fellow ; he could not be sure. "looks a little like my father first thing in the morning." @londonhigh-societystart

[timearcs]

NORMALLY he was one to keep to himself, but, word travels fast here in london. it was unfortunate hearing about the recent news of the carlisles; how the mistake of one can make such a disastrous effect on others. aravin knew not to meddle, so he decided to keep a respectful distance from the other. "quite enamored as well, yes?" lips pressed into a small smile, he continues to stare at the couple in front of them, hands tucked behind his back. a small part of him yearned for a love similar to what he's witnessing. unfortunately, it didn't seem possible. keeping his composure, he turns slightly to face her. "though, one would argue that you possess that very same beauty." his head bows slightly at her. "aravin patel. it is a pleasure to meet you."

it was her first event after the whole scandal with her name starring the greatest titles of newspapers came to light. sophie carlisle was terrified at the idea of facing the ton, the judgemental look on people's faces. the opportunity of eventually finding a proper suitor was now close to none, and her heart sank at the idea of ending being the unwanted lady of the ton. all of this because of her brother's actions. sophie stood straight, watching some couples dancing, remaining quiet. lost in her thoughts, the young woman didn't notice the person standing next to her. her brown hues showed sorrow and worry as her thoughts wandered. "they are so beautiful..." whispered the young lady, although it was more to herself than to the other person.

@londonhigh-societystart

[timearcs]

"WELL." an amused smile plays across his lips. aravin understood that balls were not everyone's cup of tea, though, he always thought people made the most of it. it appears he was wrong. "must you disappoint me, vincent? i was truly looking forward to that dance." crossing his arms, he takes a moment to pause in his thoughts. "care to join me in this secretive escapade?"

"you must be really desperate if you sought me out," he muttered, bringing the lemonade to his lips. he scowls and sets it down. it would have been better if the saris served wine. "if you're looking for a dance partner, i would suggest you keep moving. 'fraid i'm all danced out."

[timearcs]

( dev patel, 35, he/him, cis male, patel #1 ) i wonder how the season will treat  ARAVIN PATEL. it’s true that HE is ALLOCENTRIC, but i’ve also heard that they can be IMPRUDENT. do you think they’ll find their match? i doubt it if what i heard is true. i heard that [ REDACTED ]. of course, that’s just speculation.

NAME: aravin suraj patel.

NICKNAME(S): ari, rav, ravi.

GENDER: cis man & he/him.

AGE: thirty-five.

DOB: march 13th.

ORIENTATION: pansexual.

MARITAL STATUS: unmarried.

BACKGROUND.

aravin is the oldest sibling of the patel family. being the eldest meant that he had a duty to fulfill and a role to play; which meant that he never really had the privilege to pursue life's simplicities

born and raised in india, he grew up essentially as the third parent of his three younger sisters. he was considered their rock, and they always knew that they could rely on him about anything. he is super protective of them, while providing support and comfort when needed ( ravi gives the best hugs ! )

because of this, his parents often relied on him. they put extremely high expectations from him, and in their culture, it would be disrespectful to disagree. so, he did everything they'd ask him to. he was sent to the most prestigious schools, expected to be highly proficient in many different skills, and pushed him out of his comforts to mold him into the next rightful heir

it was all so that his sisters would never experience what he had to experience. they always came first to him, and he was willing to bear his parents' burden if it meant for the three girls to live a good life

he would be lying if he didn't say this eventually made him grow resentful. he was a good son, he will do everything he'd ask of them. but he swore to himself that his parents will never reap the seeds that he, himself, sowed

the opportunity of freedom presented itself when his parents had ordered him to take his siblings overseas to england so they'd find their prospective matches. despite knowing that some may not be a fan of this trip, aravin knew that he, selfishly, was given the chance to briefly break free from control. so, he agreed. the next morning, the patels were out to set foot into the ton

PERSONALITY.

even though the patels were known for their trade, economics, and business, aravin is passionate about astronomy. he loves watching the stars every night with a telescope he keeps in his quarters. he has this silly litte daydream of being the first man on the moon

he's very charming and sweet, always knowing the right thing to say. there is never an awkward conversation with him. he tends to have this aura where people feel comfortable around him instantly. very much dad friend vibes

loves a good ratafia cake. it's the way to his heart

doesn't describe himself as a rake, but he also doesn't get attached very easily. is known to dip when real feelings start to form, even though a small part of him wonders what it's like to love

[timearcs]

Dev Patel as David Copperfield in The Personal History of David Copperfield (2019) dir. Armando Iannucci