#If anyone finds this a useful reference/know of people who might benefit you can defs share this with them

[yukipri]

hello. i read your goodbye message post and most of it feels like i wrote it myself. my account was terminated 3 days ago and i'm feeling exactly the same as you did. dead. spending a ridiculous amount of time and effort, pouring my heart and soul into it, only for all of that to be taken away. my blog kept me sane and it's the reason i stay alive. i truly hope i wouldn't have to wait for months to receive a reply because i don't know how much longer i can take this.

I’m so, SO incredibly sorry this happened to you, it’s not something I want anyone to experience (and JFC are terminations still happening orz). I understand how you feel. I’m so sorry. *HUGS*

I don’t know if I can offer much comfort because again, it DID take me two months to get my blog back, and 2 months of nonstop emailing and determination to keep emailing. I DID manage to get my blog back. I know tons of other people who didn’t. I don’t know if the difference is perseverance, or if it was something on my blog (or more specifically NOT on my blog) that made me a special exception, or anything else.

Still, here’s some advice on possible things you can try. I don’t know if any of these things contributed to getting my blog back, but if it feels better to be doing something rather than just waiting, here are some things that I tried.

-Send emails consistently, but not too much. I don’t know if they blacklist emails/blogs that contact support too much, but I was wary of it, and other than the first week, kept my emails to once a week.

-KEEP SENDING EMAILS. I don’t know if there’s something in their system sorta like the Tumblr inbox that doesn’t let some of their messages through, or if they simply skip/ignore some. The message they finally responded to was something like the 4th email I sent. They never responded to my earlier ones.

-In addition to sending new support requests, REPLY to the first email you sent. I didn’t notice this the first two times, but that automated “We’ve received your request!” email that doesn’t even have a copy of your message? Well, if you read carefully it tells you to reply to it to keep your place in the queue. Idk if it helps, but it was after my second reply to an older email that they finally got back to me (though not, ironically, on the email I replied to LOL).

-Make your case for why your blog shouldn’t have been terminated as clearly and politely as possible. It’s easy to get emotional, and I know I did a few times, but the vast majority of my emails were borderline groveling. It increased my bitterness, but I could swallow my pride if it meant getting my blog back. Quote their guidelines back at them. Be super, SUPER polite and always thanks staff for their time.

-Try sending a support request in a category other than “blog termination.” There’s a chance it’ll just get deleted/moved to the correct category, but if they take too long getting back to you, then whelp, politeness and trying to make things easy for them be damned. Fact is, they often respond in MINUTES to things like improperly flagged posts. THEY HAVE PEOPLE. Just maybe not people looking at your termination review request.

-Try adding an attachment. Follower sent me a post that gave advice, saying they have a bot scanning for messages with attachments and prioritize those. Idk if it did anything, since staff never responded to any of my emails with attachments, but better to cover all your bases. I made a simple jpg infographic on Tumblr, with my blog url, icon, date blog was created, approximate follower count, date of termination, and very simple bullets why my blog shouldn’t have been terminated.

-SAVE all of your messages before you hit send! Because when you get that automated email, they don’t give you a record of what you sent, which sucks and is stupid. I have a text file that I saved all my lengthy ass emails to, along with the date I sent them. Near the end, I sent staff a huge ass email compiled of all previous emails, saying “Hey, I sent all of these on these dates.”

-Maybe have friends/followers also send emails on your behalf? I don’t know if this did anything for me, and I know everyone who got a response got a copy-paste answer that I needed to be the one to contact them. But, people WERE sending emails for me (thank y’all so much ;A;), so that’s one more possibility.

I hope some of this information may be helpful to you or others in our situation >.

This is such a painful, unbearable situation. Blogs aren’t just disposable things to so many people, and it’s extremely irresponsible of staff and the entire company that this keeps on happening. And if it gets to be too much, there’s no shame in realizing you need to move on for yourself, and find alternatives.

Even I’m trying not to be too dependent anymore, and to make sure I have no regrets, even if I’m terminated again tomorrow. It could very well happen again. I’ll never be able to use Tumblr the same way again because now I always feel that blade against my neck.

Best of luck, and all the support and positive energy I can send you.

-Kazu

~~

My goodbye post, explaining what I went through, in case people missed it.

Daily reminder that you can find me on Twitter, Patreon, and now AO3 in case my blog gets terminated again.

[krawalito]

Pep talk (be carful might include spoilers)

there is a lot of negativity floating around in our relyo community and i think y'all need some pep talk.

first of all stop giving leaks too much credit. anyone can post leaks and can call them legit. i can, you can. just bc its called a leak doesn't mean its legit. if you read them don't let them consume you. 

1. watch the movies again, what are they telling us? what do you see? that is what you need to concentrate on. not promos or media or merch. its the movies and anything else which is canon. comics, novels etc. i am saying this bc all the promo and merch is not created for reylos only or any other SW fandom group, its made for the GA which is still the majority of people watching the movie. so you see all kind of things in those promos. fighting reylo is one of them. they want to give hints to anyone so that all kind of people want to watch the movie.

2. ben solo will die. well yes, there is a possibly but how high are the chances? pretty low from my perspective. and here is why. Chris terrio said, the movie has a conclusion but it can continue? something like that i don't recall the exact wording. what does that mean? there is a high chance that DLF wants to keep another sequels door open. not just the same universe or another universe, these plans are already there. no he is referring to this saga. how can this saga continue in the future? def with rey and most likely with ben. how? well that depends on their creativity but there is the possibility of a Solo Saga, which means there will be Solo Babies. which means they make love and they can only make love if ben survives bc i highly doubt we will see them hooking up in TROS before he dies. and again there is a chance that the story continues with rey only. chances are there. but very low from my perspective. i would rather watch another Skywalker/solo SW movie than a rey based story i am totally honest here. 

3. ben solo will die. the problem is that many people just look at it from Bens perspective. if you look at it from his perspective he might die, yes. it will be tragic yes. but will it only be tragic for his own character or is there more? what does this mean for Rey? what is it what the force awakens tells us about rey? the belonging she seeks (a family) is not behind her, it is ahead. whomever (she thinks Luke, we all know it wasn't him, bc he did not really come back. he died) you are waiting for on Jakku, they are never coming back. but there is someone who still can. well she is not talking about palatine here either. there is only one person who needs to come back. Ben Solo. what did we learn about her in the last Jedi? that her greatest weakness are her parents and that she needs to let the past die. why is this so important? again bc she has to find her belonging which is lying ahead. if ben solo returns, which he does (i'll come back to this one) and dies after all what exactly were the movies telling us? what exactly did rey get? NOTHING! this arc is too important to be left aside. Rey wants a family and if she is not nobody and has a family indeed we will not connect with it bc there was no proper built up. apart from rey we also have Leia. i want Leia to have at least one happy moment before she dies. she lost so much. her parents, her brother, her husband and her son. it would leave me brokenhearted to see her arc ending like that. women suffered so much in this saga. i don't want to be tortured when i see TROS. 

4. and for all the reylos who still doubt bendemption. this is 100% happening. palp will try to seduce rey. he will bait her with her parents and the question who they were and where they are (this is my head canon) we saw that in the last Jedi. that was one of the core themes in that movie. she is still looking for answers. with this being said and to keep in mind what i have written above there is absolutely no other way for ben solo to turn. he will save or team up with rey because he loves her. its very simple actually. he loves her. love has a lot of power and can move mountains.

5. there is another very important theme throughout the sequels. NO ONE IS REALLY EVER GONE! keep that in mind. 

6. i do not follow leaks but it was hard to avoid them. however i want to give my five cents to two of them. Rey takes the name Skywalker in the end. okay??? why? what's the benefit? what's the story here? Daisys interview yesterday was quite interesting. she said that rey did not find a father figure in Luke and besides she knew Luke for a week. she also says something about Leia which gives zero indication of her being a mother figure to her. Leia doesn't even carry the name Skywalker. unless she will be the one changing her name in the end (that would actually be cool. bc then she would be the Skywalker who is rising.) ben solo doesn't carry the name Skywalker either he doesn't even carries his own lol. so why would she call herself Rey Skywalker? it would only make sense if there is a total other meaning behind it. like new Jedis will be called sky walkers (i don't like it but then again i would be okay with it) rey is a palatine. hm. in what way, how? he is how old now? when exactly did he wed a wife and impregnated her? when he was already gone? i don't think he was a living form when Vader tossed him in the shaft. he probably became something else. the only idea i could live with is some kind of cloning or any other science fiction idea. but she is not his granddaughter in an emotional way. 

7. reylo happens. others have done a great job explaining why. there are plenty of metas, passionate reylos answering all of your questions patiently, podcasters..... the list is long. if you need recommendations, dm me. 

[the-kipsabian]

i am, up, for hearing you ramble about some of your ocs??? Maybe just some general things you have planned for some!! i am up for t h i s

ooooooof alRIGHTY YOU ASKED FOR IT

im gonna. go with a group of ocs tied into a story together cause its easier than picking some random ones and also cause i. love this group a whole lot tbh aaaaaAAAAAA

k so theres this group of kids called ‘supernatural nerds’, in a story together titled ‘hunters of fate’, which is basically just a modern supernatural setting with various beings alongside normal humans, like you have demons and witches and people with extraordinary powers and shapeshifters and a vampire. at least in this group so far, theres a whole lot of other beings appearing throughout the story but not really as a regular cast

as for main characters we have ada! shes a witch who owns a little witchy shop in the city, and has her workshop, where she brews her potions and performs other witch things she does, near the outskirts of the city. she also works with a local private detective (and her love interest cause ofc) to help him solve cases related to more supernatural happenings around the city and other places nearby

april is a vampire~ im not 100% sure yet how im gonna exactly fit her into the things, but shes definitely gonna be the spice of the city nightlife, so shes gonna bring up some trouble to the people already having to deal with the rest of the supernatural stuff running about tbh

aurora is a shapeshifter! she can turn into a chipmunk and back to a human at will, and she loves being mischievous and pulling pranks on people a lot tbh. especially since she can get away with it really easily by turning into a chipmunk and just disappearing, and as shes homeless, people dont really know how to locate her very easily

blair is a little of an odd one as im not entirely sure how im going to place him yet either, but he has a superpower of electronic disruption, which allows him to make stuff like machinery and lights go haywire and misfunction at will. which he uses a lot just to cause mayhem and general chaos in public, mostly cause he has a need for attention

blaire is also a witch, def friends with ada, i’d say they work quite a lot together and possibly co-own the witch shop in town too? im not entirely sure as im. also actively trying to sell this girl right now so im trying to not tie her down too much, but if i end up keeping her, that would probably be the plan!

brendan is the previously mentioned local private detective who ada works with, he mostly deals with the realms of the paranormal, in cases that other detectives wont take cause of their nature of being related to something more supernatural that seems to plague the city and its surroundings

brooke is blair’s sister, and a class a hacker. she can basically get into any system, personal or higher grade, if you just give her enough time. mostly she just uses her skill and the things she learns from hacking into people’s stuff, to track down her brother who she lost contact with, but if theres ever a chance to grab a little extra cash on the side selling the info she finds forward or anything like that, shes probably gonna take it. brooke isnt exactly the most morally high character tbh

declan is a soft rich pretty boi, working safely in his father’s company and stuff, tho he does have. a side job as an underground fighter lol. cause he wants to make a name of his own and not just lean on his father’s and whatnot, so he wants to make his own way of things

evan is a young boy, an “adopted” son of hunter. he just pretty much hates everything and everyone and loves to rebel cause “youre not my real dad” and well. hes not wrong (this is a whole big complicated spoiler-y story thing im not gonna get into right here and now but yeah. evan has issues with everything cause people are assholes mmmm)

faine! is a childhood friend of nates! shes an important character tbh, and shes a soft sweetie who will fist fight anyone who talks shit about her friends. shes a babe that loves pink, but also shes. kind of a sad character cause shes way too dedicated to nate and his stuff for her own good, and her backstory includes dead parents so heyyyy

hunter is a demon. and spoilers, responsible for the death of nate’s parents (which was technically ruled just as a car accident but welllllll). really his whole business is to just do demon stuff and make deals with people so he can either get them to do his bidding for him, or so that he can possess them or their souls to get shit he wants done done without having to involve himself in stuff. also yes hes technically evan’s “adoptive dad” cause evan’s parents sold him to hunter for riches

iris! my sweet little witch bean aaaa

kevinnnnnnn, nate’s boyfriend. somewhere down the line in canon, i havent exactly figured out where or when its gonna happen but its somewhere down there lol. i dont. have too much for him yet honestly? highly debating on giving him some sort of a more high profile career like maybe hes. a model or a small time actor or something. something more high key. idk but hes just. yeah he gay thats about it so far lol

narrator is a demon with the ability to see in the future of others. they do a little bit of fortune telling, tho its never straightforward told to people what they see, even if they do see some things in the future happening very clearly. they can only give out cryptic hints, stuff like ‘beware of the red eyes’ or something like that, giving out anything else will have dangerous consequences to the people who’s future he is telling tbh

nate my boi

nicolas is the second shapeshifter of the group! and is friends with aurora cause of that obviously yay ~ another homeless little dumpster diver, pretty much just like aurora, cause they constantly hang together and just enjoy making a mess together. i dont. have too much on him yet or where he fits into the story, but i love him nonetheless aaaaaa hes precious ~

aaaand finally! zakath! the third demon boi of the group! hes tied together with hunter (cough friends with benefits cough), as they work together closely - zakath is referred to as a ‘collector demon’, who takes the tasks of collecting what humans have promised to demons when making deal with them. thats for example how evan was brought into this whole mess, as zakath picked him up from his parents and brought him over to hunter who the humans had made a deal with to give him their first born child for monetary riches. he might have. some ulterior motives with things and hanging out with hunter tho, buuuuut story spoilers yay, so we dont talk about that now

that should be. everyone? this got long hhhhh i just. love my babies so much goshh i really need to write more for this story again at some point soon mmmmm

[winterwitch611]

Gingerbread & Bloodshed

Parings: Bucky Barnes x Clint Barton, Steve Rogers x Sam Wilson, Tony Stark x Pepper Potts

Summary: Pepper asks the team to decorate Gingerbread Houses for a charity auction. She enlists the help of a local baker. Clint and Bucky think they could have a better time with her behind closed doors. Sam doesn't take kindly to their inappropriate flirting. Fists fly. Things break. Blood splatters Tony's belongings....Just another day in Avengers Tower. 

Word Count: 3166

Pepper calls them all in for a meeting, and quickly sums up the agenda. The puzzled look on all their faces tells her all she needs to know. She would need to summon all her powers of persuasion. It isn’t going to be easy to convince a team of superhumans that building gingerbread houses for charity is a great idea.

“Just think of the smiles on those little faces when they see the finished products. Not to mention all the good that will come from the money we raise when the houses are auctioned off,” she says as she bats her eyes at them. “Can’t you find it in your hearts? I mean I knooow I don’t do annnything for you all year so it’s hard for you to want to do anything for me…”

“Alright, drama queen, let me stop you right there. Is the guilt trip really necessary?” Tony asks adding an almost audible eye roll. “Whadda ya say team? I’m sure we can manage something. I mean really, how hard can it be? If I can design and build an Iron Man suit I’m sure I can build a simple gingerbread house. Clint, on the other hand, I’m sure his will find a way to explode… or implode.”

Clint is leaning back in his chair playing with the strings on the Winter Soldier hoodie he’s wearing. His head snaps up when he hears his name. “What??? Why would you say such hurtful things, Stark? I mean really, I’m wounded,” he says, placing his hand over his heart in mock hurt.

“Seriously, Tony? If anyone is going to cause explosions around here it’s gonna be you,” Bucky tries to defend his boyfriend but Sam isn’t having it and feels the need to speak up.

“Why can’t you let your boyfriend defend himself? You always have to jump in when someone says something bad about your precious.”

“Ya know what? Maybe if someone actually thought you were precious you’d have someone to defend you if the need should arise,” Bucky claps back.

“How DARE you? Steve thinks I’m beyond precious. Don’t ya?” Sam says while batting his eyes in Cap’s direction.

Natasha has had enough of this nonsense. She was pretending to play with her phone while she quietly took it all in. This isn’t the end of the world and it might even be fun. “What’s the worst thing that could happen? Gingerbread houses are probably the only activity we could engage in as a group that won’t cause bloodshed. As long as you all act like adults for a change,” she says and then turns to face Pepper. “I’m sure we can pull this off. You’ll probably have to supervise though.”

“Oh no! No supervision. I don’t need any supervision,” Tony chimes in. “I don’t do well when I’m being hovered over.”

Natasha taps her long red fingernails on the table, clearly annoyed. “And what do you know about building gingerbread houses, Stark? Don’t you think it would be helpful if we had someone here that had some experience? Maybe an actual baker?”

“I have that part covered,” Pepper explains. “Jenny, the decorator from my favorite bakery, will be here on Friday to bake the gingerbread and get everything prepared. She’s even going to build the houses for you. All you little darlings have to do is decorate them. Think you can handle that?”

“Aww, you don’t trust us to build the houses? That’s not nice,” Cap chimes in adding sad puppy eyes for an extra bit of guilt.

“It’s not that I don’t trust YOU, Steve. I don’t trust the rest of the children.” Pepper waves her arms to indicate she referring to everyone else in the room. “Tony will try to build a replica of the Tower complete with wiring for the lights. Clint’s would probably fall apart after he gets distracted and only puts up two walls. Natasha wouldn’t be satisfied unless it was completely symmetrical and perfect. Do you see the logic in my reasoning yet, or shall I continue?”

Steve bows his head and nods. “I get it. I get it. Okay, you win,” he says. “I’m going to assume Jenny is a professional and won’t judge us too harshly.”

“Yes, she is. Don’t worry everything will be fine. It’ll be fun. You’ll see!” Pepper promises.

The team leaves the room mumbling to each other about staying positive and think of the kids.

All Natasha can think is—maybe this isn’t going to end well, after all.

~~~~~~~~~~

It’s Saturday night and one by one the team arrives in the common kitchen. Some look happy, some tired, and some look a little grumpy. Pepper is in the front of room quietly speaking to a pretty girl in a black chef jacket. Her dark brown hair is tied back with Christmas colored ribbons. She looks excited and maybe a little nervous. She takes a deep breath and addresses the room.

“Well hello everyone! So glad you all decided to participate,” she begins as she puts on her bright red apron. “My name is Jenny and I’m here to guide you to greatness! Now let’s all go to our stations and get ready to let our creativity flow!”

There are few groans. Pepper can sense they may need a little shove in the right direction.

“Listen up! You will do this and you will do it with a smile on your faces! There’s a press team on the way and you better not make us look bad. Any of you…Bucky…Sam…do you hear me?” she asks. Her heels are clicking loudly as she crosses the room. Tony knows when he hears that sound she means business.

“Better listen to her. Unless you like getting beaten with a spiked heel shoe and a purse strap,” Tony adds. “And if that’s the case. Send the press team away and call my personal camera crew. I want that on high def video.”

Jenny coughs as she rearranges some of the bowls of candies and colored sprinkles. She’s a little uncomfortable with where this is going and hopes she’s can draw their attention back to her instead. Not that her curiosity isn’t peaked; but now is not the time. This event is supposed to benefit needy children not her secret desire to watch an Avenger get beaten by a woman. Or each other…naked. Okay, her mind is wandering into dangerous territory. She shakes her head to try to clear her thoughts and switches on the perky charm once more.

“Hey now, let’s get this show on the road before the press get here,” she says. “We want to have something good for them to film. Not just blank houses and awkward fumbling, right? So everyone get your aprons on and get those creative juices flowing!”

Bucky picks an apron up off the table and glances over at Steve. The look on his face says, ‘Really? Do I have to?’. Steve immediately glares back as if to say ‘Just do it. Don’t make me come over there’.  Bucky complys. As if on cue, Clint walks up behind him and wraps his arms around his waist. He whispers, a little too loudly, in his boyfriend ear, “Maybe later you can put that on, with nothing underneath, and make me dinner.”

“First of all, we already had dinner. And second of all…not a chance in hell.”

“Oh Barnes, you simple creature. He means make him dinner,” Natasha rolls her eyes as she ties the strings of her apron. “Stupid boys. Now I have to translate their flirting.”

“Okay that’s enough of that.” Sam doesn’t want to picture Bucky and Clint in action. “I think I just threw up in my mouth a little.”

“Whatever, birdbrain. You know you’d jump at the chance to get with one of us.” Bucky knows that’s not true but he loves to try to get under Sam’s skin.

“Right. Because either of you would be a fair trade off for Steve. What color is the sky in your world?” Sam asks.

Realizing the press will be there soon, Pepper needs to get these people under control. The public doesn’t need to know what goes on behind closed doors. Especially not who’s currently sharing a bed with Captain America. She’s pretty sure heads would explode coast to coast if they knew just how sexually active the Captain is. Better to keep his image pure for as long as she can. She’s already explained to Jenny that what happens in the Tower stays in the Tower. The confidentiality agreement she signed pretty much states if she talks she’ll become property of Stark Industries, and never be heard from again.

“Get this out of your system now because if I have to do damage control after the press leaves you’ll all be very, very sorry,” Pepper threatens. “Am I making myself perfectly clear?”

“Yeeees, Pep-per! Sooorry, Pep-per!” they all sing-song in unison. Jenny chuckles and ends up on the receiving end of a Murder Glare™. It’s even more terrifying than the one that Bucky is known for.

“Sorry, Miss Potts.” She bows her head and begins mixing the icing for the houses. When she looks up she catches Clint’s eye. He mouths the words ‘it’s okay, don’t worry about her.’ and adds a dismissive wave and a crooked smile. She feels her heartbeat pick up. Get it together, girl. She says to herself. You don’t have a shot, so just do your job and go home to a cold shower.  

“Okay everyone, as you can see I have all your houses built for you. I also made a sample house for you to follow or you can do whatever makes you happy,” Jenny explains. “It’s really up to you and your creativity. I’m here to help you if you need it.”

“I don’t know about this,” Sam quips, “should you really trust a lunk head like Barnes to be creative?”

“Oh, you wanna see how creatively I can rearrange your face, birdboy?” Bucky asks. The icy stare he’s throwing in Sam’s direction could probably freeze water instantly.

Clint glances over and shivers. “Glad I’m not the one on the receiving end of that look, for once.  Good luck, Sammy ol’ boy, you’re gonna need it.”

Jenny coughs and walks over to help Sam apply the icing to his house. She figures if she distracts them for a moment they will forget what they were arguing about.

Sam sighs and shakes his head. He allows her to guide his hands as he begins to work on his house. They need to focus on the task at hand, not fighting amongst themselves. The faster they get this done the faster everyone in attendance can get back to the things, or people, they would rather be doing. A sideways glance at Steve tells him that his boyfriend has the same exact thought. He winks and wiggles his eyebrows to let Sam know they’re on the same page.

“Can you two keep it in your pants until we get this done… I mean, DAMN!”

“BUCKY!” Pepper shouts and motions toward Jenny. “We have a guest. Can you not, right now?”  

“C’mon Pep, we know you have her under a gag order. She won’t say anything.” Bucky turns to Jenny. “Will ya, doll?”

Before she can answer Clint says, “She won’t talk. I’m positive that after tonight she won’t want to risk her chances of being invited back.” He makes sure she’s looking at him and without breaking eye contact he adds, “Maybe later we can test that theory. Whaddya say, Buck?”

“Copy that!”

“Are you… Are you two hitting on the baker girl?” Sam asks. “You can’t be serious right now.” He shakes his head and adds, “No class. None. You guys are unreal.”

“Excuse you?” Bucky snarls as he pushes his chair away from the table. This is escalating quickly. Nat tries to grab his arm to pull him back but he’s already walking toward Sam.

“You heard me. You got a problem with it?” he asks, rising from his chair.

“I have a problem with you!” Bucky snaps as he pushes Sam back down.

That did not go over well. The shoving becomes punching which results in two large men rolling across the floor and into the adjoining living room. Grunts and thuds echoing off the walls cause the usual head shaking from Pepper and Natasha. They’re used to the juvenile way the men around here problem solve.

“I’ve got $50 on Robocop. Any takers?” Tony asks the others.

“Really, Tony? Don’t encourage them. Act like an adult for once.”

“Lighten up, Stars and Gripes. You know the deal around here. Don’t act all shocked and offended when brawn overrules brain.” Just as Tony finishes bickering with Steve a loud crash draws all their attention. “That better not be my ninety inch TV you assholes just broke!”

There is no reply, just more grunting. They all shrug and continue with the task they’ve been charged with. It’s not like whatever it is that just shattered won’t be replaced by the end of the day. Tony has zero tolerance for broken belongings or walls for that matter. No doubt FRIDAY has already summoned the on staff contractors to repair the damage.

Jenny moves over to help Clint when Sam decides to tussle with Bucky instead of working on his house. “Is this normal?” she whispers in his ear.

“It’s reality in this place,” he whispers back. Leaning in closer to her ear he adds, “It’s kinda hot the way his body moves when he’s fighting…dontcha think?”

Clint’s breath in her ear makes her shiver. His words make her legs shake. When she woke up  this morning she had no idea she might end up in bed with, not one but two, Avengers. Her words get stuck in her throat for a moment before she replies.

“It’s the hottest thing I’ve ever seen. I wish I could…”

“Jenny? I think the others can use your help, too.” Pepper knows what’s going on. She knows that look. It’s the same look Tony had before she ended up in bed with him...and Natasha. Jenny is a grown woman and can make her own choices, AFTER they finish these damn houses, that is.

“Right. Sorry, Miss Potts.”

A sudden yelp from the other room causes her to jump slightly. She backs into Clint and stumbles into his lap. “Crap! Sorry … I’m sorry,” she says as she scrambles to get up.

“Hey, relax it’s okay. I’m not sorry.” Clint has never minded a pretty girl falling into his lap, why start now?

The yelp they heard turned into Sam yelling at Bucky. “Are you freakin’ kidding me, Barnes?! You broke my nose!!”

“OKAY, THAT’S IT!!” Tony leaps to his feet and marches into the other room. “Blood on my rug. Blood on my sofa and oh… PEPPER… look at this,” he yells. She walks through the doorway and freezes. Tony is waving his hands wildly, motioning around the room. She gasps and covers her mouth. There is destruction from wall to wall. All that thudding they heard, that was a head, and various appendages, going through sheetrock.

“Boss, the contractors and cleaning crew have already been summoned,” FRIDAY informs Tony. “I’ve also taken the liberty of ordering a new sofa and TV.”

“Perfect, thank you FRIDAY. You’re the only one worth keeping around here.”

“WHAT?” Pepper gasps. “Excuse me?”

“I didn’t mean you, dear. That goes without saying.”

“Whatever, Tony.” she says and then turns her attention to the two culprits. The look on her face as she storms across the room actually causes Bucky to take a few steps backward. That isn’t enough to save him. She grabs him by the shirt and pulls him down to her face. “Get your ass back in that kitchen and do what I asked you to do. PLEASE,” she lets him go and gives him a small shove. “And stay the hell away from Wilson.”

“Yeah!” Sam shouts as Bucky slinks out of the room.

Pepper wheels around. “And YOU…you aren’t innocent here. Get your ass down to medical. Then...get back up here and do what I asked you to do. PLEASE.” Of course she has to add, “AND when you get back up here, stay the hell away from Barnes.”

“Yeah!” Bucky shouts from the other room.

~~~~~~~~~~

The houses are done. They press team has come and gone. The team was on best behavior while they were there. No more fighting, or flirting. Tony made up some crazy story about aliens and a suit malfunction to explain Sam’s broken nose and black eyes. It took all of Bucky’s self control to not burst out in hysterical laughter when Tony referred to it as “limp wing”. FRIDAY even helped out by projecting a hologram to cover up the destruction in the living room.

Pepper thanked them all for their cooperation and excused herself. She knew Jenny wouldn’t need to be shown out. They way Bucky and Clint were eyeing her up, that girl wasn’t going to be leaving any time soon. As long as she abides by the contract she signed, she can ‘ride the rides’ as much as she wants. Not that Pepper blames her for wanting to find out what these men are capable of. The team uses sex as a means of stress relief and she’s been involved in some extensive ‘relaxation’ sessions. She just hopes this ends well. Selfishly she’s worried about her baked goods obsession being in jeopardy.

The others begin leave the room. When Tony leaves he’s mumbling something about destruction, payroll deductions and blood stain resistant scotch guarding. Steve wraps his arm around Sam and whispers something about black eyes being sexy. They grab an ice pack from the freezer for Sam’s swollen nose and head up to their shared floor. Bucky hears Sam call him an asshole under his breath so he blows him a kiss. Jenny can’t help but laugh, and Bucky winks at her.

“So, Jenny... How would you like to join Bucky and me for a drink? Celebrate our outstanding teamwork today?” Clint asks hopefully.

“I’d love to but I don’t know if it’s such a great idea,” She says it but they don’t believe she means it. The fact that her pupils are already blown tells them she’d like nothing more than to join them for a drink…among other things.

“Is there anything we can do to change your mind?” They move to stand on either side of her. She can feel her body already begin to respond. The fact that they tower over her makes her begin to imagine the things they could do. She feels a flutter in her stomach as she searches for the right response.

“Actually, one drink can’t hurt. Right?” she asks even though she knows the answer.

“Exactly. I mean, what’s the worst thing that could happen?”   

Beta: @caramell0w

[diveronarpg]

Congratulations, ASH! You’ve been accepted for the role of CLEOPATRA. Admin Jen: I am someone who is completely enthralled by Cleopatra, both as a historical figure and a Shakespeare character. So I have to admit, I had big expectations but, Ash, you completely surpassed them! God, I can’t even express how over the moon I am about this application. Your take on Calina was thrilling to read and pick apart; from the intriguing comparisons you drew between her and her iconic historical counterpart, to the beautiful references to Cleopatra’s history and the poetic tragedy of her story, to the amazing character analysis you explored in the Extras section. These intricacies complimented your deep understanding of Calina, bringing your portrayal to life and making it wholly yours. Your passion for her really shines through and it was a beautiful sight to behold! We can’t wait to see the Queen on the dash! Please read over the checklist and send in your blog within 24 hours.

WELCOME TO THE MOB.

Out of Character

Alias | Ash

Age | 24

Preferred Pronouns | She/Her

Activity Level | Still a working gal, so I’m def still limited to nights and weekends. But y’all know I hardly leave Discord so I’m always about to plot.

Timezone | EST

Current/Past RP Accounts | Can I just… *slides tib’s account over* http://oftybalts.tumblr.com/

In Character

Character | Calina “CLEOPATRA” Sokolova.

What drew you to this character? | Cleopatra. What a woman. In both Shakespeare and in history – and while his name comes first in the play’s title, it is not Antony that gets remembered, is forever emblazoned in history, depicted in art, fashioned in costumes on halloween, celebrated as royalty, nor does he become the sole female symbol to a nation. It is her. The harlot. The seductress. The woman, who many thought did not deserve the crown to her own country.

But it is this kind of a woman that Calina is destined to become. Rising from the ashes of her past. Underestimated. Unbowed. And ultimately unbroken.

If so, the stars wouldn’t have written it that she be found in that alleyway by her adoptive mother. She wouldn’t have made it out of that brothel when she’d lost all else – her possessions, her pride, her hope. She wouldn’t have been found by Damiano and Faron and brought into the Montague fold. She was fated to be much more than a forgotten princess. She was fated to be the queen of an empire – and this is something she never allowed herself to forget again. It is this resilience that brings me to adore Calina so much. Where circumstance after circumstance forged against her was intended to make her wilt as well, she withstood. There’s a pain to that, a realness to that. These reasons make Calina not only a marvel, but an inspiration. As is her Shakespearean counterpart. When the Romans threatened to take the very empire that was her birthright, Cleopatra used the desire, she was so condemned for to create one of the most infamous political strongholds in history, to not only to save her crown but her country and her people as well. Has it not been said that the lily of the valley is the flower that blooms in spite of the darkness? There is no other soft-petaled thing that could depict Calina Sokolova more, though, it’s known she’d rather not be compared to such gentle ideals – she’s much more than that.

What also drew me to this character was the opportunity to find the balance between Cleopatra and Calina, identify the connections between their stories and personalities until they became one. What I love about Cleopatra as a person and a character manifested in Calina, is that she is the epitome of versatility. She is not so simple as to pigeonhole her into one category, one type of woman – as she is many – and she’d sooner sneer at anyone who thought her so one-dimensional. She is the prim scholar, the cultured savant, the coquettish minx, the charming socialite, the strategic tactician, the grateful soldier. There’s a quote I’ve come across and saved as inspiration – ““How many women are you,” he asked. “A legion,” I said” – and if I had to pick a sole defining string of words for my girl, it’d be this one. She’s willing to transform, adapt to whatever situation she might find herself in, an arsenal of personas at her disposal. It’s a skill that not many can master, but she does it with unfaltering grace and glamour as she’s traded her rags for foreign riches. She is every bit feline, perched high above the rest, tail swishing as she surveys and assesses before pouncing from her vantage point. A chessmaster, out-maneuvering and out-witting and out-strategizing the men in her midst, turning the tides into her favor. It is her femininity and willingness to utilize it that makes her underestimated, and perhaps that is her greatest weapon.

Lastly, what draws me to Calina is not only balancing her with Cleopatra, but sorting through the compiled contradictions that reside inside her head and heart. She knows what it is to love and be loved in return, but the beating bleeding thing in her chest is kept behind the gilded cage of her ribs now, as such loss and heartbreak cannot crack at her heart again, not when in the midst of war. Gentle things feel brittle against her skin, and yet brutality causes her to recoil in distaste. She despises those who lack loyalty, looks upon those of vicious tendency with suspicion, but cannot bring herself to be trustful of others as she wishes to observe such savagery and perhaps tailor a bit of it to suit her own purposes. She’s aligned herself with people who do despicable things all before breakfast, and yet she still has the energy to pettily turn up her nose at them all the same for it. She possesses an open mind, but tends to be unyielding and uncompromising when it comes to what she knows, casting her own judgements and aligning her logic only by her own side unless someone is in agreement with her. Hers is a superior intelligence, she knows, a quiet and sophisticated thing. She might be called shrewd or callous for the ruthless plans she might devise, the manipulations she’s deemed necessary, but it is important to note that Calina Sokolova is no more good than she is bad. Sure her origins are questionable, and her motives unknown by most, but she is not a villain – she is simply a woman trying to survive in the mess that men have so brutishly created and come out above it all. A woman trying to reclaim the second chance at life that she’d snatched from the Fates before they could sever it with cruel jagged scissors – because she deserved it. A woman trying to gain all the things she’d lost and then some. She hadn’t come to Verona seeking a throne or a crown, exactly, but if it fits…she’ll gladly rest it atop her head.

What is a future plot idea you have in mind for the character? | Where do you see this character developing, and what kind of actions would you have them take to get there? 3 future plot ideas would be preferable.

BUT SHE MAKES HUNGRY, WHERE SHE MOST SATISFIES | “A woman’s authority spelled a man’s deception.” It’s a quote I’ve crossed multiple times when doing research and looking for inspiration for Cleopatra. It alluded to the Roman narrative that had deemed her an enchantress, condemned by the men around her for her tempting ‘magic’ leading to the eventual demise of their greatest leaders. If only they knew that love was the reason, that their desire for her far outweighed reason, that being so foolish to let heart lead over head was their true downfall. But through the years, through her observation and careful practice, Calina has seen just how powerful of a sin lust can be – it’s not one of the seven deadliest for no reason. Guilty of strategizing her sexuality, she has used such wiles to obtain things that she had no money or status to simply ask for. When faced with her greatest obstacles, the hailed Queen of the Nile utilized her tactical mind as her greatest weapon too, and with forming such advantageous alliances was able to reap benefits she would never have been able to so much as grasp if so stubborn to work alone. She utilized love to shackle Rome’s greatest leader, affections to keep the independence of her country and hold an army between her fingertips. I would love nothing more than for Calina to utilize the strategy of her namesake, forge alliances of the unlikely kind, relationships of mutual benefit. Perhaps a faithless Capulet willing to build a bridge that might support her plans, her goals. Maybe even higher ranking Montagues who sat closer to the throne she so wants to sit prettily upon. ( Bonus points if such an alliance is romantic in nature. )

ETERNITY WAS IN OUR LIPS AND EYES | In history, it was a known fact that Cleopatra was led by her mind, while betraying her heart and sacrificing being with her beloved for the sake of the bigger picture. I strongly believe that Calina mirrors Cleopatra in that very aspect, her logical, analytical mind pushing her heart to the side more often than not. I hope to explore the matters of Calina’s head and heart, as they are both such fickle vitals within her. As a woman who is often led by one while prone to befalling the whispers of the other, there’s often a lot of inner turmoil inside of her. Far more used to being desired, she’s almost lost sight of what actual love should look like – though, she’d be a liar if she said it wasn’t the kind of passion and all-consuming intensity she craved deep down, the thing of fiction novels and foreign films. But she knows love has no place in war, knows she’d sooner die than find something so true, as it is often a tool forged to destroy pawns and capitalize on cruelly as leverage. Life has taught her that to love greatly means even greater loss, and she doesn’t know if she’s ready to lose again after just grabbing the reins back on her life. So she knows in her quest for power, that she must ignore the affectionate leanings she’s so inclined towards to fill such a gapingly empty hole inside of her. She is not void of fondness and she is not without her feelings (as much as she’d like to be), but it’ll come down to it when she has to ask herself which one does she want more, which one is more important: love and meaningful connection or power. A tender heart or a gilded crown? Or will clever Cleopatra find a way to have both?

THE THRONE OF OUR QUEEN IS EMPTY | Aligning herself with those that will protect her, benefit her most is Calina’s modus operandi. Distrustful of many aside from herself, Calina, ever the cynic, knows that you must be vigilant as snakes reside in the very grass she stands in. She still waits for the day that Faron might decide to collect his debt that he’d used to free her from the proverbial chains that kept her shackled to that brothel. Still waits for Damiano to name his price for extracting her to Verona. Never the type to bite the hand that feeds her, Calina is a willing and dutiful soldier, knowing that this is a prized opportunity, that not many are so fortunate to be plucked from the gutter and reincarnated as a new deity, given a new form, a new life. But she knows what desperation is like, and it tastes like bile at the back of her tongue, a lingering flavor that she wishes if only to rid herself of forever. She knows now what the elite tastes like, sweet and decadent like caramel, what it feels like, soft and rich like cashmere, and she’d be damned if she goes back to the streets of Russia she’d been made to merely exist in. Clinging to her new status is what she values most, and so she wants to rise in the ranks, secure her place in Damiano’s eyes. He has heard the stories, the words whispered about her unmatched mind, and she wishes to show him just what she can do for the Montagues. Her eyes are on an Emissary title (for now), not too keen, and far too ambitious to resort to taking orders as a mere soldier for long. But she knows her time will come – she’ll make sure of it. (And I want to see just how much she’s willing to do to achieve it.)

SHOULD YOU EVER COMPARE CAESAR WITH ANTONY | I believe I’m most excited to develop Calina’s connection with Alexander. It interests me because now that I’ve gotten acquainted with Alexander, he carries himself like the warrior Antony was, but his mind is what I know will intrigue Calina most, as she isn’t impressed with a show of muscle and brute strength (though it is entirely nice to view). He’s cunning and as sharp as the knife-carved curve of his grin, and it is this intelligence and drive that shows me shadows of Caesar in him. It is written that Caesar was truly a well-match for Cleopatra as they were intellectual equals, a power couple of sorts as they were ruled by their ambitious minds and worked through their mutually beneficial alliance together. So I’d love to see what kind of pair Calina and Alexander might make, where her intrigue of him will take her.

Are you comfortable with killing off your character? | It would crush me to kill my queen, but of course, if to propel the plot forward, I approve her demise, and it must be as grand and as poetic and as ironic of a death that Cleopatra deserves. If we got some snakes, that’d be greaaaat.

In Depth

In-Character Interview: The following questions must be answered in-character, and in para form (quotations, actions written out if applicable, etc). There is no minimum or maximum limit for your response - simply answer as you would if you were playing the character.

What is your favorite place in Verona?

She can answer the negative to this question rather than the positive. But such is customary of the cynic, is it not? She sees herself seated across from a Capulet counterpart, and only prays to the gods above that her discomfort does not shine through the darkness of her eyes. She sees the velveteen interior, she sees the girls scantily clad and palms itching, she sees Verona’s elite, their fingers offering silver and gold and the lights that have dimmed from the girls’ eyes suddenly returns if for a moment. She can’t see that last bit, but she knows because there was once a time when that had been her. She too had been the girl, glad to serve clients if only to receive payment enough to bring her closer to repayment of her debts. The Dark Lady only reminds her of a past she not only wishes to leave in the tattered pages of her history, but it’s one that needs to remain there, something of the past, a scar that had healed over finally.

“The Capital Library, of course.” Her gaze had been down, examining the pastel shade she’s chosen for her manicured hand, only for that that same hand to make a sweeping gesture, urging the journalist to cast their eyes upon even the furthest corners of her sitting room.  Books, books and more books stacked neatly on shelves, perched precariously against the edges of tables, some lovingly dog-eared so she might not lose her page, others with delicate scribbles in the margins. Texts of new and old. Of the language Verona knows, and in tongues it does not. Her mind was a vast canvas, and reading is not only her solace, but the only way she might paint against it, knowledge of all kinds hanging themselves like masterpieces inside that pretty head of hers. So it’s only with a genuine spark in her tone that she continues, “There is hardly a scent I adore more than that of books.” A pause, a dainty tip of her head, the slightest tug to her lips, “Aside from medovik, of course…” She thinks then of Faron, who’d undoubtedly had a box with a slice of the delectable honey cake from their motherland left on her desk the other day. Once more, she can’t help as sentiment knocks at the door, awaiting answer, as he remembers details so minute, but she doesn’t let it in.

What does your typical day look like?

“Well–” Calina begins, eyes flitting up towards the ceiling in thought, one leg brought up to cross primly over the other, the gilded metallic G of her Gucci suede pumps catching in the afternoon light. “Waking up so horrendously early cannot seem to escape my routine.” She was forged into a creature of the night, nearly hissing as the sun’s rays would break through her curtains each morning. But she has since learned to become one with the day, after hating it for so long, detesting the sun for daring to rise when her world had descended into darkness. Nonetheless, she finds herself much preferring what happens before the sun goes down on this beautiful city. “But I do yoga, I have tea, I feed Si –” She begins her day with all things that relax her, as she knows it’ll only get more turbulent from there.

“I spend most of my day at the embassy more than I spend time here.” Cue the arrival of Osiris, her all black emperor of household, purring as he curls beneath her hand, starved from her affections as her day and night jobs keep her from their home far more than he appreciated. A jealous little thing, he was – not wanting to share his mum with anyone. “Much to this one’s displeasure,” she coos, picking up the cat, holding him tenderly to her chest. “Isn’t that right, darling?” A tinkling laugh slips past charming lips, mouth momentarily pressing to onyx fur to conceal the humor that curved her smile, “Though, I must say, my day only takes a turn for the boring from there. I meet with a few associates, and it’s instantly into interpreter mode.” She leans in then, as if sharing with them a hushed secret, “I’ll be lucky if I speak English for any amount of time.”  A sigh of feigned disappointment escapes her, only for her to continue, “–and then…I suppose I come back here. Have a little dinner, a little wine. Only to rest and do it all over again the next morning.” It all sounds so trivial, and that is with good reason. There is no need for the darling journalist to be brought out of his ignorance of her true purpose here in fair Verona.

What has been your biggest mistake thus far?

A cant of her head, a knowing smile, “Do I look like a woman who makes mistakes?”

Miscalculations were a rarity with someone as careful, as cautious and as well-thought as Calina. But even she is prone to human error – not that the man who was seated across from her needed to know such a thing. Know that she was something mortal and not entirely godly. So, her lips purse as she waits, a finger idly brushing across her cupid’s bow – whether it’s deliberate, is not something you have to ask, as she intends to draw the eye there to the inviting part of her lips.

He pauses, chest rising with an inhale, the words seemingly teetering on the edge of his tongue unable to fall out, but he musters a shake of his head at her inquiry. He doesn’t think so. “Smart boy,” is her coy response, a flash of a wink in accompaniment, so quick if you blinked you’d probably miss it.

What has been the most difficult task asked of you? (tw: illusions of sexual assault)

It wasn’t asked. That was the problem.

To be asked would mean she was being gifted courtesy wrapped in a bow. To be asked would mean she’d be granted choice, the ability to accept or decline, to return or exchange with a receipt. But no – the most difficult task for Calina Solokova to face was demanded of her. (If she wanted to eat, if she wanted somewhere to sleep, if she wanted to live.)

It happened in the shadows where no one could see, perhaps it was best that way so the crystalline tears that treaded down her cheeks would never be seen by the light of day. It’s a memory pushed so far to the recess of her mind, she almost cannot recall all the details these days. But she remembers her face had been stony, still, unmoving, unaffected. The man nameless, faceless as he pushes crimson silk from her lithe frame, as his calloused fingertips touched her without an ounce of knowledge as to what kind of jewel he was holding.

Her lips press together tightly, she feels the matte texture of her lipstick between them. She pauses so she might think, might craft the correct response. It’s then that she decides playing a part might suit her well here. A breath of a laugh, a feigned bashful tuck of her hair behind her ear, “My mind’s certainly drifted, hasn’t it. What was the question again?” A fluttering of lashes, a softened, apologetic smile – the journalist is gracious enough to skip this question, and she thanks him with a deliberate touch to the top of his palm, feather light and barely there.

What are your thoughts on the war between the Capulets and the Montagues?

“War,” she scoffs, the sound gentle but her disdain carrying loud and clear.  

Piercing eyes narrow, the winged tip of her kol liner sharpened like the point of an arrow. “It’d be just like men to start something so barbaric with no end in mind.” To her it was illogical, to waste time, resource and more importantly energy, on the maintenance of a petty feud. There is nothing worth fighting for, she’s realized, if not for love or for power. And she liked to think the Montagues and Capulets fought for neither. There were by far better things than to focus on – the creation of empires, the falling of others, she thinks.

“It’s primitive. Dated. If they want to continue on in this matter they might as well fight over Twitter about it.” Another pause. Her fingertips coming to her lips, as if the words had come out too soon before she could stop them, “But, you didn’t hear me say that either.”

Extras: If you have anything else you’d like to include (further headcanons, an inspo tag, a mock blog, etc), feel free to share it here! This is OPTIONAL.

PINTEREST BOARD

QUOTES:

“How many women are you? he asked. A legion, I said.”

“BELLADONNA, n. In Italian a beautiful lady; in English a deadly poison. A striking example of the essential identity of the two tongues.” – Ambrose Bierce

“Men love me cause I’m pretty – and they’re always afraid of mental wickedness – and men love me cause I’m clever, and they’re always afraid of my prettiness – One or two have even loved me cause I’m lovable, and then, of course, I was acting. But you just do, darling –” – Zelda Fitzgerald

“She is her own heroine—capricious, exacting, exquisite, very learned, and beautifully dressed.” — Virginia Woolf

“She’s a very mysterious creature, with an open smile and a closed soul.” — Colette, from a letter to Madame Léopold Marchand

“She carries herself like a god. She is a composed ocean of waves that could become turbulent if you test her.”

HEADCANONS:

TV TROPES: Brainy Brunette, Silk Hiding Steel, Broken Bird, Femme Fatale, The Chessmaster, Passive-Aggressive Aggression, I Have Many Names, The Charmer, Ice Queen, Faux Affably Evil, All Girls Are Lustful, Honey Trap

CHARACTER INSPO: Catwoman / Selina Kyle (Batman), Hathor (Gods of Egypt), Commander Lexa (The 100)

AESTHETICS: She’s fur trimmed coats and heels as high as her standards. She’s a touch as warm as a crackling fire with a stare as icy as the country from which she hails. Chin tipped up proudly as she balances a gilded crown no one can see but knows is resting atop her head. Her voice is like honey, and her laughter like wisps of smoke, tendrils floating airily above ruby-painted lips. Piercing eyes assessing and calculating, who might she charm next with the knowledge carved into the walls of her mind like hieroglyphs? The answer is: everyone.

Her mother Tatiana Sokolova was a widow and school teacher. Her husband, Mischa, died long before she could conceive a child. It was his only wish, his only hope, that they’d grow their little family in Irkutsk, that one day he’d drive his truck route through the snow long enough for them to have enough money to move to St. Petersburg. It’s a dream he never got to see into fruition, God knows they tried their best, but Tatiana always felt that she’d failed him. It’s why she’d prayed so hard, why she’d wish upon every star, why she’d memorize the scriptures until she knew them by heart, because if she prayed to her gods and believed hard enough – miracles could happen. And when her little miracle did happen, Tatiana only wished that he was around to see Calina grow, see her excel – he would have been proud of her, the woman always said.

They say curiosity killed the cat, and despite knowing that fact, Calina grew up ever curious into her original background. While she never sought for her parents, she did seek answers about her heritage, her ancestry. Taking a test, she finds that her roots lie in the motherland of Africa’s tip and in the desert sands of the Middle East – it’s only logical then that she learn Arabic, that she research the customs of such drastically different cultures, if only to feel closer and more immersed into them. One of her many dreams: to visit both Egypt and Morocco one day.

Showing the early signs of a cerebral child, a gifted child, reading was always little Calina’s favorite thing to do, always by far more excited than her classmates to get the summer’s reading list. She was the type of child who would live in the library if she could, taking out stacks of books only to return them by the week’s end because she’d finished them all, and even went through a few of them twice. It’s a habit she could hardly shake well into adulthood, as the Montagues have now become accustomed to finding her beneath the ornate embellishments of headquarters if she is missing for any period of time. To her, there is no shortage of knowledge, only fools claim to know it all. (But let’s not mistake, she knows by far more than the rest do.)

Her mother showed her how to do everything, Calina acting as her permanent shadow as she trailed behind her. She knows how to cook the perfect solyanka because she’s hovered over her mother’s shoulder while she stood at the stove. She knows how to knit her own scarf, because her mother only seemed to have the energy to calmly knit as she got sicker and sicker, and she’d help her knit-one and pearl-two when her bony fingers couldn’t go on anymore. She knew how to tend to chamomile, if only to brew the delicate flowers into steaming soothing tea, because her mother watered and sang to her plants religiously at the windowsill, and she’d do the same. She learned Ukrainian because that was her mother’s second tongue, almost spoken in their home more than Russian.

Her interests are vast and varied – a modern Renaissance woman. Languages are only the beginning. She enjoyed mathematics, was fascinated by history and geography, and marveled constantly at art. Growing and learning, she couldn’t put a finger on her favorite subjects, as she only wished to consume as much knowledge as she could.

When she does make it to Novosibirsk, Calina goes straight into state university, with the hopes to secure a job once her certificate was in her hand. She studies Linguistics, with the hopes to become a translator, maybe one day able to work for government agencies in her country or across the globe – the United Nations was one dream, among many. But she soon learned that dreaming was for the naive. Due to the illness of her mother, and no one to care for her, she has no choice but to drop out of school, and uses the remaining funds from her tuition payments to take care of hospital bills, their rent, and an decidedly ornate urn when her mother eventually passes. Her ashes are floating through the depths of the Baltic Sea by now.

A brilliant linguist she becomes, with a talent for rapid language acquisition, Calina is skilled in six languages: her native Russian, English, Ukrainian, Bulgarian, Arabic and Italian most recently due to her new ‘business’ ventures.

She alludes some her knowledge to her lovers. Sometimes her customers were sweet, in the exchange for her affection they’d wish to bring her gifts – all she’d ask for was information. A new language to learn, a new book to absorb, a new code for her mind to crack. She learns Bulgarian from Stanislav, as he purred it her ear until she could purr it back. Dariya, her favorite, shows her that English is not as difficult as she thinks, leaving her poems from authors even greater than herself. Is brought hardcover books with gilded spines and Arabic lines from Adrik, and she’d lift his delicate round spectacles so she might press her lips to his eyelids. It was her little way of making better of the horrid situation she found herself trapped in.

It had become an inherent part of her, a subconscious thing for a girl like Calina, to analyze and categorize those she interacts with according to a specific criteria, especially so once she was inducted into the Montague ranks. When she encountered someone new, she’d ask herself a series of questions that would determine their suitability of her attention: What can I gain in this relationship? What can this person give me? Most importantly, will I be willing to part with them if need be?

Dependency is her greatest fear. To live in a world where she cannot save herself, where at every turn a man will be there to rescue her, is not one she can see herself existing in. Which is why she’s more than keen to learn how to better defend herself, how to better weaponize herself and stay protected. But she’s yet to voice such desires, waiting to see who she might best employ to assist her.

Currently, she calls the Verona embassy her second home, more time spent there than beneath the roof of her own apartment. She serves as a translator for foreign dignitaries, her charm and clear command of language makes her shine at meetings to discuss ranges of topics, from foreign policy and international trade to criminal justice and matters of Verona’s security. It’s a strategic move on Damiano’s part to place her there, to be the eyes, ears, and soothing guiding voice of influence that is necessary as far as local and international governments are concerned. It’s no secret her mind cannot be resisted, and it makes all the better for the Montagues to have friends in such high places.

ARCHETYPES:

45% INTELLECTUAL – Thriving on intellectual pursuit, with a defining grace of wisdom, the Intellectual is the ultimate dinner-party guest. Engaging questions and thoughtful debate are their trademarks. They are your sages – imparting their wise words only learned through time and experience. The Intellectuals can be your scientists – juggling a plethora of ideas in their minds, willing to listen and engage in conversation so long as it properly stimulates their intellect. They are your scholars, your polymaths – brimming with bright curiosity for all aspects of life, collecting knowledge in all its forms. But they can also be your judges – masterful arbitrators, sharp and impartial, slicing through the heart of matters to create balance.

35% PERFORMER – Center stage. In the spotlight. Entertaining and exuberant. Flourishing in the face of attention and applause. The Performers are your provocateurs – walking sirens, with charm and unabashed sensuality on their side. They can get anyone to do anything for them with just the right string of words, the right look, the right touch. They are the pretenders, the seducers – dishonesty is a language they speak well, using it to sway the foolish into giving them their hearts. Nothing is as it seems, as they keep you on your toes, teasing you with portions of themselves instead of the whole. But living on the shallow surface can only go so far when it comes to real relationships.

20% ROYAL – Driven by power. On a constant quest to bask in entitlement and luxury. The Royals are your networkers – with esteem, power, charm and more importantly hundreds of contacts at their disposal, they can work any room and cozy up to the power players in it with ease to help push their agendas. They are your queens – ultimate conveyors of grace and elegance, with the ability to lead as examples, empowering those around them (especially women) to succeed. But they can also be your politicians – people-oriented, excellent communicators, with an innate talent for leadership and influence, they firmly understand that their jobs would be nothing without the alliances they can make.

DARK CORE PERSONALITY TEST:

20.11% Darker than the Average Person

TOP DARK TRAITS

MACHIAVELLIANISM (87%) – “Manipulativeness, callous affect, and a strategic, calculating orientation.”

SELF-INTEREST (80%) – “The unprincipled pursuit of gains in socially valued domains, such as material goods, social status, recognition, achievement, and success.”

EGOISM (80%) – “Excessive concern with one’s own pleasure or advantage at the expense of community well-being.”