#ariyan sharma

[leek-e]

Redraw of a behind the scenes photo at Dear Evan Hansen Australia :)

[flcralhaze]

closed starter ›› ariyan banerjee , @classiqals where: the mughal empire's castle

parvati knew  she  couldn't  be  late,  and she wouldn't be. the persistent thoughts trying to persuade her to prolong her solitude her rather than step into the ethiopian sun wouldn't be victorious. however, she needn't be early. so even though she was dressed and hair styled, she lingered in the room. hands fiddled with her bangles, traditional garb had been chosen with care, note even a strand of hair out of place. yet it was another who opened the door and stepped into the sitting room rather than the princess exiting.  ❝ i'll be ready in a moment, ❞  she quickly said, gaze not looking away from the window.

[flcralhaze]

        crowds  were  tolerable  in  moderation,  only  with so many filling lal qila's halls that had proven quite difficult, even the library being more crowded than normal. her favorite nook remained hers alone. all her day couldn't be spent there, however. she'd thought the tea room would be a good balance or would've been if it wasn't empty. the princess still took a seat and poured herself a cup of tea. others would surely arrive for afternoon tea eventually. the hypothesis proved correct. but it wasn't who she'd anticipated. despite eyes remaining on her book, parvati was aware of their presence the moment they entered. her gaze only turned toward them after they spoke.  ❝ i have, slowly. it's quite the adjustment given how many people have traveled here. ❞

closed starter for @flcralhaze // princess parvati

setting -> one of the smaller tea parlors in the lal qila palace

there was little rest to be had, not as their halls had filled with friend and foe alike, and even the walls had whispers to share. no master of espionage, they outsourced for that, ariyan was one keen to being nearest the center of any action, and had been running on fumes alone for most of the day. having finally been begged by attendants to slow and eat, refill their cup, the advisor took to the assortment of sweet && savory bites left out in the tea room between meals, and lowered their guard when they came to see only princess parvati already seated within. whatever frustrations may lie with rashmi, they never seemed to extent to parvati, and somehow she'd wriggled into ari's good graces. taking a seat across from the princess, they started in on some naan bread, waiting to be noticed. " have you been adjusting to the excess of company yet ? "

[thenxghtwemxt]

"What a shame she went mad."

Royal Advisor Ishani Dhar | She/Her | 37 | Mughal Empire | FC: Freida Pinto

NAME: Lady Ishani Dhar TITLE: Royal Advisor to the Bhati Royals/Secret Spy for the Sharma's AGE: 37 FACECLAIM: Freida Pinto SEXUALITY: Pansxual MARITAL STATUS: Single, Involved with the youngest Bhati Royal POSITIVE TRAITS: Empathetic, Eager, Sensitive, Action-Oriented NEGATIVE TRAITS: Bitter, Desperate, Unhinged, Jealous

Secret: After years of resenting your family, you murdered your sister during The Reckoning and instigated the ousting of the Sharma line. Now, you play both sides in a play for the crown.

The Story (So Far): (Murder TW)

No one ever talked about Ishani Dhar. The bastard daughter of a seasoned, military commander. The Dhar's already had their shining daughter - Indira. More beautiful, better educated, and decidedly more enigmatic. Ishani lived in the shadow of her sister's legitimacy and glory. Perhaps if she was just left in the cold, things would not turn out as they did. Alas, her sister needed someone's shoulders to stand on. A girl to mock, minimize, and psychologically torment. Who better than the bastard, taking in after her mother's passing, who served her blood sibling as her ladies made?

She did not imagine her plight to become worse. But then, her sister ascended, to the left hand of the reigning Empress Sharma and her wife. And there Ishani remained, unwed and charmless, stuck serving under her sister's glamorous thumb. It is at her lowest that her saving grace comes in the Mughal Empire's advisor, Ariyan Banerjee. Compelling and influential, they picked up the pieces of Ishani's dismay and turned her into something useful. They picked her out, trained her, and showed her exactly how much she could achieve. Their only ask? Loyalty. And she pays it forward, with every secret learned and maneuver made.

But no matter how high Ishani climbed, her sister would always be higher. A tormenting figure that she could not forgive, despite the years. After a tempestuous argument amidst The Reckoning, Ishani comes undone. Her lifetime of rage accumulating in a knife to her sister's chest. A heavier dosage in the reigning Empresses drink. Finally, it is quiet. Quick to take action, the blame is placed on the revolutionaries part of the Reckoning. And in the wake of Ariyan's departure for Persia, Ishani transforms. She rises from the ashes like a phoenix, now a key advisor to the Bhati's. But enough is never enough - Ishani has waited for this spotlight for so long. Now, she is playing for keeps.

[theopulenthq]

THIS IS ABOUT REVENGE….

the castle is crumbling down.

PLOT DROP 001.

A shrill scream rattled through the courtyard of the Lal Qila palace just as dawn began to crest on the horizon. As guards of all nations rush to the scene of the commotion, panic spreads like wildfire on the sleepy lips of the rest, and talk of an attack flooded through the halls. Abdullah Hasan is the first to intercept the intruders, flanked quickly by Cailean Alexander Fergusson, Otto Estrada, and Ashikawa Satoshi. There was a brief clash of arms, resulting in various injuries to all four of them, until Prince Angelo Tolentino arrived to the fight and recognized some familiar faces, and called for a pause in the violence. By now, everyone had gathered to watch, many still in their nightclothes, clinging to their loved ones, watching from windows and balconies or right there in the courtyard. With the help of Suzume Sõ and Ariyan Banerjee working to smooth the tension between military parties, finally, the royal Chakri family, leaders of the Thailand Kingdom, emerge from the fray. Directly following behind them is the national French military, under the command of the French Prime Minister in conjunction with the royal Orléans family, looking more curious than anything else. 

It is there under the purple and pink-hued sky that the Chakri rulers explain the reason behind their sudden, and forceful, arrival. With heavy hearts, it is announced that the Chakri rulers experienced their own loss; the death of their heirs, two young children. Having little military power of their own, they call upon their French allies to aid in the fight. Attention turns to the Empress Sharma-Thimmana and her spouse Eesha Sharma. They state; "Clearly the Mughal Empire has no handle on things, as we have still suffered, yet received no invitation. The time for frivolous balls and niceties are over." 

With exits blocked and the might of the French military at the helm, the Chakri rulers force a LOCKDOWN at Lal Qila. No one in and no one out, until a thorough search of every apartment is conducted by the French military. All residing in Lal Qila are escorted back to their chambers, held to their seats until all is inspected. Papers searched, trunks overturned, and possessions confiscated by the Thai and French contingencies. The King of Egypt, Achillas Badi, balked at the violation of his family's privacy, questioning the authority of the new kingdoms. After a heated argument and swords drawn in the corridor, Damian Bonaparte intervenes and appeal to his French cousins to bring civility back to the fray. Once the inspection is complete, the residents are allowed to roam Lal Qila once more. Though there is no rest for the wicked, and as nightfall comes, little sleep is had under the siege of enemy kingdoms.

After a long, tense day and sleepless night, the residents are called the next morning to an invitation to dinner that evening in the grand hall. All shall gather to discuss next steps and the true spearhead of the investigation. Neither a pen drop or a breath could be heard, as tense silence filled the grand hall. 

That is, until a scandalized cry echoes through the dining hall. Vinnie Guerrero led a parade of several individuals under arrest and shackled together. With exclamation, princesses Parvati and Raveena Sharma demand the immediate release of the prisoners. Once more, chaos is unleashed as the French rulers refuse to release the “intruders.” Food is thrown every which way, swords are drawn, and the doors are blocked, resulting in more injuries as the confusion takes over. Princesses Kaiming Qing and Ziyi Qing were, unfortunately, closest to the outbreak and were quickly escorted to the infirmary. It was Princess Evelyn Stuart, aided by Leith Cathal, who managed to release the prisoners after realizing that her Lady Eleonora Alderberg had been wrongfully arrested with the others.

Finally, the “intruders” have a chance to say their piece. After introducing themselves as the newly independent royal family of Madagascar, the Ratsifi rulers condemn both France and Thailand for their actions, past and present. They were there on official invitation from the Sharma royal family, to offer support and strength in the investigation. Princess Joanna Stuart is the first to stand, pledging their support against France and Thailand’s demand for leadership in the investigation. Silence fell over the forgotten meal… until Aaliyah Soloman stood to pledge support to the new arrivals, insisting that they be given an equal chance to hunt for answers. To end the disagreement, it was decided that come morning, nations would choose to engage with who they saw fit moving forward. 

When the next morning dawned, there were massive portraits hung in the main hall of each fallen royal - including the two newest deaths of the young heirs. The Chakri royals claim to have commissioned and hung them up as a show of good faith, and to earn the loyalty and trust of those who may still wish to place it otherwise. 

Two investigations. One palace. A number of unearthed secrets. 

What could go wrong?

Welcome to The Opulent, France, Thailand, and Madagascar. Keep your friends close, and your secrets closer - nothing is promised here, and everyone is out for revenge. OOC information is listed under the cut!

Timeframe: The contents of this plot drop take place over two days, with the first day consisting of France and Thailand's arrival and subsequent lockdown. The second day includes the dinner and Madagascar's arrival. Note: you are also welcome to have threads after these two days.

Please check out the KINGDOM LIST to read up the three new kingdom arrivals in the game! 

At this time, the new muse ban is lifted for all members, and our character cap is 6 muses/mun. Please review the diversity rules as you begin applying for new muses. 

You may continue your threads prior to the plot drop, but please ensure all new threads take place either during or after the events that took place!

If your character was listed as having been injured, it is up to you to decide what and how this happened specifically, but please keep it reasonable, as there were no life threatening injuries. Examples include: broken bones, concussions, lacerations, etc. 

Unlisted characters may have minor injuries if you feel it makes sense for where they were during everything unfolded. Please keep these reasonable. Examples include: sprains, smaller cuts/scrapes, bruises, etc. 

If you have any questions and/or concerns, do not hesitate to reach out!

[flcralhaze]

closed starter ›› ariyan banerjee , @classiqals when: after the pre-tribunal.

❝ you're alright.  ❞  a  breath  of  relief  fell as she made her way over to them. news of what had occurred during the pre-tribunal had arrived in pieces, the guards previously posted outside her doors not talkative, allowing her mind to assume the worst when whispers of violence erupting had slipped past the walls. parvati pause, glancing around to ensure they were alone, before speaking,   ❝ ariyan, how could this have happened? ❞   she hoped they understood what she was asking after. distressing as the pre-tribunal's loss of order was, it was not where her true questions lay.

[thenxghtwemxt]

@classiqals | Ariyan and Indira, Evening of Day 2 in the Sharma's Apartments

The first day passes with Indira as an inconsolable mess. Teardrops on her sari, quivering words at every turn. Proof that she is born and bred in a gilded throne, not the panic of war. Indeed, that ache and fear still exists. Concern for her wives. Guilt over her contribution to the salt burn. Antsy anticipation for her brother and Madagascar's swift arrival. It builds and builds until it is a mountain on her back. But Indira is a performer, a social maverick, and at the first sight of Ariyan in her presence? It's honed in, tightly sealed in a package of over-confidence and zeal. "Rashmi is still with the Princesses." Indira says, evening out her voice as she passes a spare glare at Ariyan's reflection in her mirror. "You'd do well not to stare into your own eyes, lest you turn into stone." She insults with practiced bite. "I will be attending tonight's dinner with my wives. And you," she looks back at them. "Will sit as far away from us as possible."

[flcralhaze]

𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐫𝐨𝐠𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐨𝐟 𝐩𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐩𝐚𝐫𝐯𝐚𝐭𝐢 𝐬𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐦𝐚 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐦𝐮𝐠𝐡𝐚𝐥 𝐞𝐦𝐩𝐢𝐫𝐞 .

hello, can you please tell me your name, country, & what role you provide your court?

        ❝ princess parvati sharma of the mughal empire. ❞   she smiled kindly at the inquisitor, recognizing him from around the palace.  ❝ i do my best to provide counsel for my sister, the empress. ❞

and who do you believe to be your closest allies, either nations or individuals? do you trust your allies?

        ❝ allies of the empire are my allies. if my sister has deemed them worthy of our trust and they have proven themselves then i see no reason to question them. ❞   if only her mind would fully agree. her late spouse's initial deception had introduced an increased skepticism. who else was smiling only to get close to her family? but the need to present a united front behind and trust in her sister overruled all other words.

ah, yes, i see . . . how about your enemies, then. who do you not align yourself with, and why?

        lips pressed together in a thin line. if anyone else sat before her and if the walls surroundings her were not familiar she would hold her tongue.  ❝ whoever seeks to harm the kingdom and, most of all, my sister. ❞   eyes remained trained upon the inquisitor less they travel to the royal advisor lurking nearby. she would not have uncertainty born of her own past misjudgments cause strife amongst their court. her gut had been wrong before, and with ariyan's history standing as fact, it likely was again.

interesting. do you have a personal vendetta against any of the courts, or even individuals, here?

        only now did she fiddle slightly with her fingers, which had previously been clasped together. she doubted any harm would come from remaining silent, the matter entirely personal, highly unlikely it'd impact anyone else, but in the same vein there was no danger in revealing it. their relationship had never been kept a secret. parvati's gaze dropped.  ❝ i would not call it a vendetta, but it's no secret that an old . . . flame who i'd rather not see again is here. ❞

what are your thoughts on the mysterious deaths in so many royal families?

        ❝ it's horrid. unforgivable. concerning as well since we cna only hypothesize what their next move will be. hopefully with so many minds brought together here the culprits will not be free for much longer. ❞   and before anyone else could be harmed. so many eyes were now on her family, partially due to their course of action with the ball. the culprit could think them an ideal next target or if another death occurred and they were spared, more suspicion could settle over them.

how do you feel about the system of monarchy as a whole?

        ❝ without clear and strong leadership, chaos would more easily reign. that is not to say it is perfect for no such institution exists, but the monarchies have upheld order and kept people safe for generations. not only here in india but across the world. ❞   a pause, the wheels in her mind spinning faster, and then,  ❝ do you believe a desire to see all monarchies abolished might be the motive behind the deaths? ❞   her gaze wandered to the faces in the room but she was unsurprised when only silence met her.

so, what would be your best theory as to what is going on, then?

        the princess sat up a little straighter. her eyes naturally brightening at the prospect of discussing theories.  ❝ i have a few, ❞   she admitted. her mind had been turning over the few known facts frequently as it did whenever a puzzle was placed before her. far more ghastly and deadly were these events but there were still pieces that when discovered and put together would reveal the true cause.  ❝ but all are based on nothing but conjecture given the lack of evidence. i do think it unlikely that only one person is behind this. it's far too coordinated over such a vast area. ❞

thank you for your time. is there anything else you'd like to add, anything else that would be useful to the investigation?

        she pondered momentarily, but all the thoughts in her head are merely hypothesizes with no basis, all waiting for some evidence that could illuminate one or two as the correct path. parvati could only shake her head.  ❝ unfortunately, no. ❞

[classiqals]

closed starter for @buencs // @gloriousncss {{ not a group thread }}

choose your muse!

setting -> sometime after breakfast, on the lal qila palace grounds

in the wake of the memorium, and the sharma's announcement that they would be gathering intel starting soon, ariyan had their eyes && ears peeled, alert for the discomfort that swept like wildfire through the halls, spilling out && troubling souls even under the sunshine out in the gardens. they weren't sure to be thrilled or annoyed at the wagging tongues of ungrateful, judging guests... but so long as they could use this to their advantage, then did their feelings matter? even so; they had a job to perform, and an act to keep up. a smile graced their features pleasantly as they approached one of the guests, and ari nodded their head low in respectful greeting. " the birds always do sound so lovely in the morning. " they began, looking out through the open arch and pulling silk robes around them as they casually gazed out, beyond to the realm, and then back to their own gaze. " i certainly hope you will be joining us for an interview eventually. you know, we are all here to help. "

[classiqals]

{mahesh jadu, 40, agendered, they/them, sometimes he/him} We are so glad to see you safe, ROYAL ADVISOR ARIYAN SIDDHARTHA BANERJEE of THE MUGHAL EMPIRE! It’s dangerous out in the world these days, but I hear that you are PERSUASIVE and CALCULATING enough to handle it. Just don’t let your SNEAKINESS bring you down! Stay on your guard, because with your secret being at risk for exposure, you wouldn’t want everyone to find out THAT YOU WILL STOP AT ABSOLUTELY NOTHING TO SECURE YOURSELF A CROWN OF YOUR OWN.

BASICS;

nicknames:  ari, to those few he is close with

sexuality:  pansexual

relationship: married to rostam abdul, shah of persia/sultan of turkey

date of birth: nov 9th

zodiac sign: scorpio

moral alignment: lawful evil

hobbies: reading, storytelling, puzzles, games of strategy, debate, fashion, singing (they have a beautiful voice), music, psychology, conspiracy theories, power, adoration.

dislikes: dancing, early mornings, not being listened too, authority. those who doubt them. childish adults. selfish wannabes.

languages spoken: Arabic, Hindi, Persian, Turkish, English, Egyptian, and some Spanish and French, barely passable Chinese.

politics/loyalty: absolutely no loyalty to anyone whatsoever aside from themself, honestly. would betray anyone they know at this moment in time for their own personal gain.

DETAILS;

the family banerjee has been upholstered upon the palace walls of the mughal empire for a century, maybe more; their names are in every record book, soulful eyes in the background of every haunted mirror. loyalists the the throne dating back nearly as long as the sharma family; as the mughal empire itself. they are, or so ariyan believes their name to be, synonymous with the throne. but now the sharma have fallen and it's a new family in charge.

and in turn; oh, have they upheld their duty set before them. eldest of six, ariyan knew the role that they would eventually come to take on, and underwent exhaustive training to be a brilliant, sparkling mind, well enough to make the ancestors proud. they lived and breathed strategy and psychology.

fast forward to finally settling into the position as advisor, a place as destined by the stars, and watching as a young empress takes over and becomes a leader worth fighting for. or so- the world sees, but there is always ariyan in the background, pulling the strings. they fixed the mistakes. they solved the problems. they got their hands dirty. they made things, or people, disappear, and they always ensured that their empress stayed free of the trouble it may bring.

but this was no easy feat, especially not as the little family grow, and soon ariyan found himself cleaning the mess of not one, but three. and this went on... and on... and on. they hate the lovers, they are beginning to hate the empress, even. they want power for themselves.

so they have accepted the request to restart a betrothal to the crown sultan of turkey; then turned regent of persia, for now. this suits ariyan, though they still fester a bit of a grudge for being abandoned for another, when things were going well, too. oh, no matter... ariyan figures this gives additional access to three thrones now. all that would need to happen is for something tragic to happen.

and tragedy did strike. taking advantage of the events of the reckoning, ariyan used this opportunity to eliminate enemies, and had an accidental hand in the fall of the sharma line; even having involvement with the empress' death. panicked and unsure, ariyan hurried to wed their betrothed, and was quick to set their sites on climbing the ladder outside of their home, while trying their best to stay in good with the new bhati royals as an advisor.

efforts not in vain; ariyan earned the trust of their husband over the last year, and while rostam is securing the turkey court under himself, he has left ari in charge of persia.

a very likable person, ariyan is not what you'd primarily expect a villain of this kind to be. charming, extremely intelligent, well-versed in psychology, and an absolute mastermind of a planner, they do make a very valuable asset to anyone. some may even call ariyan gentle if they weren't too close.

[thenxghtwemxt]

The Interrogation - Lady Indira Dhar, Lover to the Mughal Empire Rulers @theopulenthq

Hello, can you please tell me your name, country, && what role you provide your court?

"Must you bore me with your inane questions? You know who I am." Puffing her lips, the Lady lounges back in her seat. Of course, it's no use. They are sticklers for process, it seems. "Lady Indira Dhar of the Mughal Empire. I am lover, caretaker, and advisor to the Empress. As is Eesha."

And who do you believe to be your closest allies, either nations or individuals? Do you trust your allies?

"Anyone who isn't us can't be trusted." She means the Sharma's, of course. There are just as many snakes in the Mughal Empire Court as there are outside of it. "I've been impressed with the Germans so far. Only they understand what the Memoriam is made to be. Lady Feyre and Lord Cailean of Scotland are good sorts. A potential ally in Scotland, perhaps."

Ah, yes, I see... how about your enemies, then. Who do you not align yourself with, and why?

"You, Ariyan." Indira purposely looks away from the scribe, haughty glare back at the immovable advisor to her wife. "Because you are filth. Scum of the Earth. A pathetic excuse for a child of the Empire." The scribe clears his throat, forcing a break from another one of their classic spats. Should he be writing this down? "The Ethiopian royals are in a league of their own self-importance and ego. High and mighty and as false as they come."

Interesting. Do you have a personal vendetta against any of the courts, or even individuals, here?

"What do I look like? A storybook villain." Alright, so she's not the main character either. Doesn't everyone love an anti-hero? "My only vendettas are against those who threaten the Empire... Or who are boring and humorless." Really, it should be treason to bore an Empress.

What are your thoughts on the mysterious deaths in so many royal families?

"It's tragic. Who knows who is next? Which is why it is imperative you put an end to this time suck and let me get back to my guests."

How do you feel about the system of monarchy as a whole?

"There is a reason why the Empire shines, and it is because of the monarchy. People need a representative on Earth. That's who we are." Of course, the jewels and gold help.

So, what would be your best theory as to what is going on, then?

"Isn't it obvious?" Indira nods out the door. "One of the mourning countries did it. Who else benefits from the death of an existing monarch, than the next one in line?"

Thank you for your time. Is there anything else you'd like to add, anything else that would be useful to the investigation?

"That's it. Now fuck off for the foreseeable future."

[theopulenthq]

+1 wanted connected added. see the full list here.

ARIYAN BANERJEE, our MAHESH JADU, from INDIA, is looking for their SIBLING. This is a FAMILIAL connection that looks like ANY FC. They are 30-38 years old. Everything else you need to know is under the cut! Please DON’T contact the writer @classiqals. [the family comes from exceptionally high nobility and wealth and has been loyal, devoted servants to the royal sharma family for as long as the records have existed... the dynamic between the siblings has always been a difficult one, full of deception and sneakiness, plotting and scheming, trying to get ahead of the other. this can be an adopted sibling, half sibling, as long as they were raised together from your muse's birth, it's fine! now, ari worries that his sibling could get in the way of their scheming... and is trying to marry them off somewhere far, far, far away to someone that ari can pay off to keep an eye on them. a loose end.]

[classiqals]

" in a place such as this? " looking out the tall window into the expanse of peaceful nature that created the landscape of ethiopian royal grounds, it was hard to imagine that the creatures that roamed && called into the dark knew of danger, of risk, of pain. unlike the people that now crowded such a safe space; ari felt that was all the humankind knew, especially now. " surely they sing praise over prayer, and as they should. " eyes returned to her - they did not know her, nor had taken notice before, and curiosity clouded dark, glittering gems. " my apologies, i meant not to offend. ever since.... "

trailing off, ariyan fell quiet. the world had changed, since the day of the sharma's fall; the reckoning that claimed the lives of so many, and it was rare to find one without an entourage anymore. then again; did they not stand alone, too? why dwell on the past? a smile flicked over their features, but it did not reach their eyes.

" are you displeased by the musical talent madagascar has to offer? "

she'd taken  a  small  detour  on  the way to the evening concert, reconnecting with a faithful source of whispers who believed themself only a genuine friend. it was for the best that birds didn't know how their songs were being used. but now she made her way toward the gardens, the sound of music guiding her but not preventing her from admiring the passing scenery. gemjabet mariyam, while not as large as the other structures she'd seen during her stay, was impressive in its own way. yet it was the presence of another that truly drew cora's gaze. the shadows cast them initially unfamilar but in the glow of moonlight, the sigils of rank shown.   ❝ do the beasts have any need for prayer? not even all humans do. ❞   if she wandered into the church, cordelia wondered how many of those she observed were merely going through the motions than offering true reverence. lips pursed.   ❝ not all ladies require chaperones, my liege. ❞

[succiducus]

barren trees; chilly nights; mild days; when they'd arrived in late january, the air still held the remnants of winter. now, as he sits outside for the first time since the palace had become over-run with western tyranny and non-regality, he finds spring making a quiet entrance in various corners of the palace. lal qila held a beauty that, much like spring, made a quiet and slow impression on him. offended by the sharma's and over-run with grief, rostam had merely seen it as a place they would soon depart from. the warm breeze; the very faint smell of nearly blossomed fig trees and grass; the low sun hanging over the pointed tops of the fort - it didn't necessary remind him of home, but it was close enough for the time being. over his shoulder, he sends his gaze in their direction. "are you yet ready to tell me why it is that you were not interrogated?" rostam quips with a grin but his attention falls to the clothed item. confusion riddles his face but upon taking it into his hands, his stomach flips; they'd taken his journal like sadistic teenagers with teases on their lips and sneers in their eyes. it was the home to thought and prayer, to grief and suspicion - and although his exterior had been that of a leader, his heart hadn't rested easily since then. fingering the binding, he anxiously chews on the inside of his cheek, covering the book again and placing it in his lap; it was, after-all, stolen property on two accounts. "thank you." the regent whispers, the hint of a smile gracing his features. "your thievery will not place you in a difficult position? will it?" however, there is a shrug in his shoulders. "if we are to be wed, no secrets should exist between us, right, ariyan?"

closed starter -> @succiducus {rostam}

setting -> a couple of days post-plot drop, a quiet gazebo in the gardens

as promised, when pressed, the staff had led ariyan in the right direction to find the sultan. spring was encouraging tiny buds to grow, and soon, within a week or less surely, they'd be surrounded by blossoms and a sickeningly-sweet stench in the air. if it were meant to feel like new beginnings, ari could only hope they would be in their favor.

yet time had proven again and again, fortune favors only the bold. and so ariyan approached the sullen sultan, one that even the advisor, with all their cheap tricks and slimy words, couldn't entirely gain a read on. until they'd found it. unsuspecting, the journal bound now in plain cloth for discretion, a simple shroud of nothing special, though it housed a home of secrets within. what steps ariyan had taken to gain this asset... that, they would take to the grave. " they told me i could find you here. " the advisor greeted upon approach, calling out before coming too close so as not to startle the already shaken. " i believe this belongs to you. " simply, ariyan extended the covered book before taking a seat on the swinging bench beside rostam. " i only looked as far as the name scribed inside. " a lie, but told so well.

[thenxghtwemxt]

Time Skip - Day 2 of the Lockdown

There is an ache in the heavy silence that befell the Sharma's chambers. Likely, because foreign hands touched every trove and made a mess of every sheet. Not even the lady's maids work to restore their matrimonial bed could erase it. They were sitting for hours now, terse silence as Rashmi and Indira unspool what's occurred. The warrior Empress tends to her blade, fierce and enraged. But Indira is no such Empress, and instead, she sinks into her seat with unstoppable tears in her eye. "He will come." Indira nods, breaking the silence as she peers back at the Empress. "My brother, his wife... Madagascar will come and even this score." It is the one and only benefit to Ariyan; they reminded her of that fact. And still... "Rashmi, what will we do if-" Inhaling a sharp breath, she peers over her. "What happens should the worse happen?" Where would they go? What could they do?

"if i hear one more time that you're called a climber or a whore, i will wage war." and from rashmi's perspective, but a simple fact. regardless of indira's subtle tactics, upon which rashmi has long since become observant, she will not stand by and falter in the places where her lover expresses her needs, especially blatantly. listening to the words spilling from indira's passionate, endeared mouth and becoming further endeared to her. when indira's hand reaches, rashmi responds, jostled to that action indira so seeks, bold because they are alone, therefore bringing that hand to rest upon rashmi's heart. it still beats for her. in tandem with hers, so she wishes for it to be true. even though the war within her mind threatens everything else. "fine, i will not avenge you over a trifle, but the moment it becomes more, i expect to be told. then i will exact vengeance." it could be teasing, flirtatious even. it could be serious, deadly in its significance. regardless of which, or both, rashmi's brows knit until that pensive wrinkle forms. "my attentions are directed at ariyan. perhaps you'll be relieved to know that i insisted to be a part of this business when they asked to handle it alone." it is a thin line to throw, but a line all the same. "i know how you feel about them. but they advise and i must listen, regardless of my actions afterwards. it is true that they have been on the nose with what's occurred politics-wise. in that regard, their opinions are useful." it is a delicate balance rashmi attempts to strike.

[thenxghtwemxt]

"If they are intent on doing their duty to India, they should be." But Parvati knew first hand that could, would, and should are entirely different aspects of life at court. Especially with a global spotlight before them. "But as it stands, they're likely keeping the best tidbits to themselves. They're like a squirrel with a nut." Selfishly, she feeds the one-woman fight to Parvati warm and ready. It's no secret that of the Sharma girls, Parvati is the most even tempered. Besides, Ariyan's kinship for them is no secret. She echoes Parvati's laugh, immediately placing a hand over her shoulders. "Nonsense. You should not wait for Rashmi. You should own your own future." A realization Indira herself is beginning to recognize.

        truer  words  had  never  been  spoken.  it slightly alarmed she who preferred knowable and stable ground ever so slightly, but indira had a undeniable knack for navigating her own recklessness. so long as she remained safe then parvati could find amusement in watching her latest show unfold.  ❝ that's a relief. ❞   a pause. she worried at her lip.  ❝ they are informing rashmi, yes? ❞   it was a constant battle between herself and the wariness she felt toward the advisor, based on nothing but an odd feeling and that was hardly a basis for condemnation. she shook her head, failing to contain her giggles.  ❝ no, no. unless rashmi arranges something for me, i fear i will remain only a widow. ❞