Castello Cardinale: Liafador Winery (Sicily, Italy)

@lunahawk:

As Kendra expressed that she wanted Zeon to stay with her in her room for a bit, she was taken a bit off guard with the request. "If you wish, then I will stay." she gave a slight nod to the Hawk Lord. "Forty-eight days is a long time to be by one's self. I hope it was a fulfilling experience for you."

"I'm fine." Zeon reassured, herself or Kendra? She couldn't tell at the moment. "I'm just not very good at... comforting others." The Matriarch wasn't exactly a loving individual. "I suppose it's a warrior's flaw."

Her chocolate eyes looked over to Kendra for a moment. "There is no wrong way to being a woman." She began. "All of us are different, so many different hats we women wear, and sometimes we wear multiple ones. The role of women or how women are suppose to be have changed so much since the beginning of time. Daughter, wife, homemaker, mother, teacher, caregiver, business woman, doctor, politician, prime minister, hero, warrior... there is no 'wrong' way in being a women. If women were all the same, we wouldn't have gotten as far as we have in this world." But then she gave a smile. "But of course, pampering yourself like a lady while you're here is just fine, sometimes we forget that we need time to ourselves, to refocus and relax, so we can go back out there and do it all over again."

Slowly Zeon came to a stop, standing before a door as she pulled out a key of her own. Unlocking the door and with a gentle push the Liafador White Cardinal allowed the Hawk Lord to step into the room first. Open living area with lavish furniture, elegant paintings decorated the room as the natural Italian sunlight kissed upon the room. "I hope the room is to your liking." Zeon walked in behind the fellow warrior, closing the door as she began showing her around the guest room. "You have your kitchen if you wish to cool while your here, bed room with a king size bed, bathroom has shower and separate bath, your closet is walk in, if you have any cloths or gear your need to store." She began making her way towards the double glass door, and with a twist of the handle, pulled them both open that allowed the gentle breeze to dance through. "You have a small balcony as well." She allowed her guest to walk out first as the balcony looked out towards the vineyard that stretched out along the rolling Sicily hills.

"How about I get your bath ready, and order you some wine while you get settled in?" She suggested, wanting to make sure the Hawk Lord got her gold's worth in staying at the Estates.

With a nod of her head and a curl of her lip she began leading the way, her head held high as the group began walking down the elegant and natural beauty of the Liafador Estate. "You seem to pick a good time to come, the Feast of Sant'Agata <Saint Agatha> will be starting in a couple of days in Catania." she began. "We get many guests from around the world who stay here during the festivals. There are fireworks, live music, great food and lots of dancing. Even if you're not of the faith, it's still a great experience."

Finally making their way into the restaurant Zeon picked up a few menus as she began escorting the men to their table, placing them by an open window that gave a breath taking view of the rolling hills and the Estate vineyard. The sun was currently hitting the opposite end of the Estate, so the worry of bright lighting or too much warmth from the sun wasn't going to be an issue. "Cirillo." she called out to one of the young waiters who quickly came to her side. "Bring King Aventu our finest wine as well as our best appetizers." As Cirillo walked away with haste Zeon took a moment to make sure everything was in order. "May I ask, what brings you to our fine winery this time of year?"She inquired, wanting to learn more about the Lord.

boop

(LOL don't worry about it and it wasn't awful lol. It's different! I don't know if I've interacted with a character before who broke the 4th wall in the past, but I enjoyed it, got a giggle out of it xD Or maybe do something like where he interacts with you the writer, like... asking permission to do things? lol idk I've never written a character who breaks the fourth wall, but I think you're doing good for the first attempt :D)

Pulling out her tablet for a moment she quickly set out a message for wine to be brought to their location as she gave a small smile. He was very lively, full of energy, she could see why women would be swoon by him and his handsome features.

"Specifics? No, not at all. There will be dancing, good food, good wine and lots of music. It'll be a fantastic time." she smiled, putting the tablet away as little Tassi clapped her hands.

"We can dance together!" she exclaimed excitingly. This was the most happy she had seen the young toddler in a long time since her father dropped her to live with Zeon.

"Sì piccina <Yes little one>." The Liafador smiled down at her cousin as one of the workers suddenly appeared from around the corner, holding onto a bottle of wine. "Grazi Cirillo." she gently grasped the bottle of red wine from his hands as she popped it open with ease. Years of growing up on the winery estates made her a natural. "Il bicchiere, per favore. <Your glass, please.>".

@zeon_liafador:

Wow...she really gets it. She really understands what I'm talking about. That doesn't happen very often. And this room...holy crap. I walk around the room while she talks, taking a look around and can't help but smile at everything I see. This is luxury and it's been a long time since I've lived in luxury. Remember those apartments in Gothic? Talk about opposite end of the spectrum. It's not that I can't afford it, there's just not been much reason to in a city like Gothic. "Sometimes we Hawk Lords, or ladies as the case may be, forget about those other roles. We're so focused on the warrior aspect the rest of it can go by the wayside." I tell her.

I follow her onto the balcony and can't help but smile again as I look out at the view. The old days of Rome come to mind again, those were happy times for me in both life times. True there was a lot of fighting but...man Rome was something. People study it all they like but Rome was Rome, it was beautiful, tragic, free and slave at the same time. It was everything good and everything bad about society all wrapped up in one beautiful mess. "I lived two lives in the Roman Empire" I begin to tell her "I remember this area under Roman rule, it's just as beautiful now as it was then. Your family has really done justice to this place. The families that once owned it would be proud if they were still around today."

I grinand point to the east. "There used to be an Aqueduct over there, people called it an eyesore." Oh this place is wonderful, I wish I could stay here forever but I'd go stir crazy eventually. Besides I have Alexander to return to soon enough. "I should send Solar Hawk and Alexander out here, this place is wonderful and relaxing and they're going to want some time to themselves soon enough." I enjoy our three way relationship but I know that the two lovers sometimes want time to themselves and I don't mind that.

"Get my bath ready? Oh, yeah if you like. I'll leave the wine choice entirely up to you." I slip out of my armored jacket, a little secret few know about is that I've converted my clothes to Nth Metal Weave so I'm always wearing some amount of armor.

@zeon_liafador:

An enormous smile broke out on his face when Tassi said that. There was something special about little kids.

"Ah, mille grazie." He said handing it over when he realized what she'e said.

(I'm pretty sure you speak italian but if not it was thank you very much, you might have figured that out anyway though. She's italian you moron! And she just spoke to me in italian. The writer. ...oh. Nevermind. I can't get out of character now. Nope!)

@sabre_eres: I don't speak Italian actually. Heck, I'm Mexican and I don't even speak Spanish xD it's all thanks to google translate lol

@feral_nova: Ha! Well I totally understand. I only have english, and some knowledge on latin and how some languages work. But I couldn't communicate with anyone but english. I can barely do english!

Don't trust the google tranalate for more than maybe three words by the way. You may end up with something totally different.

I barely even trust it with one word.

@zeon_liafador: @feral_nova:

Dante paused out of contemplation, comfortably seating himself alongside his men, both of which had removed their expressionless helmets in silent anticipation of a welcomed meal. "Leisure, something that kingly obligations has lately denied me," He answered, vaguely recalling recent diplomatic concerns heralding from separate nations. "And what better indulgence than this estate's grandeur? Though the feast of Saint Agatha certainly prompts another reason for my visitation," He added, as an afterthought.

The littlest Pettis ran through the vineyard of the Liafador Estate with her ever growing puppy, Star, right behind her at her heels. Her infectious laughter echoed through the land as her little bare feet left her tiny footprints through the soft soil of the Earth. She loved to play outside, and especially play hide and seek with Star, who always seemed to find her every single time! Before she could make a turn into another row of grape vines, Star tackled her playfully to the ground. The tiny Goddess landed on her side, rolling to back as Star stood on top of her, licking her face as she continued to giggle while trying to defend herself from her best friend's slobbery kisses.

"Star! No más Star!" <No more> she laughed so hard, trying to catch her breath as Star, with his tail ever wagging, climbed off of her before sitting down before her, watching as Tassiana stood up from the ground, trying to dust her little body off. It had been months since she had seen any of her family, it was at least a month since she even saw Zeon. She told Tassi that she had to go do something, but that she would be back... she promised her... Zeon wouldn't break a promise... right? Then there was her future self. Little Tassi knew she was a future version of herself, the energy she shared was the same as the Darling Pettis. Tassiana may be only a year and a half, but she wasn't dumb. But now... she was gone too. Tassi was here under the protection of the Cardinals but she was using the trick that Future Tassi taught her, to float down from her window and to the ground, without hurting herself to sneak outside without the Cardinals knowing. Little Tassi couldn't fly... yet.... but she would get there soon! And soon she'll be just like Yaya, Selene, Leo and Daddy and... mommy. She gave a small frown at the thought of her mother.

Star gave a little whine, noting that the little toddler was sad. Tassi's big blue eyes looked down at him as she forced a smile on her face. "Lo siento Star." <I'm sorry> She wiped her nose, leaving a little dirt on it from her filthy hands. "Let's play again, this time, I look for you! Listo?" <ready?> Star gave a soft huff as he stood on all four legs. "Ok!" Tassi turned her body to face one of the vines, covering her eyes. "Uno, dos, tres..." She began counting up to ten, she could hear Star run around, trying to frantically find a spot to hide as a smile grew on Tassi's face again, Star was so silly, she could always count on Star to make her happy.

@tassania_pettis: (T_T Everyone neglects baby Tassi)

@tassania_pettis: I'm going to respond to this

TASSI IM COMMIIIINNG

I was gonna respond with Acedawg... -___-

Right?! Everyone forgets about poor little Tassi T________T she's going to grow up hating everyone :P

Oh snap... things are gonna get emotional! TT__TT

o________o I'M NUMBER ONE! :D

omg Acedawg and little Tassi have to meet soon lol she'll flip out on a dog with superpowers LOL

Yes! and he can help her learn to fly and take care of her and everything...

You should've totally made Star a girl dog. xD

OMG HE CAN TEACH HER HOW TO FLY!??!? That's it! THAT HAS TO HAPPEN!!!

The gender of Star wasn't my choice D: it was Thee Champion! xD

or wait... did I? meh I don't remember it was over a year ago LOL

Of course he can! She can hold on to his fur as he flies high up and then when they're high enough, she can jump off and try to fly. If she can't, Acedawg will catch her and they'll try again. :D

This image is way too cute.

@tassania_pettis:

"Tassi...?" The Liafador Legacy spoke after descending to the ground, bewildered as he watched his niece play. He'd been in the sky for a while, observing her with a melted heart and a smile, waiting for Zeon or Thee champion to walk out and take her into their arms. Except...no one came. In the months since returning to earth, the Cosmic Cardinal found a small time job and an apartment in America, away from his family and ex-girlfriend who'd had his child. He believed everything had finally been at peace, and that Tassi didn't need his watchful eye anymore with his elder sister gone and Zeon watching over her. He believed he could start his own life, away from the craziness of the family, but it seemed his thoughts were false. The one year old had been left alone...for god knows how long. The Liafador Legacy nearly shivered at the thought of Tassi being raised by only the cardinals, they weren't her family. And family is what Leon believed everyone needed in their life, or else they'd never know the value of it. Leon would embrace his niece with a firm hug, planting a kiss on her forehead before looking into her eyes questioningly. "Tassi...how long has it been since you saw Zeon...?"

Time for some sisterly bonding!

THIS NEVER TURNS OUT WELL!

@theflashfire: I'm a blue just like you!

@catalina_liafador: OH GOD WE'RE ALL GOING TO DIE!!!

Wait... Cat is good now.... Nvm we good :D

>_________________>________________>

I'm keepin all three of my eyes on you.

@leonardo_liafador: @feral_nova:

@tassania_pettis: The days spent at the Tibetan Cardinal facility were spent nursing wounds and learning intricate battle strategies. The tenekinetic princess was learning. She was the genetic replica of her mother, bred to be a younger more efficient Ziccarra, Catalina was excelling at an astronomical rate. She was becoming "The Goddess". Though they wanted the same things, both Catalina and Ziccarra had different means for accomplishing their goals. Ziccarra sought to force the fortification of the Liafador Kingdom with the Goddess. Catalina, saw the task in a more progressive perspective. Instead of forcing her powers on the family, she saw to integrate those that WANTED to reform. Taking a much needed sabbath from training, The Black Cardinal Princess appeared in front of the family winery from a dark portal in her telltale black leggings and leather jacket. "Whoa we're loaded" She exclaimed eying the winery with interest. Thanks to her fated meeting with Isis, her sister, she was able to siphon a ton of memories she'd otherwise forgotten. She'd remembered them all, her sisters; Maya, Selene, Isis, Tassi. Her bother Leonel, her father Alexis and of course her mother Ziccarra.

Of all the lore regarding Grand Cardinalism, all evidence pointed to her. The person that would bring balance back to the family. At the moment she had no knowledge of what that meant, but she knew in order to reunite the family someone had to die. Ziccarra or Maya. She had no plans on killing her new mother, but Maya was heavily immersed in the darkness reaching her would be an arduous task.

Moving around the side of the compound she found them. A man, resembling her mother but she'd never met him. "Hello" She called, out before noticing her baby sister clutched within his arms. "Oh...Tassi?? hey baby!" she squealed meeting the darling little Pettis for the first time (While being alive) She'd visited Tassi numerous times in death, but laying her eyes on her for the first time. @leonardo_liafador

@catalina_liafador: nice post :D

Thanks

TF is you talking bout nicca

Awesooome I'll have a post up today!

@leonardo_liafador: @catalina_liafador:

"Ocho-" she didn't even finish counting, someone called out to her, a voice so familiar it caused the youngest Liafador's head to snap up from the vines of the grapes, her eyes widen as she looked up at the shadow that was casting down before her. "TIO LEON!" She screamed in excitement as she instantly jumped into his strong arms. When was the last time she was embraced by someone of the family? It had been so long since she hugged someone like this. "Tio Leon, we number one!" She beamed a smile at him as he planted a hiss upon her forehead, holding up her middle finger towards his face with pride. The last time she had spent time with Leon, she could barely speak, not even a full year old yet. But then he began to question about Zeon. "Zeon?" She sat in his arms, her little hands pressing against the arms that held her as she looked out at the distance for a moment, thinking. "No lo sé." <I don't know.> she responded. "Zeon had to go to... the dark place..." she spoke in reference to The Pit. Her voice so little, yet her words articulated so well, she was indeed not like the children of the world. "She.. she said..." Was it ok to be telling Tio Leon this? What if Zeon got in trouble? She didn't want Zeon to get in trouble. Zeon was being as nice as she could to her and even took her out and gave her ice cream... Zeon was trying. "She had to keep the family safe from big sister Yaya." She whispered the last part as an all too familiar energy entered the area.

Her little head perked up as she looked over at the other side of the vineyard. Could it be? No... it couldn't be. Then she heard it, the sweet voice of her sister calling out as she stepped out before her and Leon. Tassi squealed with joy as she quickly wiggled out of Leon's arms, jumping down to the ground as she ran as quickly as her little legs could carry her until she wrapped her still small arms as tightly around her sister as she could. "CAT!" she cried, burring her head into her sisters chest. She had seen Cat so many times, but this time, this time was different. Tassi couldn't understand what was different this time around, but she could feel something was different in her eldest sister. "YOU HERE!" Her little voice muffled in the shirt of her sister. "Tio Leon and Cat here, are you staying with Tassi?" She asked the both of them, so happy to finally see family other than Zeon since the day her mother tried to hurt her. "No one stays with Tassi anymore. Are... are you mad with Tassi?" She innocently asked, wondering if they were upset with her too like how mommy was. Daddy and Zeon tried to explain to her that mommy wasn't mad at her, that she was sick. But... they didn't see the mean eyes that mom made at her that day.

@catalina_liafador: @tassania_pettis:

The Liafador Legacy smiled at the innocent Pettis; "You are number one tassi, I'm so sorry for not visiting you sooner." I wonder how many other people she flipped off in greeting. The Cosmic Cardinal recalled accidentally teaching his niece obscenities with an amused grin. He'd raise a curious brow at the arrival of another, someone who favored his elder sister. "I'm guessing your Catalina?" He'd heard many things about Z's daughter, things he'd rather not bring up in the company of his niece. "Of course not my sobrina, you've done nothing wrong. We all love you." Leon crouched, placing his hands on his knees as he addressed his niece. "Why from Maya....What's she doing?"

@leonardo_liafador: @tassania_pettis:

Cat's brown eyes veered down at her beautiful baby sister, arms latched tightly around her lithe frame; This marked the very first time Cat had seen Tassi while alive--and vice versa. "My god, you've become such a big girl!" Cat was the oldest child of Ziccarra by years, but her relationship with any of her sisters was near non-existent--it was time to change it. Squatting down to eye level with Tassi, Cat pushed her hands horizontally to Tassi's head measuring her height. "Yup, your such a big girl now" She said, hoisting Tassi; but directing her attention to a man that was apparently her uncle.

"Why yes I am" She said, offering her hand to shake his hand. She'd never realized she had another uncle--or that their grandmother had children after her mom, but one thing was for sure. Catalina was older. "I'm letting you know right now, I'm not calling you Uncle" she teased before turning her attention back to Tassi.

The both of them mentioned Maya, which was already a sore spot for Cat, because the destructive darkness that laced her sister's soul once belonged to her. "Yaya, isn't a bad person Tassi. She's sick. Zeon is trying to help her. Along with mommy and daddy" She explained, doing her best to keep it PG. Cat was long dead when the Spanish Revolution started, but she was well aware of what transpired between Tassi and their mother. It'd be hard trying to explain the situation to the young Pettis, but she spent the last few months with their mother. Not the Goddess, but Ziccarra. The woman that ran Spain into the ground wasn't there anymore.

"Tassi, I won't leave you. In fact, I want you to come with me"

@leonardo_liafador: @catalina_liafador:

Tassi didn’t know how to answer her Tio’s question. She didn’t know what big sister Yaya was doing. She only knew what Zeon told her and what she heard from her conversation with Future Tassiana. Big sister Cat said Yaya wassick… mommy was sick too and while everyone said it wasn’t, Tassi believed it was her fault. So… was Yaya sick her fault too? The little hybrid Goddess stayed silent as she looked down for a moment. “Mommy sick… Zeon sick… Leo sick… Yaya sick…” she mumbled as her little round face frowned. “Why everyone sick?” Would Leon get sick? And daddy? What about Nene? or even... her? Could Tassi get sick?

But then, her little head perked up as big sister Cat said something that made the little Pettis smile wide. “Me go with Cat?” Her voice went several pitches higher as she looked over to Tio Leon, as if wanting approval. Of course she wanted to go with big sister Cat! Cat and Star and Tassi can be together! And when Yaya got better she could be with them too! “Wait…” There was a problem though… “Zeon promised she be back. If Tassi not here, she be mad.” Mad, it was the only word that Tassi could describe their short tampered cousin. But there was something else too. “Tocaya, what about tocaya?” Tocaya, a word that describes a person with the same name as you, she was trying to speak about Future Tassiana. It was what Tassiana taught her younger self to call her future self to try and ease the confusion to the one year old. “She went to Yaya… but if Yaya is sick… will Tocaya get sick too?” A look of worry washed over the little Pettis as her head darted from her sister to Leon.

D'awwww, Tassi.

May be time to bring Isis out again

Time for another song...

@catalina_liafador:

I'm just a lonely bard who's lyrics are quite terrible. All who sit and read my songs must find them quite unbearable.

@leonardo_liafador: @tassania_pettis:

It actually kind of hurt, hearing Tassi recall the number of family members that were "Sick". Unknowing the source of all this grief started with her mother was painful--of course she played a big deal too. But if Tassi was right, then something big was going down. Despite her being an insufferable wench of a Matriarch, Zeon would've never left Tassi her by herself. The cards had to be aligning against them--just what was Maya up to?

Cat's training to become "The Goddess" was not yet complete, there were still lessons to be taught, but in order to save her family. She was going to half to take a crash course.

As she held Tassi in her arms, she could see the frustration mounting on her round little face. Zeon and Cat were not friends by any means, in fact the two clashed once before--back before Zeon was the Matriarch. As far as Cat was concerned, she didn't care if Zeon was mad or not. Tassi was HER little sister, Zeon couldn't keep track of her own damn sisters.

"Don't you worry about them honey. Yaya, Zeon, and Tocaya are strong!" She said not fully understanding who the hell Tocaya was. "They will all be back one day. But you need to worry about yourself. Who is going to take care of you? or feed scar?" Her mind instantly thought of the Cardinals, but...that was hardly a way to be raised.

"Let me take care of you. Let's be a family. You, Me, Scar and Leon if he wants to."

@tassania_pettis: @catalina_liafador:

"Ha, fair enough." He smiled before his attention snapped back to Tassi. "Of course, Tassi. Staying with Cat would be what's best for you right now. " Hopefully. Cat seemed like a decent person, who obviously cared about the little godess as much as he did. "Tocaya," Leon began, recognising Tassi was referring to her future self. "If she's with Maya.... I'll go save her, I promise you." I'm probably gonna get myself killed, aren't I? Even back when I had my full set of powers, Maya was the one person who could actually challenge me."And when I've settled everything I'll be happy to live with you and Cat, Tassi. Everyone in the world can abandon you, but not me, you've got me for life."

@catalina_liafador: @leonardo_liafador:

Tassi sat in Cat’s arms, her little hand grasping upon her shoulder as she let out a light sigh. Zeon was strong and swung a sword really good! She could fight off a bunch of Cardinals at once, and even opened a jar of jelly without any help! Yaya was strong too, she could walk in those high heels and not complain of pain! Tassi tried walking in them once… they weren’t comfortable at all! She could even make boys (and sometimes girls) act silly around her by just smiling at them. Big sister Cat was right, her family was strong. But her? Tassi? She wasn’t strong… not like her sisters, brother and cousins. Not yet.

But who would take care of her if she didn’t go with big sister Cat? “The Cardinals.” Tassi whispered as she lowered her head, they weren’t very nice. They never wanted to play with her or Star. They just wanted to train her. Teach her how to fight. But it wasn't them taking care of her this entire time, it was Zeon and her Tocaya, who said she was just going to be gone for the day. It’s been several days now and she wasn’t back yet. But then big sister Cat said she wanted to take care of Tassi, and her little had perked up, her eyes widen as her grip on her sister became a little stronger. “Me, you and Star and Tio Leon?” Her eyes were filled with hope, to be a family again. She just wanted to be with her family, with her sisters and brother. Unlike the rest of the Liafador family, little Tassiana had no knowledge of Catalina's dark past. In Tassi's eyes, Catalina was just big sister Cat. Her sister who always tried to visit her whenever she could and always promised to be there for her, and now, she was. In Tassi's eyes, Cat couldn't do any wrong.

And now Tio Leon gave her the permission to go, and if her Tio Leon said it was ok, then it must be ok, right? Daddy told her to stay with Zeon, but he wouldn’t be mad if she went with big sister Cat… right? Then Tio Leon promised he would go help her Tocaya, her future self, and it gave the little Pettis some relief. Tio Leon was strong, really strong, stronger than even her daddy maybe. Little Tassiana smiled, it was like pieces of her family were slowly getting put back together. Her attention turned back to Cat, looking up at her eldest sister she already grew to trust and love unconditionally since the first day she met her. “Tassi and Star wanna go with Cat.”

D'aww

@tassania_pettis: Tassi is too cute!

@tassania_pettis: Gonna respond tonight

@madison_maynard: out of curiosity... where is Cat taking her? >____> where does she live? LOL

Morrocco. It's where Sabella's side of the family is from.

@sky_carmichael: MOROCCO?!? Well damn alright! Tassi gonna have to learn some Arabic now xD

Poor thing, Spanish, english, Italian now Arabic, well... At least she'll be a smart little cookie

IDK if you remembered, but Chance also lived in Morrocco. lol

@catalina_liafador: I thought she lived in the UK??? Or was that just for school? Crap I need to go re-read the convo