infanta teresa trastámara

the secrets they whispered when no one watched were theirs, antónio has never doubted that. however, in times of trouble and insecurity, his mind wonders what to make of those words. there was childhood warmth in them, a glimmer that would soon be lost when faced with the terrors of the real world, and despite being so close and trusting, the honest truth about their feelings have never come to surface, not really. the untold emotions still haunt him.

perhaps a ride would soothe his unresting stance. perhaps, after breaking the ice with a joyful and nostalgia infused competition, antónio and teresa would find common ground to speak of unresolved tension, however frightened he may be about it. he makes a decision to not back away, to admit his share of guilt. that is what an honorable man would do - that’s what his father told him to be. “ready!” he exclaims as he moves the reins just enough to get the stallion going, and when approaching the fence, he repeats the movement eagerly, picking up speed. his clothe fly with the wild, his white shirt loose, and the chill of the spring combines with the rays of sunlight to fill antónio with bliss. 

With a slight nudge to her own horse she was off with him. The cool spring wind ran through her her as it streaked through the air as golden as the spring sun and her laughter traveled with the wind. This was where she truly felt as peace, with the world movie too fast for her to over think everything. There was something freeing about the simplicity of the connection between horse and rider, and it made her feel more comfortable and confident than anything else (and she certainly would need all the confidence in the world if she would tell him how she felt).

post count this week : n. of replies ( 12 ) + n. of extra activities such as tasks, challenges, etc ( 1 )

point gained: 12 points (per number of in-character posts) + 2 bonus point for each five posts + 3 for the task

point allocation: +7 physical, +6 intelligence, +2 influence, +2 wealth 

Truth is, António never got Teresa. The infanta was close to unforgettable during António’s time in the new world, coming up in his thoughts ever so often. It wasn’t rare that he found himself with information he would’ve loved to share with his closest friend - Brasil was filled with exciting things he’d never seen before and the thought of writing to Teresa again hadn’t been away from him. It was hard, though. He wasn’t sure if he should. And so he let the regret of not contacting her take over, instead of the possible regret of contacting her and it not going the way he wanted it to. Perhaps he was a coward, but he would rather not dwell on it presently.

António smiles at the memory of their last ride. It was long ago, but an unfading image in his head. Teresa’s hair on the wind, just as red and loose as it is today, she truly is in her nature on the back of a horse. “Race starts at the fence, ends by the brick gate. Ready, pequena?” The nickname rolls off his tongue with ease, as if it had been but a week since it was last spoken. He fights the urge to apologize - there is no way things are going to come clean with them if he decides to make it weird. He readies himself on the stallion, leading the animal into a better position. 

In many ways, Antonio was a mystery to Teresa. She had known him for nearly her whole life, and yet she had no clue how he feels about her anymore. When they were children he had the same wandering soul as she had as they pretended to be exploring the New World together in the court yard, he believed in her like no other teaching her to hunt and taking her with him on his hunting trips, as children he was her first kiss the product of a childish dare. He had once been her best friend, her confidant, her heart. But when he left he never wrote, he was gone with the wind across the sea and now two years later Teresa didn’t know if the man sitting on the stallion next to her wanted the dreams they used to whisper to one another in secret. 

They were grown now, did not need to worry about getting into trouble sneaking around the halls past lights out but the habit is ingrained in her recalling times where the sisters would crowd together in Luciana’s room and gossip all too hopelessly naive for the painful fate soon to come. Regardless, she was always fond of Teresa’s visits and having someone to speak to without fear of judgement at the end of the day. There were only a brief handful of people that Mariana had trusted so much and Teresa was often found at the top of that list, she only prayed it was mutual.

The door creaks shut behind her and Mariana takes a moment before making her way back to the seat next to the younger of the two and shuts the open book on her dresser closed, a bent page marking her place. “ I’m still not much of an early sleeper, or a morning person for that matter. “ The red head confirms and despite that, she’d never turn Teresa away. Her siblings currently held much more interesting lives and she liked to hear about their days. “ Oh with a lot of practice I am sure. Would you like some assistance or do you think you can manage? “ The elder sister muses, brows raised in question while she watches in amusement. 

Though now she was grown, she still had a giddy excitement of a child breaking all the rules when she would sneak into her sister’s room. Though now their conversations were less excitable and more a relaxing way to end the day, she always looked forward to any time with her sister. “I don’t understand how anyone couldn’t be a morning person. There is nothing more beautiful than the world at dawn.” She explained still struggling with her hair a few crazy curls now sticking out but the bulk of her mane still up. 

Bow slung over his shoulder, Jingyan emerged from the Bellinzona forest. It had been a successful hunt, with a deer being felled by his arrows. His muscles ached, but it was satisfyingly so. Though he had set out with a party in tow, he emerged alone. His men were under instructions to prepare the beast, and distribute the meat amongst the town’s poor.

He had expected to return to his chambers and sleep the evening away. He had earned it, her reasoned. It had been a hard day’s work. However, he had barely cut across the lawn when the words of the woman reached him. Jingyan turned to her, one delicate brow arching politely as he listened to her request.

She was clearly European, though he would not be able to place her if he tried. He found it more difficult than he would care to admit to tell them apart, even those aligned with China. Instead, he shot her a warm smile, shifting his bow from one shoulder to the other. “Are you looking for Castelgrande?” he asked, with genuine warmth in his words. “It will soon be dark. Would you mind if I escorted you back?” 

Teresa smiled warmly at the stranger. Though she wasn’t sure who exactly he was, she found him to have a calming and good energy. She knew from the moment he opened his mouth she would like him. “Yes please, I would love the company if you can spare the time.” She didn’t want to intrude on his evening, especially since she didn’t know him. 

It was then when she noticed the bow slung over his shoulder and her smile grew. How she missed hunting on the Spanish country side. It wasn’t a particularly femenine activity, her mother was quite appalled the first time she convinced her father to bring her along, but she had amazing horsemanship her whole life and eyes like a hawk. Her skill and passion for horseman ship and riding almost convinced her to try to become caballerizo mayor but before she even could duty here in switzerland called.  

as she spoke, he listened in patience to allow the stranger to fully express her thoughts. it was true that marriage usually put the women at risk but such was the destiny of nobility; beyond that, richard couldn’t claim to know more. “well, don’t you have a chipper attitude.”

he couldn’t fault her for that, could he? richard was no noble and for the most part, free to do as he pleased. perhaps therein lay the injustice she pondered but could not quite grasp just yet. glancing at her one more time before closing his open eye with a sigh again, he relented. this was no place to have such a gloomy conversation and he no person to carry it on for longer than absolutely necessary. “it’s just the nobles who do, i am certain. common people are quite content to bask in the sun, i think. either way, most have no choice.”

he would have to remember this spot: it was tucked away safely, kept from prying eyes. something a man of his caliber could appreciate for the serenity and security it offered.

her comments prompted him to open his eyes again, this time fully focusing on the woman sat on the other bench. her wit was certainly — unexpected but not unwelcome. pursing his lips, the older feigned shock. “and you mean to tell me they did not immediately saw through your excuse? my, oh my. one would think a lady’s education offers her more insight on the nature of others.“ a slow grin spread across his features as he relaxed in his position. “i’d never tell on a lady’s secret like that. cross my heart and hope to die. in return, you surely won’t mind telling me about the reactions of your ladies when they, in fact, wind up returning empty-handed? i predict it’ll make for a good laugh.” 

At the mention of Teresa’s negative attitude a bright red blush spread across her cheeks and down her neck. She usually didn’t speak without such candor, perhaps it was the sun or the fact this man was a complete stranger she allowed herself to speak so freely. “You’re right, I must apologize for my comment it was quite inappropriate.” Unlike many other nobles she knew, her apology was genuine. She never wanted to seem ungrateful for what she did have, but it was true her situation did make her quite angry. She craved agency and meaning her life, but her internal struggle did not excuse an inappropriate attitude. Especially not to a pleasant stranger. 

When he changed the conversation to the sun she smiled grateful for the topic change. “I imagine there is little choice. From my little understanding of agriculture I know it heavily depends on the sun. For many their lives likely revolve around the sun. I never understood the romance of the mood because of that. The sun gives us life, that seems far more romantic to me.” She was grateful for a private conversation that was different from her usual mundane discussions. 

Prior to the loneliness that accompanied growing older, Mariana had been fond of the night. It was silent outside the loud chirps of the bugs and the occasional hum of those passing by, the castle walls were far too thick for herself to listen to the important details hushed in dark hallways or care enough when her siblings snuck out. She often wished to go back to times much simpler, those spent struggling to read in dim light or gathered in Luciana’s room with Teresa talking about nothing for hours on end. However, they could not remain young forever and Luciana had departed years ago painful as it was to accept.

Her youngest sister’s efforts were not left unnoticed though, Mariana had grown so used to expecting Teresa to be knocking on her door at night it was strange the days she had skipped their little routine. Having the company made life a little easier to move on, reminding her of childhood memories she held onto so tightly. Hearing the soft patter on the door, Mariana’s brows furrow together — not knowing who would be knocking prior to Teresa’s hushed voice speaking through the door. Reaching for the door, the older sister cracks open the door enough for Teresa to squeeze in and nods. “ When have I ever said no? “ 

Teresa grinned as soon as she spotted her older sister. Like many, from the time Teresa was born she admired her sisters more than anyone. Her sisters were beautiful, intelligent and strong, everything a young girl could hope to be and more. Teresa often missed the nights in Luciana’s room where they talked about anything and everything, she in general missed the simpler life she once had. Where her main concern was what dress should wear not who she would need to marry. But the times and changed, Luciana was no longer with them, and now Teresa admired Mariana’s strength more than ever before as she continued on in spite of the hardest loss either sister had experienced yet. 

With: @princejingyan

Teresa was desperately lost. She generally had a decent sense of direction at the least, but her mind had been else where as she walked. Now the sun was beginning to set and she was beginning to realize she would need to swallow what little pride she had and ask for directions. 

So she began to search for a familiar face, but as the sun only began to set more she quickly began to realize she was not likely to spot a familiar face. So, her task changed and she decided to look for at least a friendly face. So as she continued to walk, she continued to get more lost until finally she spotted someone who she prayed would be as nice as they appeared from her quick assumption. 

Every time António returned to Spain for a summer, Teresa was different. Sure, they would see each other from time to time, but the periods that came between that were eventually long, and letters were not enough for the two. Letters were nothing like the sound of Teresa’s laughter, the sight of her smile, the smell of her hair. António often found himself daydreaming while reading her letters.

And then duty called. As he rushed to make his journey half-way across the world to a never before visited land, a chance to make his father proud, António failed as a friend to many people. None hurt as much as disappointing Teresa, and once he came to that realization, he concluded he was too late. The embarrassment he felt for not remaining in correspondence was enormous, but upon finding her, in person, in Switzerland, António does not have an excuse not to take a chance on making things right.

He scoffs, playfully as he steps on the stirrup and throws his leg to mount the horse. The saddle is comfortable, and Tonho adjusts himself further before clearing his throat. “Are you ready to eat dust, Infanta?” Charming smile appears on his lips before he cracks his neck, competitive as always. “Loser must admit that the winner is the best horse rider in all of Europe.” The memory of their childhood bet graces his mind as he proposes it to Teresa, glimmering eyes with nostalgia. 

It was strange how much someone could change over time, yet be so familiar as well. Since she had last seen him he seemed to grow, his hair was shorter than she remembered but his eyes that always seemed to see right into her soul. They were exactly the same as she remembered.

Perhaps she was selfish, but she held onto every memory with him with an iron grip. He may have forgotten her but she would not forget him or their time together. She kept all his old letters, and often found herself rereading them, though those words on paper would never be the same as being with him, they were something. Proof that one day they were together, that he wasn’t just a dream. But he was gone, and she had a duty to fulfill: her marriage. Whenever suitors were mentioned they never seemed right, and when she closed her eyes and imagined who she would be with even after all this time, it was still him. 

with: @vitcrias

Teresa would never describe herself as a lover of literature. She preferred to spend her time outdoors, exploring or socializing but she did find a book before bed to be relaxing. So she went to the one woman who’s book suggestions she believed more than anyone, Vitoria. 

Growing up Teresa used to always say Vitoria was her twin soul, born only about a month apart Teresa practically knew the other since birth. Vitoria was her confidant and knew her better than most, so any book Vitoria thought she would enjoy she often did. 

her smile was genuine: a man of his age would be able to tell. it reminded him of his daughter’s whenever she was given a new toy to play with or when robert would spin her around for too long: dizzy with true, unabashed joy. this woman’s smile lacked the same intensity but he figured that if she were truly ecstatic, her smile could easily rival the sun.

“so you’re not yet married.” she handed out information far too easily for his taste: not every person came with no bad intentions and was willing to humour her for the sake of propriety. perhaps that was where her innocent nature came from: a lack of experience. however, he didn’t waste another moment on the thought and simply chose to smile at her.

“i wholeheartedly agree. nothing compares to the sun’s warmth on exposed skin. it’s like a mother’s embrace.” richard nodded as if to emphasize his own words before he opened one eye to peek at the woman in curiosity. “so where did you leave those ladies of yours? dare i make a guess… keeping them busy with tales of annoying husbands, hm?” 

Her nose unintentionally scrunched up at the thought of her marriage like a child who’s just seen something disgusting. Teresa loved the idea of marriage and she has always dreamed of marrying someone she loves, but she doesn’t believe that will likely ever happen. She is destined to love those who will not love her back, and her marriage will ship her off somewhere far away to strengthen Spain. “No, I’m not married. I don’t think it will be long though until I am promised to someone.” Her one bright smile had quickly turned to a tight one she used when needing to be pleasant on a topic she didn’t like.

When he turned the conversation back to the sun her tight smile turned slowly back to her normal bright one, her face unable to hide her emotions. “I never understood why so many others hate the sun, though perhaps I am just a child of Spain. Spanish summers are more beautiful than any other.” When he asked about her ladies she couldn’t help but laugh and glanced around to make sure none had found her yet. “I told them I had lost my favorite ring and promised the one who found it to tell them the identity of the my first love.” She said as she pulled the ring out of the pocket she had tucked it in. “They love gossip and I was sure it would keep the occupied. And if they couldn’t find it they would spend the rest of the time debating who it was.” 

He can tell Teresa has already been out this morning, but he knows for a fact it would be unlike her to refuse another ride. Not so long ago, a couple of years before his mother’s passing, António’s summer was spent yet again alongside the Trastámara family. The weather was beautiful, a picture perfect Spanish summertime, and the company delightful. Their first summer together had been years before - António and Teresa had been just small children. And from then on, had looked forward to more summers like all kids do. Their last summer together, however, was different in mood.

They didn’t know it would be their last, and still, looking back at it now, António can swear he somehow knew they wouldn’t see each other for a long time. He has the most vivid memories from the summer of 1551, riding, camping, trailing, hunting, dancing… All with Teresa. The memories are brought back with ease at the sight of the woman near a horse again. It is almost as if nothing has changed.

“You will see.” His tone is just as competitive as hers. In Brasil, António has found free time (and space) to run around freely in his horse, an activity he looks forward to being able to perform again. He approaches the horse that has been set apart for him, the one he has been riding for the past weeks, trusted by King Diebold to care for him. “I only hope this stallion is as fast as mine is back home."

Perhaps some friendly competition will be the perfect way of breaking the ice for a less tense confrontation later on, when it becomes unbearable for António and Teresa to look at each other without explanation of their falling off.  

Teresa was pretty sure this was a dream. She often dreamed of being back in that golden summer with Anthonio in 1551. She often imagined heaven must be perfect like that summer was. They spent their days on crazy adventures enjoying the Spanish summer. There wasn’t a care in the world, death seemed impossible and there wasn’t anything they couldn’t do. She told him her dreams that she never tells anyone, her dreams to see the far reaches of the world. The colonies her goal one day. She never imagined he’d leave her for them. 

That summer, that last summer, had been different than all the others before it. He came back to Spain even taller, or maybe he had simply grown into his height since they had been apart, but Teresa could no deny he was likely the most handsome man she had seen in all of Spain. And for that summer they were glued to one another, in a constant dance of banter and flirtations. Their last summer of youth was the best of them all. 

So she did her best not to pinch herself and fall into her anger (and fear of being forgotten) that sat heavy in her stomach. But instead focused on getting her horse ready, for now she would enjoy her little dream of that golden summer. She rolled her eyes slightly at his banter, “You better not use the horse for an excuse when you are eating my dust, dom anthonio.” 

with: @lovelesslettrs

Teresa hated when the darkness of night descended and the warmth of the sun left. She never understood the romance of the moon, after all the warmth of the sun seemed so much more romantic. And after a long evening dancing, playing cards and socializing all she wanted was some time with her sister. 

So as soon as she could slip away she headed straight for her sister’s room. In the last two years, Teresa had spent many nights with her sister, her big sister kept away the coldness of night and brought her more comfort than she could describe to anyone. 

the first thing richard noticed about her was the apparent enthusiasm displayed by delicate features. she was beautiful in a way only a noble woman could be: well-groomed and stylish, the female — most likely even unbeknownst to herself — radiated warmth.

the jester’s sense of adventure dulled when he stepped closer. this was not a woman to be made fun of: one look at her told him she was too naive to be fully aware of the many ways a court could work. relinquishing his desire for jokes, the dark-haired man decided to pay his respects in the way he was expected to: with a genuine grin offered to her.

“but don’t tiresome husbands usually make for the best gossip?” winking at the redhead, the older soon settled on one of the adjoining benches — careful to keep his distance. soaking in the warmth of the sun, he allowed for his walls to come down for a moment while his eyelids closed. he exhaled. “i see why you chose this spot. it’s far away from anyone who might wish to talk your ear off.” 

One of the first things she noticed was his nice smile, unlike a lot of the men at court it seemed genuine. She appreciated genuine people of all kind, after all it seemed they were the rarest kind in the world. 

At his comment about tiresome husbands she couldn’t help but laugh. It was slightly bitter though and she sighed. ‘Perhaps it is, and I can enjoy gossip but now it has become more of a reminder of my inevitable fate.” She confided in the man. Perhaps it was irresponsible but it was nice to admit it to someone. 

He has yet to find rest for the day. Early sun comes and António stands from his bed, just as restless as he was hours ago, when the sun set and sent all people off to their sleep. Nothing in particular kept the Duke of Viseu from drifting off into the night. His usual agitation hasn’t left him in Switzerland, not that he had expected it to, and so he does what he does best when he cannot fall asleep - early morning strolls.

To the rest of the court, it gives the impression that António de Bragança is an early bird. Some deem it as a healthy thing to see a man walk early, proceed to participate in athletic leisure as the sun rises. It’s what makes him known as active around Castelgrande.

As he has been doing for the extent of his time in Bellinzona, António strolls around the inner garden of the castle for a few minutes, taking in the brightness of the sun and the fresh air before he makes his way to the stables, where the Master of Horses must already have prepared a horse for him. From a distance, however, Tonho cannot spot the usual man but a bright red mane, familiar to his eyes.

He isn’t completely surprised to find that it is Teresa, after all it was a matter of time before the Infanta joined the rest of her family in Switzerland. Still, the sight of the woman almost freezes António in place. Approaching the stables, he cannot help the smile that naturally graces his features. “Most certainly not, Teresa!” He is assertive. Although his original plan was to ride alone, the prospect of once again riding alongside Teresa gets Tonho excited for the day. “You must ride with me, I insist."

António hopes he isn’t misunderstood. He knows they haven’t spoken in years, and it is probable that he is to blame in that situation. Yet he cannot pretend he isn’t over the moon to see her again. He will not pretend. 

Despite all their time apart, and these last few years where he didn’t speak to her, she knew he had never been an early bird like her. He was just restless. She glanced over him quickly at the mention fo riding, did he rest at all last night that he’d be able to ride safely? Her quick assessment didn’t show any signs of extreme exhaustion so at least she needn’t worry about him falling asleep on his horse. 

Teresa has been riding earlier that morning, but she could never say no to riding. He knew it just as well as she did. After all how many evenings of their youth did they spend riding together. He was always one of the few who could keep up with her, and he had always been her favorite company. But then he left and he never wrote back. “Well, if you insist. For old time’s sake.” She couldn’t help but smile back at his contagious smile that seemed to permanently rest on his face.

“I should warn you though, I’ve gotten faster then since we were children. Will you be able to keep up?” Her pleasant smile turned into one of competition. Despite the awkwardness the rest in her heart, this part was familiar. They always knew how to tease one another and push each other.