Princess Valentina Pravus
When you know what a man wants, you know who he is and how to move him.
Description: Valentina is a noblewoman through and through. Everything from her poise to her flawless complexion speaks of gentility and an easy grace so effortless it is obvious she was born for her station. Dark hair falls below her shoulders in loosely-curled cascades of dark tresses the Argento of Nilanza are known for. Her features are naturally feminine, with blue-gray eyes hinting at a storm behind them. She has a way of smiling that lights up her face, almost infectious in its charm, carving dimples into her cheeks as it makes itself known. Her physique is slender, full of feminine curves, flattering elegance.
Personality: Known to be a bit of a chinwag and a prolific gossiper, Valentina nevertheless maintains a studiously friendly and charming disposition. Engaging, though a bit painfully optimistic and not always firing on all cylinders, she is quick to provide a smile to mask other feelings. Typically avoids direct confrontations and overly-prone to flattery.
Background: Lord Francesco Argento was a demanding man, even among the Argento of Nilanza. Ever the schemer and statesman he had plans for his child even before they were born, and from the second they came into the world, Francesco took control of their life. As fate would have it, things seemed to be working, for a while, with the child becoming a squire of one of his vassal lords, and then being knighted upon reaching maturity. That is, until Lord Francesco banished his offspring to live in Setarco, never to speak of them again.
Being raised among the Sins of Setarco allowed Valentina to understand their familial structure and customs. In some ways, the Pravus were more her family than the Argento ever were, and in time she grew to enjoy the Silken City, much to the chagrin of of her Nilanzan family.
Things changed dramatically with the death of Duchess-Consort Lucia Pravus, a warrior of House Malvici known for keeping her vassals under control since her husband, Duke Piero, was particularly soft on them. As her ship vanished near Nilanza, Valentina was stricken with guilt, and in giving her support to Duke Piero during his mourning period, she wound up involving herself with the man and marrying him.
Not much later House Argento rose in rebellion, but much to the surprise of most in Setara, Duchess-Consort Valentina did not pressure the Duke into yielding to his unruly vassals, and after his death she did not try to leverage her momentary rulership into peace with her own former House. Instead, she held fast while the likes of Belladonna, Gabriella and Viviana set off to do battle against the opposing host. Well-liked by the population for this showing of profound loyalty, and for giving their beloved Piero happiness again, even if for a brief period of time, Valentina was known as the Silver Sun of Nilanza.
Ever since Valentina has been a supporter of House Pravus and a loyal protector of the people of Setarco, something that has made her quite beloved. Spending her time doing charities and spending silver for the improvement of the lives of her people, Valentina eventually joined the family in Arx, where she could continue her rising trajectory, leaving the legacy of failure of House Argento behind as a Stormborn now among Sins.
| Name | Summary |
| Alrec | Black sheep of the black sheep of the black sheep of the family. So many sheeps. |
| Althea | She is fire and poison, and I can't help but get drunk on her. |
| Arianna | Being as I was raised in Lenosia, then the Crownlands I never truly got to know my Pravus cousins. Even though she's not blood, she certainly embodies all that we are and one would never know otherwise. Belladonna respects her and I can see why, she exudes a quiet confidence and with it a certain measure of control. You can never tell if it's control over you, or over herself - worth watching and worthy of being called a Sweet Sin. |
| Beatrice | Nilanza's Silver Sun. Captivating and cruel. Demure and dominating. A woman of absolute strength in a silk-soft sheath. |
| Belladonna | We were friends, once. She is still full of life and charming, but some things, when broken, remain so. Pity. |
| Celeste | Pravus and Argento are forever entwined, and much of that tangling is not what anyone in Pravus would call good. Yet if one thing has come of it that can be counted as a blessing it is our beloved Valentina. I know she gave Papa much comfort, and she tries to do the same for the rest of us. |
| Fatima | The Pravus are an interesting group as a whole, in how they're alike and different, particularly in how outsiders have been brought into the fold. This one obviously has an... complicated history with the House and it's ruler, and it's led her to an interesting position under the Duchess' hand. We're a little alike in that, but also very different in how we got there. |
| Galatea | The dowager is accomodating, welcoming, and I do appreciate her efforts to try and protect Arianna's very unfortunate servants. I shall have to take full advantage of her offers of assistance. |
| Lucrezia | If not for us having history together I think I would sooner take a blade to her throat than entertain her words. Belladonna seems to have forgiven her..mostly. I am still uncertain of how to feel about her addition to the house. So long as she proves her worth then all may be well. Her devotion seems genuine, though I remain skeptical of her underlying motives. |
| Raven | This Pravus lady definitely knows how to hold the party down. Much respect. I hope the Lady has as much stay as she does flash, because I aim to keep the fun coming all night long! Here's hoping we'll encounter a positively wicked good time before the night is out. I'm just dying to continue the revelry, honestly. I have great hopes we'll have the opportunity to get to know one another better after tonight. |
| Sebastian | The Dowager Duchess is a welcome sight, effusive in her praise, yet cautious in her advice. It's impossible not to admire her after everything she's been through. And yet it is incumbent upon me to remember she is an Argento, regardless of what she is to us now. |
| Vanora | The Duke Piero's second wife, and my 'Aunt' of sorts, yet not really. She's stunning in every way, catches the eye like only great beauties can and appears to be amusing and engaging company. I hope to enjoy more of it. |
| Viviana | The Silver Sun of Nilanza has a well-earned reputation. Now that I've seen her at work first hand, I find myself glad fate left her under the Pravus name and that she seems to have embraced her place in our family. Valentina's talents shall be put to frequent use in service of our House. |