Welcome to Gaia! ::

THE BASICS::
☿Name: Rhea Ashford.
In Greek Mythology, Rhea was a Titan, the wife of Cronus. She was also the mother of Poseidon. In addition, the name is related to 'flow' and 'stream'. Both Poseidon and the meanings take on aspects of water, which is why the name was chosen.

☿Age: Sixteen.

☿Birthday: The eighteenth of February.

☿Zodiac Sign: Aquarius.

☿Blood Type: O+.

☿Orientation: Heterosexual.

☿Favorite Food: Vegetables; probably the opposite of most teenagers her age. Rhea is far from being a vegetarian or a health freak, but she revels in the fresh and natural taste of food grown within the Earth.

☿Hated Food: Coffee; you can dump fifty cubes of sugar in the liquid, she still won't even bother for a sip. Rhea doesn't comprehend, at all, the world-wide obsession with this liquid full of caffeine. It doesn't help on the coffee's part that it's brown, her least favorite colour.

☿School: Crystal Academy for Girls.

HOBBIES::

☿Home Improvement: Being a daughter of an acclaimed interior designer enriches one's palette of swatches and broadens their vocabulary; armoire, emulsion paint, you get the point. While Rhea's mother, Aurora, expands on their family's annual income for selecting various sizes of cabinets, patterns of wallpapers, or extravagant accessories such as clear-cut chandeliers and fur carpets; Rhea does precisely the contrary. Those wages are then returned in a similar manner, to stores such as Home Depot and Lowe's. Whether it's before an influential AP exam or a driver's education lesson, whenever Rhea's "I got the power!" supply begins to dwindle, out comes buckets of paint and dozens of rolls of wallpaper. Just like swimming mollifies any present qualms, spraying paint on monstrous canvases and moving her bed 45 degrees northeast, delivers a sense of empowerment to the female. Rhea isn't cut out to be a professional architect, interior designer, or any profession in that branch. But, Rhea pounces on any opportunity that reveals itself. She can upgrade your cabinets, repair sliding doors, or patch up a fragile patio. After all, why let amateur janitors and construction workers consume precious greenbacks when you've a semi-professional employee nearby?

☿Horror Movies: While her other friends sought solace in chick flicks and romantic comedies, Rhea found horror movies as a place she can relax, and she still does. She some-what understands the psychology behinds it's popularity, because people love being scared. Something along the lines of the rush of adrenaline. After being so tense and cooped up with a bucket of over-buttered popcorn and teeth-rotting soda, the relief of coming home, safe and sound is addictive. Rhea never truly comprehended that, because the real reason, for her at least, is that horror-movies are simply interesting. After watching a flick or two, it keeps her on edge for the next day or so; symptoms including sleep-walking and nightmares. Not that she cares of course, it's all just a part of the fun. She is a horror-flick-guru, able to summarize movies from the 189o's, til' the present. She can name the hair color of the virgin girl that died in one flick, or what car that didn't start up when the killer was just a second away. If you ever need someone to watch it with you, shiver in fear or cackle with delight, Rhea's your girl.

☿Magic Tricks: Harry Houdini is her idol, period. Well, not really, but the picture books based off him stacked in Barnes&Noble certainly ignited her passion for magical illusions. Following that, came the traveling circuses that occasionally frequented her hometown, and their magicians. The child had been impressed with the basic of tricks, the rabbit that came out of the hat, simple levitation, but then it came to transformation, and BAM! [A+ for sound effects.] Rhea was enraptured with the world of intricate supernatural feats. Her seven-year old brain knew, was positive of the fact that the things presented before her were merely staged tricks, but could not wrap her little cranium around the 'how did he/she do it?!' At first, she sought knowledge merely for the sake of learning the tricks behind it, and googling spoilers quenched her thirst for this. Gradually though, Rhea began to practice the art herself. From then on, she learned, not only was it fun to watch the show; it was doubly interesting to have people question what in the world you were doing! She's not a big magician, lacking much props and an assistant. Her specialties are stand-up magic, making use of billiard balls, silks, and doves. Rhea's personal favorite is table magic. It is often used to 'predict the future' of her friends, or to snatch a gasp or two with a coin trick. All you have to do is ask, and she'll put on a spectacular performance.

☿Nail Art: It began with a vainly audacious magazine advertisement for a flourishing gem-accessory company of the sort. In it, were gleaming baubles in an assorted manner; moonstones, pink diamonds, black pearls, the usual. The jewelry was not what tremendously appealed to Rhea. It was the nails of the proprietor. Each nail was one-of-a-kind. While one depicted a blooming flower, another had a wedding-theme; topped off with glued ivory lace. So began the Google-hunt. 'Nail art designs.' Hundreds of thousands of results presented themselves before her. Before her encounter with the promotion, Rhea had received manicures and pedicures from 'professionals'. Their abilities paled in comparison to the image results. From that day on, strenuous nail-painting sessions began. Her room even took on the scent of a hospital, due to the oh-so-lovely fragance of acetone. Regardless, trips to specialty stores such as Michael's were made for components such as jewels and stickers. Borders and Barnes&Noble were scoured for art-books necessary to stir her creativity. This particular experience occurred in her freshman years. Two years later, Rhea now finds nail art to be a necessary means to express herself, along with a unique and developing accessory. Blending, water marbling, glittering, you got it! Her idol is Megumi Furukawa, who turned out to be the mastermind behind her initial trigger for her obsession. Her nails tend to reflect her mood or her surroundings. Be it serene, vain, or feminine, Rhea's conveyed her emotions directly to dead skin cells.

☿Swimming: There's a reason 'Percy Jackson & The Olympians: The Lightning Thief,' is Rhea's new favorite non-horror movie of all time. Quoting the line from the movie, "I don't know. I just like being in water. It's the one place I can think." Majorly the reason, because Rhea can wholly relate. Her infatuation with Greek gods and goddesses also contributes. She's been swimming as long as she can remember. Though she's not fit to contribute to the Olympics, Rhea is an above-average swimmer. Rhea is not fit for the competitive-sort of swimming, for that would have the opposite effect on her. While her classmates' stress-outlets root from credit cards, it is Rhea that finds serenity within the water. For her sixteenth birthday, instead of a grand ball that would be ingrained into the memories of her friends; the Ashfords erected a pool, albeit small, within their very own residence. When she's done with her homework and reviewing notes, it's the place she'll always be.

VIRTUES::

☿Able: showing talent, skill, or knowledge.
Going hand in hand with her perfectionist trait, the words 'You can't,' or 'impossible' have been cast away from her internal dictionary. This is not to say she excels in everything in terms of intelligence or recreation, to be able to do so would be inhumane. However, the good aspect shown here is her perseverance. Rhea will never hear that she doesn't have the skill to do so, in fact, those very words will motivate her for months. If intertwined into a dire situation, Rhea would try to her utmost ability to, and would not rest until she became, useful. Some people see this trait as either incredibly stubborn, bossy, or boastful; but Rhea means well. Like previously explained, Rhea is far from ideal, but she exhibits the knowledge and talents she has when it is necessary, and if she lacks it, Rhea will do her best to pursue it.

☿Creative: resulting from originality of thought, expression, etc.
Perhaps it is the result of two parents who are of expressive bearings, but Rhea has always been creative; albeit that some do not exactly see it as a positive trait. It was not simply a stage for her; framing pictures with hard macaroni, painting white roses red, and coming out in first place for Spirit Week. Or maybe it is her wish to be recognized as an unique individual, to be imprinted onto the minds of her classmates. Rhea finds it as a stress-reliever, as it offers a chance to relax. She is planets away from being an artist, her hands turn to mush when in contact with paint or clay. This fact is often the second thought to come to your mind, however. Any chance Rhea gets at applying this to her life she'll grab it. Whether it's projects, homework, battle strategies even, you can bet you'll know who came up with it.

☿Spunky: having or showing mettle, courage, vigor, liveliness, etc.
"It's your teenage years, why not make the most of it?" As quoted from Mother Aurora. This sentence is not to be seen in a negative light; it is not referring to any type of self-indulgence. What Rhea's mother is trying to convey here is, that this should be the happy years of Rhea's life. If she can't enjoy and express herself now, then when will she? So are the thoughts of Mrs.Ashford. Eventually, this mentality became somewhat contagious. Rhea is always up to challenge new terrains, constantly taking up debates or bets. Although she is a sore loser, Rhea has proved that she is a courageous girl, perhaps the horror movies help, and it seems this will never change. And it is no surprise that band-aids are a common sight on the girl's epidermis. [Just had to use the word once x3.]

☿Sociable: friendly or agreeable in company.
Rhea doesn't necessarily have a preference whether her time is spent alone or shared with the company of others. However, in the case of the latter, Rhea will make the most of it. She understands that happiness is a contagious matter, and does her best to spread it like 'I Can't Believe It's Not Butter!' to those surrounding her. Rhea tends to give off an approachable mien, and it's by all means, intentional. Her friends are plentiful in number, but in terms of importance and trust, they can be counted on two hands. However, if you're ever looking for someone to listen to your story, share a drink with, or just have fun, just dial her digits.

FLAWS::

☿Obstinate: characterized by inflexible persistence or an unyielding attitude.
Follow one simple rule, don't mess with the flow, it is better by far, to keep things as they are, stick to the status quo! Rhea Ashford does not deal well with change; end of story. She is eager to break rules, but when it comes to sticking to a plan, she won't budge. This applies to every single aspect of her life, and she comes off as incredibly picky or spoiled at times. Moving? Simply unheard of, she'll tie herself to a tree, God knows how long it took to persuade the girl in order to move to Destiny City. She often blocks out other suggestions, ideas, and most of the time they are by far better than her own game-plan, but once Rhea's decided her course of sail, there's really not much you can do to change it. Her stubbornness certainly excludes her from being a game player. She is aware of the fact that her imaginations, plans, etc., are not the best, but they're hers, and she's decided to stick to that.

☿Perfectionist: a person who demands perfection of himself, herself, or others.
Perhaps it was due to her upbringing, but to Rhea Ashford, anything below stellar is unacceptable. Or maybe it's because her largest yet unrevealed fear is disappoint herself, others, or the feeling of being useless. Because of all these, she unceasingly sets high requirements for herself. Unless Rhea's shed blood, sweat, or tears due to effort, it is sub-par; but nothing else gives her the genuine feeling of achievement. Unfortunately for her, she does not have the auto-learning ability that some classmates are born with. Due to this, she is somewhat of a workaholic, not resting until the best results are received. Although Rhea puts up a tough-as-nails demeanor, feigning that snide comments and rude remarks are not worthy of her time; they are. This would mean that she would be exhibiting a fault-worthy performance in life, and the thoughts of others are what she considers the most.

☿Superstitious: believing in, full of, or influenced by superstition.
Being superstitious shouldn't be a bad thing, even when a girl's room is filled with dreamcatchers, hamsas, and all other sorts of voodoos and charms. The flaw here is it's influence on Rhea. She is constantly spouting facts about superstitions, coming to school late just to avoid a black cat, or spending hours planting four leaf-clovers seeds, and trying to figure out that week's astrological sign. Some find it to be comedic, finding her reciting an incantation to a piece of bread, but others call her simply loony. It is on a level to affect her day to day life, but if it were to conflict with her plans, then such superstitions are cast away for another time of day. A lot of her allowance is spent on artifacts from gift shops, meant to attract tourists, or cheap dream journals, and Rhea tends to misinterpret her dreams.

☿Unsympathetic: lacking compassion or feeling for others.
Talking to classmates is easy. Destiny City provides hundreds of topics to gossip, whether it's the latest bank-robbery or nightmares you've all been having. This, on no level, means that Rhea cares in the slightest for you. If a classmate died, her reaction would be bad? She'd pity the girl for the tragedy, but comprehending the loss, recognizing that the female too had a number of family and friends, is something she can't do. Although Rhea isn't religious at all, she believes what happens is for a reason, and besides, there are plenty of other human beings in this world, right? That being said, Rhea practices what she preaches. Because she is such a perfectionist, these two traits link, and she is equally harsh on herself, wary of seeming weak. To put it simply; she is a woman of science, not a woman of faith.

PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION::
☿Eyes: Black as pure obsidian. Though Rhea is thorough in her persuading that is a natural trait from her descent, people scarcely believe that this is true; casting it as a trick of genetics.

☿Hair: Rhea's hair takes the tone of a very ethereal and light shade of blonde. Her hair falls in very slight waves, starting around her ears. In terms of length, it's very long, stopping just around the beginning of her thighs. As for her bangs, they are often compared to 'three hearts' lined up. A good reference would be Sailor Galactica. One, Two, and Three. In terms of beauty and cosmetics, she does not care much for, if at all. But, when it comes to her hair, albeit Rhea doesn't take to admitting it often, she does spend a lot of time grooming it with a boar bristle brush.

☿Face: Petite in size and naturally pale, Rhea's face takes on the shape of a diamond; considered to be a cross between a heart and an oval. Her cheekbones are her most prominent feature, a slight, but natural blush spread around this area. The forehead and jaw line are almost equal, narrowing down to a delicate, curved chin.

☿Fashion: When it comes to fashion, Rhea knows no borders. She believes she is a trend-setter, though she is far from it. She will pair 8o's overalls with mules, she will wear flip-flops in the dead of winter, and she will dress like Lady Gaga if she is in the mood. Her sense of fashion is of a wide range, from threads in flea markets to designer stilettos. She may be the best person to shop with, or the worst. And don't get her started on her intense love for socks. (See Creative.) How she dresses is a direct way of expressing herself. She finds the academy uniform restraining, but is also thankful that it graces her from the bullying of her peers. Not that she would let them of course, but bitchy teenage girls can be such a bother.