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Post by kajeayn on Feb 9, 2021 1:25:19 GMT -6
R O S A L B A
post 3 | wc 237
She had known this was coming. Had watched it in a vision dancing before her eyes.
But still, her breath caught as the Soleil Prince came gently down the stairs, carrying a heavy cloak like armor. There was no question it was really her- or so a guilty voice almost hoped.
The rest screamed.
She swept into an elegant bow, dipping her head smartly to the Prince as she arrived, taking her graceful place alongside Aleksei and Faiza. The silent slave hung near her side, and the look they gave the crowd was almost challenging.
She hadn’t realized she was going to challenge any of it until this moment, and she felt her chest swell like a bellows, ready to fuel the flames.
She hadn’t expected any of this.
“It gladdens my heart to see you… well, my Prince.” She spoke slowly, her tone carefully neutral as she regarded the undead noble. “But I hope you understand that you abdicating to him will cause… questions. Concerns.” She took a single, careful step forward.
“I think the chiefest among the questions is the one we are all begging to ask, but I suppose I will speak for the group.”
She stood before the Prince, head tilted slightly as she regarded her, gazing at her like a puzzle to be solved.
But her eyes blazed.
“What brought you back?” She spoke abruptly, and her voice was suddenly very quiet.
Interacting with: Marcellus mostly |
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Post by kajeayn on Feb 9, 2021 1:29:48 GMT -6
J E S S I A H
post 3 | wc 473
The feelings in the room shifted.
They could feel it, coasting on the tides of sudden shock and elation at the sight of the revived heir. None of it showed on their face as they listened, felt the sudden waves of pain and grief, anger and revulsion sharp as fangs sinking in their skin.
Their eyes met Euonia’s, just for a moment.
They wished they had any comfort to give her. They could feel how much the idea repulsed her- of someone brought back from the embrace of the gods, returned to the living - as a symbol.
“He loves her.” They said, barely audible into her mind.
It would not undo what had been done. It would not change that Marcellus had been thrust back into the world of the living with a new, heavier burden to carry.
But it was all they could offer Anna, right now.
Other reactions in the room earned a sympathetic glance from them, especially to the commoners and other slaves. They knew how it felt, noble blood and lineage soaring over their heads, impossibly out of reach. Burdens and duties they could never hope to imagine.
The angriest in the room, at least thus far, was certainly Adviser Rosalba.
They’d anticipated anger. They’d thought there’d be more, frankly- but Rosalba boiled from inside. They were drawn to the bright flame, catching on and riding the tumultuous thoughts, tracing them to their source.
Not angry at Marcellus, they noted. Angry that she was back.
Wasn’t that interesting?
The adviser’s thoughts raced a mile a second, and Jessiah could barely keep up, witnessing each thought as they came- barely able to comprehend before she was two topics ahead, leaping and weaving between ideas and questions and more.
It was like listening when Aleksei was hard at work. The minds of those who had been educated their whole lives made their head spin. They could almost see Rosalba’s thoughts in their mind's eye, spinning out wildly in an ever expanding array of connections and ideas.
It was dizzying, really, and they were almost grateful to retreat slightly- they’d followed the path long enough to realize where the anger stemmed from, and that was all they needed for now.
They didn’t offer her tumultuous thoughts to Aleksei, not yet. They knew Rosalba would pounce on her other questions the moment Marcellus gave her answer, on how she had returned.
They’d barely thought that before her head turned, regarding Aleksei with something almost like disbelief.
“You’re getting married.” She said abruptly. It wasn’t a question.
The reaction in her mind hit Jessiah like a train, and they reflexively planted their hooves against the sudden roiling thoughts in her mind, like a hurricane had exploded to life behind her eyes, lashing out at them.
Her face was blank. Empty.
But her thoughts screamed. Interacting: Marcellus, Aleksei, Euonia plus reading Rosalba's mind |
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savorda
Dwarf Star
avatar by posy-punch
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Post by savorda on Feb 9, 2021 5:07:04 GMT -6
| O B E R Y N A D V I S E R D O N O T B E S O R R Y B E B E T T E R |
Despite having seen the vision in this very room only a few short weeks ago, the sight of Marcellus still shocked Oberyn. Perhaps some small part of him hoped the vision hadn’t been true. To meddle with something as unwavering as death unnerved him more than he wanted to admit. As much as he disliked it, Aleksei was right. Who would oppose the living Prince’s will? So he swallowed his concerns.
Tesana’s bluntness nearly made Oberyn laugh. Not at the poor thing, no. He could have sniffed her nerves out from a mile away, he didn’t need to add to that. No, he appreciated her straightforward question. Anyone of a higher rank might have danced around the question, adding all sorts of flowery pleasantries in an attempt to dull the blow of the question. He certainly would have. Still, he could sympathize with the Prince. To rule a land you suddenly find yourself a stranger in seemed an impossible feat. As did raising the dead, a few weeks ago.
Oberyn glanced at Rosalba. She had been much closer to the ruling family than he’d ever been, so her especially neutral tone felt far more telling than any curse or wail. He wanted to reach out, offer any sort of comfort he could, but he could only bite his tongue and watch. He nearly took an instinctive step back as she stepped forward.
“What brought you back?”
Oberyn didn’t want to know why. The deed was done. What could they do about it? Kill Marcellus again? Oberyn wasn’t about to volunteer for the job. But as the question hung in the air, he found his mind racing. No matter what he came up with, it all felt entirely too selfish to justify dragging Marcellus back to the world that killed her far before her time.
“You’re getting married.”
For a moment, Oberyn forgot to mask his shock. He looked at them, all wide eyes and furrowed brows for the briefest of moments before his face returned to its usual, near permanent scowl. A million questions raced through his mind, none of which he was entirely sure he wanted to know the answer to.
362 words | post 2
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Post by Dream-Lark on Feb 9, 2021 22:24:03 GMT -6
 Tesana;Aodh|Commoner
The mare’s return smile at Emin Adonis’ compliment was quick and sure, and she slide a glass toward him, filled from the bottle she’d seen him glance toward. It made her feel a little giddy to receive such attention from the young, handsome noble, and she mentally chastised herself, at least able to keep that reaction under wraps.
Gaze flickered around the room again as Nova spoke, and Tes admired the way the unicorn spoke. Really, she had a rather care-free sass about her, that Tesana did not ever think she’d be able to emulate. But in this room...it really impressed her.
The fact that nobody really spoke after her outburst made the hippocampus both pleased and even more embarrassed. Apparently everyone had been thinking it, and it had been at the top of the...well, very long list, she was sure, considering all of the surreal events happening this night. As others greeted the returned Prince, Tesana managed to get her nerves back under control, blinking at Flamen Euonia as she requested wine, her voice fully dragging the mare back to where she needed to be.
“Of course, Your Holiness,” the commoner murmured, setting a glass on the bar and filling it with wine.
She had just finished delivering it to Euonia and was sneaking a glance toward the Prince when she saw Marcellus was looking at her, and her expression immediately relaxed the mare. It seemed she wasn’t going to be given a tongue lashing just yet, and it allowed her to draw a full breath since that question had slipped right past her brain to her tongue.
“That relieves me greatly, Prince Marcellus. Thank you for explaining,” Tes replied, dipping her head low in an appropriate manner this time, when addressing the royal. Occasionally she could keep her wits about her!
However, when Rosalba began to speak, Tesana was thankful she hadn’t been holding a wine bottle in her teke. She was absolutely sure she would have dropped it. That tone, while actually neutral, was so controlled, it set off warning bells in the commoner’s head. Made her feel like a rabbit in the presence of a wolf.
The mare went still, just managing to keep herself from siddling closer to Adonis, as if seeking shelter from his own noble status and aura.
She did not want to be noticed by the kirin when she was so focused, she had witnessed a previous tongue lashing that had been...spectacular.
But the questions being asked where ones Tes was burning to know as well, though at the statement (not question) spoken last by Rosalba…
Well, the mare found herself gaping for the third time this night.
Really, she kept being surprised by turn after turn of things said or revealed.
Dear Ignacio, I might be too old for this, Tes thought to herself, half in deprecating humor and the other half….mostly meant.
But as much as she thought that, she also...couldn’t stop watching and listening. Really, she was riveted. This was NOT the sort of things a commoner was privy to -- ever.
So while she didn’t, and really, most definitely did not want to, speak up at the present time, she refilled both her own wine glass and Adonis’ (with an absently murmured ‘here, dear’) as well as reaching over and pulling a plate of snacks toward herself.
There was no way she was leaving tonight without being at least tipsy, in order to cope with things of course, and she’d need a little something to soak up the alcohol and appease her stomach. And keep her from losing whatever wits hadn’t been completely scattered by the night’s revelations until she drained a bottle of wine.
WC:621 | Post #4
Art by Kajeayn |
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Post by ThatDenver on Feb 10, 2021 11:22:49 GMT -6
ALEKSEI
”That would be something I can answer”, Aleksei responded to Rosalba’s question. He had expected their confusion, their anger even – especially Rosalba’s, who had also lost so much. To be honest, he was quite surprised no one had accused him of faking Marcellus being alive; his blessings, after all, would’ve given reason to believe he might be capable of such a thing.
”Unfortunately, I do not have the means to recreate this miracle”, he began his brief explanation. He remembered aching over the matter; over having to choose just a single person, about how he had told himself this was the best choice, the only right choice – if it worked and he would pierce the veil of death, that is was Marcellus, rather than any of the others, who he should return to this world.
”A stranger sold me a potion – she claimed it could reawaken the dead. But not like necromancy – no, permanently, as themselves, not as husks controlled by another”, he told them: ”As you can tell, it sounds like a bad scam at best. But I was in one of those moods where you wish to believe the impossible, and well, I bought it, and tried it… And she returned.”
He could’ve told them more. How Ignacio himself had come to Cinder Hall, visibly confused.
How Ignacio’s reactions had confirmed that it was indeed Marcellus, not some cheap imitation or trick of the light.
Outside, the storm was growing more terrible by the moment. Aleksei turned his ears towards it; the shaking of the windows, the sound of thunder. It filled him with a strange unease; all of it.
But especially the unnatural colors that he could see flashing through the skies.
Word count: 285
Post #3
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Deleted
Deleted Member
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Post by Deleted on Feb 10, 2021 11:23:47 GMT -6
MARCELLUS
Marcellus fazed Rosalba’s blazen glare without blinking or cowering. If Rosalba’s eyes were fire, hers were deep water; calm, cool and mysterious. She didn’t need to hear the thoughts or for Rosalba to scream out loud, she could read the pointedly neutral tone as if she was. She was fluent in the little truths left lingering in the air in absence of words.
She could see Faiza standing up straighter from the corner of her eye as soon as there was a step in her direction. As nervous as she was to be here, she also knew she was as safe as she would ever be in her current company.
She waited quietly for Aleksei to answer about her resurrection, letting her gaze wander about the room, searching the faces for thoughts and emotions. She supposed there were plenty of valid responses, after all.
“We are getting married, yes”, Marcellus responded in turn: “We are not related by blood, and our union will make Aleksei’s claim to the throne far stronger. There is merit to adapting, to change, but we will not be throwing all tradition away.”
[187 words / post 3]
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reyarpg
Star
- What's sleep?
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Post by reyarpg on Feb 10, 2021 17:03:37 GMT -6
 Edenne;| Aodh | Servile Slave
quiet, talks to no one. shows visible discomfort / traumaThe room felt almost uncomfortable, but Edenne was no stranger to being by Rosa's side when she was...passionate, to say the least. Edenne continued to stick closely to her mistress' side, having respectfully bowed to the Prince alongside her. She did not, however, take a step forward when Rosalba did, still holding her flank.
Edenne had to remind herself they were still in the presence of friends, regardless of how angry Rosa might have felt or appeared. She did cast a glance at one of the other slaves [ Jessiah ] and saw their blank, emotionless expression. 'You're getting married'.
Curious. Edenne wondered what was going on in their head. What did other slaves think of when their owners got married? Most probably wouldn't have cared, though Edenne felt otherwise. This wasn't the time nor place to ponder such things.
The realm of royalty flew well over her head, what did she care if two royals married? Though, that was quickly answered by Marcellus's words; they're not related by blood. Edenne moved closer to Rosa, standing up straighter but avoiding direct eye contact with the Prince.
She winced at the sound of the storm outside. The shaking of the windows made her visibly wince; a bad reminder of her days living in poverty-stricken shacks. She had to aggressively turn her gaze to Rosa in order to try to fight off the flashback.
WC: 232| Post #3 |
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Post by Prismaticlysm on Feb 10, 2021 17:56:11 GMT -6
  Runt ♦ Phoenix Aodh - Labor Slave ♦ Aodh - Servile Slave "You're getting married." Oh...! Duh.Blue eyes glanced over to the nobles, notably Oberyn, watching his face flash with shock for the briefest of moments. But he said nothing. He swallowed an anxious lump that formed in his throat, taking another gulp from his drink. His ears perked when Aleksei spoke again, enlightening to them exactly how Marcellus had been risen from the dead. A stranger. A potion. Desperation maybe? The Prince confirmed what Aleksei had said, and seemed to soothe some nerves by stating they weren't related. Not everything that made up Aodh royalty would be lost.Thunder drew the colts attention away. Had it looked like a storm while he was on the way over here? He couldn't remember. Weather never mattered to him, because he was working no matter what the skies decided to unleash upon them. But the thunder did sound like it was getting pretty bad out there, strong enough to rattle the windows in their frames. And was he seeing things or was the lightning odd colored? He shook his head. No, had to be his imagination, though he could swear Edenne looked just as unnerved as he felt.
The silence was stifling, made worse by the heat of the summer.Phoenix looked about the faces of the others gathered in the pub, seeking any sort of hint of how they were dealing with this information. She didn't particularly care who took the crown because she despised Isador so, but she did understand that Marcellus should, by all rights, claim the crown. It didn't seem that was what was going to happen however, and the pegasus anticipated how Aleksei would take it for himself. And her answer came from Marcellus first. The slave felt a great deal of pity for the hippocampus, for she was well schooled on the poor mare's purpose, and how sheltered of a life she lived. Bloodline usually spoke who should take the crown, and Marcellus would have been it. Only she didn't want it, it seemed, and Phoenix believed the Prince had every right to abdicate to whoever they wanted, even if, politically speaking, that was hardly how it worked. Then Marcellus spoke of the Houses joining, and Phoenix's eyes widened ever so slightly in understanding.Rosalba chimed in, her voice even and neutral, though Phoenix was well versed in such a tone. Her ears slid back instinctively and she remained silent, though continued to listen careful to the words the kirin spoke.Indeed, what did bring Marcellus back from death? But before even that could be answered, Rosalba spoke again, echoing what Phoenix had already realized. A quick glance to the rose-kirin's face told Phoenix enough to continue being quiet. Thankfully, Aleksei spoke up, and Phoenix was grateful to have someone else to focus on, especially since he claimed to have the answers they were seeking. She felt a little insecure about what he admitted. He bought a potion from a stranger which somehow brought Marcellus back. It set off red flags in her head, not about Aleksei or Marcellus, but rather what that so-called stranger might be plotting. But she couldn't deny the power that said potion held; the golden hippocampus was standing before them, alive.A crack of thunder startled Phoenix from her thoughts, though she forced herself not to glance at the windows. It was just a storm, nothing more.Marcellus confirmed that she and Aleksei were to wed, and made it known they had no blood relation otherwise. Adapting to change, huh... Phoenix knew very well how much she has had to adapt lately. Little sparks of fire lit about her forehooves like tiny candle-less flames. This was a change she was glad for, at least. |
POST COUNT: 4 ♦ WORD COUNT: Runt- 363 ♦ Phoe- 427 (total: 790)
MENTIONS: RUNT- Tesana, Marcellus, Rosalba, Oberyn, Aleksei, Edenne ♦ PHOE- Marcellus, Aleksei, Rosalba
INTERACTIONS: Runt- N/A ♦ Phoenix- N/A |
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Post by Zugunruhes on Feb 10, 2021 20:58:41 GMT -6
▸Kaspar◂
WC 273 | Post Three
Though they expected many surprising things to occur that night - the next pieces played to shake the usurper king's precarious throne- they did not foresee the reawakening of the dead. It was as though a ghost disrupted the veil between the unknown beyond and the world of the living as the Prince removed her hood. Kaspar's breath caught in their throat, no words able to aptly describe the emotions flitting through their mind and the puzzling thoughts that accompanied them.
And so they dipped their head in respect and kept their thoughts silent as they made sense of themselves. How else was one to greet a horse returned from the dead? There were so many questions waiting at the tip of their tongue, jostling to be answered first, but a flash of sadness kept them. Was the Prince's return a sign of the gods' hooves at work in the lives of mortals. And... would the others who had died in the tragedy too descend down the stairs and join the Prince? Would all the dead return to their families?
No, they knew it could not be, otherwise a Crown Prince would have joined them and Aleksei would have spoken differently. But a part of them was quelled by the Prince's support of Aleksei, echoing the sentiments of the room. And still they wondered- and the truth was not what they wanted to hear.
Not the work of the gods, but of a stranger. Could the stranger have been a god in mortal disguise? The thought offered comfort and they wished to pursue it, but it was foolish to chase and get lost in.
Image by Kruuja
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Post by SkyOfNewMoon on Feb 10, 2021 23:15:18 GMT -6
 Nova;Aodh | Courtesan
shitNova stood quietly, sipping on her drink and partaking in the expensive spread of snacks, one's she could never afford to treat herself to.
Anyone who had ever rubbed shoulders with nobility could tell when things on the surface were strongly contrasting what was beneath and there was lava boiling beneath Adviser Rosalba's top layer. Not that Nova had a clue what it meant.
But it was confirmed that the Prince was indeed brought back from Kaia's Earth, by Aleksei's own hooves, Nova could only assume with the intention to rule and then it was said out loud "We are getting married, yes." and there was only one thing that came to Nova's mind that she couldn't stop from blurting out, "That's going to be one hell of a party. Hope we're all getting invites." She added at the end, quickly ducking her head, though she hoped they were indeed among friends here and she wouldn't be burnt up for it later.
She took a moment to gauge the reactions around the room, as varied as a rainbow and had to stop at little Runt's face, wondering what the young labour slave was thinking about all of this. His life had been changed so dramatically over the last month. So far, not a lot had changed for her.
WC: 218 | Post #3artwork by hey-stardust |
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Post by kajeayn on Feb 11, 2021 7:01:21 GMT -6
R O S A L B A
post 4 | wc 486
She could only look at Marcellus in utter disbelief .
For a moment, the expression was clear on her face- then her eyes shuttered, and she stepped back with a carefully neutral smile on her face that she didn’t care if no one believed.
It wasn’t meant to be real.
“I see.” She said, her voice clipped.
She couldn’t help but be insulted at the slight- did they think she didn’t know who their parents were?- but quickly also realized what it was.
A flimsy shield to hide behind.
It took all her self control to not curl her lip, her smile remaining fixed in place.
No, not related by blood.
But they had grown up together. She remembered them both as children. They had shared Solaris as their mother.
Gods, what she must think of watching her children marry each other.
So what shall we call you, the Sister-Consort? She thought scathingly, and saw the slave’s eyes flicker towards her.
She almost smiled for real, and met their gaze.
"Got you."
There was a long pause, and she waited.
"I apologize for the intrusion, Adviser." Murmured a voice she didn’t know.
"So he has a pet mind reader now? I suppose after this little revelation, nothing surprises me." She thought dryly, and almost felt them quietly retreat from her mind- no longer talking, but she doubted they would stop listening any time soon.
Let them listen. If they wanted to report to Aleksei that she found him bringing back his sister from the dead only to marry her horrifying, it was nothing that she would not say to his face.
She only resisted now to present a united front- they could not fall to squabbling here. There were more important issues at stake, but the glance she gave Aleksei promised the subject was not dropped.
“It all sounds a little hard to believe.” She spoke slowly, her tail whisking behind her the only sign of her frustration. “I don’t suppose any of our holy guests tonight might have any ideas of how one may come from the dead? ...Or, rather, a nice story to sell to the public? I’m not sure your rule will begin well with a story about a back alley deal.” She glanced over to the Flamines in the room, dryly noting that Bale was in the middle of helping himself to more snacks.
The gentle wince that touched Edenne’s face didn’t go unnoticed- her ear swiveled to point at the window, having barely noticed the clap of thunder herself.
But she did notice Edenne’s reaction.
Invisible teke carded though the slave’s curls once again, and unlike last time, remained there like an anchor, softly stroking the neck under her thick mane. Grounding her just as much as it might help Edenne. A gentle touch, known only to the two of them.
And if her teke trembled, it was known only to them.
, Aleksei, Jessiah, Edenne. Also to the Flamines! |
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Post by kajeayn on Feb 11, 2021 7:03:59 GMT -6
J E S S I A H
post 4 | wc 378
It was the first time they had been caught, and the realization of it was as alarming as it was interesting. How had she figured it out? Perhaps they would ask her later- even if she did not want to tell them, they wondered if she could not help but think of it.
It would be useful to know, to prevent this from happening in the future.
But they could not help but be almost- excited, reminded of the days in the Pit when Brontide or another fighter even would point out weak spots. They were not happy to be corrected, no, but it meant learning- it meant improvement.
And that, they cherished.
Rosalba had done a surprisingly well job of concealing her interest and inner turmoil over the first matter- the resurrection.
They’d felt something in her wither, just a little, when Aleksei apologetically told her that he could not recreate it. But nothing showed on her face, only a tiny nod when he spoke. Accepting without a word.
Inside, she still boiled, but somehow more subdued now- they caught a name, one they had heard before, the name of an heir long gone.
Rosalie.
Their heart ached.
They would have time to mull over all her thoughts later, though- for now, their job was to listen and report as needed. There were hardly any threats to protect Aleksei and Marcellus from within these walls- it allowed them to focus mostly on listening, though it left little time for collecting their own thoughts, their own reactions.
There would be time for that later.
Their ear twitched at the sound of thunder, head turning slightly to regard the windows of the pub, the strange lights outside. They picked up on the unease of everyone in the room, reacting to it- it made their own intensify, creeping under their skin like ice.
Well, perhaps there was something to worry about outside these walls.
Their thoughts lightly touched Aleksei’s, a silent knock of sorts before they spoke.
“She is not angry at you, not really.” They told him. “She believes you about Marcellus, she’s only disappointed she cannot repeat it, and worries the public will not believe you. Also… she knows I can hear her.”
They sounded a little embarrassed.
: Aleksei, and Rosalba. |
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Post by Luneby on Feb 11, 2021 8:11:46 GMT -6
 E U O N I A"Renunciation, total and sweet."
She had pledged loyalty and believed in Aleksei, fully knowing that part of the truth would always be hidden from her and that she would have to trust him. But Marcellus returning and his plans on marrying her was something she wished she would have known about – yet she doubted she would ever come to terms with it regardless. The more Rosalba spoke, the more she felt herself sinking into the ground, and felt her heart drop when the Adviser called out for her peers.
“I’m afraid life and death are not Ignacio’s realm, Adviser.” Her eyes flicked towards Rosalba in doubt. “That would fall under Kaia’s authority. But even She is not known to bring people back from the dead in a permanent fashion. I’m afraid this is a question I cannot answer.”
A simple potion sounded… Gratuitous. While she was one to believe in miracles, this certainly did not feel like one. She had picked up on more emotions than Aleksei cared to show, as he always did. But she could tell waves of grief were crashing inside his heart over the matter – surely, he did love Marcellus, and certainly was heartbroken about choosing her over anyone else in his family, including Solaris. Yet she felt something was missing.
After all, wasn’t a life worth another one?
Her eyes shifted towards Aleksei – resigned as she spoke.
“I agree with Rosalba – whether what you say is true or not matters little in the end, you will need a more convincing story to inspire the awe and sympathy of the people, and I hope that you have one ready if you hope to start building your legend as King.”
She hated that she had no idea what her god would think of this situation – or if she could even suggest He might have allowed such a thing to happen. She refrained – for she would never put words in Ignacio’s mouth that were not His. Doubt plagued her as the question kept looping in her mind.
In the end, she could only hope that Marcellus was back because someone loved her, and not to fulfil a duty that had killed her five years ago.
She was interrupted in her thoughts as a noticeable, green light flashed inside the pub, followed by crashing thunder. The heat – she noticed, had gotten heavier. She found herself drawn to the window and stopped in horror as she noticed the sky outside.
“ … What on earth –“
She looked back towards the crowd in sheer confusion.
“Does anyone have any idea what this is about?”
***
WC: 430| Post # 4
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Post by ThatDenver on Feb 11, 2021 12:59:32 GMT -6
CHECKPOINT
The storm outside is clearly visible through the windows when one steps to take a look. The sky is an unnatural hue of purple, streaked with red – and now orange, too. Green lightning cracks across the sky.
There is the rumble of thunder, but no rain falls.
It is strange indeed.
Unnatural, perhaps.
Suddenly, through the rumblings of the sky, a knock on the door.
Heavy.
Insistent.
”In the name of King Isador, open up.”
The knock sounds like more of a bash now.
Through the pulled curtains of the front windows, you see at least a few dozen armed Chevaliers.
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Post by ThatDenver on Feb 11, 2021 13:00:06 GMT -6
ALEKSEI
”I agree, but unfortunately, that is the truth”, Aleksei responded to Rosalba, his stance unconsciously becoming just a little bit more squared, although by no means hostile.
Sometimes he wished he was taller. It would’ve made more of an impression.
”If Ignacio can bring back the kirins, surely it is not outside his realm of ability”, he remarked, a bit dryly: ”But I am also known for my devotion to Kaia. We can think of a convincing story later – I agree that it is important, even if lying is a bit… Distasteful, I suppose.”
He looked at Marcellus, just for a moment. Aleksei could tell that the room was not thrilled by the plans of marriage, and the boyish part of him wanted to challenge them for it – challenge them to come up with a better, more stable political solution, point at the various times in history where just such a match had been made, often between adopted siblings to merge two Houses and their wealth.
And another part of him, the part who had been forced to grow up and was a boy no longer, knew their distaste for the idea was not unwarranted.
That it, too, would be another thing he would have to resolve, should he win.
Aleksei heard Jessie in his head, noting the embarrassment. He couldn’t help a slight smile as he exchanged looks with Rosalba – hers angry and perhaps a bit hurt, his apologetic but resolute.
”Unfortunately, her pain is not foreign to me.”
A simple response, and then a switch of attention to Euonia. Before he had time to speak further, she had moved to the window, watching the skies.
Then, a knock.
Aleksei’s eyes shifted.
”It seems this meeting must come to an abrupt end”, he said quietly, and without a word, moved himself between Faiza and Marcellus, and the door.
”We shall use the back entrance. Calm and orderly. It’ll take time to break down the door, and it’s better if they think we are still inside, rather than making them think we’ve run off”, Aleksei’s voice was steady, even if his eyes glowed; ever so slightly.
Word count: 356
Post #4
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Post by Prismaticlysm on Feb 11, 2021 16:38:30 GMT -6
Runt ♦ Phoenix Aodh - Labor Slave ♦ Aodh - Servile Slave
Strangely purple with red streaks, unnatural even for sunset colors. Green lightning coursed through the heavens, causing the boy to wince. Wince, then panic.The door was pounded upon, urgently so, and Runt felt his pulse quicken tenfold at the words that followed.Isador!? Blue eyes snapped to Aleksei when the Advisor took control, pointedly placing himself between Faiza and Marcellus and the door. Runt looked between the door and Aleksei, and the colt quickly hurried to the Advisors side. "You need to go first. Our plans would be for nothing if you are caught. Aodh needs a King who cares for their people. And none of us can fill that crown except you and the Prince."He was trembling.
Phoenix allowed herself a small chuckle at Nova's comment about getting invitations to the wedding. The slave supposed Eliina would certainly be invited for the simple fact she was from a Great House, and she wondered if she would be allowed to join when it occurred. She could imagine it would be a fabulous affair, she could really get made up. Even if she would only really be there as eye candy, she would assist her new Mistress with keeping the appearances of House Xoias sky high.Rosalba spoke, and Phoenix nodded in agreement. No, it certainly wouldn't look well for noble or commoner both to admit they had seen a shady dealer of strange objects that just so happened to bring someone back from the dead. No, there needed to be something to be said that kept the truth from the surface, but would also satisfy those they needed desperately to impress.Euonia spoke with her usual wise demeanor, though Phoenix found she didn't completely agree. Were there not numerous Kirins bearing down on Aodh who hadn't existed in many years? If Ignacio or Kaia didn't have a hoof in that, than who did? What equine had the audacity to dip their hooves into the realms of the Gods like that? It made Phoenix's skin crawl, though the revulsion wasn't directed at Marcellus; she was quite glad the Prince was back, even if she would not be taking the crown for herself. This was how it is to be, she supposed. Aleksei seemed to have similar feelings.The Flamen appeared to agree with Rosalba, and Phoenix was glad for it. They needed to make sure this plan went of with a hitch if it was to succeed. She really hated to think Plan B would end up dirtying them all in blood, which they all wanted to avoid at all costs.The crack of thunder made Phoenix concerned that time; it sounded like it was getting bad. She looked to Euonia who stood at the window, peering upwards. Phoenix took a step forward, but she figured the others would want to see first, so she held her place. Pale brows furrowed in confusion at the equally confused look on the Flamens face. What was going on?Another rumble, but then something sharper, more insistent. Amber eyes glanced around the room before they settled on the locked door; someone was knocking, and it didn't take long to figure out who.”In the name of King Isador, open up.” Eyes grew wide when they flicked to the windows, though she reined in her fear. It seemed they were found out after all. She immediately looked to Aleksei for direction, watching him place himself between the door and his companions. He calmly mentioned the back entrance, the pegasus flicking her eyes to the stairwell that the would-be King had come from before. She turned her gaze back to the unicorn, then saw the colt move towards them. His words made her purse her lips, wanting to challenge him; what on earth could a slave, a labor slave for that matter, do instead?But at the same time, his words...they had some merit. He was right that if Aleksei was captured then and there, it was over. |
POST COUNT: 5 ♦ WORD COUNT: Runt- 626 ♦ Phoe- 544 (total: 1170)
MENTIONS: Nova, Rosalba, Euonia, Aleksei, Faiza, Marcellus
INTERACTIONS: Runt- Aleksei ♦ Phoenix- N/A |
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Post by mai | nychnymph on Feb 11, 2021 18:45:04 GMT -6
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Rosalba’s anger was palatable, and was hot in the air. He was nearly inclined to agree with the Advisor - as it was unnatural in his eyes to see step siblings marry for romance or otherwise. But he had no desire to voice this, as Marcellus’ marriage to Aleksei would only be seen as a strong and practical union if they were to make sure to angle the announcement in their favor.
Beside him, he spied Tesana’s tense manner and moved just slightly to angle her behind him in a show of goodwill - flanks brushing just so that it would be perceived as nothing more than a protective move among companions (yes, he was a rogue but he kept business and pleasure entirely separate, despite how pretty and elegant Tesana was). Rosalba was indeed a lot to witness if one was not used to shows of noble wrath and politically cutting tongues.
His ears flickered forward as Aleksei spoke of the potion that had raised Prince Marcellus from the dead. He frowned slightly and took a sip of his newly refined wine goblet (Tesana was becoming one of his favorites of the group, with her refill much needed). As the brightly colored courtesan spoke, Adonis had to gulp fast in order to not choke on his wine in laughter. Indeed, it would be one hell of a party, and he hoped his stifled laughter was refined enough into a small cough that no one would notice.
But then Flamen Euonia spoke and he slipped back into business as usual. The room was still tense - loosening slowly as Aleksei and Marcellus eased thoughts and minds - and so the Flamen’s gentle voice was a welcome relaxer. Although he had not known Euonia long, even with House Ritterbren’s and House Julius’ tremendous history, spying the careful thoughts beyond Euonia’s eyes was easy enough as she spoke. Adonis was both inclined to agree, chime in and potentially offer an idea of how they were to build a more convincing story - would they need writers? Publishers, to spread this story? - when crashing thunder accompanied a green flash into the room.
He was instantly on high alert, goblet placed down and forgotten, and eyes on the windows. A storm --
“In the name of King Isador, open up.”
Aleksei was quick to calm the crowd with a steady voice - and moved to protect Faiza and Marcellus almost immediately. Adonis could appreciate the order in his directions. They had time, sure, but extra time would help immensely.
Runt was the first to move to Aleksei, pushing his little body to the Advisor’s side. He was trembling visibly but his words were fierce and true.
Adonis stepped up, “He is right, Aleksei,” He chimed in, looking back to the crowd of their companions before shooting an admiring and proud gaze to Runt. The labor slave was above them all for his quick thinking. Ignacio would not find a braver soul than this little colt.
“We have time but not much,” Adonis jumped into action and gestured for all to stand by as his Force Field flickered into life - creating a magnificent dome of protection that he moved, already sweating under the pressure, to shield and mask them all, “Protect Prince Marcellus and our King. I can hold the door and those outside back and circle behind the last of us, but be quick and quiet.”
With a look shot over his shoulder, he nodded once to Aleksei and then to Runt, eyes soft, “Go, all of you. I have this.”
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Interacts: Tesana, Nova, Runt, Aleksei | Mentions: Rosalba, Euonia, Marcellus, Faiza
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Post by Dream-Lark on Feb 12, 2021 12:07:31 GMT -6
Tesana;Aodh|Commoner
A potion had really brought the Prince back? The idea seemed so very...very far fetched. But at the same time, there was a dead royal standing and breathing before them. A no-longer dead Prince who was going to marry an Advisor and overthrow the current King. And she was involved. Really, Tesana would have thought this was some sort of surreal and crazy dream she ought to wake up from soon, except she knew she was creative enough to imagine all of the things happening this night.
Was anyone not on some opioid capable of that?
While the news of the marriage surprised her, Tes had no real opinion about it. It was odd, but nobles lived (and made) their own sets of rules. It would certainly make Aleksei’s claim better though, as they had said, to help oust Isador from his current position.
Ears continued to flicker about, taking in the continued conversation, her emotions feeling rather like a flickering flame -- dipping and rising constantly, shifting between the spectrum far more than on a normal evening -- or even month, she was going to be exhausted tonight. She felt gratitude toward Adonis, and amusement at Nova (oh, she liked that pretty courtesan more and more). She couldn’t stop a small chuckle when she heard her companion cough. Either Adonis had been trying not to laugh, or he’d swallowed wine down the wrong pipe. Either way, it lightened her mood considerably though she hide it well. She musn’t chuckle at a noble.
The rumble of thunder drew her attention for a brief moment, and the mare idly wondered if the storm was finally going to break. However, the flash of green startled her, and the knock on the door sent a chill down her spine. The chill became ice when the knock came harder, and the words came through the wood. Isador’s Chevaliers.
“Oh dear.”
The words were a mere exhalation of breath as she watched Aleksei step before Faiza and Marcellus, and heard the steady order given.
Tesana was just stepped forward to do as asked, when Runt, that brave little fool, rushed to the golden unicorn’s side.
“Dear child, do as he says and come with me. We must move to the back, and we must get your bridle back on or you’ll be in for it when we get out this mess and get safely back to our homes. If you trust Advisor Aleksei with your life and to be our future ruler, then listen to him now. Folk like us don’t have the power the nobles do, so leave the protecting to them. He knows what he’s doing, what could happen.
So come with me, Runt. Nova dear, walk with us?”
Voice and fins trembled a little, but tone was certain, gaze shifting in surprise and amazement to the force field flickering into being as Emin Adonis stepped up to protect them. Tesana might not have a head for politics or fabricating stories, but moving and doing during a crisis -- that she could manage. Stopping and standing still only ever worsened the trouble, and that true whether it was a pipe bursting in a spa or a bloody king’s chevaliers bashing on the door.
And she didn’t want to meet said king’s wyvern. Tesana was certain if they got caught she, Nova, and the slaves at the least would be made a spectacle. One that involved a wyvern, fire, and teeth.
The mare shuddered, but ushered her companions toward the back as calmly as she could, forgoing her cloak by the door. She didn’t need it that badly.
WC:602 | Post #5
Art by Kajeayn |
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Feb 14, 2021 14:01:41 GMT -6
FAIZA
Faiza stood still by Aleksei’s side through the discourse, only squaring up slightly as Rosalba stepped closer. It wasn’t that she wasn’t moved by any of these subjects, but they weren’t about her, nor her decision. The best thing she could do was support her husband to the best of her ability, and to make sure they all made it safely out of here at the end of the day.
She kept an eye on the brewing storm, too. It made her feel uneasy, but she remained still until the knock on the door. She could feel the hair on her neck stand up, but remained perfectly calm.
Aleksei earned an annoyed glare, only between the two of them, for stepping in between her and the door. The stupid man knew very well this was not time for some bravado, and that she was here to protect him. A small part of her might have also admired this stupid bravery, the girlish part that so easily got lost into the ocean blue eyes… But he was still most certainly more stupid than he was swoon-worthy, Faiza told herself.
They had practiced this, over and over, so her force field covered Marcellus as she gently moved the small eminent towards the back entrance. They could slip into the night without anyone ever knowing they were there.
”This way”, Faiza confirmed calmly, Marcellus behind her. There was banging on the front door, but quiet towards the back - everything seemed safe.
"What is the meaning of this?" she demanded from the Chevaliers, immediately moving to block the entrance and using her force field to push Marcellus further away. Faiza’s body was engulfed in pink and blue flames, swirling and dancing around her, twisting the air as if her very being was much too hot for touch… Except in reality, the fire wasn’t any warmer than her skin.
[342 words / post 3]
MARCELLUS
There was an icy hint to the look she gave Rosalba and her clipped tone, but there wasn’t time for further discussion before the sky’s unnatural tones behind the windows became even more noticable, and soon there was banging on the door. She jumped, glancing at Aleksei and Faiza with frightened eyes. They had prepared for it, but she still felt frozen with fear. She doubted her feet would have moved at all, hadn’t it been for Faiza’s blessing gently coaxing her along.
She kept telling herself to keep calm, to keep breathing, to just get to the door and they’d all slip into the night just as they had practiced.
Her heart felt like it skipped too many beats as Faiza opened the door, and instead of a quiet alleyway, they were staring down at Chevaliers, demanding to get in. She cowered behind Faiza, feeling herself being pushed further away from the door. She looked for Aleksei’s face in the commotion, terrified and unsure. She scrambled to flatten herself along the wall, doing her best to hide away. She really regretted letting go of that cloak, and considered making a dash to retrieve it.
[195 words / post 4]
BALE
Bale had busied himself with food and drinks. He knew better than to meddle in the business of the nobility - he was no longer a stranger to it all, having resided in Oralee for a time, but it certainly wasn’t, and never had been, his place. He hadn’t even been in Aodh while the Prince had lived, so it would have been disrespectful to speak up. Or at least he could have made it sound disrespectful, that much he knew. He wasn’t stupid, he could spot the rippling tension in the room and figure there was a lot riding on this, but it was often better if people disregarded him.
He did perk up when asked about death and Ignacio, but didn’t have time to muster up an answer to add to Euonia’s before they were interrupted. He had been politely merely shimmering all evening, but the glow around him immediately brightened up at the suggestion of an intrusion. He squared up, starting to take steps towards the front door to help guard it. His relic lit up, too, its weight balancing in his golden teke for a better position.
What a glorious party; food, wine and a brawl?
His blessing felt it before he could hear anything, the blessings beyond the back entrance, but he had no time to warn Faiza before the door was opened. He stopped mid-step, skidding to turn and hurry to the other door. If he had been glowing seconds ago, his light was almost too bright to look directly into now. His holy blessing searched and focused as he got closer, turning off the blessings on their opponents quickly and surely, one by one.
“They won’t get through me”, he promised as he positioned his huge halberd into a fighting stance. If the somewhat awkward kirin hadn’t made much of an impression earlier, it was now rather visible how he encompassed Ignacio’s virtues as he fearlessly faced the Chevaliers.
[331 words / post 3]
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Post by kajeayn on Feb 14, 2021 18:04:01 GMT -6
R O S A L B A
post 5 | wc 591
For a few moments, the talks continued, and Rosalba was- dare she say it- beginning to look forward to the rest of the evening. The challenging gleam in Marcellus and Aleksei’s eyes promised some fiery retorts she would certainly enjoy, and the Flamines had interesting words to give as well- she rarely took part in religious debate, but this one actually interested her a fair deal.
Briefly, it was picturesque, even with the tension, even with the unease and bitter disappointment rolling in her gut. Tonight she was an adviser doing her job, not in the shadows with rumors and whispers.
Tonight she was among friends. Talking about the future. Planning the future.
It was almost enough to make her sentimental.
But, of course.
It couldn’t last.
The knocks on the front door seemed to echo in her very bones, ears pinning flat as she looked towards it.
She stepped unconsciously closer towards Edenne as Aleksei gave his quiet commands, nodding slightly at him. The distant hums of something approaching panic buzzed in her legs, pushed further down with each step as she turned towards the back door.
It certainly wasn’t a surprise to see Isador sending his chevaliers after them all. But the reality of it was almost enough to shake her composure, her eyes darting from exit to exit, from horse to horse- lingering a little longer on Runt as Tesana moved to accompany him.
Good, he wouldn’t be alone.
She really did like that mare.
Runt’s protest to Aleksei made something in her chest twist, and she turned her head away, unable to look at his bright, brave expression. She couldn’t dwell on it, not here, and not now, and forcibly shoved all thoughts of him aside.
“Stay close to me,” She murmured to Edenne as they moved towards the back exit. “But Edenne- do not hesitate if danger comes to anyone else.” Her eyes moved briefly, meaningfully, towards the commoners, the slaves, before she looked back towards Edenne.
She hardly prioritized their safety about hers, but they only had so many fighters- and right now, all their eyes were on the Prince. As they should be, of course, but she could not rightfully allow her own protector to ignore anyone else, should trouble befall them.
Adonis offered to cover their retreat, and wasn’t that a surprise? His blessing was useful, certainly, but he was still only one horse- the smile he gave them all was encouraging, and she found herself almost- almost- smiling back at him.
The presence of chevaliers at the back door, however, made her freeze in place.
“Damn him.” She swore under her breath, thinking irritably of Isador cozy on his bloodied throne, scowling at the very thought of the king. She shook herself, watching as Bale all but raced to the frontlines- eager and bright eyed, as if this were all a game.
At least someone was enjoying themselves, tonight.
She stepped towards Oberyn, less to seek protection, more to offer it- Edenne could protect them both, she was certain. And she found his presence grounding, taking a deeper breath as she stood beside him, her mind racing with options as she looked towards the door.
They had to get Marcellus out of here.
That was the most imperative of their goals- Isador could not know of her. And most importantly, he could not have her.
She’d never fought before in her life, but she would damn well put a hoof in someone’s face herself if it was to keep the Prince safe.
INTERACTING: Edenne and a bit of Oberyn, mentions Marcellus, Aleksei, Runt, and Tesana! |
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Post by kajeayn on Feb 14, 2021 18:08:25 GMT -6
J E S S I A H
post 5 | wc 611
They cursed themselves for not having heard the approaching chevaliers.
There were too many voices in the pub tonight, too many well trained soldiers outside shielding their thoughts- but as they listened now, they heard fear and doubt amongst them as well. Some who were spoiling for a chance to serve their King, and some who were simply following orders.
They made note of it, split second calculations as they turned away from the front door, eyes hard as they surveyed the room- they could shove furniture up against the door to buy time, but the noise would hurry the chevaliers along, and could they afford the delay?
They left Marcellus to Faiza, trusting in her to keep the Prince safe, but a word in the Soleil’s thoughts caught their attention, and they hurried from Aleksei’s side for a moment.
In the grand scheme of things, it was just a cloak. But it would hide her identity- and that was the most precious secret to keep. They scooped up the heavy fabric, suppressing a wince as their teke faltered a moment- a lifetime of bridle use had rendered their teke weak at best. They’d only been working to strengthen it in recent times, since coming under Aleksei’s ownership- they weren’t sure if they’d ever make it to the level of a “normal” teke user.
The thought was frustrating as they laboriously lifted the cloak, pausing only a moment before fetching Tesana’s as well, despite the added strain- she’d only cast a brief thought for it, but they’d heard, and they also didn’t like the idea of leaving any traces behind. Tesana was only a commoner- if the chevaliers tracked down the owner of the cloak, there was little to protect her.
They could only offer her this much.
As they passed her, they offered her the cloak with a dip of their head, not quite daring to meet her lovely eyes. Commoner though she was, they were still a slave- they didn’t presume to hold her gaze even here, in this meeting.
They left her, and for a moment, their eyes landed on Euonia, and something like fear flickered in their gaze.
They knew she couldn’t run. She could only hope, maybe, to fly away, but even that was risky at best- how was she going to escape?
Their mind softly touched hers as they passed her, their eyes holding hers for a moment.
“I will not let anything happen to you.”
Marcellus had Faiza at her back. Aleksei had the very bones of the earth at his disposal. Euonia had her light, but a frailty that came with it- a paper lantern, eager to burn itself up to light the way.
They would not let that happen.
They gave the cloak to Marcellus, bowing their head respectfully as they stepped back- only for their head to snap up, eyes wide moments before Faiza opened the door and they found themselves face to face with a small group of chevaliers.
Their mind flashed out, to Adonis- brave Adonis, holding his shield though fear flickered in his heart- reaching out even as their muscles bunched, an arrow about to fly.
SHIELD THE DOOR
They leaped.
Even before they were out of the door’s frame, their body caught fire. Rose pink flame roared up their legs, their body- as it passed over their face, it left behind a black skull, canine teeth bared in a snarl.
The furia blazed, a piercing howl escaping the obsidian jaws as they dove into the very middle of the gathered chevaliers- sending up a wall of fire around them, slamming down in their midst like a meteor.
INTERACTING: Tesana, Marcellus, Adonis, Euonia- oh and all the chevaliers outside. |
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Post by Zugunruhes on Feb 15, 2021 9:26:05 GMT -6
▸Kaspar◂
WC 457 | Post Four
With a powerful ease, necessary for her rank, the Adviser Rosalba addressed the unspoken concerns that had been whirring in Kaspar's thoughts. How would the public come to know of the Prince's return from the dead? Kaspar could imagine themselves describing it in a sermon with illusions of the gods drawing the Prince into their realm with gentle embraces. But as quick as the scene bloomed to life in their mind they cast it away with an internal shiver, as though a ghost had trailed past them.
They had spread rumors for Aleksei's cause because the tales were so enriched with truth, but they would not lie about this; not when the existence of such a potion existed. Never about something that touched the realm of the gods. But they knew, with a discomfort creeping low into the back of their thoughts, that questions would come to Fernos when the time came. They regarded Euonia thoughtfully and decided they would seek her out in the coming days to discuss the strange potion.
The knock on the door was a jarring tether back to reality and the flamen's heart hammered in beat with the terrible sound. Whatever stab of fear pierced their gut did not reach their face. They had learned to master their expressions before a crowd of a thousand long before, and though there was no reason to hide their emotions here because the threat was real for all of them, assuming a look of serene grace lent them bravery.
A cool fire burned in them, banishing shadows of doubt back into the night where they would stay forever. They had considered this moment happening for weeks- chevaliers appearing because of their sermons, their meeting with Aleksei, and their first visit to the pub. And the flames roared in approval of their choices.
Runt, the young labor slave, was admirable in his courage as he spoke to Aleksei, his words moving. And the eminent Adonis arose as a shield to them all, his powerful force fields erecting a barrier. Kaspar's gratitude to the eminent was not spoken out loud, but their warm eyes looked to him as they passed by, towards the door. Then- Faiza's voice cut through the air. They were surrounded.
In a low voice they whispered to those in the room, "I offer my protection- may these horses not know your faces." And a strange illusion rippled the air, seeming to draw inspiration from Adonis' force fields. For the chevaliers staring in, the horses' would seem to blur into colors and shapes, distorted for a moment. "I will hold this long as I can." They had not weapons with them to fight, but they could still confuse and unnerve the chevaliers.
OOC: Kaspar addresses the room as a whole at the end, but mentions Adonis, Rosalba, Runt, and Euonia in their thoughts.
Their illusion is Level 2 and can be sustained for a few minutes.
Image by Kruuja
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reyarpg
Star
- What's sleep?
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Post by reyarpg on Feb 15, 2021 17:31:03 GMT -6
Edenne;| Aodh | Servile Slave
regards adonis's force fields, interacts/ w oberyn, rosalba, mentions runt Edenne softly [ and quietly ] breathed out through her nose, sighing as she felt the invisible comfort of Rosalba's teke working through her mane. She was grateful to have the comfort and support from her most trusted - and beloved - mistress. The comfort and momentary calm was temporary. She didn't dare look outside, hearing the raucous thunder was enough. The pounding on the door, and the sound of angry Chevaliers, however, certainly put her on edge.
In that brief moment, Edenne was already mentally recollecting what she had on her. She had her cloak, her basic armor, and tucked away inside her cloak was her fan, that she could use if things got messy. Aleksei quietly informing they must all go orderly and calm was noted, but she was instinctually stepping between the door and Rosa almost instantly.
She would always be her shield, no matter the cost. She was quick to give Rosa her ear as she moved with her to the back exit, giving her a nod in response to her words. Of course. Edenne would always do her best to serve Rosa. Rosa was her number one priority, but if someone else was threatened, she would jump in the thick of it to ensure that they were safe.
Even if Edenne didn't quite understand, that also meant defending the labor slave, too. And despite her trepidation towards Oberyn and Rosalba, she would protect him too. She was bound by both blood ( her slavery ) and by honor ( swearing to Rosalba ) to protect anyone she deemed necessary, and she would.
She gave Adonis a grateful look and a nod at his offering of force field. She was grateful to have an extra layer of protection. She hoped that, if she made it out of here alive, she too would have a gift from the gods to help Rosa.
Edenne flipped her the hood of her cloak back on easily, she didn't want to be recognized. That would be too risky for Rosa, as a flashy coat like Edenne's was hard to not recognize. However, it would appear that was only partially not necessary as Kaspar offered an illusion to protect them. Edenne watched with mixed awe and fear as Jessiah's furia leapt towards the group of Chevaliers. Edenne chose to stay put, keeping an eye on those Rosalba had tasked her with, and holding her bladed fan proper in her mouth. While she owned several, she was almost grateful that the one she took tonight was not the one decorated in roses, but plain. It was already fanned open, ready to dash and cut if need be. Edenne continued to be the wall between Rosa and the Chevaliers.
She would not let them get hurt.
WC: 462| Post #4 |
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savorda
Dwarf Star
avatar by posy-punch
Posts: 61
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Post by savorda on Feb 16, 2021 5:06:16 GMT -6
| O B E R Y N A D V I S E R D O N O T B E S O R R Y B E B E T T E R |
If Marcellus had not stood before them all tonight, Oberyn would have never believed a simple potion could wake the dead. And yet…
Oberyn, for just a moment, thought of his sisters. He tried not to dwell on their deaths. Letting the guilt eat away at him would never bring them back (or so he thought, until today). Late at night however, when sleep escaped him, he imagined what he might say to them now. He’d apologize for sending them to the ball in his place. They’d chastise him, remind him that they offered to go, like they did when they left Rowan Manor that night. He liked to think Elia would chew him out for blaming himself. She always seemed to find a reason to lecture him. An ounce of hope and interest dared to rear its head but was dismissed as quickly as it appeared. Even if this potion was replicable in any capacity, which they had no proof of, they’d never forgive him if he brought them back. And if he only managed to bring back one? Killing them again himself would be more merciful.
Rolling thunder dragged Oberyn back to his senses. Well, it looked like he’d be sharing his bed tonight. His youngest four all hated storms, and Oberyn would find himself in a bed much more crowded than he fell asleep come morning. He almost smiled in spite of the eerie sky. Almost. A knock made sure that smile disappeared in an instant.
Oh wonderful.
While he’d certainly expected some trouble tonight, Oberyn had foolishly hoped they’d all be able to return home that night without much of a fuss. Still, the reality of Chevaliers standing just on the other side of the door sent icy dread shooting through his veins. The ones guarding the back exit only served to irritate him.
Oberyn couldn’t say his first instinct was to jump between the chevaliers and the others. He might have had enough hubris to join them if he was some twenty odd years younger, but his time for playing the self-important hero has long since passed. He wanted out.
Oberyn spared a glance at Rosa, his pride refusing to let him admit to even just himself how much her step closer comforted him. Thoughts for another time, when they’re not surrounded by Chevaliers out for their blood.
393 words | post 3
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Post by mai | nychnymph on Feb 16, 2021 15:32:09 GMT -6
✷ ✷ ✷
He was grateful that Tesana was quick to remove Runt and usher him, alongside most of the others to the back door. The Chevaliers at the front weren’t stopping for a moment - their pounding nearly shaking the foundation of the very building. His Force Field could only be up for so long and using the extent of it to press against the door was already causing him to sweat with the intensity.
The ruckus behind him was startling and he gritted out a smirk. Of course, Isador would order all exits to be covered. Hopefully, there were only a few Chevaliers - he assumed they would be quaking in their boots from the loud and demanding question from Faiza but even then, the alley needed to be cleared as quickly as possible. He only had so much in him to physically hold the front door closed and bolted with his blessing.
Adonis prayed, harsh and demanding, for Ignacio to bless him with the strength to protect Aleksei and Marcellus from Isador’s rage. If Ignacio favored Aleksei on the throne, grant him the strength to hold these traitors at bay.
And like a comet to the earth, Jessiah’s voice - at least he assumed it was, as the servile sprang toward the back door - rang true in Adonis’ head. SHIELD THE DOOR.
Any quiver in his legs were gone, and he grunted out a roar as he held strong against the door - strength renewed and muscles tense with action. Eyes squeezed, he tentatively sent out a pained echo of his own voice back to Aleksei’s servile - already his ears picking up the sounds of fighting from the back door. Clear them quickly!
He cursed somewhat to himself that he had not brought along any weapons, then cursed louder as the door splintered from the force of Chevalier hooves against the wood. They had moments only to make flight before they would be stormed from this side. If they were surrounded, it would be a bloody fight that Adonis was not sure they could win. With the strength of which the door was warping, he was sure there had to be half a dozen - many more - Chevaliers at the tavern’s front.
So close to the door, he dared not call out to anyone by name - thought thankfully their faces and flanks were shielded by the illusions of the Flamen Kaspar, but nonetheless, he urgently hollered over his shoulder, “We’re losing time fast!”
And then, because he of course couldn’t help making a joke at such an ill time, he cast a look to Aleksei with a grin (though he was sure it looked quite roguish considering he was quite literally forcing the front door shut with all his strength), “And maybe some iron on these pub doors next time.”
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Interacting: Jessiah, Aleksei, the room | Mentioning: Tesana, Runt, Faiza, Kaspar
5 | 465
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Post by SkyOfNewMoon on Feb 16, 2021 19:06:09 GMT -6
Nova;Aodh | Courtesan
shit Nova had to admit, her head raised higher at Adonis' reaction to her comment. Any kind of reaction was fuel for the Courtesan.
Then it all cam crashing down with the booming thunder and knocks at the door. Of course she had to think her life wouldn't automatically be turned upside down within a month. Taking a moment to finish her drink and fuel up on a few more snacks, she nodded at Tesana's invitation to leave together, quietly out the back door, which is when Nova noticed Adonis' sacrifice to hold the door with his blessing. Before walking away, Nova quickly gave him a kiss on the cheek, "You brave, wonderful soul." Then as she turned around, the grand nobles were confronted by more of Isador's chevaliers hiding out back.
Just as she took a step forward to meld into her Shadow, ready to slip away without detection, Kaspar worked up an illusion to cover them all, removing Nova's sole reason for wanting to disappear. Channeling the power of the storm, Nova began crackling with her own Electricity Manipulation, she hadn't had a chance to use her full mini storm power since increasing its power and she couldn't deny the small thrill that went through her at the chance to use it. Setting herself up behind Bale's large glowing form, she readied her storms above to attack. "It's best you get out now, quickly, your eminencies. We've got it covered here and we're certainly more expendable than yourselves!" She called to the Prince and addressing anyone incapable of fighting or even just holding off the oncoming forces.
WC: 268 | Post #4artwork by hey-stardust |
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Post by Prismaticlysm on Feb 16, 2021 20:23:39 GMT -6
Runt ♦ Phoenix Aodh - Labor Slave ♦ Aodh - Servile Slave
His legs felt like lead, similar to how they feel when he was on his hooves for hours upon hours at a time with little to no rest, moving robotically without thinking. Tesana was logical regarding his abilities, he didn't feel any self pity knowing it was truth. His ears were pinned to the sides of his head, reverting to autopilot; obey. Obey Tesana. Obey the others. Keep close. Keep his head down. Don't say a word. Wide eyes glanced to the passing table, the various delights still sitting there completely untouched. No, he had to leave them.
But then, commotion at the back door. Faiza had opened the door that was to be their escape, but instead that, too, was blocked by enemies. She lit up like a pyre when she brandished her weapon. Teke flickered faster than he realized, and one last treat was swept off the table and jammed into his mouth.
Die happy. Die happy.
He couldn't even taste it.
Ignacio, as well as other Gods, would prove to be with them tonight in the form of blessings bestowed upon those present. The glowing Flamen Bale flickered, glowed brighter, like the sun itself turned equine. Runt winced, balked, with then felt a feathery, leathery, wing fold over him and draw him close. He glanced up to the small pegasus who didn't even look down at him. She muttered something to Tesana, then to him, and he could only nod; obey, obey.
Rosalba and Edenne looked ready to come to blows with the Chevaliers, though Runt hoped that it wouldn't come down to it. He felt...sick...thinking of seeing the Advisor or her slave hurt. Dead. His shivering increased, this felt like his Proving, only he was the prey; Phoenix tightened her wing around him. Oberyn hung back, Runt assumed he would provide backup.
The most shocking thing of all that happened so far, was that of Jessiah, the silent slave. They barreled through the others and then burst into flames. Kaspar offered them a brief respite, protecting their appearances with blurred colors. It made Runt feel a little nauseous to look at, so he kept his gaze down, trying to focus on not completely panicking.
He tried to turn his head to look back at Adonis who shouted a warning, the boy uttering a whimper. Phoenix murmured to him again, a message of hope, before she continued to urge him forward.
Obey. Obey.
Nova ushered them more, crackling with electrical energy. He hated how useless he was, but it was how it was. If he survived this night, he would be having one hell of a chat with the gods about his usefulness.
Everything was happening so fast.
Adonis was taking care of the front door with his force fields. Tesana was leading Runt and Nova to the back door, where Faiza had already taken the Prince. The gem encrusted Chevalier burst into flames when she opened the door to find their path blocked by another group of Chevaliers, brandishing an equally blazing weapon. This wasn't looking good...
Bale became a beacon of light, charging through like a golden spear towards their enemies. Nearby, Runt winced, slowing up. Without warning, the pegasus draped a wing over him. She could at the very least disguise him like this. She couldn't look at him though, to show him her concern. She pulled him close, forcing him to walk with her. "Tesana, was it?" The long-eared mare looked to the hippocampus, "I'll keep him close."
"Stay with me." She muttered to Runt, still without glancing at him.
Rosalba and Edenne were reading for a battle in their own right, the servile slave well equipped with armor and a weapon of her own. Oberyn appeared to hang back, perhaps simply waiting for the perfect time to strike with a blessing of his own. Phoenix wondered weakly if Eliina would allow her to be trained to fight. Hah, what a laugh... Phoenix knew she was built for little else than being a perfect servile slave. Fighting was for those like Desoto.
Runt shivered harder, and she instinctively pressed him closer. She could bathe when she got back home. If she got back home.
Jessiah shapeshifted into what she realized was a Furia, the sight intriguing and...just a bit scary. But at least his fire was useful. She was only recently blessed and it was a miracle she could already coat her hooves with flame. But using a mouthful of fire? That was far into the future.
Kaspar disguised them with illusions full of color and shadows, and Phoenix dipped her head to them in thanks. She knew she would be easily recognizable, even if she was small of stature. Phoenix twisted an ear back when Adonis told them their time was running out, and she felt her heart skip a beat. They needed to move, and quickly.
Nova moved in to join the battle, her electricity making what little pelt Phoenix had on herself stand on end. Even her feathers were poofing up on their own accord. She didn't want to stick around for that light show.
"We have to hurry!" She spoke finally, keeping her voice even, long ears folded back. "We'll beat them back as we pass if we have to!"  |
POST COUNT: 6 ♦ WORD COUNT: Runt- 597 ♦ Phoe- 435 (total: 1032)
MENTIONS: UH EVERYONE!?
INTERACTIONS: Runt- Adonis, Tesana, Phoenix ♦ Phoenix- Kaspar, Runt |
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Post by ThatDenver on Feb 18, 2021 12:47:20 GMT -6
ALEKSEI
Everything was pretty well under control – until it wasn’t. As always, reality threw its pins between the cogs, and what should’ve been a simple announcement meeting devolved into chaos. Aleksei had been keeping his eyes on the main door, thinking about a response to those urging him to escape first – sensible advice, certainly, but his blessing felt like an obligation. Still, before he had a good answer ready, Faiza opened the backdoor, and the situation escalated.
Turning around, he saw Jessiah shift form, and a blazing Furia rocket into the alleyway behind the bar. Shouts of surprise and concern were heard from the Chevaliers beyond as they scattered out of the way of the direct assault. Adonis’ force field kept the flames from rearing inside.
Everything was falling apart. He could see Bale, almost gleeful for a fight, with Nova behind him with a crackling storm, Runt’s scared scrambling, the shouts, and then…
Someone else was speaking to him.
Well, speaking was a generous term.
For a moment, Aleksei felt like he too was flying, and he felt the gleeful excitement and taste for blood.
”No”, he commanded: ”Do not come here.”
An image flashed through his head.
Aleksei’s eyes widened.
”Everyone out, now!”, he shouted, his blessing awakening with a terrible roar.
The whole room warped – for a few seconds, gravity was less than real. It stroke hardest outside the doors – Chevaliers tumbled and fell as Jessiah, still flying, spiraled into them, leaving behind burns and the smell of scorched fur.
Aleksei focused, eyes glowing. Pushing, forcing the entry open.
Then, he bolted towards the tables, pulling something out from under them.
”Help me get these out”, he told Runt with a terrible urgency, tugging at the strings of a large, clanking bag.
His eyes slipped to Euonia now, her bad leg.
Aleksei’s eyes began to glow again, and the reality around just Euonia shifted, the gravity gentler than it should.
”Don’t mind the Chevaliers, just push through! Use whatever you need to!”, he yelled over the noise, and then added: ”Take one of these!
Word count: 346
Post #5
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Post by Luneby on Feb 18, 2021 15:46:05 GMT -6
E U O N I A"Renunciation, total and sweet."
« In the name of King Isador, open up.”
Those words struck her like lightning. As panic numbed her consciousness and heightened her instincts, all she could feel was her own weight.
She felt heavy.
Slow.
Her large wings cumbersome as they ruffled in fear.
She watched as Adonis’ shield cast him in ghastly light and heard young Runt’s brave words without realizing the meaning of them.
She found herself reacting last, as all had already moved forward – only Jessiah’s voice jolted her out of her frozen state.
“I will not let anything happen to you.”
She found herself unable to answer as her eyes widened upon witnessing the body of the soul she cared about most setting itself ablaze, jumping before the stallion, jolting her into action. It all happened quickly then, as she limped her way towards the rest of the group. Screams and shouts – Aleksei’s voice ordering them to get out, altered reality crushing the Chevaliers into the ground.
Her gaze met Aleksei’s at the heart of the turmoil – and she felt light. Lighter than she had ever felt. Her wings fluttered gently as she effortlessly leapt out of the ground, catching up with the others quickly. She could not be more thankful – without the burden of her own lack of speed, she stood a chance at fighting. Small orbs of light flickered around her. Anger, fear, determination fuelled her as she called upon her Blessing to fight for the first time.
She never intended to burn anyone. But should she be forced to, she would. She took place on the side of the group, a large, scorching spear at her side, gracefully waving around her. Ears pinned against her neck and brows furrowed, Euonia did not look quite like herself. While she looked ready for a fight, wielding this new, dangerous power was alienating – and she feared breaking her wish of nonviolence.
But she would do what she must, so this all means something. Her eyes were locked on Faiza and the Prince – she was ready to assist them and hope Marcellus would find shelter soon. Her mind circled back to Jessiah, anxiously waiting for their return.
Would they read into her how little she cared about her own safety now? How willing she was to harm in Ignacio’s name besides her every belief?
***
OOC: Euonia uses the maxed form of Light Manip and now wields a scorching spear. Maybe don't get too close to her because these can burn anyone including herself, unless you're a kirin! She's deliberately on one side of the group trying to keep the Chevaliers at bay.
WC: 388| Post # 5
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Post by Dream-Lark on Feb 19, 2021 14:17:00 GMT -6
Tesana;Aodh|Commoner
Tes turned when someone spoke up to her, the mare catching her name being spoken. “Thank you, my dear,” Tes replied to Phoenix, relieved that Runt would have someone else looking after him as well. Especially when everything started to happen at once soon after.
As if things hadn’t already escalated -- of course there were chevaliers waiting at the back door.
Tesana sucked in a breath as Faiza opened the door and was met with resistance. She watched as Marcellus was pushed back into the hallway by a force field, and flames swirled about Faiza’s body. Bale, appearing like Ignacio incarnate to the stunned commoner, raced forward, looking eager to meet his opponents with a great weapon held ready.
But the Prince looked terrified, trying to push herself into the wall and looking hardly able to move. Ears swiveled and attention snagged on a slave that had been silent this whole time, the mute one that had been here with Aleksei, Faiza, and Marcellus. A relieved smile of gratitude graced features when she saw her cloak, quickly donning it with a thanks. The slave, Jessiah, was it?, also carried the Prince’s cloak and Tes took it with another thanks, stunned a moment as the servant leaped forward and turned into a furia.
“Well then,” Tes breathed, turning to the Prince with a kind look on her face as she tried to keep her wits and courage about her. “Here, dear Prince. You’ve got a good many fierce protectors about you. Just hang in there. Here’s your cloak, we’ll get you covered and stick next to me. We’re going to follow Eminent Faiza and Flamen Bale, they’ll get you home,” the mare soothed her, tucking the folds of the cloak about the young royal in a very motherly manner.
Tesana was eternally grateful for everyone who had been there that night. The nobles and Flamines, even Nova and the slaves were rising to the occasion brilliantely, revealing useful blessings or fighting skills. She felt...so overwhelmed and useless. She had none of these things. All she could do was stick to Marcellus and make sure the Prince kept moving toward safety no matter what.
Tes had heard so many stories about the Ball -- this couldn’t be giving any of the nobles present pleasant flashbacks.
Gaze snapped toward Aleksei as Runt helped him haul a great, clanking bag toward the hallway, urging them to take...whatever was inside.
The mare moved forward, leaving the Prince for a moment to see if there was something inside the mystery bag that could help her help the others. And what she found, was a pile of weapons of various sorts. Tes just stared for several precious seconds -- she didn’t know how to use a weapon. But, a dagger -- the hippcampus reached forward and grabbed the first one she saw, teke wrapping about the hilt. It was small, and all she had to do was poke someone with it, or swipe it to cut -- like a large kitchen knife. She could do that if someone got to close -- right?
Gaze snagged on the word ‘Pain’ etched into the sheath of the elegant, little blade, just above the hilt. She wasn’t sure why the dagger would be called that, but she held it close to her chest and hurried back to the Prince where she saw the scene outside the door had just gotten brighter and more intimidating -- the soft spoken, winged Flamen was wielding a spear of light, and the mare could feel the heat from here between the furia formed’s fire and the light manipulation blessing.
“Stick to Faiza and Bale,” Tes breath, mostly to herself, half a reminder to the one she’d decided she was going to drag along if she needed to.
WC:629 | Post #6
Art by Kajeayn |
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