Hidden 1 yr ago Post by 13org
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13org Stay fresh!

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Time: 11am
Location: Entrance to the forest near the shooting range
Interactions: Hanna @Potter, Roman @ReusableSword, Munir @Infinite Cosmos
Mentions:




Mayet almost began ranting about how annoying hunting Giant Scorpions were again and how much of a test of patience it was, more than a test of skill when she heard Munir's words. That is, until he began speaking on how the sun and the sands of Alidasht only made her even more beautiful.

"Please Munir... You know well your flattery does not work on me anymore." Mayet said, dismissing his words with a wave of her hand, even though it was quite obvious, both for Munir and for Roman that they did work to a certain degree. At least enough to make her ignore his previous comment and instead focus on what he said afterwards.

"Although I do need to agree that the milk, honey and roses bathes are much, much better after a day of hunting..." Mayet said with a satisfied expression as she reminded how good it felt to submerge her body into a carefully prepared bath after a good and thrilling day of hunting.

When she heard Roman talking about the snow cats and how they were about as big as Nala, Mayet raised an eyebrow, with a curious expression. Nala, who was also hearing that, immediately sent a sharp look towards Roman, clearly unhappy for being compared.

"As big as Nala, are they? Quite intriguing... Isn't it, Nala?" Mayet said, glancing to Nala, who replied with a sharp huff, almost as if she was finding that difficult to believe.




After some time squeaking and trying to get free from Mayet's grasp, the rabbit had finally quieted down. Motionless, it seemed to have accepted it's fate as it sat on Mayet's arms, not daring to move a single muscle as she made her way back to Roman and Munir.

While it's true that the chase, regardless of how brief it was, had pleased Nala, it was quite obvious by the stares she sent towards the rabbit that she wasn't exactly happy with not being able to even taste the blood of what they had hunted.

"Nala, don't be like that... Both of us know that if you had killed this little thing, there wouldn't be anything left to give the warden for this 'competition'." Mayet said with a sigh, gently running her hand through Nala's back.

"Don't worry, I am sure we will find something a bit bigger... Something you will be able to sink your teeth into... Maybe even take a few bites." Mayet said with a chuckle as she approached the same clearing where she had separated from Munir and Roman before.

As she got to the clearing, Mayet waited for a bit for the others to return, while casually petting the small ball of soft white fur in her arms, which was still trembling, paralyzed with fear under Mayet's gaze and the glances Nala sometimes gave to it, licking it's teeth as she did so.
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Hidden 1 yr ago Post by Rodiak
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Rodiak 𝔣𝔯𝔬𝔪 𝔱𝔥𝔢 𝔯𝔦𝔳𝔢𝔯 𝔱𝔬 𝔱𝔥𝔢 𝔰𝔢𝔞

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S H E H Z A D I N A H I R K A D I R
S H E H Z A D I N A H I R K A D I R

P A R K O F S O R I A N , 1 1 : 0 0

I N T E R A C T I O N S :
@Lava Alckon@princess@Potter

M E N T I O N S :


Nahir had stopped to look at a tall man, dark and muscled, pick up a large sledgehammer and swinging it above his head before hitting with the force of a bull straight down to a metallic contraption under him. A loud DING! ran throughout the crowd and soon after they began to cheer for him.

"That game seems like fun." Ece hummed, watching as a giant stuffed bear was handed to him.

"I don’t doubt that," Nahir replied, unsure which was more interesting. The game itself or the hunk of a man. Her amber eyes traced over the curves of his back, tracking every muscle as he turned around and their eyes met. Surprised, the man smiled at her and waved with a toothy grin. Nahir lifted her chin, giving him one last look over before turning on her heels and continuing down the row of stands. Behind her, Nahir heard Ece snicker.

”Sister Nahir. What a delightful surprise.” Nahir turned to look at the voice's source, her shoulders tensing under the emerald shawl that covered them. ”This is quite different from home, isn’t it?” A smile found its way to her lips, slipping her arm through Layla’s and hooking them with ease. She had not expected to see Layla at the festival, but it was a pleasant surprise. Not to mention, Nahir required some sister bonding time to gossip and ask for advice.

"It’s a welcomed change; I quite like it actually. It’s just missing fire-spitting and sword-swallowing acrobats.” Nahir always loved those. The thrill and danger that hung around the performers always excited her, filling her with anticipation that something might go wrong.

"Let's. Should we try a few of the games around? Some look interesting." She said before she caught sight of two familiar faces approaching them.

Their cousin Farim and Princess Anastasia joined them. Nahir tried not to laugh at their cousin’s hasty greeting. He looked panicked, nervous, and a bit out of breath. It reminded her of all the times they played as children, chasing each other through the main palace halls, servants at their heels, trying to stop them from accidentally falling. "Asalamu alaykum, dear cousin." She greeted him before turning to greet the princess.

"Asalamu alaykum princess. It is nice to meet you face to face, finally. I hope you feel better after this morning’s little scene." Nahir looked at Anastasia, offering a small sympathetic smile. "I would like to apologize for my uncle’s words. The man can get… emotional and a tad irrational when his family is threatened. Still, there was no need for such a show from him." She waved her hand, quickly dismissing that subject away. No need to sour their mood with the subject of impulsive and senseless men whose only solution to everything was violence.

"Shall we enjoy today’s festivities?" Her free hand motioned to their surroundings. "Princess Anastasia has prizes to win for us."
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Hidden 1 yr ago Post by Helo
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Helo Wonderlust King

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Time: 11:00 am
Location: Ballroom
Interactions: Ariella@Tpartywithzombi


Callum honestly expected the public interest in talking with him now to have dropped off. He certainly wasn’t expecting any interest in him from anyone perched at the top of the Caesonian hierarchy. So to find Ariella Edward’s violet eyes on him was a surprise.

Salvation walked towards his table, not in the form of the red-haired noblewoman, but in the glasses of wine held in her hand. He imagined quite a few mothers out there had advised their hopeful daughters that winning over Prince Callum was as easy as keeping a filled wine glass in his hand. Not bad advice either, but why anyone would view capturing his hand as a prize was beyond him. He wasn’t going to be a king, he wasn’t even liked by the current king or the crowned prince, whatever small gain they thought he could provide was already long gone.

" Forgive my intrusion, Prince Callum." She spoke, curtsied, and offered him not only a glass of wine but a cloth of cold water as well. It was a kind gesture. And it was so hard to tell whether people were being nice to Prince Callum or to just Callum. Either way, he still reached for the glass of wine as soon as it was placed on the table. The wine also tasted more like onion than wine but he didn’t hold it against the drink.

“Thank you, and you’re not intruding, anyone who brings a drink is always welcomed around me.” Callum replied flippantly but he’d still risen from his chair to bow to her before sitting back down. Cal leaned his head back and put the cloth on his eyes. It really did help. So he relaxed a bit and found it easier to just listen to Ariella this way; when he couldn’t see the extravagant efforts put into appearances and he could just think of her as a person and not one of the Edwards. She asked if she could sit as she made her introduction.

“You may, and I know who you are,” Callum added but he realized that wasn’t entirely true. “Well I guess I mean, I know your name and who your parents are, but that’s really not the same thing is it?” He’d hated being thought of as being like his parents, he wasn’t going to do that to other people, even if he had seen enough glimpses of Dutchess Edwards to know she was awful.

“I think I should let you know that if you're looking to talk officially with a proper prince who enjoys all of this,” Callum gestured with one hand to the entirety of the ballroom, “and is looking to end this summer with a wedding, then you’ve picked the wrong table.” He took the cloth off his eyes and sat it down next to the onion and the worm pot. Ariella came from the same sort of family as him, illusions surrounded both their lives, and if she wanted someone to feed into all that there were plenty of nobles around who would. “But if you still want to talk to the idiot who ate an onion off the floor a few minutes ago, he’s more than happy to share a drink. As long as you’re fine with dropping the titles, I’d rather just be a person right now than a prince.” Callum made his offer and waited, fully expecting her to leave to speak with one of his brothers.
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Hidden 1 yr ago Post by Tpartywithzombi
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Tpartywithzombi “Strong women are absolutely unpredictable.”

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Time: 11am
Location: Prince event
Mention: @Helo Callum
Appearance:Dress, Hair style but red,shoes

Her violet eyes watched as he accepted her gestures.

“Thank you, and you’re not intruding, anyone who brings a drink is always welcomed around me.” Ariella smiled as she looked down at her glass of wine " Noted" she casually pushed the glass towards him, he clearly needed it.

"No, It's not the same thing but I did get to know your sister rather well as my parents ... my mother rather, insisted I stay with the women and not fraternize with the men as it was unbecoming of a lady. " She adjusted herself in her seat, visibility uncomfortable in her gown and shoes.

Arielle stared at him blankly for a moment. Did the Prince really just say that? She had to blink a few times to let it register as her shoulders relaxed and she leaned forward on the table. " What a relief," she said with a breathy sigh. " I would much rather speak with the man who ate an onion off the floor, cried, and wiped his nose on his sleeve than a prince. Hopefully, you are okay with speaking to a girl who would much prefer to be beside a ravine right now, with her toes in the water basking in the sunlight." She looked around the room and leaned in slightly to drop her voice into a whisper" Her name is Ari...It's a pleasure to meet you, Callum."

Her mother would be screaming if she heard her talk to a Prince that way. She could already feel her eyes fueling with fire as the disappointment would be burning for weeks to come.

" So long that this arrangement stays between us, my mother would have my head if she knew I was speaking so openly and formally with you." She leaned back in her chair. Perhaps this was a trap, her mother setting up some kind of test with the prince to ensure she stayed humble and ladylike. " I would give anything right now to just rip off this beastly garment, these shoes made for someone who enjoys torture and these blasted stockings to just be myself enjoying what life and nature have to offer. " she figured she had committed this much to the conversation if her mother did indeed find out there was simply no turning back at this point so she decided to toss her worry to the side and just enjoy a conversation as Ari for once.
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Hidden 1 yr ago 1 yr ago Post by Inertia
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Inertia Pretty Lackadaisical

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Attire: Tunic
Interaction(s): Edin Danrose @princess, Zarai Lesdeman @Rodiak.
Mention(s): Ruby Davis @sausagepat, Wystan Blackmane @mantou, Edin Danrose @princess.

A crash and thud silenced the ballroom for a moment. Auguste eyes were drawn to the woman Callum had been conversing with. He watched her, mouth slightly agape, as she skillfully slithered across the floor before King Edin screamed commands to escort her out of the premises. A pang of pity rang through his chest as he watched the guards flanking her sides.

Auguste had to give credit where credit is due, Callum exercised taciturn restraint was being relatively co-operative in this event, and it wasn't really him that caused the supposed 'disruption'. Auguste raised a brow as picked up and then began peeling the onion.

“Hey, Auguste, I got a gift and a snack, not too bad huh?”

“... Not bad indeed.” Auguste replied with a half-smile and chuckle, as his brother took a massive mouthful of the onion the lady had dropped. Auguste respected Callum's attempt to shift the attention of their father to himself. Auguste gave his brother one last look as he chewed the onion and gaped at Edin.

With a shake of the head, Auguste turned back to Zarai with an apologetic look. “... Apologies, Lady Zarai.” He said, “Please go on.”

Before Auguste could formulate an answer for her questions, she shot him a look. Was knowledge of her fencing unknown, he had heard it in passing from Wystan. Perhaps it was something he shouldn't have broached. He wasn't prepared for what came next.

"I must apologize but I must be curt with you."

Auguste nodded, he appreciated honesty given his experience with other nobility- honeyed words and hidden agendas.

"My family has decided that I am now too old to be an unwed lady and wish me to marry. That is every parent’s wish for their children of course, but unfortunately, mine are evil, as you would understand because you’ve met them. So evil, right?"

His expression stiffened a bit. This level of honesty did shock him.

"Anyway, if I do not find a husband of my own by the end of this season, I will be forced to marry old stinky Lord Monet. I am serious about the stinky part. How, in the seven hells, does a man stink of wet dog and expired sausages simultaneously? On top of that, that man is weird."

Lord Monet. Auguste furrowed his brow, the noble's name was familiar, perhaps from Wystan. Report aside, while normal to marry off children for political power, he felt this was a step beyond that.

Apologies for the tangent, but you’re right, to the point. If you ever, for some reason, find yourself needing a woman to marry and don’t have a clue who, I do hope I cross your mind. I’ll be in the guest house. You know that didn’t have to tell you. Could be an easy marriage, open if you would like. I don’t stink; I hope I don’t. My family has the money, the status, and the pedigree, if you guys are into that. Really, we’d be a good match. You like swords, I like swords. We both like swords. It could work out!"

Auguste could only blink at Zarai and her utmost honesty and pragmatism. Were the Lesdeman's truly such forceful nobles? Before the Prince could even fully soak in her words, "Ah fuck." She got up to leave.

"I am so sorry, Your Highness. Please forget everything I just said."

“Ah hold on-” Auguste said, but had already left earshot. A clear and confused expression formed on his face. Her words, it was something to consider, especially with how sympathetic he felt towards the girl.

Had Auguste upset her, perhaps the mention of her fencing or his exhaustion. Or was it because of his familial name, his family had definitely wronged more than a few nobles, that he was certain. Either way, he would apologize to Lady Zarai the moment he is free and able.

Her knight began walking towards her wheelchair to collect it. Auguste got up from his table and pushed the wheelchair towards the knight. “Here, Sir Barrios.” Auguste said, turning the wheelchair towards Barrios. “Please extend my apologies to Lady Zarai, it seems that I've upset her in someway, and for that I truly do apologize.”

“If you'll excuse me,” Auguste placed his right hand over his heart and bowed. The militaristic salute of Caesonia- An egalitarian and respectful gesture often done by knights or military to each other. It wasn't often that a prince would do such a bow, especially to those 'perceived' to be in a lower caste, but Auguste had picked up this habit from his frequent jaunts with his kingdom's military and knights. Only other knights or military men would be able to pick up this gesture and its meaning, others would simply view it as natural respect.

Augustee turned away and sauntered to his table. It wouldn't do for him to forsook his duty when Callum was trying his best.

Auguste, once sat down, let his natural smile creep back onto his face all the while pondering his talk with Zarai with an odd confusion nestling softly in the back of his mind.
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Hidden 1 yr ago 1 yr ago Post by SausagePat
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SausagePat The Sausage Fiend

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Time:11am
Location:: Ballroom
Interaction:: @Helo Callum


As Ruby was on her way out, she felt upset that she did not meet her goal of finding a money-bag prince to fulfill her needs. The twist of events led her to question everything and she began to ponder whether this could work. In a scurry, Ruby tried to get out of sight, yet wanted to take a second look back to see if she could rectify her foolishness.
To Ruby’s confoundment, she turned back and saw several others staring at her, as well as Cal eyeing an onion on the floor.

She froze with fear. Is that… my onion? Ruby did not realize that she had dropped it, but she knew that it was hers. She glared at Cal, who had now picked up the onion from the floor and was taking a bite into it. Before she could contemplate what to do now, she heard a loud voice across the ballroom.

"GUARDS! Get that onion woman away from my sons! NOW!"

As the guards came toward her, Ruby’s head was distracted by her lost prince eating her onion. When the guards grabbed ahold of her, she jolted out of surprise.
“Wait! What is my crime? I simply provided a young prince with the pleasure of a raw onion!” she said, gesturing toward Callum. The guards were silent but did not back down. No prince will ever want me now.. she thought, aware that this scene was not easily ignored.
Ruby’s final words before she was officially escorted were aimed at the onion eater. “I will never forget you, onion man!!!” she shouted.
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Hidden 1 yr ago 1 yr ago Post by JJ Doe
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JJ Doe

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◆◆◆◆◆ "△△△" ◆◆◆◆◆◆◆
Location: Vikena’s Estate
Time: 11:00

A tiny pinkish-orange feather floated across the walkway leading to the front entrance. It forced itself against the door so hard that it squeezed through the crack, as if it had a string attached to it and someone inside was pulling as hard as they could on the other end.

△△△ kept his eye on the feather as he approached the door and knocked on it. It wiggled and thrashed, struggling to breach the wooden barrier. It was about halfway through when △△△ heard muffled voices and movement from the other side. He looked up, and △△△’s reflection looked right back at him.

The fluid mosaic could barely maintain its shape, constantly moving around in a human-shaped container. When he focused hard enough, he could make out singular anatomical features. This reflection had an eye, another eye of the same color, a nose, a mouth, an ear on one side, and another ear on the other side. It has everything that most humans had, and yet when △△△ tried to look at his face as a whole, it became one scrambled mess.

He couldn’t recognize the man—if that was what it truly was. He tried to recall his name, both names, but even those were as intangible as the rest of him… which scared him more: for △△△ △△△△△△△ △△△△△△△△’s name never to be said or thought of again.

A loud click snapped △△△ from his thoughts. As the door flung open, the feather got sucked indoors and continued its journey. The windless air carried it to the stairs. Up it went. One, two, three stairs. A hop, step, and jump later, it vanished to the second floor. He relaxed. Whatever worry he had concerning the duke’s whereabouts abated; replaced with a new set of questions.

△△△ smiled at the person who opened the door. “Good day. I hope I’m not late to join the search party.”
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Hidden 1 yr ago Post by Tae
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Tae

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Time: 11 AM
Location: Execution at the Athletic Arena
Attire: Outfit
Interaction: @Helo Leo
Mentions:



Leo did have a point, hope could create quite the cage for people if wielded right. A lot of people didn’t realize what kind of weapon hope could be. It was Leo’s next words that really caught Mina’s attention as he divulged more into what happened last night. He was right, Sorian certainly did feel less stable, but it was the statement of all the nobles having lost their memories of the night that she latched onto. That was very bizarre and part of Mina was still glad she hadn’t gone, but the other side of her was incredibly disappointed she’d missed it. Perhaps she could have gotten some answers to some questions. Perhaps she would pay the two youngest Danrose siblings a visit.

”I shall certainly keep that in mind, thank you for informing me. I definitely feel like this season is going to be much different from any of the others before this.” She responded, mirroring his quieter tone. Before she could say much more, however, it seemed that the execution was about to begin. Her full attention was once again on the event in front of them. Execution at the pyre, that seemed to be the choice made to execute this man, and it made Mina cringe some. Of all the methods they could choose, this was certainly one of the cruelest. It was often a fairly slow and painful death and Mina quietly hoped for this one to go quickly.

The charges against Nesworth were read and then they allowed him some final words, something that caused her to have a bad feeling. His words were chilling and something that certainly made him sound absolutely mad. Something was wrong, something was very wrong. He spoke of “the power” and she could have sworn he locked eyes with her for a moment, but then wondered if this was merely in her head. Why was she suddenly feeling dizzy? One hand went to her head and the other reached out, gently touching Leo’s arm as the wind picked up some. ”I…Leo, something isn’t right…” She breathed out as she closed her eyes for a moment, trying to steady herself.

When she finally opened her eyes again, the pyre was ablaze and the guard practically dove off the platform to roll around and put out his pants. She’d only watched for a moment before locking eyes with the burning man and if she hadn’t been looking so closely she would have missed the flash of the red glow in his eyes. It was gone as quickly as it had appeared. No…was he…as she stared at the laughing man, she almost jumped when she saw him step out of the flames, still staring at her. No one else seemed to notice this, however, and slowly Mina began to realize what was happening. Suddenly, the vision of Cameron Nesworth was directly in front of her and she couldn’t keep from stumbling back some. It was in her head, it was all in her head, this wasn’t real. ”Oh, you’ve been touched but you can’t hear, can you? Let me help you with that…” He reached out and caressed her cheek, then everything went black before Mina collapsed. To Leo and anyone else nearby, they would have simply seen Mina turn pale, stumble backwards, before fainting.
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Hidden 1 yr ago 1 yr ago Post by Potter
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Potter

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Time: Morning
Location: Festival at the Park
Interactions: @Aerandir Verrick & @Blizz Lyra
Mentions:
Sadie’s Dress, Shoes & Hair




Sadie’s fascination grew by the second. The Kingdom of Baltryia was mysterious and unknown to her. Her eyes widened with interest and she found herself leaning in unconsciously. Her mind raced with the word, but she couldn’t remember reading or hearing about it. Questions popped into her mind, but she held her tongue while the woman continued to speak. However, her curiosity was dashed when the woman changed the subject. Sadie leaned back now so as not to weird the woman out. A kind smile painted her face while she patiently listened to her.

”The food and city are both lovely indeed. They usually have great events.” Sadie gestured to the park around them and folded her hands together. She watched as Lyra turned her body to face her, including her food. Sadie felt her heart rate accelerate and she bit her tongue; this time, physically.

Before Sadie could politely reject the food, Verrick returned. He placed a funnel cake between her and Lyra’s food offering as a physical barrier. While she doubted it was poisoned, she wouldn’t trust a stranger upfront. Since she’d announced she was a princess, the price of her head would be high enough for the wrong crowd. Thankfully, Verrick stood directly behind her, and Sadie noted his presence was comforting. ”Caesonia is a bit far for just passing through if you are from Baltyria.” His gravelly tone remained, which made Sadie giggle internally.

Verrick then handed her the plate of food which she eagerly began eating. She ignored her mind screaming at her to stop. The sugary delight in her hand’s would not go to waste nor his sweet gesture. Since she was preoccupied with eating, she was unable to comment further. Her stomach churned and a knot formed in her abdomen. Sadie refocused her attention elsewhere, while the knot in her stomach grew. ”To my recollection, there never has been a party who’s traveled out of there…for any reason. So why now?” Thankfully, Verrick continued to speak which allowed her to assess the situation.

First, the woman was from a distant land; a land that she hadn't heard of before. Verrick further backed up the claim and had a valid point. Secondly, her eyes were red. How did someone's eyes become red? Sadie was unsure if it was genetic mutation or something more sinister. Therefore, Sadie remained silent, while observing her reaction and hungrily eating the funnel cake.
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Hidden 1 yr ago 1 yr ago Post by Potter
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Potter

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Time: 11:00am
Location:Festival At the Park
Attire: Her outfit & hair
Interactions: @Rodiak Nahir [@Lava Acklon] Farim @princess Anastasia

Mention:


Layla grinned when Nahir slipped her arm through her’s. However, she’d noticed her sister visibly tense but hid the frown. Had she done something wrong? Pretending she hadn't seen, she nodded in agreement: the fire spitting and sword swallowing games were exhilarating. The games in the park were tame and foolish but despite it, they looked… delightful. The culture here was polar opposite. The crowd was having a blast though, and the screams of laughter and delighted echoed throughout the park. The food smelled delicious and the atmosphere was … pleasant, to her surprise.

However, a familiar voice reached their ears. She turned and found Farim, out of breath, being dragged by Princess Anastasia. Layla could see her sister biting back laughter and had difficulty doing so herself. Nonetheless, a smirk painted her face, though it wasn’t malicious. Layla bowed her head respectfully to both of them. Her gaze lingered on Farim and a softer smile was hidden underneath the smirk, only briefly being shown. His gesture this morning was not lost on her.

Nahir spoke first, greeting both their cousin and then the princess. Layla’s smirk shifted into a frown as her brows furrowed. What happened this morning? Did it have anything to do with the party? She knew her siblings had attended but not her. Layla glanced at her sister and tilted her head to one side to show her confusion, but it was ever so slight that most people would miss it. However, Nahir waved her hand to dismiss the subject, so Layla didn’t follow up on it. Judging by the way Nahir spoke and eyed Anastasia, Layla could surmise she had taken the brunt of it. Whoever faced the wrath of Hafiz….

Thankfully, her sister changed the subject and interrupted her reverie. ”Yes I do agree, Princess. What game do you recommend?” The change of her tone and body language were slight, but unnoticeable to those who did not know her. It was arrogant and sassy, as usual, but not as vicious.

”Cousin Farim, good to see you again.” Layla greeted and smiled softly. Her gaze snapped back to her sister as she added, ”Farim was nice enough to bring me food from the Taste of Alidasht this morning. It was not the same, but I suppose they tried.” She grinned at him playfully now and offered her other arm to him.

”Princess, we shall not leave you out.” Her voice held a strong conviction to it.
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Hidden 1 yr ago Post by Helo
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Helo Wonderlust King

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Time: Morning, 11 am
Location: Athletic Arena
Interactions: Mina @Tae



Leo watched transfixed as the execution began. The guards made a dramatic unveiling of the stake and pyre before the criminal was cuffed to it. It was clear why no offer of a pardon was presented, the only answer to high treason was death. But even stranger that the royal family didn’t see this as worth their time; they showed indifference toward a crime that attacked order and rule of law.

Why the criminal had been allowed to keep his treacherous tongue, and why the guards had allowed him last words, was beyond Leo. The traitor’s ravings were wild and mad as he was granted both stage and audience to spread his chaotic notions about the king and hidden power. Ideas that now spread through the crowd. Leo wondered for a moment just how long they were going to permit this lunatic to rant. Far too long it seemed.

There was a subtle chill as the executioner was beckoned and strode towards the pyre, gleaming torch in hand. He felt Mina’s hand on his arm and heard her say “something isn’t right…”, just as the executioner removed her hood and decreed it time for the traitor to burn. It wasn’t right, the entire execution was a bungled mess so far but at least the finale would be difficult to screw up. He glanced at Mina, noting her closed eyes and disquiet expression. It was a surprise, Mina did not strike him as being easily shaken. Leo remembered the first time he’d seen a man burn, the immense weight of dread and horror that time and experience had rid him of as he stood to watch another. There was a spark of envy and a sobering realization that he didn’t feel much of anything to watch this now.

The torch was finally dropped upon the pyre. Even stranger, as much as the doomed man struggled amidst the rising flames and billows of smoke, he did not scream. He laughed. And from within the flames, a flash of glowing red orbs that Leo mistook for rising embers, glowed. One of the guards, it seemed, had accidentally lit his own pants on fire. What an idiot. Leo shook his head, he had more than a good idea of the state of Caesonia now. His odd nostalgia, and burning curiosity, for the event, were far less important than Mina’s current state of distress. Leo was about to offer to escort her somewhere else when she took a weak couple of steps backward.

“Mina?” She was now a ghastly shade of pale. He moved to steady her, an arm around her waist with enough time to stop her from crashing to the ground just as her slight frame became only dead weight. He gently guided her down onto one of the seating benches in the area, unceremoniously pushing anyone nearby out of the way. “Mina?” He repeated softly. He knelt to her level and figured the event had all just been a bit too much for her, surely she’d be up in a few moments.
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Hidden 1 yr ago Post by Tae
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Tae

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Time: 11 am
Location: Entrance Hall of Sorian Castle
Attire: Outfit. Hair, and Makeup
Interactions: @Apex Sunburn Sjan-dehk
Mentions: @SausagePat Ruby




Saiya had considered sticking around for a bit and possibly speaking with one of the other princes, but she decided it may not be best to test her luck with these women. She had cut in line, after all, so it was likely wise to speak to one and then take her leave. As she was doing so, however, she watched the guards gather to drag the poor girl out and she briefly considered doing something to try and help, but it seemed like someone else may have been beating her to it. She was slow in her exit, eaves dropping the conversation and smirking a little as the man slightly drew his sword. Something about his body language indicated mischief in the making, though someone without a trained eye would have likely missed it.

Figuring things were taken care of, she stepped out into the throng of women still waiting to meet with the prince. She noticed several glares and could hear a few whispers, but she initially planned to just tune them out as she left. It was at that moment that someone ran into her and she let out a small gasp, stumbling a little yet catching herself before she fell. It had rather surprised her, especially with the force behind it, but she quickly turned to see the man from earlier. He seemed just as surprised as she was as she looked up at him. A friendly smile crossed her lips as her hands raised, waving them a little. ”No need to apologize, I am unharmed I assure you. It takes far more than that to harm me.” She said in her soft, melodic voice as she gave him an Alidashtian bow.

”My god, do you see those scars on her? How hideous!”

”A tragedy, for sure. A beauty and a horror wrapped in one.”

These whispers were louder, purposely meant for her to hear, and Saiya couldn’t keep from flinching. One of her hands subconsciously traced one of the longer, more significant scars on her arm as memories of her fathers anger and lessons flashed in her mind. She paled ever so slightly, but quickly shoved those thoughts and feelings aside as she tried to focus back in on the man in front of her. ”I’m Lady Saiya Ansari of Alidasht, it’s a pleasure to meet you.” The smile once again returned to her face, but there was a level of force behind it as she still battled with her inner demons.

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Hidden 1 yr ago Post by Helo
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Helo Wonderlust King

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Ariella and Callum

collab with @Tpartywithzombi




“What a coincidence, mine also likes to call for heads at minor inconveniences. So we have mutually assured destruction to ensure this conversation stays at this table.” Callum offered, far more engaged in this conversation than he was a moment ago. He hadn’t expected her to stay or express a similar dislike for noble life. “It’s a pleasure to meet Ari.” He added and smiled sincerely the way he only did around people who talked to him without a mask on.

“Can’t stay I’ve ever been in a ravine, or too far from here really.” Cal added, not that he’d ever sought out those secluded parts of nature either. “But the gardens make me all sneezy and congested and so I guess I’ve never thought of myself as an outdoor person. Sounds beautiful, the way you describe it.” He took another drink from his glass, partially because it was there and because he didn’t know what else to add. Everything he knew about nature came only from books.

Ari smiled at his interest in the forest she mentioned “ Oh it’s lovely, and allergy free. There arn’t any flowers here per say, maybe a couple berry bushes. Its wonderful, you walk through a arch that a tree has naturally formed and push through some vines and leaves from the surrounding tree. Once you pass there its like a little secluded oasis. There is a river that runs through the little cove” Ari’s face lit up as she spoke about her secret place, her hands drawing a little image on the table as her mind sparked the memory of the place. “ On one side there is some berry bushes and a tree line and on the opposite side is a lush grassy area with a giant waterfall over looking the ravine. Me and the only other person who knows of this place, well we built a little fort out of twigs and dead branches we found. When you enter this oasis its forbidden to wear shoes and me and my friend will actually remove all the troublesome gowns and just wear what a servant may. “ she stopped as she realized she had started rambling. “ I’m sorry, this is likely boring you. If you do ever find yourself interested though, I would love to show it to you sometime. I wasn’t much of an outdoors person myself either until I was shown that particular spot where I could just be Ari.” She smiled “ That would mean you could just be Callum there and no one would be the wiser. “ She looked around nervously as her fingers twiddled on the table top. She wouldn’t tell him that it was actually Anastasia’s place that she shared with Ari, gifting it too her a few years ago. Since then they would run off during their political meetings at the estate and hide in the woods. “ What kind of things do you enjoy doing ? “ she asked actually interested in getting to know this not prince Callum.

Callum chewed at the edge of his tongue to keep himself from saying anything. Mostly things like he thought he might be allergic to the grass too, or that thinking about walking around without shoes on made his skin crawl, and that while it all sounded really nice in theory, he was pretty sure it also sounded like the kind of place where you got eaten alive by mosquitoes, or something worse. He didn’t interrupt because he didn’t want to keep being the Callum that was afraid of things just because they were different from all the familiar things he hated.

Instead, Cal tried to just think of Ari’s spot in the woods only the way she described it and it helped that she seemed to get lost in whatever bit of happiness that place brought her. Then being alone, or with a friend, in a place where everything was very real, even if it was barefoot, sounded a lot better than the palace ever did. “You’re not boring me. This place bores me, same shi-” Callum stopped and changed his wording, ”stuff all the time and none of it matters. So whatever you say that is different from what people normally say in palace ballrooms is way better.”

He took another drink and tried to think of things he enjoyed. “When I’m stuck here, my place is the library, more books than people, and it’s quiet, and organized, mostly. And I do like to learn new things but I never really liked doing new things. Which doesn’t even make much sense because I don’t even like most of what I spend my time doing. So, I guess, what I mean is next time you want someone to walk around barefoot in a ravine with, I’m in.” He was sure to be as honest as he could be in his response, he didn’t want to lie to Ari but he also wasn’t going to outright admit an interest in magic.

Ari listened in with ease to him opening up to her. She was surprised to find out that Callum was alot like her just before she met Anastasia. She had opened her up to so many possibilities she had even yet too try or dare to even try. “ I couldn’t agree more, so much focus on empty promises, money and status. My mother wants me to wed and find someone that can bring me wealth and status, I dont want to disappoint her but at the same time I sometimes wish I were a farmers daughter instead. Maybe then I could have more freedom, less restrictions and wouldn’t need to wear these blasted outfits. “ She bit her lip as she looked back up at him from staring at her fingers. “ Maybe actually be able to experience and live like the stories in those books that sit in the libraries. Sometimes I get envious of the characters.” She found it strange how quickly she was able to open up to him, she had never spoken to anyone so candidly. Even with Anastasia it took her a long time before she really got to know her.

Ari let out a gleeful smile as he accepted her offer to visit her secret oasis. She was excited to share it with someone. ”well..Since we both seem to be in similar situations, I’ll make you a deal. If you do indeed try something new then I too shall do the same, your pick. Name it and we shall do it. I for one have never really experienced anything either, mainly due to all the eyes on me but it could be fun.” she shrugged “ if I were really bold, I’d sneek out of here to escape this dreadful event…” she paused for a moment , since he seemed to be so open with her already she was curious about one thing. “ Is that why you did the whole onion bit earlier? Was it to make a statement of some sort? Onions wouldnt be my first choice but it certainly kept alot of the women away. So many were moving away from the table, and when I saw you struggling after a rather funny display I must say, I felt inclined to come over and atleast relieve you from the burns.”

“I didn’t think the onion would be half that bad. But it was there, and the woman here before you tripped over the chair, and that made a scene, so I made another scene.” He said, grinning that Ari had seen his antics as amusing rather than idiotic. But he also knew that wasn’t much of an answer. Since he had someone’s ear, he finished his glass of wine in a final long drink before leaning forward and speaking in a quieter voice.

“And Edin’s here, and he can’t stand it when things don’t go exactly his way. So I did the first thing that popped into my head because I knew it would make him mad at me, but that’s not anything new. So I guess, it’s only fair to warn you, spend too much time around me and it’s probably going to land you on the King’s shit list.” He leaned back in his chair, and thought about what else she’d said. It wouldn’t be fair not to warn people that he was a bad luck charm, but he also hadn’t tried very hard. He did need to do more new things, what he was doing now was amounting to nothing. So someone who’d push him to try new things had to be a good thing. Plus Ari saw it, at least part of what he saw. And it probably wouldn’t kill him to talk to more people.

“Sometimes I want a different life, I think about being a bird and simply go where ever and do whatever I wanted. Or a farmer and spend my days growing food and feeding people instead of doing nothing and being surrounded by everything I didn’t earn. But the way things are, it’s not right.” Callum paused, realizing he was going too far. A few drinks and his thoughts just leaked right out. Talking about social pressures and suffocating formalities were one thing, but he couldn’t start spouting off about his rotten bloodline that was suffocating Caesonia. Not here, not with someone he barely knew.

“But I have this life, and for whatever reason, my name gets to matter more than a lot of names, so I get to try and use that to make things a little better. Today I thought eating an onion would help, so obviously, not going very well.” He pivoted and twisted his words so that he still believed it, and he wasn’t going to lie to someone who was being honest with him, but most of the truth was closed off. “So here’s a new thing, if you’re still interested, we find something we can do that will make Sorian a little better and do that.” He offered.

Ari sat back and listened , each time he spoke she was just more and more curious about Callum. She watched as he finished back the wine and leaned in dropping his voice as if to tell her a secret of his own which he certainly did. “ Well , that does sound like a wonderful thing and I am for that if that is what you choose but…” she paused “ That is what Prince Callum would do. A civil duty to help make Sorian a better place, and it is a noble thing and one I would gladly partake in but what would Callum do? You don't need to answer now, perhaps save it for another day. Going to a pub with wigs on and different outfits pretending to be farmers sounds fun to me…” she smiled at him. “ Well I do believe I have taken much of your time Callum.” She said as she rose out of her chair. “ To say this was a surprise would be an understatement but it certainly was enjoyable and refreshing to have such a welcomed conversation with someone. I hope we can venture into that little oasis sometime soon. “ Ariella curtsied , her violet eyes fixed on him as she kept her soft smile that she had been holding the whole event. She turned and left the table , walking past the large crowds still forming waiting for their chance with one of the other princes. Ariella however wanted to leave the event on a highnote. Knowing the other two Princes would likely ruin her mood with formalities she decided to set out for a different event.

Callum only flinched at the mention of having fun in a tavern. He tried not to hold that comment against her; she wasn’t there this morning to see that sometimes what sounded like harmless fun ended with a carriage driver being beaten and nearly killed. He could only wonder who Alibeth might find to punish if he was then caught taking Lady Edwards to a seedy tavern while dressed as farmers. He only nodded, and rose from his seat when she did, bowing once more.

“The pleasure was entirely mine, I am the one now getting a trip to an oasis out of this. I’m glad I had the chance to meet Ari instead of whoever it is your family wants you to be.” He said, returning her kind smile and reverting back to a more formal posture as she left. Then he sat back down in his chair and noticed that she had left her wine glass still on the table and entirely full. He pulled that glass closer to him and the strange array of items that were now collecting on his table.
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Hidden 1 yr ago Post by Apex Sunburn
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Mentions: @Tae Saiya


Alidasht? Sjan-dehk was certain he had heard that name before. Mostly in passing – and quickly glossed over – during several of the interminable meetings aboard the Sudah. Finding Sorian had been their only concern back then, and so what little details Sjan-dehk knew about Alidasht was sparse. Far too sparse for a place he was to visit at some point during this expedition. Perhaps it was fortunate, then, that he should – quite literally – bump into a lady hailing from there. Sjan-dehk would be a fool to let this chance to learn a little more about the nations of this part of the world give him the slip.

What was he thinking? Here he was, having just caused her an inconvenience – a minor one, granted, but an inconvenience nonetheless – and his first thoughts were of personal gain. Vulgar and unbecoming of a proper officer, as his previous captain would’ve said.

“Wasun Sjan-dehk of Viserjanta.” A slight flush tinged his cheeks as he introduced himself with a hand on his chest and a slight bow at the waist. “Captain of Sada Kurau. Fourth lesser marquis of Jafi.” He stood up straight. “It is my pleas-” The redness of his face deepened when his tongue came a little too close to his teeth for the syllable. He bowed once more, this time out of embarrassment more than anything else, and tried again. “My ah…Pleasure to meet you, your ladyship.”

The tittering and vague whispers behind him didn’t escape his notice. Mere ladies’ gossip, he had initially thought, and thus none of his concern. Then he noticed the faded, but still angry scars on her arms, the angriest of which her slender fingers glided along. Though he tried his best to avert his eyes, Sjan-dehk couldn’t help but glance at them. Whatever Saiya had survived, it had to have been savage, extensive and varied as the scars were. If Sjan-dehk knew nothing else about her, that alone was worthy of some modicum of his respect.

There was also her smile. It was lovely, but it pulled at corners of her lips and not her eyes. For a moment, Sjan-dehk was reminded of a phrase his mother often used: ‘the skin laughs but the flesh does not’. Only then did he start trying to pick out words from the murmurs.

“...Hideous…”

“...Horror…”

“...Grotesque…”

He quickly put it all together, and felt indignation swell in his chest. Just who did these people think they were, to slander another in their presence? As if they were naught but air? Well, if they wanted to speak of horrors and monsters so badly, then Sjan-dehk would happily oblige. It was perfect timing, too. He had almost chewed his tongue to pulp with the king earlier. Here, he had no such scruples to worry about.

“Please excuse me.” He gave Saiya a friendly smile, and kept that smile on his face as best he could as he turned around to face the women. The ones directly before him stopped their gossiping. Clearly, they hadn’t considered that someone might find their unsavoury talk displeasing. “If you ah…Dislike scars so much, then do not look. Simple, no?” With a hand, he mimed a plucking motion, as if he were pulling an invisible grape from its vine. “Or remove your eyes. No eyes, no need to see, yes? But one is easier. Not much pain.”

Some of the women covered their mouths in shock. Anxious whispers rippled through the crowd and the atmosphere tensed. Sjan-dehk wasn’t feeling much of it, however. In fact, it took much of his restraint to not burst out laughing. Did they really think he would gouge out their eyes? That was only reserved for criminals somewhere close to the highest order. A few pairs of eyes gazed at his waist, and Sjan-dehk realised that he had unwittingly rested his hand on its usual resting spot, the pommel of his sword.

He snapped it away and chuckled at his mistake. “Ah, not a threat. Worry not. Just advice, yes?” More than a few mouths opened to speak, but before any words could make it past their lips, Sjan-dehk held up a finger to shush them. “No need to speak. I am not good with your language. Will not understand. Should be careful with words. Tongues. Like weapons, yes? Use it ah…Without care, and lose it.” He regarded every pair of eyes that looked at him with a smile. It did more to unsettle the crowd than it did to reassure them, and Sjan-dehk himself didn’t quite know which was his aim. “That is very bad. You, me, do not want that, yes? So better to be quiet now.”

Keeping his eyes on the women, he shifted his body and stepped to the side. “You want to talk? Then you apologise to her.” He gestured to Saiya, and only then did the smile disappear from his face, and he didn’t look at the women as much as he glared at them. “Or else, shut your fucking mouths. And we leave.”

On a very deep level, Sjan-dehk felt a tinge of guilt. Did the women deserve some comeuppance for their unrepentantly mean words? Certainly. Was this an overreaction on his part? More like than not. It wasn’t going to do him any favours, of that he was sure of. He just hoped this wouldn’t come back to haunt the trade mission as a whole. These women were just in the wrong place and at the wrong time. Though he had to be honest, putting a bunch of rude nobles in their place felt as good as it always was.

Well, it was too late to worry about that. Words spoken can never be retrieved, and Sjan-dehk would have to live with whatever consequences that came with them. One thing was certain, however; whether he liked it or not, this Viserjantan captain had likely made his way into many a gossip circle.
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Hidden 1 yr ago Post by SilverPaw
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SilverPaw

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Attire: No cloak
Time: 11:00 am
Location: The Entrance Hall
Mention(s): @Helo Callum, @Inertia Auguste
Interaction(s): @Heartfillia Crystal
Wulfric had honestly not put forth any more thought to the peasant girl, who was fleeing Callum’s table after her spectacular fall. But events unfolded…very strangely, to say the least. Father getting enraged and calling the guards on her was expected, he supposed, though far from necessary. The girl seemed to have been on her way out anyhow. Next thing he knew, Callum was picking up an onion from the floor, and proceeded to bite into it.

Why the fuck.

Yes, he could surmise it was to distract the king, so the old man would not direct his full attention to that fatally clumsy commoner. But just what did his brother think his actions actually achieved?

What is it today, ‘saving peasants’ day? Feeling a headache build up, Wulfric massaged his temple as discreetly as possible.

I need another goddamn coffee. There was a small part of him which was tempted to stroll up to Callum’s table, and steal whatever was left of his brother’s beverage. That was the least his sibling could do for being the source of his troubles. Gaze drawn towards him, he saw that his brother was now looking at everyone and everything else except him.

Guilt… Wulfric lightly scoffed to himself. An ever unreliable emotion. He was willing to bet that Callum didn’t regret the spectacle he’d made of himself, nor would he choose another course of action given the chance. Frankly, Wulfric had not even expected Callum to curb his tendency to provoke the king as part of their agreement.

Technically, Callum’s actions still went against what he had said he would (try to) do. But Wulfric wasn’t especially angry, really. Just a tiring mix of exasperated, frustrated, bitter, and perplexed. Pushing all of that aside, he decided to speak to his youngest brother after this event.

If there was one potential positive of the stunt Callum had pulled, it was that Ariella Edwards was drawn to him. The two then started up what appeared to be a mutually engaging conversation. Wulfric couldn’t help but wonder, She goes for that? Prince or not, most people were appalled by, disgusted at, and detracted from someone going out of their way to be purposefully revolting, chewing open-mouthed.

Issuing a long, quiet breath, Wulfric redirected his focus to the crowds, to see if anyone else was lining up for him.

There was someone; lady Crystal, frozen in place as if she were cornered prey, her eyes flitting nervously from him to Auguste. Peripherally, Wulfric saw Auguste dealing with a fleeing Zarai. (Why had Zarai run away anyhow?)

Thus, it was left to him to deal with the frightful Lady Damien. He had not missed her squeak nor the following embarrassment colouring her cheeks. Yet another consequence of his father’s blundering outburst.

Wulfric affected his best facsimile of a kind smile, a gesture which he had perfected through years of observing and mimicking Auguste’s. It was not merely a copy, however, as he had adapted it to better suit his usual expressions and demeanor. His version was barely an up-tick of his lips, but he softened his gaze, and lightly crinkled his eyes. It helped to think of a precise moment when he’d felt genuine fondness. For example…

A very young, energic hound, as it ran a circle or three around him, then pushed its snout into his hand.

The prince stood up, and bowed. “Welcome, Lady Crystal.” Then, because she was still standing a fair distance away, and because he was unsure if his words would suffice to encourage her, he approached. He kept up his smile, and took care in his movements, so as not to spook her.

Once close enough, he nodded another greeting. “If I may escort you?” he asked quietly. With his left arm, he flourished invitingly to his table. Quirking his eyebrow up in a silent inquiry, he made a much smaller gesture with his right, offering his other arm to her. Aware his invitation may put her on the spot, the very least he could do was ensure that his offer to physically escort her to the table was one she would not feel pressured to accept.

And if she still ran away after all this, at the very least no one would be able to say that he had not been gallant.
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Hidden 1 yr ago Post by princess
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princess

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Charlotte & Thea


Interaction: @JJ Doe Ryn/Fritz/△△△





A little complicated? Charlotte had allowed a polite, tight-lipped smile to appear on her face in reaction to John’s words. She had figured Thea would have changed over the year just as she had, but how bad was it? Though she had heard rumors, she dismissed them simply as such. Thinking back to the ball, she did recall being a little perplexed by Thea’s choice of a ballgown. Varian was known for being less conservative with their clothing, but it had seemed rather out of Thea’s normal selection. It was only natural for people to change, especially in response to traumatic events. Perhaps the change had simply been startling.

It had been for Charlotte and still was. She still wasn’t sure quite who she was. Sometimes it felt as if she had been stuck in time, unable to move forward and become who she wanted to be.

Maybe that’s how Thea felt, even if the two women displayed such a thing in different ways.

She squeezed Thea’s hands tightly before letting go as she departed from the room with John. She took the letter in her hands and held it out before her.

My Lady,

Regretfully I must inform you that I cannot proceed with our marriage arrangement. I, like any gentleman searching for a wife, need someone that’s much more level headed like my sister Beatrice. I had hoped I could help temper you, but it has proven to be too much and I have chosen to end our engagement. I have sent a letter to your mother as well to inform her of the same thing. My sister Beatrice and I shall be departing this evening and heading back to Varian.

I wish you the best,
Prince Felix Camilia


She held the paper silently for a moment, her brows furrowing and her gaze darkening. Her grip on the letter tightened and Charlotte may have looked as if she were about to tear her nails into it. Finally, she set it on the coffee table. After a deep breath, she glanced up and became aware of her cousin. “Oh Devan, um.. I can show you where your bedroom is.” She offered suddenly, the tight-lipped smile reappearing. Charlotte took a moment to do so and allow the poor man to get settled finally, leading him up the stairs and down the hall. That ordeal took up a few minutes of her time before she made her way back into the drawing room.

Charlotte seated herself and tensely stared ahead of her, deep in thought. John and Thea returned to the room after some time and John took his leave. She had given a hug goodbye and then turned upon Thea as soon as it was just the two of them.

She had planned to be calm in her manner as her lips parted. Though she had managed to keep a low volume, her anger had leaked into her voice and her expression had immediately changed as she spoke. “How dare he speak about a woman as if she is a pet to tame. He best worry about his own temperament instead of casting such judgment upon another!” Charlotte had thrown her hands up in the air with a pout as she had been speaking. She then shook her head in disgust, adding indignantly, “Absolutely ridiculous… If I had a chance to converse with him…”

A moment of dread came over Thea once again as she remembered why she was here and what had occurred as she glanced at the letter on the table. She moved and sat down with a heavy sigh as she began playing with her hair some. “Oh Lottie, I made a grave mistake last night and I think it is what finally scared him off.” Her voice broke a little as she said this, but she took a deep breath in order to get control of herself. “I wasn’t fond of the arrangement and he was certainly…interesting, but I was just starting to come around to the idea of marriage. I got far too drunk last night and I went to his rooms where I confessed a few things and I knew it was a mistake as soon as he was unwilling to comfort me.”

Charlotte stepped forward and sat beside her. Her shoulders slacked and her expression saddened. Sometimes I hate the power a man can have over a woman. She took her words in and arranged her thoughts carefully before speaking. “Thea…” Her tone was softer than before now. She gently put a hand on her back, “The person you want to marry is someone who will love you for who you are… At your lowest and your highest.“ She allowed that to sink in, “Their perception of you isn’t supposed to change because you’re not behaving enough like their sister. They should not get to decide how you should act nor what kind of person you should be. Do not give them that kind of permission.”

The words almost came as a shock to Thea and she sat quietly for a long moment as she thought deeply about them. Although a rather simple thought, Charlotte was right and it had been something Thea had never really thought about before. Her whole life her actions seemed to have been dictated by others, especially men like her father. If she wasn’t what they wanted her to be she was shamed for it. ”A-are there people out there who will really love me for who I am, no matter what?” She asked as she glanced over at her friend, a blush coming to her cheeks as she realized how silly that question may actually be.

In a romantic sense, Charlotte wasn’t certain it existed, but she liked to think it did. “Well you have already people like that around you. I love you Thea. Leo does too and certainly, John seems to care for you. You have friends and family who are behind you no matter what happens. ” She started off explaining and then paused. Charlotte seemed to debate mentally before she sighed. “But in the romantic sense, I am also curious to such a question as well… I think we both deserve such at the least, don’t you?
She smiled sadly.

A warmth bloomed in Thea’s chest at Charlotte’s words and she felt tears sting her eyes once again, but this time it wasn’t from sadness. She was thankful to her friend while also internally beating herself up a little for staying away for so long. She was truly a fool and needed to start relying on those around her who truly cared about her. With their help, perhaps she could find some semblance of happiness.

She felt her cheeks heat as she realized she’d also mentioned John caring for her and she recognized how true that actually was. ”We do both deserve that, Lottie. You especially do. You’re kind and wonderful and smart and so caring, I truly admire you.” She turned and threw her arms around Charlotte in a tight hug.

Charlotte felt herself grow sheepish She thinks that about me? I didn’t think anyone admired me. She smiled to herself only to be caught off guard by her hug, her eyes widening. She did not hesitate to return the hug, “You’re too sweet Thea. I am sure you’ll have men running after you. Then!” Her voice rose in excitement as she started to geek out mentally about a book she read. She clasped her hands together as she let go of Thea and sat up on her knees, her eyes animated. “You might have a real romance like in the novel The Woman of the Sea and the Night. I don’t know if you read it but it’s about a beautiful pirate captain with a heart of golder than the treasures she seeks! Then she meets her match when she meets the-”

Her gaze turned toward the entrance as she paused mid-sentence. Delilah was back and she had brought… Fritz?

Charlotte was pleased to see her new kind friend, but caught off guard. “H-hello there Count Fritz.“ She rose to her feet to face him with a smile. She was surprised to see him return after the long night the two of them had. Though perhaps a little overwhelming for the introverted girl, she had not had company in a long time and it was kind of a nice change. She had been worried the time would have put a distance between her, Thea, and Leo, but they seemed to still like her just the same. Count Fritz was possibly one of the nicest people she had met in a long time. “Have you met Lady Thea?” She gestured to her then looked between them with a small gasp as she remembered her manners, “ Oh, do you two want some tea? Delilah just brewed us some. Or are either of you famished?”

Thea stood and dipped into a curtsy as Charlotte introduced her. “I don’t think we’ve had the pleasure of meeting yet.” She put a smile on her face, trying to be polite as she turned back to Charlotte. “I would love some tea and perhaps some biscuits if that’s not too much to ask for?” She sat back down then, scooping up the letter she now despised, crumpling it up, and tossing it into the fireplace.

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Hidden 1 yr ago Post by Tae
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Tae

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Time: 11 am
Location: Entrance Hall of Sorian Castle
Attire: Outfit. Hair, and Makeup
Interactions: @Apex Sunburn Sjan-dehk
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Viserjanta? Jafi? Saiya wracked her brain trying to remember if she’d ever heard of these places, but was having trouble remembering anything. Several clues pointed her towards the conclusion that he was quite a ways away from home, one of said clues was his accent and stumbling over a word. She noted his face deepened and she wanted to reassure him that it was okay, that he need not fret over mispronouncing anything. Before she could say anything, however, he excused himself and turned on the vicious tongued women.

He spoke to them, calling them out for their cruelty, and at first Saiya was shocked. Eyes wide, she found herself peeking around Sjan-dehk to see how the women would respond. The look of horror and shock on their faces was more than satisfying and she had to quickly cover her mouth in order to suppress a giggle from escaping her. Despite this not being his first language, he certainly had a way of stringing words together and Saiya was rather impressed. Nevertheless, she did worry what repercussions this would have for him and felt the need to step in so he wouldn’t be the only one to blame.

Stepping up beside him, she slowly reached up and linked her arm with his as she grinned at the women. ”Such wonderful advice the Captain has, wouldn’t you agree? I think everything he said was well spoken and agreeable. Perhaps next time you decide to open your mouth, you’ll think about it first. Now if you’ll excuse us, we were just leaving.” Before she could turn, however, one of the women grew bold. It was the same woman who had earlier claimed she wasn’t that pretty as she’d been waiting to enter and speak with the princes.

”How dare you speak to us in such a manner! Do you not know who I am? I am the daughter of a duke! I will be making sure my father hears-” The cold glare she received from Saiya stopped her in her tracks and that courage began to falter.

”Do you not know who I am? I am the daughter of the Grand Vizier, brother of the Sultan of Alidasht. You were there last night, I remember your face. I know you saw what happens when my family is offended. The Sultan was merciful last night, how do you think he’d react if there was a second slight to one of his family members? Perhaps you would lose more than just your tongue or your eyes.” The woman gulped and shrank back, as did the rest of the crowd while looking at the pair now in fear. Saiya, of course, knew she likely didn’t have that much power to ensure any of that, but they certainly didn’t know that. She would wield whatever weapon she was handed and that daughter of a duke made it incredibly easy. ”Excuse us.” She said once more before walking outside with Sjan-dehk.

Once outside, Saiya couldn’t hold in her laugh any longer and began giggling as she looked up at the man she still had her arm linked with. ”Thank you for that. I truly appreciate you standing up for me like that without even knowing me and, in turn, giving me the courage to speak up as well. If I can repay you in any way, please let me know and I would be happy to do what I can.” A genuine smile lit up her face now, a grateful look in her eyes.

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Hidden 1 yr ago Post by Apex Sunburn
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Mentions: @Tae Saiya

Perhaps Sjan-dehk needn’t have spoken so much. Eloquent and with a graceful sort of force, Saiya was clearly more than capable of holding her own against the women. Granted, Sjan-dehk understood roughly half of what she was saying, but the reaction from the crowd before the two of them told him all that he needed to know. He stood back with a hand on his sword and lips upturned in a roguish grin. Bark-brown eyes filled with mischief peered from beneath his hat at the crowd. Watching the proud and haughty be humbled was almost as enjoyable as doing the deed himself.

And Saiya was clearly adept at the craft. Even the lone woman who had gathered enough courage to attempt a rebuttal was quickly cowed into silence. He had no idea what a ‘Sultan’ or ‘Grand Vizier’ was, or what had happened the night before, but whatever it was, it worked. Hiding the wide, smug smirk that came over his face with a hand, Sjan-dehk watched the woman’s confidence shatter and the colour quickly drain from her face. So taken was he by the scene that he didn’t even notice Saiya’s arm looped around his until she started leading them both to the exit.

Sjan-dehk followed. As they passed beneath the lintel, he looked back over his shoulder at the gathered women with a cheeky grin. “Be more polite to the princes, yes?” He pulled his hat ever-so-slightly lower over his eyes and turned back around before he could see their reactions.

No one could say Wasun Sjan-dehk of Jafi was entirely without manners.

The sound of melodic laughter from the lady beside him pulled some chuckles from his throat. He looked back at Saiya as she thanked him, and whatever worries and concerns he had about subtly threatening an entire group of well-to-do women vanished the moment he saw the radiant smile upon her pretty face. If it made someone that happy, whatever he did couldn’t have been too bad. At least, he would be able to live with the consequences. Hopefully the rest of the trade delegation aboard the Sudah would agree.

If it even came to it. There was no point worrying over a possibility.

For now, he was quickly becoming very aware of Saiya. The heat washing over his cheeks was becoming a little too hard to ignore. The sea may have stolen his heart, but it hadn’t taken much else. It surely hadn’t taken his body’s natural reactions. Besides, it had been such a long time since he had been this close to a woman who wasn’t either of his sisters. An understandable, albeit embarrassing, response.

Sjan-dehk gently pulled his arm free and turned to face her fully, then bowed. “No need to thank me. It was nothing. Was…” He racked his mind for a good way to phrase his words. To say that he had helped Saiya out of the goodness of his heart would be a half-truth at best, but to say that he had done it solely out of obligation would also be wrong. There was a moral aspect to it all, and it was an aspect that Sjan-dehk felt sorely ill-equipped to properly describe. “Was the Way,” was the best he could manage. “Is what should be done. So no need to ah…Repay. You owe nothing.”

The flush was just about gone from his face when he stood up, replaced by a grin tugging at his lips. “You helped too, no? Strong words. Your father–” He held up a fist in front of him and clenched it. “– must be very strong too. The women, their faces were white. Like rice not cooked.” A quiet, close-lipped chuckle rumbled in his throat at that memory. “Very ah…Funny to see.”

He looked towards the castle gates, momentarily distracted by the cacophony of a myriad pairs of shoes against cobblestone. Throngs of people were still coming through in clumps and trickles, no doubt hopeful suitors seeking a chance for a prince’s heart. Sjan-dehk furrowed his brow. Much as he wanted to return to his Sada Kurau in haste, leaving Saiya here just felt wrong. As if he had just saved a person from a shark only to leave them to fend for themselves in the same infested waters. A job half-done, and as his father liked to say, that may as well be a job not done.

That simply would not do. Sjan-dehk started this, so he’d be damned if he didn’t finish it properly. Turning back to Saiya, he bowed his head briefly. “I must return to Sada Kurau,” he said, tone almost apologetic. It wouldn’t do to be dishonest, either. "But I can ah...Walk with you to where you will go. If you want. Would be my pleasure.”
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Hidden 1 yr ago 1 yr ago Post by JJ Doe
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◆◆◆◆◆ "△△△" ◆◆◆◆◆◆
Location: Vikena’s Estate
Time: 11:00
Interactions: Dr. John Williamson @Conscripts; Lady Charlotte Vikena @princess; Lady Thea Smithwood@Tae

When Dr. Williamson appeared at the entrance with Delilah, △△△ feared something dreadful had happened to Duke and/or Lady Vikena—a worry that the good doctor quickly extinguished with a gentle reassurance that he did not come to the estate in any professional capacity. He gave △△△ the short version of the series of events that led him to visit the Vikena’s, which led to him encountering a Varian count at the front door, which led to said count apologizing for forgetting that even doctors pay social calls. The count offered a cookie from the gift basket to Dr. Williamson for the offense, and another to Delilah to buy her silence. The three chatted until Dr. Williamson excused himself. He had one foot over the threshold when △△△ asked him, “In your professional opinion, is it medically possible to determine if someone is or has been under the influence of magic?”



“H-hello there Count ◆◆◆◆◆.” The sound vanished before it reached △△△’s ears, but he kept the smile pinned to his face. If he ignored the oddities he acquired, everything else functioned as normal. How often do people need to check their reflection in a day, anyway? If his appearance looked weird, someone was bound to inform him in some manner, whether it be verbal or by gawking. He had entire conversations with people without anyone bringing up their names. This was just like that. There was no need to feel sad about it.

“Hello there, yourself,” He hesitated a bit before testing the waters, “Lady Charlotte.” △△△ arguably overstepped his bounds by addressing Lady Vikena by her first name, without the proper title, the night before. However, she also called him ◆◆◆◆◆, and based on the staff’s interaction with the future duchess, he got the impression that the Vikenas were not stringent about protocols.

“Have you met Lady Thea?” Lady Vikena gestured towards a young blonde woman with vaguely familiar eye colors.

“I don’t think we’ve had the pleasure of meeting yet.” Lady Smithwood’s smile was stiff, put on for Lady Vikena’s sake. If anything, it seemed as if △△△–a stranger–had intruded on an important moment between friends. His smile turned into the more apologetic variety before he bowed.

“It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance, Lady Smithwood. I’m—” △△△’s throat constricted on the name before it could come out. A bead of sweat formed as his throat continued to tighten and refused to relent. It only released him when he said, “I’m Lady Charlotte’s new friend,” instead.

He knew he paused too long, but before anyone could ask questions he attempted to redirect their attention elsewhere. △△△ wiped the seat off and fidgeted with his bangs. “Look at me stumbling over my words. I’m sure you receive compliments like this often, Lady Smithwood, but your eyes are quite stunning! Heterochromia, yes? My grandmother has heterochromia too. Although they’re a few shades darker than yours.” He closed his left eye and pointed at his right eye. “One eye is the same color as this,” then he opened his left eye, “and her other eye is a very dark blue. Actually, most of the time they both look black, but in the right lighting you can see how blue her left eye is.” The thought of his grandmother’s eye color triggered an image of a shark to flash through △△△’s mind. He clapped his hands in sudden excitement. “Like sharks! Did you know sharks don’t actually have black eyes? They’re deep blue! In fact—” The part of the brain responsible for restraint prevented △△△ from dumping useless trivia on the ladies. The point was to divert their attention, not his. “Pardon me. I have a habit of prattling.” He cleared his throat and quickly said yes to the tea.

“Oh, I know what would be wonderful with tea.” △△△ lifted the gift basket, “I’ve come bearing gifts for you.” He held the position until he lowered the basket. “Okay, I may be lying a bit. It’s mostly gifts for Kier and,” At the mention of Kier, he glanced around the room and he frowned slightly at the absence of Vikena’s furry family members. The smile reappeared when he spotted one of the fuzzballs. △△△ pinched a small portion of the cat treat from the basket and knelt down, beckoning the kitten to come closer. “And offerings for the new master of the Vikena household…” He saw Delilah mouth a word in his direction. It took a second or two for △△△ to string the letters into a meaningful word. “Lord Champion,” △△△ lowered his head deeply, as if in reverence, as he waited for the kitten to approach. Champion curiously sniffed the air, his nose twitched repeatedly as it guided him to the source of the delectable smell. “Aros,” △△△ whispered. The kitten stared at him blankly, not comprehending what he just said, but unwittingly fulfilling the command. The count rewarded Champion for “waiting” with the treat.

He stood back up, pulling out a decorative can and a box to show to the noblewomen, “For Lord Champion’s human subjects, I have cookies and chocolates. I wasn’t sure how many people would be here, so there might not be enough for everyone, but…” △△△ peeked into the can. “If we’re civil about this, I believe everyone in the house can have at least three cookies each.” He winked at Delilah. Four for her. “Afterwards, we can have a very mature, very organized discussion about who can have the rest of the cookies. As for the chocolates, well, we’ll have to battle to the bitter end for these, because there’re only four pieces in here.” He returned the sweets to the basket before handing it over to Delilah. He trusted she knew what to do with them.

After Delilah left to retrieve the tea, the count stepped closer to Lady Vikena. “Seeing that the house is not in utter panic and chaos, Miss Ruby is nowhere in sight, and you’re looking much better.” He glanced in Lady Smithwood’s direction and lowered his voice, uncertain how much she knew or whether Lady Vikena wanted her to know about it. “Am I correct in assuming that you’ve found your father safe and sound?”
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Hidden 1 yr ago Post by Infinite Cosmos
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Infinite Cosmos XIV

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Interaction: Mayet @13org Roman @ReusableSword Hanna @potter

Munir made his way back to the clearing where they were all gather previously, squeezing his horse's belly with his calves to get it to slow itself into a walk. Once he was back at the clearing, an attendant trotted over and took over the reins of the horse and Munir lightly hopped off the horse, his prize in hand. Noticing that his sister made it back before he did, he glided over towards her and took a look at the small creature in her hands, one not dissimilar to the one he held by it's ears.

"Sister Mayet, it would seem that we had taken down a similar prey. Though, Nala seems to want to take your prey as a her snack, eh?" He said, smiling as he walked over to Nala to give her a boop on the snoot. As he did so, he made sure to keep his kill away from Nala's nose, as to not let the blood awaken something unintended in Nala. "Though, I feel as though thats not the only prey you're after this day, is it Sister Mayet?" Munir jested and looked in the general direction of Roman. "Lord Ravenwood is truly a specimen to behold. A man built like a mountain, of which we're not used to seeing in Alidasht..." Munir said in a hushed tone, "Though, would he be used to not being the dominant one in bed? Are you willing to submit to him? Or would I, and the rest of our siblings, be subject to...let's just say raucous behavior and sounds... from your chambers at all hours of the night? Hm?" Munir said with a suggestive smirk on his face.

Looking down at his own prize, he felt the soft fur between his fingertips. "Hm. I have an idea what to do with this. Nala can have the flesh, I would simply keep the pelt, or what can be salvaged from it anyways... Then perhaps I will stay out here a bit longer, to gather more, and fashion it into a coat..." He said to no one in particular. Mina was on his mind. His fiery damsel. Even though Munir has never been, he can still imagine the unbearable cold Mina has had to live through. If nothing else comes from this royal gathering, Munir wants Mind to at least take back some warm clothing. Not that she had a shortage on such things.

Seeing Roman from a fair distance away, Munir called out "Lord Deepwood, has your first hunt proved fruitful?" Munir was not able to see if Roman carried a prize with him and he was genuinely wondering. Whispering to his sister, Munir said "Though, if he plays his card right, he might just end up with the biggest catch out here today, eh, Sister Mayet?" Munir finished with a small smirk and a quick flourish of his hair, letting the sun's beams shine down on his forehead and face.
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