taerin is absolutely up to no good, like that cat that just finds too much pleasure in knocking something off a shelf you've just sat down. when her father walks into the shared common space of their lavish suites in the palace, the lady sets down the book she'd been looking over. " have you seen some of these vampires yet, father ? " the statement is not a curiosity, it's not a polite way to start a conversation. the devilish grin growing on her lips is more than enough proof to that. " some of them are rather cute, quite pretty to look at. " evil, mischievous, and she has no shame.
" question. " no greeting offered from the lady as she waltzes into her father's office and takes a seat in the chair across his desk – like she's done so many times already. tae takes her time to sit, to straighten her skirts and cross her legs. the daughter already knows her father's attention has been turned to her, she doesn't need to look up at him to confirm this. finally, taerin glances up, a playful glint shining in her eyes. " how would you react if i let a vampire bite me ? " she had no desire to do so, she simply wished to raise her father's blood pressure. many might not expect it, but the young seong lady could be rather mischievous and due to her fathers both continually allowing her to get away with anything, well, they often saw that behavior paid back to them.
✦ ( kim yoojung, cis woman, she + her, 58 ) — descending upon the court of aurelion, we announce the arrival of TAERIN SEONG, LADY of AURELION. amongst the whispers they are known to be MAGNETIC + STRATEGIC, which is reflected by the sense of being underestimated exactly once, gold rings wrapped around dainty fingers, dangerous beauty & charm wielded as skillfully as a blade when they approach. at the age of maturity, the goddess blessed them with DARKNESS, FIRE, SHAPESHIFTING. they have arrived as a COMPETITOR of the ancient games and are currently FOR the era of peace aethara has maintained. ⋆ written by honey.
✴ — 𝐛𝐚𝐬𝐢𝐜𝐬 ❜
𝐟𝐮𝐥𝐥 𝐧𝐚𝐦𝐞 ⁑ taerin seong
𝐧𝐢𝐜𝐤𝐧𝐚𝐦𝐞(𝐬) ⁑ tae
𝐚𝐠𝐞 ⁑ 58
𝐬𝐞𝐱𝐮𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐲 ⁑ bisexual
𝐩𝐨𝐬𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 ⁑ lady + competitor
𝐚𝐟𝐟𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐞𝐬 ⁑ darkness, fire + shapeshifting
𝐥𝐨𝐲𝐚𝐥𝐭𝐲 ⁑ aurelion
𝐡𝐞𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭 ⁑ 5'4"
✴ — 𝐡𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐲 ❜
a vision of both her fathers, even if she physically favors only one. taerin rarely raises her voice, finding little need for it when a look often accomplishes far more. she has always found a certain amusement in being underestimated, occasionally turning it into a game of her own making. observant to a fault, she notices details others overlook and has a natural love for strategy, politics, and intellectual competition. it is no surprise that she chose the intellectual games over the combat ones.
she is fiercely protective of those she cares for and considers her own, is incredibly confident, and possesses an unnerving ability to read a room within moments. her gaze captures more than most might realize. a bit stubborn, not that either father will claim ownership in that trait
tae grew up knowing nothing but love, as well as following her fathers around like a shadow. she idolizes them, and still does. often joked to be a mini version of them both, it really is no surprise at all. there have been arguments over who she is more like, which tae enjoys greatly.
thoroughly adored and fully aware of it, taerin has never pretended otherwise. she soaks up affection without shame and possesses the kind of confidence that can only come from never questioning whether she is loved. spoiled, perhaps, though neither of her fathers can convincingly deny their role in that. despite her fondness for testing boundaries, she remains deeply devoted to her family and fiercely loyal to those fortunate enough to earn a place within her circle.
though raised with every tutor, instructor, and opportunity available to a future high lady of aurelion, taerin's greatest love has always been found beyond the palace walls. horseback riding became an obsession almost as soon as she was old enough to sit in a saddle. more than once she slipped away from lessons only to be discovered hours later in the stables, covered in dust and entirely unapologetic. remarkably, these disappearances rarely resulted in punishment. whether through charm, luck, or the simple inability of her fathers to deny her much of anything remains a matter of debate.
blessed with darkness, fire, and shapeshifting, taerin's form takes the shape of a sleek black cat. fittingly, she embodies many of the creature's traits, curious, intelligent, independent, and entirely convinced the world belongs to her. she appears where she pleases, disappears when it suits her, and has an unfortunate habit of involving herself in situations she has no business being involved in. more than one courtier has learned the hard way that the seemingly harmless cat lingering nearby was listening far more closely than expected.
there is very little in life she enjoys more than proving someone wrong.
young, and knows it, but that doesn't hold her back.
" to think they are a long-lived species like ourselves , yet different in so many ways . " the elder muses out loud . valeria could not entirely say all that made the fae feel so different than her own people , than her own kind . just as the fae were being given a crash course on vampires , so had they been advised as well with a history that she knew did not cover it all . " they seem so very afraid like we are the big bad monsters that they would be told about as little children in bedtime stories ... yet i know they are not entirely defenseless . " their kind would not have lasted as long as it has if they were unable to protect themselves . though she wondered how they had let their kind be so entirely forgotten to the point their own were going missing and/or dying at the hands of their rebels . " i'm afraid the novelty will take far too long to wear off . glare back dear sister and i'm sure that will stop their stares for a while . " the eldest chuckles , " that would be very diplomatic of me . perhaps crixus will find a rebel so soon and then i can have my fun . it is has been a long time since i've had to use my nails to disembowel someone . "
" the magic must go to their heads. " muses the younger sister. vira has no interest in these fae, initially curious and now purely annoyed. while some smelled slightly nice, vira wasn't sure the temptation was enough to make her get close. at least they seemed to understand where they ranked, that she was the apex predator for each room she entered, ended up avoiding her rather than seeking answers to their questions. " we are the big bad monsters, and i would like for them to continue thinking as such. " she levels a gaze at her sister, tone bored though far less annoyed at this point. vira relaxes around her siblings in a way she doesn't around anyone else, but is still rather tightly wound. " flash a fang, maybe make sure i drink blood from a wine glass in front of them. " the idea did have some appeal… vira stashed it away for later. a groan, but not one of annoyance or disgust, one of longing. " i hope we find one soon, i cannot wait to ensure they regret every choice they've ever made. "
it was a never-ending tidal wave of stress for her parents, and it was dire situation when her normally unruffled father held himself with such tension. the king of aureth was hardly ever seen with a single frown of worry ; he was the man who waltzed about the palace with bright eyes and a charming, mischievous smile. the dead competitors had rattled them all enough, but there were these rare glimpses of her father now that he often hid from his children that astra was privy to these days. for once she was at a loss, what truly what could she say to ease his worries? her mother was in a similar condition. her parents never held anything but steel sureness in their gazes, which didn't waver quite yet but this time it's lined with a different burden that astraea disliked. it made her heart squeeze painfully in her chest, and its heightened when she finds her father at his desk today ( a rare sight indeed this was ). the unsureness, the wariness, and astra got the distinct feeling some of it was also of his children. the raven-haired princess wondered if he knew that she didn't expect her father to have all the answers. "anyone demanding from you will have to go through your elder children first , including our dear aunt." she murmurs, taking a seat on the opposite side of her father. her copper gaze glancing to the blank page before him. "you should see azrien giving the others quite a fright." she hoped this would draw a smile from the king as she raising her soften gaze to the elder male. " always. i also have an inkling my father will be a busy man in the foreseeable days." she squeezes his wrist, "perhaps i could be of assist in writing the letter if you wish."
helion was doing his absolute best to keep himself relaxed, as well as block out every drop of stress from others. most fae had the ability to block themselves from others reaching into their minds, but at times of heightened emotions it was either that they forgot or simply weren't strong enough to keep up their shields. the consort was old enough to keep his own well tended, but it was exhausting. the remainder of his energy went into tending to his wife's emotions… it was his pleasure, but stars, he was exhausted. the frostborn still musters a smile for his daughter, wishing to be a pillar of strength for his children rather than a source of further stress of worry. he chuckles a bit, never tiring of her claiming his family as her own. helion had been more than clear from the start, he cared not who his wife had children and they would always be his as well. he'd never expected for his family to be so open to it, nor for astra to claim them as she had. his heart warms each time it occurs. " i should begin with alistair. " certainly his son would be a proper buffer between he and his sister… hopefully. there was always the chance alistair would simply team up with his aunt…. what a gamble. " he's more than welcome to continue. " offers the consort with another small laugh. he lacks surprise entirely. astra was certainly successful indeed in lightening his mood. he gazes at the letter, and then back up towards his daughter, a very small smile remaining on his lips. " quite busy indeed. " there was simply no denying it. " you are free to try, though i doubt anything will keep her from visiting now. "
It takes Ursula a beat too long to recognize that the words are addressed to her, but once she does she answers with a long exhale and lowers the arm covering her eyes so she can offer Evren a sheepish grin. Straightening to a sitting position from where she is sprawled in the settee, she rolls her shoulders and glances out the window to check for the time. Relief fills her when she sees that the shadows have not moved too much from the last time she has checked.
“Is it that obvious?” She asks the General dryly, knowing that her previous state has been more than telling. “I have been working since dawn traveling through possible new patrol routes around the castle, and that meant that every House in need of reassurance stopped me throughout the day to ask a question or three dozen.”
She doesn’t mind that aspect of her job, as the security of the citizens of Aureth is part of her job, but she is trying to finalize her patrol routes proposal soon to get Lord Evren to look over them.
“Which reminds me, do you have any free time over the next couple of days? I am not done with the proposal yet, but I should be soon for your review,” she asks. She is already planning to burn the midnight oil, but perhaps getting a deadline will motivate her even further.
evren smirks a bit as he remains in the doorway observing ursula. the master of laws had found a good place to stash away it, he may still the idea at a later time. " did you ask the guards to keep visitors out ? " there is a light teasing tone in his voice, the general wouldn't be surprised if that had occurred. the soldiers would not have stopped him, so to the general nothing seemed changed. he wouldn't care, the soldiers in the palace knew to report to both he and the master of laws. he and ursula seem to work fairly well together, if he must say so. " yes and no. are you opposed to talking while we patrol the tunnels ? " he can manipulate the air around them to not carry sound, so in truth, they can talk wherever with privacy.
what kind of a queen could she be if she did not trust in her inner circle . from the moment the tragedies started , so did they move into action trying their best to figure out what was going on and how to ensure it did not get pinned on court . they needn't have worried though , not when the true culprits were their newly arrived guests . vampires of all things ... it brought more questions than answers and saranya's head was buzzing with things she could not answer or forget . finding her right hand's temporary office , the queen simply walks in . " do you think even my mother would not have known ? that vampires existed not so far from our lands , lord lucian ? " she had thought her mother knew everything , she had thought her infallible .
lucian straightens a bit when the young queen's voice drifts into his ears, a split of a grin appearing on his lips. her mother is a sensitive subject, a sad loss that he knew saranya had to weather through while also stepping into her role as queen. she was doing impressively, but he avoided talking about her mother when able. " if she did, it was not something she shared with me. " he answers delicately. in truth, luc didn't think that she had known of vampires, but he also didn't wish to say that to her daughter. but he couldn't say it with complete certainty, the late queen did keep some things close to her chest. " have you met with any of them yet, my queen ? "
"at this rate? it seems like an eternity." the elder princess stood beside her baby sister on the balcony. lately, they had taken habit of simply watching their vampire visitors from afar and for astraea it was by intent. while she hadn't approached one yet, she has no doubt they weren't going to be entirely forthcoming either. the best way to learn others was to observe them, even if she's to begrudgingly admit the vampire royals were careful - offering just enough but nothing further. "i want them to take care of the rebel faction quickly. however, it might be in our best interest to keep our visitors here longer." oh, astra very much believed in keeping your enemies closer. while they weren't exactly enemies, until they knew more, they weren't exactly friends or proper allies either. she raven-haired princess shifts her head slightly to peer at the redhead, "they haven't been misbehaving with you, have they?" translation, their keep their mouth away from her siblings. "who would ever imagine one day our home, and our realm would be housing vampires?"
alexia relaxes even further when the voice that reaches her ears is belongs to astra. her beautiful sister, and the one she believes to often be the calmest among them. true or not, she still looked up to astraea quite a bit – even if she didn't share that. " it feels as if we've already surpassed a century. tell me, have i grown wrinkles ? " her joke doesn't hold much lightness, she can't muster much these days. normally the bright and vibrant light in the family, alexia now is a bit more reserved, a bit down. " doesn't it seem a bit odd they've come to eradicate this faction but haven't quite shared with us how to defend ourselves ? " which was to be understood, but it didn't make her feel any better that they were here too. surrounded by predators, alexia almost regretted not paying more attention in her combat lessons. " i've yet to even meet one. " daelan wouldn't allow it and in all honesty the redhead didn't wish to argue that for once. " i've read so many tales, i dream of worlds not our own, and i've never thought about these monsters from the dark being real people. "
Violante is and always has been keenly aware of her own flaws, and her recklessness ranked chief among them. Said recklessness has often provided the sort of answers that would have not been found without it, of course, but the exchange had been put in rather precarious situations as a result. The Eryndor delegation in Aurelion cannot afford to be put in a precarious situation because of her curiosity. Not when there is an ominous new threat lurking in the shadows and they are meant to be working with the very beings that are also hunting their kind. Still, she cannot help it. Over her long life, she has found one or two mentions of vampires through myths and legends and the sort, but nothing solid. They know nothing of their abilities nor the effects of their bite, other than the results can be deadly. Yet, the vampire delegation had brought a finite number of humans with them, with the implication being that they can feed without killing their prey… And she desperately wants to know what that feels like. Yet, stupid she is not, so she heads towards one of the most logical members of the inner court to ensure that she plans this experiment in such a way that it will not harm their Queen.
“I have a rather reckless idea, and I wanted to go over it with you,” she offers quietly, a quirk to her lips that almost seems wry but that is undermined by the way she is fidgeting with her rings. “I believe the information we would gain would be worth the risk, but I am aware I tend to believe as much even when most do not consider the risk worth it.”
the right hand of the queen relaxes when the voice that reaches his ears belongs to someone he knows he can calm around. the face that greets him one that does not bring any sense of annoyance in the slightest. lucian is far from a perfect man, but he certainly tries to be for those in his life. he and violante have a rather odd relationship in the eyes of most people, but for him it was a perfect arrangement. she was an incredible mother to their son and they continued to coparent well throughout his life – he did not suspect many could share that same sentiment. while she may cause the occasional early grey hair due to her nature, ultimately, she was a brilliant fae and he had no regrets in creating a child with her. however, when she begins to speak, he sighs heavily, a light smile on his lips. " you do worry me when you begin speaking this way. " comes his light tease.
Safety measures have increased all around Aureth, and Idalia is thankful for the foresight the Aurelis possesses. Their current situation is rather difficult, and any sort of pressure could collapse the fragile peace. One of the disadvantages of that increase in security, however, is the inability to hold proper meetings in the Valerius family wing. Inviting just anyone could send the wrong message, especially when those she needs to talk to have been rather vocal on their dislike of the recent choices of the Aurelion’s Crown. She is lucky Lord Devon had agreed to meet for tea in one of the less popular gardens, otherwise things would have gotten rather complicated.
Idalia is heading towards such a meeting when a familiar face appears before her.
“Lord Avi,” she greets with a smile as she gestures towards Aveline’s door. “Just promise me you will make Aveline laugh once today, and I will look away if you do not keep your promise.”
avi used to be afraid of being near the king and queen when he was young, a fear they would think the young lord unfit to befriend their daughter – much less sail the seas at her side some day. the worry eased as they aged and he was continually allowed to be near aveline, and he often wondered what they saw in him to think he a good influence on their daughter. self doubts plagued his mind more and more these days, but the aeroborn pushes them aside. he is well aware that queen idalia can likely read every emotion that crosses his face and would rather not enter that territory at present. " my queen. " he greets, a formality the lord simply never broke, just as she greeted him by title as well. " i endeavor to make her laugh most of the time, i promise. " he relaxes a hair at her joke, but still remains rather tightly wound – worry for the princess's wellbeing not something so easily soothed by jokes and grins.
Idalia watched with mild fascination as her spymaster breaks character in his irritation, eyes drifting back to the Lord that had prompted such a reaction and noting him and his house. Absently, she makes a note to invite his household to tea to hear his grievances and give them a light warning to keep their worst instincts to themselves. They are the Aurelis’ guests after all, and sowing chaos through wild rumors is wildly impolite at best. Reprimanding Lord Devon of his behavior would have to wait, though, for she had been looking for her little spy master for a rather crucial task.
“Morning Lord Lakith,” she says, inclining her head in greeting as her lips tug into a light smile, even as her eyes narrow as the full extent of Lord Devon’s foolishness reaches her ears. Well, she would have to meet with him sooner rather than later then. Accusing the Aurelis of using them as sacrifices just wouldn’t do. Threatening the current peace while another threat lurked in the shadows was plan foolish.
“I will deal with him later,” she says after a beat. “But for now, may I have a moment of your time? I wanted to discuss the Aurelion Queen’s guests with you.”
lake takes a few steadying breaths to get his mind back into a normal state, to return to the chameleon who he can absolutely be. annoyance isn't something a charming, flirty lord should show.. but he also refuses to beat himself up about it at present. instead, the spymaster flashes a grin, even flourishing a little bow to his queen. " good morning, your highness. " he doesn't apologize for his initial greeting to her, while perhaps bold to assume, lake believes idalia won't take an insult to it. he's spoken more plainly before her in private quarters, she might even find it amusing that he snapped in such a way. " he deserves it. " grumbles he as the lord moves closer to the queen. " you shall have as many moments as you desire. "
the starborn isn't much paying attention to the conversations around her . she hadn't been spending much time in the more shared dining rooms of the castle , instead taking most of her meals in the privacy of her family's quarters . today was different for some reason though she couldn't say why and it's the sound of a familiar voice full of frustration and annoyance that draws her out of her reverie . she stands with her own meal only half-eaten and walks to intercept the lord . " good morning , lake . " she looks to the man in question as lord devon stirs up conversation with another since lakith had left his table . " i see , well let's let him stir up another's ear , how about we go and find better food and company elsewhere ? "
lake is a bit different around the royal family, his loyalty prompting him to not act entirely fake about them. he may still be a charming flirt, but he doesn't quite act to be the oblivious and lazy lord most think him to be. he smirks a bit when it's the princess he finds in his path to flee the annoyance of lord devon, " princess. " greeting something he won't relinquish, respect is important to the family he serves lest he wish for her mother to change her mind about allowing him to serve as their spymaster. lake isn't too oblivious to think it be the king that pushed him into this position. " i couldn't agree more to a change of scenery and company. " he doesn't insult the food aloud, but that had also been rather bland.
the princess felt like the days blurred together as of late . she hadn't quite believed her parents when they had told them . that those newly arrived to their home were supposedly vampires of legends ... and that it was their people that were the cause of their woes and a danger that only they could help to root out . their existence was myth , no one alive no matter how many centuries old had known that an entire kingdom of them existed . how had they kept themselves hidden for so long ? and how they not known of their existence ? was it willful ignorance on their part ? to think themselves the only beings capable of existing in their world ? it seems they were not the only ones with isolationist tendencies . asterin worried for her parents and how they were possibly dealing with all of this . it was why she sought her father out , finding him writing a letter , " do you think she will show up anyways ? your letter might not reach her in time before she does . " she tries to joke a bit , but it comes off a little flat . the starborn offers a smile and moves to sit at chair next to her feather , " of course , you know i'd love nothing more . "
helion had a very delicate relationship with his sister, her love of being close to the crown annoyed him at most turns but she was also harmless in many regards. bragging about her brother being married to the queen was standard practice for her, but she never asked for anything other than the occasional invitation to dinner. normally she'd flock to the palace when they hosted an event, but one of her own children had recently had a child hence the only reason she hadn't barged into his space yet. her ability to act entitled to his time and private spaces is the only reason the consort wishes to keep her at bay. asterin was right, however, she may already be on her way. even still, the light joke made him smile a hair, even if neither of their hearts were in such a state to laugh. " perhaps i shall have you be the one to greet her. " he offers back, a bit more of a smile peeling away at his face. " and you are always welcome to spend your time with me so long as you don't mind putting up with your father. "
a familiar light shines as she steps towards her father's makeshift office . it brings a smile to her lips , seeing the affinity they share but so often does he call forth the light . it burns brightly before dissipating into remnants of fire as it burns the paper in his hands . " i miss your light , father ... i remember the little light shows you used to do when i was younger, i was always so mesmerized by them . " a light giggle escapes her lips at the thought . the solarborn places a small plate of muffins upon the table , " i know you haven't been leaving this place much since you set it up , so i figured i could bring a little sustenance to you . "
lucian manages a small chuckle when his daughter brings up the past, recalling many times he would do anything to earn a smile from the small babe. she's far from that child now, but he will still always see her as faeling sometimes. " they are a bit harder to do in such a small space. " he says lightly, trying to relax with proof his daughter is safe in front of his eyes. his eyes track down to the plate, then back up to his daughter, a warm smile growing on his lips. when did she come to be the one to care for him ? " i have been quite busy. " ensuring their people were safe and those families with lost loved ones were getting answers or clarity. " you may enjoy my light tricks, but you will always remain my bright little light. "
Alistair always made his way into places without thinking twice about it. Perhaps no one could stop the prince when he was on his own whirlwind of an idea, but his father had been the one to ease Alistair's own worry last time. Helion was where Alistair was told he would be, though writing a letter to his fitful aunt wasn't what he'd expected. Still, it made for his own amusement. "Perhaps we take a chance at gaslighting her this time around? If she shows up, wouldn't that be far more amusing?"
helion offers a slight chuckle when his son speaks, and flashes a half grin towards the younger fae. worry is still etched in every inch of his face, but it doesn't surprise him for alistair to manage to lighten his mood even a hair. " do you wish to need to keep her company, my son ? " teases he back, setting aside the letter he'd begun to focus more on the young aurelion before him. " or should you like to write her ? " adds he, a very dull playful glint sparking in his eye.
If anyone asked Alistair on who he thought would win, before the vampires decided to impose themselves upon them all, he would've said whichever man looked the best in armor. While the prince's tastes changed daily, today, Draeven had all his support. In many ways. "Listen, I have a whole lot of money on you, don't let me down," he jested, bumping his shoulder against his friend's. His words aren't ignored, however, as Alistair sighed and crossed his arms over his chest, "I mean – we're not giving off any sort of message by being overprepared, are we?" Fear was a huge motivation for some, but were the games ever going to pass with the war that had decided to make itself known on their doorstep?
draeven flashes a smile towards the prince for a moment, even if his soul weighs heavily these days, the lord still attempts some lightness in his routine. " it would be quite the insult to us both if i did. " he offers with a small chuckle and a shake of his head. drae remains leaning almost touching the prince after the small bump, proximity not something he ever minded, nor did he think about how it would look. " not being easy to pick off ? " questions he, though it is clearly rhetoric. drae kept up his training out of pure habit, but it was obvious that others were picking up the hobby for their own sake. drae didn't blame anyone for it, he just wished there were more space to train.
