𝒽𝑒𝓇𝑜𝑒𝓈 + 𝓋𝒾𝓁𝓁𝒶𝒾𝓃𝓈

heroes and villains, we're all somewhere in between. if you want to change the world around you, you change yourself. penned by ash.

[ofheroism]

Very little can manage to throw Alysa Aurelis off course, but this new turn of events appears one of the first. Vampires? Another court, another species forgotten to history? A group of powerful creatures sent to help, when their citizens and guests are turning up dead? No, nothing about this is believable. So much so that Alysa thinks she might just be the next victim. Perhaps someone has laced one of her recent meals with poison, and she's simply hallucinating this discovery. That seems more realistic than --

The all-too-familiar knock of her favorite resident of Aurelion outside her own blood, who might as well be to her, is one of the only sounds that can drag her from where she sits in shock on her bedroom floor. She will be useful, and show the traits of a proper future leader, only as soon as she can drag her thoughts into making any sense.

"Wine? At a time like this?" Alysa calls back in chastisement, but a barely there smile appears as the door opens to let Ursula in. ".... You should have brought more." After she's shut the door behind them, Alysa goes on. "What do you think is next? Mutant hares?"

[nubivcgcnt]

A small laugh escapes her as a smirk crosses her lips. Lifting the hand that isn’t holding a bottle of wine, she presses her index against her lips and winks playfully at her friend. 

“Want to see a magic trick?” She asks lightly and then she steps across the threshold of Alysa’s room and beyond, revealing the other two bottles of wine she had brought floating behind her as she carries them with a gust of air. The bottles follow her into the room, and settle quietly on the foot of Alysa’s bed, where she leaves the other bottle before turning to the crown princess. “I assumed we would only drink two at most, but brought the third one just in case. This much is not enough to bother me too much tomorrow, so we should be good to indulge and complain about the entire load of bullshit that has fallen upon our laps.” A second passes, then another. Only then she adds as she shrugs. “Pardon my language, of course.”

Ursula has been in Alysa’s bedroom enough times that she doesn’t wait for an invitation before she settles on the floor with her back resting against the bed, raising her hand to offer the corkscrew to Alysa. 

“I forgot to bring glasses so full debauchery it is,” she says with an apologetic look before humming at her comment. “Now that would be interesting to see, honestly. Might even be useful against these so-called rebels, if utilized properly. But honestly? I think we are just going to have a whole load of shenanigans surrounding the vampires and their prey.”

[ofheroism]

There's next to no one outside the Aurelis family who have witnessed the laugh that escapes Alysa's lips at the use of Ursula's abilities. "I don't think I can handle vampries and a magician. Have mercy on me." One hand lands on her chest, as if she's catching her breath, even as Alysa rolls her eyes.

"As I'm a pristine woman, I cannot say I have wine glasses stored away in my room." An ironic statement for a woman who is using her best friend's corkscrew so they can drink wine by the bottle. She takes a long swig from the bottle before glancing back to Ursula, her expression -- while less guarded -- serious for a moment. "Urs, is it illogical to admit I believe this entire species is lying? What are the odds that they are the rebels?" A shiver makes its way down the curve of her spine as she envisions the royals' faces that she'd been forced to greet with proper etiquette. "Even speaking to them makes my blood boil as though I'd somehow inherited my father's flames. Sometimes, on days like today, I wish I had."

[ofheroism]

[caelumvult]

﹒soren & alysa ( @ofheroism ) ﹒the palace grounds

the  vast  hallways  of  the  castle  had  echoed  with  the  whispers  of  fae  ,  from  royals  to  servants  ,  and  all  that  settled  in  the  between.  their  hushed  voices  had  fluttered  at  his  ears  as  if  they  were  nothing  more  than  a  pestering  insect  ,  buzzing  and  humming  ,  ever  persistent.  words  of  fear  ,  of  anger  ,  of  the  unknown.  for  how  long  had  they  been  under  the  assumption  the  vampires  had  all  but  gone  extinct  ?

then  again  ,  based  on  the  echoes  of  fear  in  each  of  their  voices  ,  it  seemed  very  few  had  even  recalled  the  species  to  begin  with.  an  intriguing  thought  ,  if  soren  weren't  already  annoyed  with  their  cries  in  the  darkened  corners.  he'd  much  rather  they  make  their  thoughts  known  to  his  face.

❝  princess  ,  ❞  his  acknowledgement  of  the  approaching  fae  royal  allowed  his  mind  to  return  to  the  present  ,  to  the  few  feet  around  him  ,  rather  than  the  voices  that  still  echoed  so  softly.  ❝  are  you  to  be  my  escort  ,  lest  you  wish  me  to  find  myself  lost  upon  these  grounds.  ❞

[ofheroism]

if alysa aurelis had to be assigned a vice, perhaps it would be pride. it's not fear of either alleged group of vampires that has her reeling, but that she could think herself so educated on the realm, only to be remiss of an entire species? in her arsenal towards vaeloria and eryndor is the knowledge of their customs, their expected lines of succession. with these vampires, they know nothing except the information these fanged creatures supply themselves. alysa's own suspicions are that there is no rift between their species, and this is the very group of monsters merely toying with their food. this one's words only cement her thoughts. he's goading her, all but admitting to leaving the corpses on the ground himself. well, he can toy all he pleases, but she'll be no meal of his.

"prince, is it?" she says it as if appeasing a small child in their make-believe game. "i may be uncertain of the royal traditions in -- valmore, was it? here, however, you may address me as your highness." even the way he says princess leaves her seeing red. she'd rather die than escort this creature around the palace, but if it fulfills her parents' wishes... "yes, i suppose i will. in fact..." alysa pauses, taking a single, temporary step closer for less chance of being overheard. "must any of you have queries towards the royal family, you should direct them to me. i think you'll find it a very unwise choice if i see you even glancing in the direction of my siblings. do you understand?"

[astrxls]

closed for : members of the valerius family or inner circle @wrathgaze, @ofheroism, @fluctivagant, @evrflamcs

"  i  think  that's  quite  enough  fearmongering  over  breakfast,  do  you    not,  lord  devon  ?  "  lake's  voice  is  harder  than  most  may  ever  hear  from  the  spymaster,  many  used  to  him  being  in  a  hedonistic  state  of  uncaring  laziness.  present  circumstances  have  had  the  true  fae  in  him  surfacing  a  bit  and  truly  lake  has  yet  to  decide  if  it's  a  good  thing  or  not.  all  the  same,  lake  is  done  with  this  table  for  breakfast  and  pushes  up  with  a  bit  more  drama  and  flare  than  perhaps  he  should.  the  lord  begins  to  leave  the  large  shared  dining  room,  only  slowing  when  a  familiar  face  is  found.  "  good  morning,  might  i  suggest  not  sitting  with  lord  devon  this  lovely  day  ?  lest  you  wish  to  hear  how  we  are  all  nothing  but  dinner  for  monsters  in  the  night  and  the  aurelis  family  is  eager  to  serve  us  up.  "  yes,  lake's  annoyance  was  far  too  obvious  in  this  moment.

[ofheroism]

her beauty sleep has already been cut into by the arrival of a mysterious royal court of vampires, and vespera has no plans to speak with anyone until she has some food in her stomach. several, several, fae are distraught, and vespera... yes. yes, she too is concerned. that's the only thought she's had upon seeing them. concern. one that rushes away as she nearly jumps at the realization her betrothed is in the very same room, addressing her. and with a tone? oh, that will certainly not do.

"good morning, dearest," vespera returns at once, lips curling into a smile instead of dismay. politeness is half on her father's behalf, for she's all been threatened with disinheritance if she ruins his plans to strengthen ties with his favorite vassal house, and half that she'll never make it far in any court if she's seen as disagreeable. the next part, where she leans in to kiss his cheek? that's payback for not even complimenting her new dress. stars, what if they did serve her up the vampires at this point? "ah," she murmurs. "i had no idea we were at such end of days!" she teases. "we ought to postpone the wedding another year or three due to this, don't you think? i'm positively frightened."

[nubivcgcnt]

players: ursula praxadas & alysa aurelis || @ofheroism place: alysa's room, the castle, aurith time: the night after the letter went out

The sun has long set by the time Ursula drags herself out of her office and towards Alysa’s chambers. The news delivered by the new players in the game had been a surprise like no other, and it brought with it a set of dark implications for her fellow competitors and all Aurelion citizens. There is only so much they can do without the aid of the vampires, as Aurelion’s knowledge of their kind is sparse at best. Troubling, considering how little they know about their motivations, their kingdom and their laws. Yet for all that their hands are tied regarding how much they can address the threat without their aid, it is entirely possible for her to touch upon some of the more basic measures. Increasing guard patrols and mandating that they did not go anywhere alone while on duty is a beginning, but she has to admit that she is not entirely sure if it will be of any use at the end. Most competitors to the Ancient Games are very skilled, and yet so many were taken as if it were nothing. 

The rebel vampires are a threat they must eliminate, but finding them will take time and countless headaches. 

Rubbing the bridge of her nose to ward off an incoming tension headache, she reaches with her other hand and raps her knuckles against Alysa’s door in a rhythmic pattern familiar only to the two of them, not bothering to muffle the sound with her wind magic. She is known to frequent the Crown Princess’ company, after all, and whoever is in guard duty knows it. 

“Wine delivery for our dearest princess,” she calls out through the door, her voice taking a forced cheer as she speaks that does nothing to hide the wariness hidden beneath. It had been a long day, and even if Alysa did not wish to indulge, she would like to see her friend.

[ofheroism]

Very little can manage to throw Alysa Aurelis off course, but this new turn of events appears one of the first. Vampires? Another court, another species forgotten to history? A group of powerful creatures sent to help, when their citizens and guests are turning up dead? No, nothing about this is believable. So much so that Alysa thinks she might just be the next victim. Perhaps someone has laced one of her recent meals with poison, and she's simply hallucinating this discovery. That seems more realistic than --

The all-too-familiar knock of her favorite resident of Aurelion outside her own blood, who might as well be to her, is one of the only sounds that can drag her from where she sits in shock on her bedroom floor. She will be useful, and show the traits of a proper future leader, only as soon as she can drag her thoughts into making any sense.

"Wine? At a time like this?" Alysa calls back in chastisement, but a barely there smile appears as the door opens to let Ursula in. ".... You should have brought more." After she's shut the door behind them, Alysa goes on. "What do you think is next? Mutant hares?"

[ofheroism]

who: @marketofstars where: city of aureth

it seems vespera is forming a habit of crossing paths with evangeline after every new twist in this formidable event. it's certainly not a complaint. since when is running into a princess ever a complaint? if it looks like she smirks a brief second before there's a welcoming smile on her face? that must simply be a trick of the lights! "your highness! how are you faring after hearing the news?" vespera glances around the room, her smile turning coy as her voice lowers. "i'd like to think both vaeloria's and eryndor's courts would have solved this... mystery already. stars, can you imagine a fate of your body being discovered by a gardener? i'm distraught for him. what a sore loser of a murderer indeed," she remarks, repeating the princess's own phrase from not long ago.

[godstcr]

she senses her eldest once she's done fuming at the guard, turning to take her in once the guard is dismissed. a slight frown tugs at the corners of adelina's mouth when she takes in the darker circles beneath her eyes, worry settling in her heart that was separate from her worry for the dead lord and missing noble. there's a mother's guilt that she can't make her children her only priority, has to let helion look after them so that she can handle matters of the kingdom. it was a necessity, but it didn't make it any easier. " i'd be happy to have your help, starborn. " she steps closer, hand reaching up to cup her cheek, thumb softly brushing over the skin. " but only after you've had some actual sleep. i don't want you exhausting yourself over this, alright? " adelina would not take her own advice in that regard, but she had helion to bug her about it. " the fact that anyone would day to kill in our castle under our noses is certainly a corncern though. "

[ofheroism]

[plot jump]

alysa has walked the dreams of a new mind each night since the first crisis, with not a single person's mind containing any useful knowledge. plenty attendees had known the missing or dead victims. some had even disliked them, and she'd discovered one person even harbored a secret wish to steal one of their lovers, but no one had any hand in their demise or disappearance. how could people all but vanish into thin air at an event that can suffocate anyone with its crowd's ever-present eyes?

the promise to her mother to get some actual sleep had been held, even if just barely. alysa had taken to sneaking in naps in the afternoons while most were awake. she'd been asleep in a palace study when shouts from the garden had drifted through the open windows. she'd failed. they'd recovered corpses, without a single piece of information that can benefit her. "i can't apologize enough," is all she can manage to whisper when she finally crosses paths with her mother. "... what could cause this? is it..." alysa glances behind to them ensure no one outside their guards is present. "... some kind of illness? it didn't look like a rash."

[godstcr]

there is not much that puts her more at ease than the familiar people from her homeland. while she loved an adventure and exploring something new, she would always retreat in the end back to what she was most comfortable in. that would always be her cliffside home, the cerulean sea beneath it, the faces she'd known near all her life or had met more recently in some circumstances. the woman beside her seemed to fall into the latter, someone she'd been aware of for quite some time but had only been growing closer to in recent times. sylvani's gaze lifts from her lap, turning on the woman beside her as she resists the urge to reach out and intertwine their fingers. " i'm grateful it wasn't you or your family as well, vespera. " she offers a small smile, truthful in that she didn't know what kind of awful reaction she would have if she'd seen vespera on that floor. " perhaps. i think that might be the best case scenario. " her gaze flicks around the room, exhaling softly at all the eyes in it. " i think i might go for a walk in the gardens and clear my head. will you join me? "

[ofheroism]

there's a pleasant feeling that surprises her at sylvani's words. it's safe to assume the princess would say them to anyone in her kingdom, but vespera's cheeks warm briefly at the idea that someone would perhaps notice her absence. she lets her dark waves cover her face as vespera reaches down to adjust a nonexistent wrinkle on her dress until she can regain her typical poise. at the invitation, the high lord's daughter finishes arranging said dress and stands, one quick glance across the room to ensure she is not being watched by a few particular ... threats to this predicament she finds herself in. "yes! it's all truly very sad, but how can we maintain unity if we give up the celebrations now?" her smile is only just less bright than usual as she offers an elbow to link arms with her... friend! "i would adore a walk in the gardens. i've heard a rumor that they grow that special seasonal kind you like, but in blue!"

[lostinsfiction]

banita sandhu wearing payal khandwala for the holi celebrations hosted by the royal family of jaipur at city palace ౨ৎ

[celebadmiration]

[ofheliacal]

𝖜𝖍𝖔: esai && open (0/5) 𝖜𝖍𝖊𝖗𝖊: replier's choice, within aureth of course 𝖜𝖍𝖊𝖓: aligning with the recent plot drop, a mere few days after the ball

✧˚ · . ─── Esai had tried to use this time, with each court and royal stuck within the palace, to his advantage. The games were often a prosperous place for him to work his magic - never as a competitor - but one who worked the crowd for the advantage of Aurelion's crown. Esai never garnered much interest for the genuine sport of it all but as more disappeared it only further provoked the wonderance of why rather than the who when it came to blame and responsibility. He cared little for who embodied the opinion and reasoning of their pursuits, but it seemed they did not intend to stop until each court was pulled apart to the point of collapse and undoing. This was something he should have seen coming - and it annoyed Esai greatly that it had snowballed to such catastrophe already. He nodded as another approached, feigning concern as he danced around the topic many had already exhausted, " Good evening - are we to talk in circles with trivial small talk of empty woes or are you to tell me how you really feel ? " Esai smiled then, the action meant to be somewhat ingratiating in comparison to the charged candor of his words.

[ofheroism]

Alysa has discovered nothing yet in regards to the first disappearances-- the first! Now even her own thoughts must plague her with the realization that she's failed. If she had only chosen better dreams to target, better questions to ask, conversations to overhear in the realm of the awake, this wouldn't have happened. How can she face her mother with this?

Her venture to the balcony is only to avoid interactions with the visitors just long enough to catch her breath, to not scream in the middle of a ballroom, and she cannot be granted a moment's peace? The balcony is unabandoned! ... At least it's a familiar face, Alysa considers as if in consolation. "Lord Thalryn," she greets evenly, although her polite smile falters at his question. A quiet humph follows, a sound caught between disapproval and begrudging respect. "Do I give the impression that I don't speak openly?" A hidden dose of humor from a woman who, in fact, rarely speaks her mind. "If I were to speak candidly with a trusted member of my mother's inner circle, I might idly remark that citizens were not going missing or worse before the other courts arrived. Of course, I would never place blame on another court without... proper evidence."

[marketofstars]

who: @aethara-starters

where: city of aureth

open start: 0/2

❛ competitors went missing ? prayers and sorrows, such a pity and shame. ❜ a sour taste in her mouth and she's more vexed that the portals are closed, she hates feeling like a trapped bird within a cage and so she reaches for the moonstone pendant that hangs around her neck, her thumb strokes the flat edge of the stone to calm her nerves ❛ any theories on whose doing the taking and killing? ❜ her words are more brash than a royal ought to be but there was a reason why her eldest sister wore the crown instead of her, evangeline was never that good at following social court rules.

[ofheroism]

"prayers and sorrows, indeed," vespera agrees softly. her tone is perhaps more genuine than the other's, but it's certainly calculated. people are missing, and the vaelorian lady can recognize that that's certainly not good, but ... she's indefinitely to stay at a royal court? with every royal of their realm? in close quarters? with rising tensions? vespera can practically taste the opportunity. shaking her head as if warding off terrible images, her gaze falls to the princess's pendant. she's unfamiliar with most of the nymerion royals, but from her observations since their arrival, vespera thinks this might be princess evangeline. "your highness, i only wish i had a valuable insight to share, but i've been spared the torment of witnessing anything personally." one hand reaches to lean lightly on the nearest wall. "personally, though... i do find it intriguing that it seems the competitors are the ones directly impacted. this person or people must be against the trials or... or eliminating their competition, perhaps?"

[duskomens]

@ofheroism setting: late evening, a secluded courtyard

There was a sort of somber mood; it was definitely ruining the vibe that Alistair had set up for himself in times like these. They were untouchable, were they not? The younger Aurelis let his thoughts drift as quickly as the wind could change direction, however, Alysa in her spot of doom and gloom as he enjoyed calling it. He picked up his hand, waving it for a second as a small stormcloud appeared over his sister's head. It was the perfect size to hover over her, and it gave a few rumbles as he came towards her, "Are we brooding or is now a perfect time to gossip about what's going on?"

[ofheroism]

She's running on very little rest, but who is sleeping fitfully at a time like this? Alysa might like to visit them on grounds of suspicion, she thinks ruefully, too caught up in her own thoughts that her brother manages to catch her unaware. At the first rumble of thunder, Alysa jolts back to the present. The stone bench beneath her fingertips begins to ice over before she can stop herself, instead letting out a huff of exasperation at her brother. "How dare I have concern for the affairs of our kingdom..." she remarks, ignoring his request for gossip for several seconds of superiority before relenting. "... Are you implying that you have a theory?"

[wrathgaze]

open starter : no cap ! location : the main hall , the next day after the ball and the aftermath

there  was  a  tense  feeling  amongst  the  halls  of  the  court  that  she  had  always  called  home .  the  merriment  of  the  night  and  anticipation  of  the  upcoming  games  should  be  the  only  feelings  they  felt  and  yet ...  fear ,  tension ,  and  apprehension  of  what  was  truly  going  on  was  instead  mixed  amongst  the  nobility .  as  many  last  night  had  been  forced  to  retire  to  their  beds  early ,  yukiona  had  set  her  spies  and  herself  to  the  task ...  to  figure  out  what  was  going  on  and  why .  a  minor  noble  of  the  aurelion  court  had  approached  her  one  too  many  times  already  this  morning  and  it  was  grating  on  her  nerves  to  say  the  least ,  " no  i  do  not  have  any  new  information  lord  martin  and  when  i  do  i  will  report  it  to  the  queen  first ,  certainly  not  you . "  still  the  man  continues  to  harass  her  and  she  looks  to  another  approaching ,  a  look  in  her  eyes  of  annoyance  and  a  call  for  help .

[ofheroism]

in another lifetime, some universe where she wasn't born into royalty and a concrete life path, alysa thinks she might have enjoyed being a spymaster instead. she rather admires yukiona for the role she plays in their court, even if alysa sparsely compliments anyone aloud. there's an order to these roles, and alysa is well aware than if their spymaster discovered anything the news would first break to her mother, perhaps her simultaneously if she happens to be standing in the correct place at the correct time. someone who is far from the top of any chain of communication? lord martin, alysa thinks with mild disgust. the princess gracefully appears beside the man, her face clear of irritation. "lord martin? i hate to interrupt, it's only that i heard prince lazarus was remarking personally on how he wished to hear about your stunning vineyards. oh, and a piece of advice? i've heard vaelorians prefer stories in great detail." the corner of one lip quirks upwards for only a moment as she makes eye contact with yukiona as if to say 'you're welcome'.

[astrxls]

open to anyone

avi  wasn't  really  sneaking  around,  but  he  was  also  unaware  if  this  was  an  area  he  wasn't  allowed  to  be  in.  the  tideborn  vaelorian  often  had  no  real  care  to  rules  and  what  was  expected,  but,  well,  he  was  also  not  in  his  own  home  court.  would  the  people  of  aurelion  be  as  forgiving  or  uncaring  as  those  that  grew  up  with  ?  he  wasn't  sure  he  wanted  to  find  out,  but  that  also  hadn't  stopped  him  from  his  exploration.  when  steps  echo  in  the  hall  behind  him  avi  simply  turns  slightly.  "  pardon,  do  you  know  if  this  is  the  way  to  the  kitchens  ?  "  he  wasn't  looking  for  the  kitchens.

[ofheroism]

it's mildly difficult to sleep after all the drama of the last events, and after a brief stint outdoors for some fresh air, vespera has somehow managed to lose her way back to her rooms. to be a vaelorian wandering aimlessly about the palace is probably a bit suspicious, so a familiar face is a sight for sore eyes. "avi ??" she holds out a perfectly soft and well-manicured hand. "do i look like the kind of woman who knows where a kithcen is ?" she asks with an exasperated laugh.

[ofheroism]

who: open to anyone except her family (unless they're also dreamwalkers!) where: someone's dream/dream world @aethara-starters

in daylight, there's an impossible number of rules of etiquette and expectations and ways to present herself in society. alysa excels in all of them, or at least she certainly does her best at all times, representing her family in the brightest light possible. in the night, in the world of dreams, the roles are reversed. she has the power to be anything she wants, to be the one with the watchful eye instead of the spectacle. perhaps her own family would recognize her, but nearly anyone else? with her unbound hair gleaming like starlight, her expression relaxed and face free of cosmetics, in a simple silver gown not of house aurelion's colors? she's free. she's also facing a new mission, eyes alight with the challenge. with mesmerized curiosity and an attempt to learn her surrounding when she knows little outside of aureth's castle, alysa steps into an existing dream. "where is this place?" she asks softly. it's unfortunate that she'll need to alter the setting soon regardless.

[godstcr]

she can't quite hide the panic lurking under her skin. sylvani hadn't slept well at all last night, that scream that rang out through the dining room ringing through her head and haunting her nightmares. then she had stepped closer, seen the face of a lord she knew well, covered her mouth in horror as tears fell down her cheeks. these kinds of things didn't happen anymore, not like this. not since the days of old when there were high queens and kings everywhere. it leaves her rattled, ill at ease and clutching her tea cup far tighter than need be as she turns to her companion. " it's just awful, all this. i don't know why anyone would do such a thing. "

[ofheroism]

last night's party had been the highlight of vespera's year without a doubt. it was exactly what she wished every day of her life to look like, being surrounded by people who were ecstatic to dance with her (vespera easily overlooked how they'd probably have danced with any noble in the reverie). and now it had all soured thanks to some unsavory mess she's not even part of. well, she hadn't been close enough when the crowd moved to scene of the crime, and when vespera overheard the murmur that a vaelorian noble had died, she'd briefly wondered whether her betrothal were over. only, that would have been a solution to her current problem, and she instead felt distaste at the thought. then the worse thought of 'not the vaelorian family!', then 'oh stars, is it my family?', then 'am i in danger?', then... well, relief. after all, a lord she barely knew was better than the other four scenarios she'd just imagined!

now, she's attempting to center herself on the conversation with the youngest vaelorian princess on very little beauty sleep and the gnawing knowledge that they can't be anywhere near as familiar with one another under watchful eyes. "your highness, i'm only grateful it wasn't you or any member of our families. stars. what a tragedy. one can only guess at what consumes a heart with wickedness. perhaps it was between the two competitors and the second fled out of guilt."