The murmurs from those both red and silver alike seem to circulate around the same topic — something has changed. Everyone can see by the look of the king that he has been hiding something from them all. The weight that his shoulders bear weakening with each passing day, and it wasn’t until after the sudden display in the form of a cirque-themed ball that the murmurs rose in volume.
“I no longer see King Calore as someone we can trust. We have to push him for what he is keeping from us. Why does he keep leaving suddenly to go to the Choke?” Someone in the shadows whispers to another that then passes the message along until it reaches the ear of Lord Osanos.
There is no hesitation as he soon meets with the king with word of a potential rebellion against him, and it is revealed behind closed doors that he is indeed doing exactly what everyone expected. The picture is painted suddenly for Emory as Orion soon explains the revelation of new bloods. He recites the moments in Isla’s shop and how desperately he wanted to tell him. However, there is the growing tension between them as secrets are something they swore they would never have, but there is no timed for a pained lover as the kingdom is on the verge of collapse.
“It is time for the Calore reign to end. We need someone that respects the silvers and reds. King Calore does no such thing as that.” More whispers within the shadows are enough to shake the foundation of Norta as drums echo from the King’s tower that soon draw everyone in. “Don’t let the words of the king trick you all! He is not to be trusted.” The shadowed figure says again before disappearing back to their place of residence. No one knows the true identity of the person, but that is something to be revealed at a later date as the king is garnering the attention for now.
Everyone pours back into the courtyard with hesitance as blood once stained the cobblestone ground as the ringing of a bomb was left in their ears. Luckily for us all, the courtyard will be at peace when it comes to the destruction of bodies, but the king is surely to cause more than enough chaos with his words to make up for the lack of bloodshed. The formalities go on for what seems like forever until he is finally introduced to his people with a light applause. No one wants to clap for a man that could potentially destroy their kingdom at any moment.
It is the clearing of his throat that is first heard before his normal greeting that seems to be well rehearsed comes next. “Citizens of Norta, it is such a great day to be here in front of you all with news that has been a long time coming. Through the whispers in the streets, I bring you great news to share. News that will change this kingdom forever!” The excitement alone in his voice is already creating a stir of clapping and laughter among those beneath him, but it is soon that the streets mixed with silver and red will surely divide again.
“After deliberation with my council, we have decided to reveal something no one could expect! There is no longer just silver and red within the streets of Norta. The age has come! There is new bloods among us.” Everyone goes from excitement to confusion as they stare up at the king waiting for more to be revealed. Instead of words, he directs his hand to the back of the crowd where two figures wait in the shadows. Soon enough, Alura and Corban Voss step out to have everyone stare at them as if questioning what they have to do with anything.
It was the night before that the King had called in both Voss siblings to discuss their participation in the events that are no unfolding in front of the entire kingdom. Neither of them wanted to be apart of it, but it was after a direct command from the Scarlet Guard that they obliged. Now as they stood with their hands clasped together, there might have been the smallest amount of regret boiling beneath the surface.
“Meet two of the new bloods in our kingdom, citizens! Watch them closely.” Just as the words left his lips, their hands dropped to their sides with a burst of air sending Corban into the sky. He hovered above the crowd as awes and gasp could be heard from all. Some of the silvers even showed a bit of fear as he soon made his way to King Calore, slowly descending to stand beside him. “Watch the girl!” The King echoed again as they quickly turned to barely catch sight of the blurred image of a girl that flashed and disappeared. “Here she is, citizens! Do you see what I am talking about now?” Everyone was redirected to the king as they soon realized where the girl had gone. “There are more than just these two! There are…” At this point, he listed every known new blood to the crowd, potentially signing their death certificates with such news.
Everyone still questioned why this was such a big deal until a knife was presented to the king and a slice was soon given to Corban’s hand. As red blood poured from the wound, it was finally then that the crowd began to split into two at the silvers discretion as they backed away from those of red blood, fearing who out of the crowd also exhibited such skills.
“There is nothing to fear citizens! There is nothing to worry about as this is just another moment in history happening. We have been given the chance to be apart of something new. We have already started the healing between silvers and reds alike! This is what we needed to fully come together. As your king, I hereby state a new ruling among the kingdom. There are no longer just reds and silvers. There will no longer be exclusive ruling by silver houses. We must show that we have the ability for equality. It is apparent that there is more to reds than they have been given credit for. Therefore, all reds are of equal standing to all silvers alike from this point forward.”
He waited for some type of reaction, but all he received was the shocked expressions from everyone within the crowd. Everyone seemed to be comprehending what had just been spoken to them all. It was as he stepped forward with his hands clasped tightly together that more news was still to come.
“As you all know, my beloved sister will be vowing herself to Calder Gliacon at the week’s end as their marriage is one for the ages. I am pleased to finally announce that at the reception that not only will the kingdom cheer and celebrate such love — My Queen or King will be announced as well. This is a week for the history books. This week will be unforgettable.”
— IN-GAME DATES —
PART I — APRIL 23RD — King Calore’s Speech / New Blood Reveal
This part of the event was written above. It can be expanded upon within self-paras to reveal your character’s thought process during the king’s speech. This is not necessary, but it would be good for character development. There is also a good chunk of time after the speech to have your character process what just happened.
PART I — APRIL 24TH — Free Day to Process the King’s Speech
This day will be for those that want to interact outside of the heavy plot week and have their character react to the king’s speech. As King Calore did reveal the list of currently known new bloods, a lot of current new bloods taken will have a lot of opportunity for interesting interactions this week.
PART II — APRIL 25TH — Ballet Recital in Dedication of Princess Calore — Chatstep optional.
Since we are transitioning back to canon, I wanted to give the most structured event for everyone as I know that it can be hard to find your muse again in their actual canon. Therefore, I created different mini events within the big one. The first of these will be the ballet recital. This would be a semi-formal event that would allow your character to enjoy cocktails before and after the performance along with face-to-face conversations with the princess herself.
PART III — APRIL 26TH — Red Votes Revealed to the Public — Chatstep optional.
After a night of celebrating the princess, the votes that have been collected over the last few weeks will be revealed to the public, which will give the smallest bit of insight into who might be the next ruler alongside the king. This event will take place in the Garden of the palace and will mimic a picnic of sorts.
PART IV — APRIL 27TH — Special Feats in Dedication of Calder Gliacon — Chatstep optional.
The night before the wedding of the year we will have a special feats for Calder Gliacon. This will be the time where the king gives new bloods the option of joining in. This will be a very vital moment into how the silvers accept this new revelation of others with powers. We will potentially host Crownstrial-esche rounds of fighting if multiple people are interested in doing this.
PART V — APRIL 28TH — Calore-Gliacon Wedding — Chatstep event.
There is no need for a description here as there will be a bigger event posted in regards to the details of this. I am looking forward to getting to this point of the event, so I hope you guys are ready for it!
PART V — APRIL 29TH — Wedding Reception / Next Ruler Announced
Along with the day/night above, this will also have an additional event posted for it. We are not sure how long it will take to reach this point of the event, but we promise that we will get there!
— OUT OF CHARACTER INFORMATION —
As you can see from above, this is an entire week of in-game things that will be happening in parts. This will potentially take a week or two to write out fully, so this is where activity will come in. We will be doing our first activity check since things went a bit hectic for the admins today. At which point, we are hoping that this event will increase everyone’s activity and give some direction. We have also listed a few Chatzy options for the above events to even speed the event up more. This is super heavy plot stuff going on, but it is exactly what was voted for with the Calore-Gliacon Wedding / Kingdom Attack coming behind at a close tied-second place. I opted for the happier option between the two tied events to mash these into one!
This is the part where a bit of instructions will be given out. Since we have structured the events with parts, we will be doing small event posts in regards to each part. The first of which is simply reacting to the king’s speech and trying to figure out your thoughts on the matter. Everything at this time is simply conversations reacting to that and potentially reaching out the new bloods. There will be no additional post for PART I of this event, but we will be doing so for the ones that follow. We hope you enjoy this first event of many to come!
She hadn’t really wanted to come, she’d much have preferred a quiet weekend with the family but Calista had been excited and she couldn’t pass up an opportunity to make her happy with such ease. Besides, she hadn’t been awkward in high school, she’d actually been rather popular and highly successful, like now, so not much had changed. Still, people would think what they wanted no matter the truth, she knew that better than most in her line of work. After her first glass of champagne she missed the baby a little less and switched to soda. The outfit she wore had been chosen specifically for its comfort and pockets, so she could keep photos on hand for any who asked. A familiar face waltzed right up to her and she smiled, willing herself to enjoy a night off from being a personality and a mom. “Well, hello there.”
Welcome to the year 2017 where the alumni from the prestigious Nortan Prep are coming together to celebrate their 10 year reunion. Many have put the past behind them like it should be, but there are still those that simply cannot let go. Each alumni has their lives all figured out, but it only takes one conversation to bring you back to a time you had forgotten. It only takes one look from that certain person to flood memories long forgotten. Everyone has made something of themselves, but sometimes we mask our own insecurity with these earthly possessions. Is that what this group has done over the past ten years? Have they been masking themselves from how they really feel?
The reunion takes place at the Plaza Hotel where multiple floors have been booked solid for those coming into town for the event. The ballroom has been decorated extra special to take a walk down memory and the schedule has been laid out perfectly. If there is ever a time to want to go back to your past, it is now as this will be a weekend that no one will forget.
The event will begin on Saturday, May 6th at 12PM EST to give all members a few days to end their current threads and plot for the AU.
The event will end on Saturday, May 13th at 12PM EST unless members request an extension of the event. Since this is an AU, we ask that all threads come to a close at this time to transition back into the actual verse.
Every character will be within the same graduating class. This means that despite a character’s age in the actual verse that everyone will be around 27-29 years old. These detail is not entirely necessary, but we wanted to make it clear beforehand.
If you have any further questions, please feel free to message the main as we would love to clear them up.
BELOW THE CUT — You will find a little information to get you started on developing your character outside of the current verse to make transition into the AU easiest. We have decided to take a bit of control over certain aspects of the AU as the plotting alone could take quite a while to figure out, so we thought this would help. If you would prefer a different one-liner for your character, please feel free to message the main as we want this week to be as enjoyable as possible.
RYN ANDROS — It only took a few good connections to get them in contact with some of the those within the club scene of New York, and this resulted in the creation of their club Persuasion, which now has over 20 locations in the state.
PRISHA ARVEN — Falling straight into the Arven career path, she went to Columbia for a few years before acceptance into Columbia Law where she graduated as valedictorian and joined the family firm.
SILAS BLACKWOOD — They spent several years becoming a master as a self-help guru before realizing their own problems were becoming too much to handle on their own. There isn’t much known about them now, but it’s not hard to smell the alcohol on their breath.
JACALYN BLAKE — With beauty being something she did not have to put effort behind, she gained her first modeling contract after Nortan Prep with college being put on the backburner. It was a wise decision as she is coming to the reunion with the title of 2017 Top Model.
SLATE BLONOS — He had barely made it into his third year at NYU when he snatched the patent for Slated, which has become the most world renowned age-defying make-up line in history. With a networth of 170.8 million dollars, there is barely any desire for need from him, only want.
ADELINE CALORE — She was one of the top socialites in school and after graduation, was offered more modeling and acting gigs than she wanted to consider. But the true passion of her heart was beneath the surface; and following that, Max networked and studied her way into becoming one of the youngest curators the MOMA had ever seen.
ORION CALORE — After a successful political run after graduating Nortan Prep, Mayor Calore paved the path for a new beginning for the City of New York. He has now made it his mission to go even higher in his political career and run for governor.
CALISTA EAGRIE — Before graduating Nortan Prep, she ( along with her sister ) put together a charity called Eyes of the Heart, which aimed to see the side of everyday citizens that no one else saw ; targeting to destroy stereotypes across the country.
ROSA FOWLER — They spent the years after Nortan Prep fighting those that tried to discriminate against them. They are now one of the top LGBT+ activist in the country with the potential to become a global sensation.
CALDER GLIACON — After graduating from Nortan Prep, he abandoned his military plans and left the legacy of his father behind for his high school sweetheart, Adeline Calore. She was the person who pushed him to achieve his actual dream, and he worked to become the special collections librarian at NYU.
ROMILLY GLIACON — Activist at heart, the Gliacon woman made family and friends shocked when she announced she would be moving to the ice caps in order to preserve them with a team already stationed there. She has been a vital role in saving them from further destruction.
THELONIOUS GRECO — He joined the military right after Nortan Prep and did two rotations overseas before leaving after his contract was up. With a surprise acceptance to Juilliard, he honed his skill set before snatching the role of Elder Price in Book of Mormon.
LYDIA HOWE — Earning a degree in public relations, she began to earn quite a few assistant positions within agencies before starting her own. She now represents some of the top celebrities in the business and is expected to expand her representation soon.
DIEM HYNSON — Getting into NYU Gallatin, she became a top prospect for the fashion world as she earned a spot during NYC’s fashion week before graduation. She is now the head designer at Provos Designs and has a large fan base for her work.
CASSIUS LEROLAN — He was always known for causing trouble at Nortan Prep, so it might come to some as a surprise that he is now working with the CIA. As their resident bomb expert, he has dismantled countless explosives and is a top-ranking agent.
VALERIA MACANTHOS — Everyone knew exactly where they would find the Macanthos woman in years to come ; the FBI. Quickly climbing the ranks, she established her own security firm and has now became one of the richest and most powerful women in the state of New York.
SCORPIUS MERANDUS — After earning an athletic scholarship to the University of Connecticut, he spent the majority of his time planning for the next step, which became a reality when he was drafted to the New England Patriots, where he still holds a position.
KASSIOPEA NOLLE — Becoming a second generation Nolle to attend West Point, she was top of her class and made a career out of the military with serving her country becoming a top priority for her.
LEI NOLLE — Everyone knows who the Nolle woman is because it takes a simple glance at your TV screen in the morning to see the meteorologist in action. With a growing fanbase, she has become one of the youngest forecasters to gain a popular time slot.
EMORY OSANOS — After graduating from NYU with a political science degree, Emory published a historical fiction novel. Now a best-seller, Emory spends his time working on his next big novel.
LEIRA OSANOS — Following her parents’ instructions, she went to school for politics with a double major in marine biology. Now, she is a world-renowned marine biologist but is perhaps most well-known for openly campaigning against the captivity of sea creatures.
ETTA OPAL — She spent four years at Columbia studying the most underappreciated aspects of this world ; plants. She gained the title of botanist and has made it her mission to show the youth of New York how important it is to take care of the green life of this planet.
RAHUL PROVOS — Provos Designs was created shortly after they left Nortan Prep with a multi-million dollar contract with some of the best designers in the world. They have monopolized the market for high-fashion and are now targeting common wear for those every day people.
OCTAVIAN RHAMBOS — Shortly after graduating, he joined the military with a passion for war as he served six rotations overseas before retiring. He has since settled into private security work and has made a career for himself for his military skill set.
JACOB RILEY — Graduating top of his class at NYU, he became the top book critic with whatever he says being the permanent opinion of the country. Everyone waits for his reviews to be published before they purchase, which makes him the most influential man in that field.
NYSSA SAMOS — Earning a degree in political communications, she became a White House correspondent on a popular late night television show. She is the first to report of anything suspicious happening in politics and many follow her as their sole source of news.
FELICITY SKONOS — After earning a nursing degree after Nortan Prep, they made a decision to commit to four years with the military where they became a respectable medic and began creating a platform for LBGT+ relationships within it.
ATTICUS VALDEZ — Through his own sufferings, he has spent the better part of ten years using his NYU degree in engineering to create technology that can be beneficial from those physically impaired in hopes of creating an easier life for them.
MELODY WALSH — No one expected the soft-spoken Walsh to go on national television and completely sweep the cooking competition Hell’s Kitchen, which soon resulted in her own cooking show that is now viewed daily by 1.4 million people.
TATE WHITCOMB — Currently finishing up his residency, Dr. Tate Whitcomb has already been assumed to be one of the top surgeons of the next generation with his field of expertise already listing him as the best.
DARIO WILKS — The rumors of what he did on weekends didn’t stop him from creating the first website of its kind. Founder of Seeking Arrangements, he is now retired from what many mocked him of doing in school and potentially has more money than them all.
AZARIAH XIAO — There is not much known about Az other than what he listed as ‘marketing genius’, but the 2015 scandal that broke loose claiming fraud was wiped under the rug before it could become more.
DATE — April 15th
TIME — 9:45PM
LOCATION — Grand Hall
The night has barely begun when they start to blend into the crowd as if they have been a part of this community the entire time. They become background ornaments to most as they wear bland colors of clothes that bring no attention to them. They speak only when spoken to and whisper to the ones they know they can trust. They dance with strangers and laugh at jokes they truly do not find funny. Their time has come to rise — Are you prepared?
CYRUS MERCER is the first of the bunch to find his way into the Grand Hall with his stature bringing plenty of attention to him as he stands above many. He plays it cool with little reaction as many of the silver women attach themselves to his arm with fingers digging into his skin. He reluctantly allows their attention to continue on him as they guide him from one room to the next with his senses becoming very overwhelmed. After a quick browse of Calista’s room, he could have sworn he felt himself being undressed, but luckily, he makes an escape where he reunites with ATTICUS and ANA VALDEZ. They are too in love to take notice of anyone else around them as Ana is seen leaving trails of kisses on Atticus’ neck. After a quick review of their mission, the three part with Cyrus believing nothing he said was fully comprehended by the others. He decides to find refuge by the refreshments for as long as he can handle.
The music picks up with CONCORD WALSH finding a partner in SILAS BLACKWOOD, who seems to have already had too many drinks. The conversation is full of tension as Concord scolds them for being reckless when everyone is counting on them. Their eyes meet briefly with flashes of their childhood coming back to them. The song hasn’t even finished yet when Silas pulls themselves away and makes a bee-line for the balcony. Air is not their friend as the emptiness of the balcony is soon interrupted by a light ‘ swoosh ‘ from behind them as CORBAN VOSS appears. The two are already at each others’ throat with harsh words being exchanged when ROSA FOWLER walks into view, holding a flare in hand. Corban and Silas both calm down in order to give her permission to send the signal flying into the sky as many that see it mistake it as fireworks. This is the signal the Scarlet Guard was waiting for.
From where they stand, there is a sudden flash of movement when ALURA VOSS appears with PERSEUS KNIGHT attached to her side as she pushes him away then flashes away again. Through their drunken stupor, Silas relays Perseus’ task to shadow the king and watch his every move then report back to base. Alura soon flashes back into view with AZARIAH XIAO stepping from her side as the two exchange a small smile before she goes again. Azariah had been with the Scarlet Guard the past few weeks relaying information and now has finally returned to the place he calls home. He knows who will be inside, but he promises himself to stay on task as long as possible as they all part ways leaving Silas to wait for Alura’s last drop. Another flash with only Alura returning, the two exchange a glance before they reluctantly swing an arm around her waist as the two pose as a happy couple ( this small detail they would mock later ). Everyone now blends into the party and waits for the last signal to come.
FURTHER INFORMATION. This is the first additional plot drop for Le Cirque Ball as we wanted to give everyone a surprise with some of our second batch characters.
We will now begin releasing the biographies of each character mentioned above and spread them out over the next day and tomorrow morning.
These characters are available for application, and we hope to see them filled quickly as they are very important to our Scarlet Guard plotline.
DATE: APRIL 15TH - APRIL 16TH
TIME: 7:00PM until SUNRISE
LOCATION: GRAND HALL OF THE CASTLE ( with additional areas below )
FIRST ROUNDS COMPLETE — It is time for celebration for those that were able to move onto the next round. KING ORION CALORE has been away from the castle since Crownstrial started with the motive to clear his thoughts and return a new man. Many whispers about what all happened while he was away with his brother as many suspect blood drenched his hands completely. He hasn’t even been at the castle for a few moments when he starts directing his advisors to bring in anyone that can entertain with a ball theme no one expects; a circus!
Flyers are created and spread through the kingdom as everyone is welcome to this event — red and silver alike. KING ORION CALORE is determined to show equality among them all, but as soon as people think he’s done, he adds a twist with the help of RAHUL PROVOS to create hundreds of masquerade masks to hide the true identity of those that come to protect them all. Tension aside, Rahul complies with the opportunity to show their skillfully and takes the task easily as King Calore request that a few gowns for the reds that dare to show their face, giving them an opportunity to fully blend in.
The rest of the evening in spent rushing to get everything prepared as King Calore wants this to be a night that no one forgets; a joy evident in himself that wasn’t there before. A genuine smile captivating his lips as he sends word to EMORY OSANOS of his return, who dismisses the news as the two are still on unknown ground. It is PRINCESS ADELINE CALORE that hears the news and panics as her brother’s return means the two will have to see each other again after a conversation she never expected. She quickly calls ROMILLY GLIACON and SOFIYA PROVOS into her room to help her get dressed as it is soon revealed that Sofiya will be taking leave from the castle after earning a respectable spot in the military like she always desired. The news has not been spread far as she plans to tell RAHUL PROVOS later that night as she is scheduled to leave mid-event.
Music is already heard blaring across the kingdom as darkness falls over every inch of the castle with hoards of silvers and reds making their way to the event. VALERIA MACANTHOS places herself right outside Orion’s door to escort him to the event with little conversation happening between them. There is no tension there, but it is evident that they are both holding back as there is uneasiness for him to speak to competitors so privately. As they walk, they run into CALISTA EAGRIE and EIRA JACOS, giving the King a chance to make his way ahead of them. The three girls carry on a conversation as they walk in anticipation for what is to come as their mouths open when they see it in person.
There are several ( exotic animals to us ) animals grazing through the ballroom as a tiger is seen prowling through the crowd with someone within House Viper following right behind. There are people twirling from the ceiling from House Iral with silk clutching their waist. This will be the first time many reds have seen these animals in person, which is apparent by the look on LYDIA HOWE’s face as she clutches her hands together tightly against her mouth. TATE WHITCOMB has to pull Lydia from the entrance and guide them to a proper place to stand as they are surprised as well they blend into the crowd. Their attire makes them look just like a silver with the flush of red in their cheeks being the only thing that draws them out.
Behind the scenes, JACALYN BLAKE comes face-to-face with KING ORION CALORE for the first time as he introduces her to RAHUL PROVOS, whose mouth hasn’t shut since they caught sight of Jacalyn’s wings. Orion has little time to explain it all, but he tasks Rahul with making it seem as if the wings are simply a decoration for the girl to wear. He promises to explain later to the other as much is to be discussed with such information being given in a matter of seconds. This will be information that the other did not request but given. After Rahul is done, they take the opportunity to escort the girl to the room where all eyes fall on Jacalyn — her wings being a topic by all. Rahul takes full credit for their creation and begins to get orders for such an accessory; a reaction they were not intending to happen so suddenly.
DIEM HYNSON soon takes JACALYN BLAKE from Rahul’s company and takes in the girl’s outfit in amazement. There are not many that know about Jacalyn’s current condition, so it amazes Diem that she is blending so well into the crowd without question. Diem soon pulls Jacalyn into Nyssa’s room where metal is seen everywhere. This is the King’s room of gifts for those that have come to enjoy the night with distant cousins within House Samos putting their skills to full use by the creations they give to everyone that comes within it. Diem seems to be amazed by the generosity and request two in hopes that she will somehow find time to finally send Rosa a letter.
KASSIOPEA NOLLE finds herself in a tough situation as her mother pushes her in the corner with fingers placing the blame on her for the Nolle’s not winning the crown — a conversation that is heard by LEI NOLLE, who quickly makes her exit. Kassiopea would have been stuck in the conversation for the rest of the night if THELONIUS GRECO did not see his friend in desperate need and saving her. The two soon find themselves exploring the room dedicated to CYRENE NOR as many have been calling it the Room of Mirrors as it holds a heavy resemblance to the way the other won her round. Kass’ conversation with her mother soon becoming a distant memory as she hooks herself to Theo for the rest of the night between dancing and laughter.
LEI NOLLE is seen trying to wipe tears from her eyes by LEIRA OSANOS, who takes full advantage of the opportunity and makes her way to her friend. There is a moment between them as Leira hides the other girl from the crowd, offering to become a distraction from her if needed. It is by little force that Leira gets Lei to follow her into the room dedicated to CALISTA EAGRIE as darkness is all you get once you enter. Every other sense is magnified and many whispers about hidden scandals occurring in this room, but the secrets are ones that only are known by the committed. There is laughter heard between Leira and Lei before they blend into the background of the room, lost to the world around them.
RAHUL and SOFIYA PROVOS are seen in a heated discussion that many would expect as hostile until Rahul wraps their sister into a tight hug with a soft exchange of a smile before Sofiya exits — only a few realize that this will be the last time Sofiya is seen in Archeon. It is only a few moments later that Rahul turns to exit and slams right into EMORY OSANOS, who seems completely caught off guard and lost for words. Their last conversation set a new tone between the two of them, and they are both left to either stare at each other for a few more seconds or break the silence. EIRA JACOS takes this opportunity to find comfort beside Emory with the goal to bring Rahul and Emory back together as she can see how much pain Emory is carrying with him.
King ORION CALORE is seen making rounds before he stops by a very obviously masked CALDER GLIACON, who has not taken his eyes off of ADELINE CALORE the whole evening. The two are seen talking briefly, but it seems to be enough to get Calder to move across the room to the princess. It is another brief exchange before CALDER GLIACON and ADELINE CALORE is seen sharing a single dance together — at least at the beginning as the same two masked figures become permanent partners the rest of the evening on the dance floor. ROMILLY GLIACON knows very well who is behind the two masks and smiles on at the scene before making her way through the crowd to find ZAIRA SAMOS hunting her down. Zaira spits insults her way with how lucky the Gliacon was to get a pass, saying how easily she could have taken her. The conversation could have gone on for longer if NYSSA SAMOS didn’t step in to save Romilly.
NIXON and SLATE BLONOS have hardly seen each other since Nixon’s return with little conversation being exchanged between them. It is Slate who initiates the conversation with his brother showing obvious surprise as CYRENE NOR takes the opportunity to attempt to save her friend from such an awkward encounter. It seems an apology is about to fall from Slate’s lips when the raised voices of House Samos interrupts him. It will be after the commotion from the Samos girls ends that he will get a second opportunity to do what he had planned from the beginning, but the interruption could send them going separate ways before an apology can be made.
NYSSA and ZAIRA SAMOS create the first big scene of the evening when a champagne glass breaking against the floor echoes across the room. The sound causing everyone to pause what they are doing to turn towards the confrontation. It is CALDER GLIACON that is seen coming to the rescue with a comforting hand to Zaira, which catches everyone off guard. He is seen guiding her away from Nyssa with a lot of eyes following as the sudden pick up of music brings everyone back to the evening. However, the night could return right back to hostility as VEZINA CARROS approaches Nyssa soon after Zaira is escorted away. It is not clear where the conversation is headed, but the two seem to be deep in conversation regardless.
The music is soft for a few songs to create the opportunity for those in love to dance with the person they care for. No one notices it, but OCTAVIAN RHAMBOS has been watching a red cook closely the entire evening with few attempts to approach. It isn’t shame that stops him, but the sight of her smile that keeps him in place. MELODY WALSH would have been oblivious the entire evening if she didn’t catch him, skipping towards him with a quick spin. She gives him no time to talk as she pulls him through the crowd as they are submerged in a room completely white. Octavian doesn’t know the meaning of this until an advisor at the door explains the room designed for Prisha — Room of Silence. The two are now completely equal to one another, and he understands why Melody brought him here.
The two are brought back to reality by KASSIOPEA NOLLE and THELONIUS GRECO, who announce they are headed for the room designed for Emory with an invitation to them both. It is up to them whether they stay or go, but they both know that this moment will only last the rest of the night. The room dedicated after Emory’s victory is unique from them all as many suspects a favoritism to the Osanos heir, but it goes unnoticed as DIEM HYNSON and JACOB RILEY take full advantage of the pool. Their dresses and suits have been stripped off and swimming is all they care to do the whole evening. It is upon Kass’ arrival into the room that causes Jacob to take notice and regret his decision to swim after all.
Welcome to the first break of many in Crownstrial! We wanted to supply a different tone for threads in a celebratory fashion to get everyone’s muse rolling again. It has been a few weeks since we posted a formal event, so we thought a party would be best. Since we, unfortunately, did not get around to posting Orion’s interview in time, it is common knowledge between everyone that Orion left at the very beginning of Crownstrial with his brother Marius to the war front. This will mark the end of the first round of battles and his return to the castle. He has put a lot of thought into this event, so we wanted to show it by giving as many details as possible in this section.
There are SIX specially designed rooms for the evening that are themed after each competitors victory in the first round. This was our way of creating very unique interactions for certain individuals that would likely not interact before, and the addition of mask was a must for us! However, the mask is not necessary for the entire evening, but they are required at the first part of the night as a bit of drinking will likely cause many masks to be lost in the crowd. Here are the rooms that your muse can explore and where threads can take place —
CALISTA’S ROOM — Room of Darkness — The entrance from the room shows complete darkness that only grows as you walk further in the room. All of your senses are heightened at the loss of sight as soft sounds are heard clearly and a single touch can cause a wave of chills to dance up your spine. The room is organized with soft cushioned chairs around it with plenty of room to find a place as an escort at the room has been trained to remember the room from front to back and can find you the privacy you seek.
CYRENE’S ROOM — Room of Mirrors — Your reflection is thrown back at you and shot off several different mirrors at once. You might think you know where you are going, but it is easy to crash into the wall of mirrors easily. The room brings out the joy of the whole evening as several people are trying to time themselves to see who can get in and out the fastest, but more importantly, they find that the person reflecting back at them is someone they like as the self-image of the Elite can be daunting and hard to meet. It raises the truth that everyone is beautiful in this kingdom.
EMORY’S ROOM — Room of Water — This room is a task within itself as the Grand Pool of the castle has been opened to all with colorful lights flashing against the water and creating a beautiful sight within itself. Bathing suits are provided with a private room for change as swimming is just icing on top of the cake in the King’s eyes. He has provided plenty of people to attend to you afterward with hairstylist and makeup artist at your will if you dare jump in completely. Every so often, there is complete darkness that takes hold of the room with the sound of waves creating peace for everyone. It is a room that will draw many in just to witness it.
NYSSA’S ROOM — Room of Metal — Along the far wall sits several members of House Samos, they put their skill to use and create little gifts to those that wish to remember the evening. Many sit and watch in amazement at the skill the house has as they have a large section in the back where one of the older men is creating a show made out of metal. Awes are echoed as metal shoots towards the crowd and brought back in with laughter to follow. Many hope to catch sight of either Samos girl competing, but it is unlikely that will happen as the two are rather busy with their own plans.
PRISHA’S ROOM — Room of Silence — Everything within the room is colored in white. Many of the silvers do not know what they are walking into until they feel a weight lift from their shoulders. They are tasked to use their power, but it doesn’t come — they are powerless. This room is designed to represent the equality that could come from a world of silver and reds alike, and there are many that like the weight of responsibility that their power gives them taken away. It is no surprise that many that share Orion’s views stay within the room with conversations being sparked among the reds in attendance.
SLATE’S ROOM — Room of Rejuvination — This is a larger room than the others by about three times, painted muted blues and greens, meant to make anyone who enters feel calm, and centered. Lower-house Silvers from outlying territories, who would otherwise not have been invited to the ball, await their guests and offer various forms of aid to make everyone feel good. There are facials and topical rubs, massages, manicure and pedicure stations, hair and skin-care consultations, as well as a large, warm and bubbling tub big enough for ten or more. While Emory’s room holds a bathing pool, this is more reminiscent of an artificial hot-spring, with fanciful colored oils poured in every hour, on the hour, to moisturize and rejuvenate the skin. Dresses and suits are whisked away by professionals while you are inside (not unlike the Room of Water), replaced with the softest of robes and bathing costumes beneath. It is a bit like entering a different world, one full of gentle mist and soft voices, and those who exit come out feeling clean and refreshed, and often look years younger, their skin sharing a healthy glow whether Red or Silver.
FURTHER INFORMATION. This event is created to give a pause and create a different situation for our members. We hope you enjoy this event as much as we do!
This event will last from APRIL 12TH until APRIL 25TH. There is a lot that can be explored within this event, so we wanted to give everyone ample amount of time to create threads and create new connections.
We highly recommend members to think outside of the box with interactions as we have supplied a few interesting rooms for exploration. As always — Please do not fear to request a plot for your character during this time!
Lastly, keep your eyes peeled as anything can happen.
DATE: March 22nd
TIME: 6:00 PM
LOCATION: El Corazón Bordello
Faces both familiar and not seem to crowd the thick, cloying air of the bar. The lights are low and the seats are full -- standing room only, the man at the door says, and still they come, packing in between chairs and finding a place wherever they can. Though there are drinks to be had and revelries to be enjoyed, as they say, every face seems half-turned toward the massive viewing screen behind the bar. It was installed only in the past few weeks, as new management has decided to make an event of the spectacle -- those Silvers with their poisonous luxuries and deceit. Watch how they dance for the cameras, spinning tales and exerting their power. Watch, and learn.
RYN ANDROS has been working a double. Their very eyes seem to ache in their head, yet they cannot help but linger as they flip the switch to turn the screen on. It flashes for a moment before flickering to something boring, some trivial propaganda about the war. Everyone is used to these sorts of broadcasts. It’s one comes on next that takes hold of their interest. Someone taps on the bar, all irritated impatience, and they whirl, ready to serve them whatever it is they’re so desperate to poison themselves with. Their hands are nimble around the neck of a bottle and they pour, but their ears are trained on the programming behind them. Everyone waits for the pin to drop.
On the opposite end of the bar, a man sits on a stool, all casual demeanor and observant eyes. He scans the room in seconds before returning back to a few key people, people no one else would pick from a crowd -- but NATHANIEL MOORE knows that they are more than they appear to be. He watches, waiting, tense despite his calm appearance, for their reactions. Reds have never been invited to vote on a Queenstrial before, but everything about this one seems... different. Isla had said the new King would help them, but Nate has reserved judgement, and now he watches, waiting for some sign that he would be right to place his trust. He doesn’t take leaps of faith. Not anymore.
Seated beside each other, with silk falling into their laps and luscious smiles on their lips, AURORA DEVERA and DARIO WILKS entertain and dazzle their clientele. Las mariposas have a reputation to uphold, whatever is playing on the video screen, and they do it with grace. Aurora laps up attention like a cat with cream, while Dario’s genuine smile causes cooing from a host of Reds and lower house Silvers alike. Even their eyes waver, though, drawn to the spectacle to come. No one knows what to expect anymore, and it makes customers as nervous as it makes them. Will this new venture succeed? Will the Reds truly get a say? Who can tell, when they still know so little of what’s to come?
All at once, the lights flicker off as a passing server notes the time. The war broadcast ends and a new one begins, with a face both familiar and not -- Atalanta Thany has been mysteriously replaced by her predecessor and cousin, AMBROSINE. With a warm yet impersonal smile, she welcomes her viewers across the nation amid gasps of surprise from all corners. ❝ Good evening citizens of Norta! It is my duty and pleasure to present this year’s Crownstrial, an event to be remembered across the land. The moment our Flame in the North, King Orion Calore, will establish and cement his reign. At the end, he will crown a fellow ruler, to share with him the trials and tribulations of governing our grand country. Now, I could talk on and on, but I think I know what you’re all waiting for. As our Red population will be voting for this Crownstrial competition, the crown thought it would help if you got to know your competitors a bit better. Without further ado, I present to you this year’s Crownstrial -- let the ceremonies begin! ❞
The screen fades to black before slowly focusing in once more. Faces flash by one at a time, each with a chance to introduce themselves --
❝ My name is Prisha, representing House Arven. ❞
❝ I am Lady Sofiya, female heir to House Provos. ❞
❝ I am Lady Leira, first daughter of House Osanos. ❞
❝ I am Cyrene Nor, untitled, baseborn daughter to House Tyros. ❞
❝ I am Lady Romilly, first daughter of House Gliacon. ❞
❝ I am Lord Slate, lone heir to House Blonos. ❞
❝ My name is Valeria Macanthos, and I am King Orion’s personal guard. ❞
❝ Hello citizens of Norta, I am Lady Calista of House Eagrie. ❞
❝ I am Zaira Anais of House Samos -- twenty one years of age. ❞
❝ My name is Lei Nolle, and I will be competing for House Nolle. ❞
❝ My name is Vezina, first daughter of House Carros. ❞
❝ Citizens of Norta, my name is Nyssa of House Samos. ❞
❝ I am Lord Emory, heir of House Osanos. ❞
One by one they say their names, their titles, and each face holds a different story. Vezina Carros captures both casual and calm, Zaira Samos holds a secret in her smile, and Lei Nolle cannot quite catch your eye, even when staring into a camera. The brightest flash of personality hides within these introductions, and as they come together, a simple black screen shows clean, white text. Simple. Not flashy. CROWNSTRIAL.
No questions are answered on camera, yet a narrative may be drawn from the answers nonetheless. ZAIRA SAMOS speaks with the Silver tongue of one born to rule, and her answers are as pretty as the pale flush to her cheeks. There is a warmth to her that has never been present when she’s physically in the room -- but for the broadcast, for the crown, she shines as brightly as the metal she controls. For those who look and listen deeper, they notice that her words are quite pretty -- and equally vague, promising change but not the direction she looks toward. She is quite careful, but the message is clear: do not underestimate me.
The unsure bachelor rises next, from the ashes Zaira has left. SLATE BLONOS is sincere almost to the point of liability -- and in truth, there are many who will not believe it at all. He is simply too honest, his eyes too wide, and his impression of a deer caught in the headlights ( as genuine as it might have been ) is cut together so masterfully, it casts just a hint of suspicion. There’s something in the way he looks to the left of the camera, sometimes, or maybe something in the way he stumbles over his answer about telling the truth. The cut is imperceptibly fuzzy around the edges, and it’s clear the video maker has plans in store for him.
Combating the unsure footing left by the Blonos heir, the camera cuts to a woman with such confidence it sears through the camera. It surprises anyone watching that the interviewer didn’t step back, with that fierce gaze piercing theirs. CYRENE NOR does not bandy for the cameras, yet she commands presence and interest nonetheless, her voice holding the purring edge of mystery and adventure that fascinates. It doesn’t matter if she’ll make a good queen -- she makes good TV. She says she can do what no one else can thanks to information no one else can reach, and when she does, her eyes meet the camera for the first time. It’s a clever spell, one that will fool most, but not all who watch her as she promises to bring forth the darkness of the city and eradicate it.
A smile is the first thing that catches attention as the camera cuts to SOFIYA PROVOS, clad in daring fashion and straight, white teeth. She talks fast enough that she gets out the most information about her platform, and for those who understand rule and politicking, it is intelligent, straightforward -- hell, it’s damn near brilliant. Her words, however, bore the crowd that watches for entertainment. She wins approval just a bit, because the excitement in her eyes shows promise, and because they’ve seen her before, on the screen beside the Princess. Beyond that, she speaks over the heads of most of the citizenry she wishes to rule. If Sofiya wants to rule, she will have to do more than that to impress the masses.
It takes a moment to recognize the competitor that follows. Many are still reeling from the introduction to Sofiya’s sharp mind, and when LEI NOLLE introduces herself, she’s so soft spoken almost as to go unnoticed. It’s clear that they had little footage to work with, yet the elders, the traditionalists, see something in her. A queen who would bow to her king in all things. A submissive queen who would bring them back to what they were, before this young ruler and his foolish idealism and naivety. She earns some haphazard support in that regard, but not enough to make her memorable. The moment her clip flashes from the screen, she is forgotten, notable only in passing as the person to replace the storm that is Kassiopea Nolle.
VEZINA CARROS half-lounges in her seat, though she doesn’t mean to -- she doesn’t exactly present herself as a regal persona. Her dialogue, however, is moving. There’s something in her raw honesty that captivates more than Slate’s had -- and her speech about her mother tugs on the heartstrings of the nation. Through the Feats, even the Red population has been able to see the truth in her words. Vezina has never done what her family wanted from her, and now that she is, it’s an arc that the people can rally behind. Those who lost friends or family to the bombing feel in their hearts the same message she’s giving now, and it garners support with many of them. Besides, everyone loves a tomboy-turned-princess, and what’s better than princess unless you’re being Queen?
The interviewer has not been a presence thus far, so it surprises many to hear them addressed in the next fade in from black. NYSSA SAMOS sits with regal bearing and her head held high, admonishing rudeness that none can see. It leaves her vulnerable to vitriol, and the crowd is affected by her anger -- a queen should not be angry, after all. The speech cuts to her discussion of how she once manipulated others, and the hatred grows in many hearts, her assurances seeming weak in the wake of her own admitted dishonesty. It seems as if she will be cast the villain, but the tone shifts slightly, and the music softens. Nyssa speaks of her admiration of Orion and his goals, and when she describes change, she means it. She leaves them waiting on the edges of their seats, wanting to know more, wanting to know who to believe. The girl with stars in her eyes or rage in her heart? Only time will tell, the video seems to tease.
The warm eyes and soft curls of VALERIA MACANTHOS greet Nortans next, as she proves her devotion to the crown on national television. It’s a romantic premise, a guard falling in love with her then-prince, now king, but the way she says it with no romance involved only intrigues them further. It isn’t a fairytale -- it’s more of a soft thing, a protective thing. Valeria’s eyes seem to flash when she mentions it. All remember the tragedy that struck the royals over a year ago, when Prince Orion’s guard was killed. Valeria gathered a sympathetic cause during that time, and that carries forward even now, as the people feel a soft spot within their hearts for her once more. Perhaps not love, yet, but what a perfect love story it would be, no?
The fiery river of her hair preceeds LEIRA OSANOS, as personable as she is not. There is a force to her personality, to be sure, but she is unconvincing when asked if she agrees with the changes the king is bringing forward. This intrigues many, for the simple fact that it will produce televised drama, but it does not endear them. She captures the minds of the old world Silvers as easily as she loses the Reds who will vote for Orion’s consideration. With every word, something is gained and something is lost. It’s clear that Leira has made her decision on what is most important to her to keep. The question becomes, is it the right one? For many, the answer is no -- she earns friends and enemies alike by the end of it, a polarizing force.
It’s almost impressive, how the following competitor manages to terrify despite her petite physique. On camera she looks almost frail, but when she moves, there’s a strength to her that defies all sense of logic. PRISHA ARVEN is a power and she makes it known, early on and without mercy. She doesn’t pretend to smile and preen -- she commands respect on reputation alone, and the Arvens have always been something to be feared. She does not try to win hearts, but she does want to win minds -- and her devotion to the crown is nothing less than ironclad. She speaks of a united front, a formidable force, and to those who have been caught on the war front, the idea of a stronger ruling duo appeals greatly... if only for the opportunity to scare their enemies.
The screen cuts once again to someone new, someone far more believably delicate than the last. CALISTA EAGRIE holds her hands in her lap, her posture pristine and her smile soft. The footage is cut together to illustrate her almost dream-like description of Norta’s future, her admiration for the king, and the far-off stare she sometimes gets, one heavily associated with House Eagrie. There is a mystery to her -- what does she know, what will she know -- that earns her support, a dark horse with a white light shining from her heart. She seems naive but devoted, open-hearted yet mysterious, and the contrast between what is expected of her House and what she’s delivered keeps people on their toes. Everyone wants to know the future, and especially to Reds who don’t really understand how Eyes work, the idea of a Queen who can see what’s coming appeals greatly to them.
ROMILLY GLIACON is the next to pop onto the screen, with a cold distance that no one can truly be sure is an act. Is she playing up the nature of her House, or is she always so removed, even as she speaks of the future? She talks about understanding how to build strength even from the weakest of points, about how watching Princess Adeline and the other royals all her life has garnered an interest in ruling in the future. About how fire and ice make a great pairing, and when she laughs, the country laughs with her. She is a little bit awkward, a little bit cold, but she is beautiful and she is close to the royals. She might have been forgettable as Lei, if not for those, but they will elevate her into the middle of the pack.
There is a sultry laugh that comes before the vision of black has truly faded, and AREUM MARINOS is behind it. Her eyes are on the camera as she speaks, and her voice, for all that she is a Banshee, is neither grating nor foul. Instead it is hypnotic, almost, purely of her own charisma as she discusses the joy it brings her to compete in a Crownstrial of her own free will. The choice is a powerful enough one that it has certainly swayed her to the King’s side, and her approval of his future decisions seems clear, just as it is clear that she will not take a back seat to them. In Areum, it is obvious that Norta would find a leader, rather than a follower. Her celebrity, beauty and charm appeal to very many.
Last but not least, EMORY OSANOS comes to life before all of Norta. His smile is all charm, but his shoulders hunch in slightly, unconsciously -- and to those who are looking for it, he is nervous. It’s a sweet tale, best friends who may become more, but when Emory licks his lips and begins to speak about truth and omission, every room falls silent. I am in love with him, and I want to be with him, and he does not know. Crownstrial has always, even as Queenstrial, sold the illusion of love, but never has it been so plainly stated from the outset. There is a flurry of sound as whispers and shouts roar into life, everyone with something to say on the matter. Some are outraged that the King’s personal guard would take advantage of his station -- others are swooning at the star-crossed lovers they’ve found in this tale. Emory has stolen the show, for good or ill, and as the broadcast fades to black and Ambrosine fans her face, it’s clear that this was the climactic ending she was waiting to reveal.
❝ And there you have it! Your competitors for the Crown, your future King or Queen, perhaps, has spoken. The battles have been selected and will now be revealed -- place your bets now, and don’t forget to tune in for the main event! Round One begins in two days time. ❞ With that, the ending theme plays, and Ryn flicks off the screen to the sound of furious discussion behind her.
THIS IS THE START OF CROWNSTRIAL. We will be releasing the four linked biographies within the hour, all of which will be open for application. Things to keep in mind:
Stay tuned to see the bracket of who has been paired for opening battle royale. When the bracket is released, we will also be releasing how the scheduling and the actual fights will progress both IC and OOC. This will come later today.
Starters from this point to the beginning of Crownstrial will be dated between March 22nd and March 24th. You are more than welcome to place starters anywhere in flashbacks as well, as long as they are dated for the accurate timeframe of the plot you want to start in.
Each competitor is tasked to complete each section below with a formatted response as this will be used for the introduction portion of Crownstrial. We have left the interviewer vague to provide a lot of room for each member to expand as much as they like for each section. Place your character directly in the situation below and react accordingly as we want all characters to remain in-character throughout Crownstrial.
Question 1. The interviewer shuffles through their bag before crossing one leg over the other once they have found exactly what they were looking for. They seem to show little regard for your time and could careless how long it takes to get the interview started. You could be on a tight schedule, but it would appear that you will likely run late the rest of the day at the rate the interview is going. They glance up with the slightest smile on their face before looking back towards the note cards in their hands. Again — Time is a concept they have no intention of comprehending at this moment, so when they finally clear their throat, there could be a bit annoyance in your answers given the fact you have every right to. “ Could you introduce yourself to the camera? “ That is all they ask from you. They could have done so sooner, but they go back to their note cards with little direction when to start. They glance up again and wave a hand as if to signal some type of response on your end with a single finger pointing towards the camera. A red light soon appears to show that it has began recording.
Question 2 & 3. You have barely finished your sentence when the interviewer shoots another question out without regards if you had anything else to add. “ Why are you doing Crownstrial? “ The question is simple enough that it should be brief and easy to answer with honesty being the best policy in this moment. However, the interviewer tilts their head to the side to show that their is a brief moment of disbelief. “ Are your words true? Do you mean what you say? Can we trust you? “ The heaviness of the interview becoming rather apparent as you could swear that there is a smirk on the edge of the interviewers lip before they blankly stare towards you ; the red lip from the camera is still flashing at you. This is the moment where reality sets in, and you can feel the weight of country’s eyes staring at you. They may not see this at this very moment, but you swear that you feel as if this is a live stream to the world. You give what you perceive as your own truth and give your best expression to the camera.
Question 4. The longest sigh rolls from their interviewers lips as they quickly pause the recording once you’re done giving your answers. They get up and head for the door with little said in your direction. They are gone for a total of ten minutes before returning with food and water in hand ; something you could have desired if asked. “ Let us pick up where we left off. “ They take a bite from their food, browsing the note cards once more. They open their mouth to respond, but decide that finishing their bite is best. A hard swallow follows as note cards soon flood the floor as they slip from the interviewers lap. They glance up at you to see your response, expecting you to retrieve the note cards from the floor. The red light flashes on and another smile takes over the interviewer’s face. “ Do you agree with the ideals of our king? “ Every question seems to either set you up for a successful interview or a complete fail as everyone will be able to read your expression in this type of situation. You do not have seconds to react as the camera never stops recording. You make the best of the interview expecting more to come, but that seems to be the last question for you.
Question 5. The interviewer gives one last glance over cards that you can easily see that ask about your hobbies and passions, which would have painted you as relatable, but they stick with the harder ones. The light continues to flash for what seems like hours when the interviewer reviews a few things in their lap then points to the camera again. “ Now give a closing remark. Keep it short. I will cut whatever I do not like. “ There is a superiority in their tone as they look at you, and you could swear they are trying their best to get a reaction out of you. It is ultimately up to you on how you respond, but patience will get you far in moments like this as the red flashing light is a reminder of those that are to watch soon enough. You give your answer. The interviewer grabs their things with a quick push on the camera to cut it off. Anything that happens next is ultimately up to you as no one is watching.
The civilians have been freed from their bunker, told to carry on with their lives, their duties, and to help the recovery in any way they can. There is a strange feeling of unification that comes after an attack against your own, and as the death count is rolled out, the list of the injured is even greater. The air seems tinged with Silver and Red as they consider all that has been lost.
A messenger scans the wall for familiar names among the injured, anxious worry furrowing her brow. There is one among the critical list that catches her eye -- her heart squeezes in pain and fear, and before she can read the rest she’s taken off running, headed for the make-shift hospice that’s been set up for the injured. The previous one cannot hold the sheer volume of those who need their help, particularly not between Red and Silver both.
She is used to running through crowds, and she makes it there in record time, not willing to lose a moment when she knows every second could be precious. She scans the rooms, searching for that familiar face, those sharp bones and her wide mouth. It takes her valuable minutes to find who she needs, but at last she slips into the room where ISLA FURR lays bleeding, bandaged but not considered vital enough to Silver society to be healed by the skin healers just yet.
LYDIA HOWE brings her gloved hands to her mouth before reaching out and falling just short, her face filled with pain and eyes brimming with tears. Isla lifts a weak hand to gesture her closer, and she goes without thinking, leaning close only to realize what Isla holds in her lap: a letter.
❝ No, ❞ Lydia whispers, tears spilling across her cheeks, but Isla folds the letter with slow, shaking fingers, sliding it toward Lydia across the cot. She takes it, tucking it into her pocket, and tentatively slips her hand into Isla’s, leather gloves cinched tightly at the wrist. She bends close enough that Isla can speak to her, though her throat has been partially ruined by the remains of the bomb that tore their world apart only yesterday.
Even in her dying moments, she is strong. ❝ Find Orion. Find the king. ❞
Lydia has no idea how she’ll get to the Prince after what’s just happened. She knows only that she must not fail. Not with Isla’s fingers slowly dropping from hers. Lydia slides her hand over Isla’s eyes, crying still, and brushes a kiss across her brow. ❝ Thank you, ❞ she whispers, and then she is gone, darting through the crowd as quickly as she’d come.
She is a messenger, has been for years, and she knows better than anyone how quickly she can travel between the royal quarters and the rest of the palace. She brought letters to the king before he’d died, and now, she brings her first to Orion, her heart in her throat and her tongue tied in knots. Guards stop her at nearly every turn, verifying her position before allowing her forward, and though there’s no time limit, she feels the desperation in her bones. Whatever this letter is, Isla used the last of her life to get it to the King. She cannot do anything less than honor that decision.
The Royal Quarters have always stunned her with their opulence, but she runs past without thought today, her fist knocking against the King’s study door with all possible urgency. He opens it, surprise and impossible sadness worn into his features, but he allows her in, allows her shaking hands to pass him the letter that was her friend’s dying wish. She thinks perhaps it’s fitting, that Isla died as she lived -- doing something to protect them.
KING ORION CALORE takes the letter from the shaken Red’s hands, opening it with grief still fresh in his thoughts. He reads the signature and feels anger ignite in his blood, but he resigns to finish it, to at least read what the traitor he’d tried to call an ally has to say.
Your Highness,
There has been a deception. I, nor anyone in our party, would have done something
so stupid as to jeopardize the first true chance we had at building a better life for our
people. I know you have no reason to trust me, but if I die today, you must know:
we did not set that bomb. I have seen friends in these walls, known too many faces
of the dead that pour from the rubble. The person who harms us in our own name is
someone who does not care for the lives of others, Red and Silver alike. Someone
I would not wish to meet. Someone I would not ally myself with. I have cared for many
of these New Bloods with everything in me, and to put them in such danger now would
go against all I’ve accomplished to protect them. If anything, you can believe that.
I have sent another message from this place, one to the others: they are coming.
They will know your name, and they will hold you to your promise while I no longer
can. Have faith in them. They need it. You had so many promising ideas, Orion.
Now it’s time to follow through.
Good luck
Isla Furr
THIS IS THE START OF BATCH TWO. We will continue to post bios from Batch 2 as the event unfolds, with more and more characters folded into the plot. This is only the beginning -- and events may push us forward without warning. Be prepared.
Character bios will be posted to the main as they become relevant to the plot. We will also be adding in new locations, and overall expanding our world to include more of the Reds’ experience and to give more locations where they can gather without feeling left out due to being surrounded by Silvers. Not only will we be opening new characters, we will be expanding the world itself.
ISLA FURR has died, and will be removed from the list of open/npc characters. If your character had a connection to her, her death will be added to the list of the deceased by the end of day March 20th, in-game.
At this time, the Silvers and Reds alike are all very much under the impression that this attack was the work of the Scarlet Guard. Continue to respond as if this is the case. Only those with ties to the rebellion will know the truth, and they will need to keep it secret to avoid suspicion.
