The peace that formerly reigned in Terra Nova has eroded, now little more than a memory. War ravages the continent. Disputes divide kingdoms; ideals divide families. The quest for power consumes absolutely and indiscriminately. None are immune to its allure.
Who will rise and who will fall? Only time—and ambition—will tell.
UPDATES
05.26.2023
2 month character creation hold for all existing members begins 6/5/2023. Ended 8/5/2023.
10.29.2023
Change in how times flows. Was 4 IC seasons, now only 2 IC seasons per 1 OOC year.
5 whole years of Heir Apparent goodness! When I started the site, I knew I was hunkering down for the long haul, but I never could have predicted the numerous twists and turns this roleplay site has seen. Hundreds of plots, characters, and members have come and gone, all leaving marks on the site. I am so very thankful for those who have invested. Because you keep coming back, keep getting on, and keep writing, Heir Apparent has the legacy it does today. Three cheers to us!
As far as Gianna would know, this morning would be one just like all the others. Gianna had been shadowing Tallis in everything over the past several weeks: from working with the horses and learning what made them valuable, to witnessing the tougher negotiations of the Scorza’s trade ventures. What she would have seen of Tallis was a few things: first, that she was not above lying and swindling if it ultimately led to success. Second, she was harsh, both with the animals and in her business dealings. And third, that she was changeable. One small development could lead either to her rage or maniacal joy.
Gianna’s mornings started early, and the evenings ended at sundown. With the sinking sun came good food and whiskey. Gianna had been given her own room, possessions, and a life that, while not fancy, was better in material comforts than she’d likely ever known.
This morning, on what was the girl's one day off a week, Tallis entered Gianna’s room while she was likely still sleeping without so much as a knock. She flung the curtains open so that light flooded in.
“We’re going to a ball,” Tallis declared loudly with a brilliant smile, “And for that, you’ll need a gown. Get up and ready—we’re going out.” Mood today? Bright and sunny with a chance of storms.
Post by Gianna Pasqualin on Jan 16, 2024 3:08:52 GMT -5
Indeed, Gianna had been learning a great deal over the last few weeks. She was learning about horses, trading, Tallis, and herself. She had always considered horses to be a necessary evil, smelly beasts of burden that their world couldn’t do without. With exposure and time, however, she had discovered that there was more to them than just muscles and poop. She would never admit that, of course. She still wrinkled her nose and showed them little attention in front of Tallis. It was in private, the rare time she found herself alone in the company a horse, that she let her shaking hand reach to pet the neck, that she spoke to them, that she allowed her mind to wander to places of companionship and adventure.
Tallis was learning a lot about Gianna, too. She would well know by now that Gi died on stupid hills, seemingly stubborn for stubbornness’ sake. She would have seen the young woman’s desire for attachment but inability to secure it. She would know that greed was a driving factor in Gianna’s life, and that the easiest way to manipulate the young woman was through gifts and flattery.
Today was her day off. She was happy to sleep until noon, unbothered by other orphans or the dirty hands of her father’s friends. Tallis’ sudden arrival was most unwelcome.
“Nooooo.” She groaned into her pillow, turning into a pillow herself, as if she could escape Tallis that way. As if. It want until she registered where she said they were going and why that Gi poofed back into her human form, sheets clutched around her nakedness, a spark in her eyes.
“Yes!” She beamed up at Tallis before launching out of bed towards her clothes.
Post by Tallis Scorza on Jan 17, 2024 7:17:31 GMT -5
Tallis snorted, rolling her eyes as Gianna furiously dressed. She hadn’t considered herself the maternal type, but somewhere in her heart a key turned a little more in a lock she hadn’t even known was there.
“There’s bread and cheese on the table,” Tallis said with a wave of her hand as she exited, “Grab it on your way out. I’ll be at the carriage.” When Gianna came downstairs and outside, she’d see Tallis sitting atop what could be more aptly be described as a fine wagon with the reins to the team of horses in her hands. There was a delivery of wool strapped in its belly—after all, this trip into town would not be wasted. She motioned for Gianna to step up and sit next to her.