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
05.12.2023
Established the "Tag Staff" discord channel for helping update the site.
05.26.2023
2 month character creation hold for all existing members begins 6/5/2023.
This fall and winter was a period of low activity for the site, but even so, the Dresmond board has continued to simmer with excitement. This kingdom has moved from distant side dish to a dramatic main course in the world of Terra Nova. A big shout out to members Heather, Nix, and Darkest whose high activity has helped lead it through a renaissance into a new era!
Post by Rosamere Osxiano on Dec 9, 2021 15:48:24 GMT -5
[For all Morrigans]
Rosamere led Odina Ellis to one of the larger sitting rooms in the manor, one that was large enough to accommodate the whole family comfortably without them feeling packed together. She knew it would take a moment to gather everyone since not every member of the family was present in the manor and arranged a simple set of food to snack on for her and Odina while they waited. The moment that they had stepped foot in the home, Rosamere had sent several servants off to retrieve every member of the family.
She herself was nervous, if only by the virtue of not being the one to call the family together before. That she was the one to have made contact with one of their Ellis cousins, as opposed to her siblings or father, was something that she was sure none of them had expected. While they two women waited for the Morrigan family to arrive, she would do her best to answer whatever questions that Odina had to the best of her ability.
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•First round of posts, please do one post having your character arrive till everyone is present. •Please wait until at least two people have posted after your character before posting again. •This thread can be used as a gathering thread for leveling. •Odina Ellis, Finn (Adder), Conall Morrigan, @ellison, @theodore, @calista, Zuri Morrigan, Liono Morrigan, and any npcs if you wish to bring them in for this (meaning Thorian and Carter)
Post by Liono Morrigan on Dec 9, 2021 16:07:18 GMT -5
lio hadnt long finished training and was upstairs getting washed and changed when he heard a knock at his door, he wrapped a towel round himself and opened it and was told that his company as well as every other family member had been requested down stairs in one of the main rooms by Rosamere and her quest,
he nodded at the servant before he left and he closed the door and finished getting some clothes on, he had no idea what they were getting called together for but he didnt think it was a formal gathering so he pulled on a shirt and a pair of loose pants and headed to see what was going on,
after walking into the room he looked at the two woman and smiled as he walked towards "everything ok, whats the get together for" he looked at Odina and smiled at her, "good evening ma,lady" before looking back at his sister to find out what was going on
Post by Conall Morrigan on Dec 9, 2021 23:46:16 GMT -5
Fit to be tied was a good way to explain his mood. Too many things going on at once and he with his hawk-like attention span was being pulled in too many directions. So when a servant knocked at his door tension rippled through him and he stood, striding to the door and opening it quickly. A brow was raised at the servant who was startled by his swinging the door open so suddenly. "Sorry” he said sharply as he waited for what the servant needed. The servant advised Rosa had requested his presence and he nodded. ”Tell her I will be there shortly.” he said before shutting his door gently and moving to his drink table. He poured himself a double, shot it back and pulled a jacket on.
He headed to find out what Rosa needed, heading to the sitting room he had been advised to find her in. When he walked in he noticed his princess and his brother along with another woman who looked familiar but who’s name he could not think of. He walked straight to Rosamere and hugged her lightly, kissing the top of her head gently with a grin.
”You requested my presence princess?” he said lightly, eying the other woman again, curious and cautious.
"Now, where are you?" Calista was standing in front of a massive wall of books. From floor to ceiling, books of all shapes and sizes were packed neatly, but in no particular order. Cal took a step back to get a good look at the entire wall. She had her hands up by her shoulders and her fingers moved as if she were fingering through each book individually. "I know you're in here somewhere..." She trailed off, grabbed the glass of red wine next to her, and took a swig.
As she glared at the hundreds of books in front of her, a servant's footsteps broke her concentration. "What is it now?" she said with annoyance, her patience worn thin after several failed attempts to find the summoning book she was looking for. "Out with it! I'm clearly very busy." She took another swig of wine, her eyes never breaking from the wall.
"I-uhm, excuse me. Lady Rosamere is requesting your presence in the large sitting room."
Calista rolled her eyes. She slammed her wine glass down on the table next to her with enough force that the contents sloshed over the edge. Without acknowledging the servant any further, she breezed right past them, down the stairs, and straight into the large sitting room where she could already see some of her family members gathered.
"Oh, I do hope you have something good for all of us." Cal plopped down on one of the oversized, ornate chairs and pretended to pick at whatever she had under her nails as if that was more interesting than the get-together happening in the room. Clearly, she was in a bad mood.
Luckily for Rosamere, Ellison had been at the Morrigan estate meeting with Adder about recent events at the castle. Her dark hair was still braided back from her face and she had swapped out her military uniform for something far more comfortable and just a step above casual. Wearing a long skirt and corset, her cloak forgotten a while ago when she had arrived. Adder and Ellison entered the room together and immediately Elli locked onto the stranger. She moved with the grace of a lion waiting to rush it’s pray as she entered the room and moved to stand beside her brother’s, Liono and Conall.
Adder entered with a bit more grace. The well mannered noble that he was. He barely paused when the stranger came into view before continuing towards Rosamere and Odina. “Forgive me, I was unaware we were having guests today,” he dipped his head towards the stranger. “Welcome to our home, I am Adder Morrigan.” His eyes flashed over to Rosa, clearly looking to her to explain what was so important that they were all standing there.
Although Theodore would have rather been out drinking at a tavern, fate would have it that both he and Thorian were present and able to attend this little impromptu family gathering. Of course, the two were dressed to go out, wearing clothes typically found on commoners, and even with brown leather riding gloves donning their hands. The servant had caught them just before they could make it to the stables, and though a considerable amount of groaning and complaining had been exchanged, they showed up.
They showed up to find much of their family already present, and a very hot stranger among them. Theodore didn't withhold his approving eyes on Odina Ellis, and neither did Thorian.
Post by Odina Ellis on Dec 14, 2021 12:35:31 GMT -5
Odina had yet to be in such a large and beautiful home since coming to Nevermere, not that the Midnight House wasn't big or beautiful it was just this was a home on the other side of the tracks so to speak. As she waited with Rosamere for the other Morrigan's Odina couldn't help but take in as much as she could about the home, mostly the portraits of family members but it was two particular faces that seemed to bring back hazy memories. He didn't know them or their names but their faces reminded her of two children she use to play with growing up before the betrayal. They looked much older now but certain features kept her eyes glued to the portraits until everyone started to arrive.
Liono Morrigan was the first arrival and Odina not wanting to give away to much, gave him a soft smile and nod. It was the Cambrian lifestyle fighting against actions buried for so long. The next two Morrigan's Conall Morrigan and @calista were the ones Odina felt she noticed in the portraits, it made her straight and her shoulders square. For a moment she could only stare with her mouth slightly opened, 'I remember them but I don't!' she told herself but their cautious glances told Odina they didn't remember her at all. The woman entering with the man who called himself Adder, the name was the most familiar name she'd heard since coming back to Nevermere hers mouth did that parting thing, seemed to be more ready to attack or defend than greeting. She didn't greet Odina at all.
She didn't focus on @ellison that much as she turned to look at Adder and until Rosamere told them who she was truly Odina smiled, "It is a pleasure to meet you Adder Morrigan," and she realized Adder Morrigan looked far more familiar than the two in the portraits.
The last two to arrive were twins and she felt their eyes on her, which made her feel slightly uncomfortable and more Cambrian than she realized. Men. She looked to Rosamere to take the lead...
Post by Zuri Morrigan on Dec 14, 2021 13:02:06 GMT -5
Zuri had been experimenting with yet another potion when she'd been found and told that Rosamere wanted to see her. Well not just her, but interpret it what you will.
She looked at her cauldron, which was bubbling away, then shrugged and put the lid on top of it and put out the fire beneath it. Surely this wouldn't explode before she got back.
She arrived at the home as others were, for once not being too late, and slipped in quietly. It sounded like some were a bit annoyed while others curious. Zuri was neither. She was just happy to see her favorite cousin.
Post by Rosamere Osxiano on Dec 14, 2021 13:39:11 GMT -5
Rosamere, never the Morrigan to go seeking attention, took a breath and mentally squared her shoulders as one by one, the family entered the room. She wasn’t going to answer their questions though, until everyone was present. As much as she wanted to twist her fingers together or clench them into her skirt, she didn’t. She couldn’t afford to because she had to do this and she first raised her gaze to Father, something she didn’t normally do.
”I’m sorry for the sudden summons but I have news that the Family would be interested in.” Her gaze left Adder’s (Finn) to look around at everyone else. ”I have a friend in the city who said they had someone they wanted me to meet, said that it needed secrecy and discretion.” She was not going to name Ravin because she knew that would raise questions if any of her family was aware of who he was and what he did.
”Earlier today, the person who they’d arranged for me to meet with made claims, which I have verified with a truth serum.” She held up the vial of purple truth serum that @theodore would surely recognize as the one he tested for her, which she had also mentioned to Conall Morrigan before, too. ”She claimed to originally be of Nevermere, to be from a family that we lost over twenty years ago. She claimed to be one of our cousins that we haven’t found. Until now.” Rosamere gestured to Odina Ellis with her other hand. ”This is Odina of Cambria, known to our family as Tara Ellis.”
Rosamere was more serious in this moment than she had ever been as she made eye contact with each and every person in the room, with Adder being the last person she made eye contact with. His reaction was the one that mattered the most right now.
---- •Please wait until at least two people have posted after your character before posting again.
Post by Liono Morrigan on Dec 14, 2021 14:38:05 GMT -5
Lio stood there and watched as one by the one the family showed up, he thought it must be something bad if everyone has been sent for, he stood there with Conall before Ellison come and stood between them as Rosamere started to explain why she had sent for them all on short notice,
he knew a little of what she saying but not to much, he looked to his side to see the reaction on Ellisons face before turning to look at Conall, if anyone here would know he would, he knew all the familys business,
he turned and looked back as Rosamere listening to her finish what she had to say before looking he looked at Odina, thinking about everything they were saying, as Rosamere said there was truth in what she was saying as she held a potion bottle up and said she had done her own test to make sure, he stood there and waited to see what the rest of the family had to say first
Post by Odina Ellis on Dec 14, 2021 22:47:03 GMT -5
Odina had never held her breath for so long, it was out there, the truth but Odina felt she'd have to prove it regardless. So far she's had to do this with every contact she's met. No complaints from her though she'd only been missing since she was nine years old being told 'hey do you remember when that little girl disappeared when they killed her daddy, King Urion Ellis, do you? Well it's me.'
She'd have a hard time believing it too. If her siblings, should they still be alive, were to walk through the door and tell her they were her siblings... she'd want proof.
Still yet she couldn't help but to bite her lip and wait for the family to react....her blue eyes bouncing off everyone in the room... Begging for a reaction of any sort!
Post by Conall Morrigan on Dec 15, 2021 1:05:17 GMT -5
Conall's charcoal eyes fell on his younger family members as everyone gathered, stopping only to eye his father and cousin slightly for a fleeting moment before taking in the newcomer. He found it quite interesting that this was a family affair, except for this woman and Conall wondered why she would be included. Was this perhaps Rosa's special friend from the Masq, perhaps Rosa was going to refuse her betrothal for this woman… No, she would never. He listened closely as Rosa spoke, pondering every single word closely.
He rubbed his chin, saying nothing though his eyes turned to Adder curiously, to see what his dear father would have to say about the claim. He glanced at Ellison and Lio for a second only, assuming they would possibly not recall too much about it all. His eyes did turn back to Odina quietly for a few moments, trying to remember the girl she claimed to be, from a time so long ago.
The silence was thick so he decided to speak "If it is true… welcome home…" he said, though his words were guarded to say the least, his charcoal eyes looking back at Adder who would be the best to speak in regards to the situation at hand.
Theodore's breathing hiccuped in his chest at Rosamere's words. His heart at once felt heavy and loud. A tingling sensation began in his fingertips. For a moment, he thought he might pass out. It could be a fun experience in the right context. This would not have been the right context. He reached a hand towards the back of the nearest seat to brace himself, a small motion, not one to draw attention. Thorian, too, was shocked, yet his manifested in the form of making him a statue.
Tara Ellis. He'd been only two when King Urion was slaughtered. Of course he didn't know her personally, but he had heard of her.
Their relationship wasn't truly one of biological cousins. Her mother was, after all, not a Morrigan. Only the youngest child of King Urion was born of a Morrigan--Sarilla--but that hardly mattered. In taking up the cause to restore the rightful heir to the throne, Theodore's loyalties lay with her as surely as they did any that carried the Ellis name.
This was it. This was everything he wanted to accomplish in this life.
"Do you," he asked quietly, hesitant, not wanting to hear the likely answer, "know where your brother is?"
Ellison stood quietly but hearing the name 'Ellis' caught her attention quickly. As if Rosamere had reached out and smacked her across her cheek. Steel blue eyes cut across the floor to stare at Odina Ellis as if she could see the family connection. Of course she wouldn't look like the rest of the Morrigan's. They were only family through marriage. But hope bloomed in her chest, hope and doubt all stirring together into a muddled mess.
Adder kept his gaze moving steadily and slowly between Rosamere Osxiano and Odina. Now claiming to be Tara Ellis. He looked her over, looking for any sign that this was truly her. Even if the truth serum said she spoke the truth... that only meant that it was something she grew up believing... Not that it was true. He could have told Theodore his whole like that he was the son of Sarilla and he would have believed it. Adder's lie would had become Theodore's truth.
He stepped closer to Odina, his focus on her with a clinical eye. Theo's question was a good one, and he was willing to hear her answer to it first before he'd ask her his own.
Tara Ellis. Calista immediately stopped picking her nails and looked up at the "stranger" she had initially ignored. Was she a stranger? This woman, Odina, could certainly pass for an Ellis. She was the right age and had all the right features. Feelings of nostalgia started to bubble up inside of Cal. Could this really be the same little girl she used to play with when life was much simpler? Much happier? Her heart panged at the thought.
Still, she would not be made a fool. The Morrigan family had gone through too much to blindly trust a stranger, even if that stranger had passed a truth serum. Odina would have a lot more questions to answer, but the whereabouts of her brother was a good start. She waited for a response.