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!
Temperance's smile widened for a moment, a thankful nod in Gunne's direction. But was what she said really true? Of that she couldn't be entirely sure. "I...am honored to hear you say that you feel that way, Lady Cortell. I do try to be genuine in everything I do, but more often than not I find that my ability to relate to those less fortunate than me is simply a product of my parentage. My mother was quite poor, before she met my father. I know how lucky I am to live a quiet, peaceful life away on the outskirts and all I want to do is help people, but there is darkness in us all. We can never really know ourselves entirely until we're forced into a situation that we cannot compromise on. I do hope that whenever that time comes for me, I'm much older and wiser so that I can make the right decision."
Gunne made a good point in that, and Temperance nodded at it. "Yes, it does seem to be tipped in their favor more often than not. Especially if the boy is to be born into such a Noble family," Temperance agreed, but her smile grew as Gunne spoke of dressing up a little girl. "But girls do seem much more fun, to me at least. You can teach them all the best things about magic, and help them learn how to overcome and outsmart all the silly men so that only the best are left for their choosing." She sighed a little, leaning her chin on her hand. "Either way, I'm sure you'll be very happy with whatever little miracle you receive."
Post by Edith Byron on Sept 5, 2022 8:51:48 GMT -5
There was definitely truth in that. Darkness came out when you were confronted with horrible situations. She lifted her cup of tea as if it were a glass of wine. "Well, here's to hoping we can stay in situations that don't bring out the darkness." She took a sip and put down the tea again. The peace in Terra Nova wasn't exactly what it used to be, so praying those situations away was all they could do.
Ruben would indeed be a man with a nobel status, and she knew he would benefit from it. Timea as well, but probably less than Ruben would. She would, just like she had, lose the name she grew up with when she got married. That had been though on Gunne, not being able to call herself a Morrigan anymore. She still knew she belonged to the family, but there was less of a direct association when people heard Cortell. Women were always forced to lose their name and take their husband's. She knew that wasn't the case in Lorendale, and that if they had been born there, she would have still been called Gunne Morrigan. She wasn't regretful, though. She was very happy to live in Nevermere where there wasn't any/much gifted drama. She smiled. "Indeed. I can't way to start practicing Timea's magic. I just know she'll be an amazing witch. But it does sound like you know what you'd like, were you ever to have a child. A little Temperance running around the greenhouse." She laughed.
A smile crossed Temperance's face as she lifted her own tea cup, tipping it slightly toward Gunne as she made the half-toast, though neither were drinking the kind of drink you'd generally toast with. "Yes, here's hoping," she took a sip as well, her eyes lowering to the near-empty liquid in her cup afterward. Everything was going suddenly very well for her. Thomas's arrival in her life had really livened things up and sometimes she felt young again, or younger at least, but there would always be conflict - she just had to hope it wouldn't come her way any time soon.
The thoughts of children still floundered in Temperance mind as Gunne spoke of her daughter, so much so that she was a little absent-minded and hadn't quite heard it all. That comment earlier had really gotten to her. A biological clock. From a health standpoint, Temperance knew she was right. The older women got, the harder to have children. That was a simple fact, but she and Thomas weren't so eager and ready to jump into marriage and child making. Licking her lips, she did catch the end and grin a little. "Ah? Oh, yes," she nodded, realizing what the woman had said, a quick smile returning. "Yes, I do think I would like to have a daughter. Some of my fondest memories as a child are spending time with my mother, so I hope I can have the same relationship some day. Though, if I can be quite honest with you," she laughed at herself, finishing the tea in her cup. "I expect Thomas will spoil them, so I may end up being the stern parent."
That was a thought in of itself, and Temperance was only pulled away by her maid, Melody, returning to the greenhouse door. "I'm sorry to interrupt my Lady," she said, bowing a head to Gunne. "Temperance, you're supposed to be doing an in-home visit with Mr. Charles soon."
Glancing up toward the see-through roof of the greenhouse, Temperance clocked the position of the sun in the sky and sighed. "Yes, I see, thank you Melody." With another nod, Melody walked away once more and Temperance sighed. "I'm sorry, Lady Cortell. I'd forgotten entirely that I need to go see a patient. I hope you wouldn't be offended if we cut our conversation short? You're welcome to stay and finish your tea, or I can walk you to the gate, whatever you like."
Post by Edith Byron on Sept 5, 2022 15:31:18 GMT -5
She smiled, recognising the pattern of spoiling and stern parent. She felt like she had become the stern parent as well, or definitely the less fun one in Rubens eyes. The boy wanted to play with his father as often as possible, and Romulo had to remind him from time to time to ask Gunne to play with him as well. "Or you'll just have to spoil them rotten", she replied with a wink.
Their conversation was interrupted by Melody entering the greenhouse to remind Temperance of an appointment. Hearing this, Gunne lifted her cup to drink the remainder of the tea in it. She didn't want to keep Temperance. By the time the Towers witch apologized, the cup was empty and Gunne was already starting to get up. "No need to be sorry, duty calls! I'll be seeing you and Thom soon anyway." She smiled, reminding the other woman of the invitation before completely standing up. "Walking me to the gate is a kind offer, and I'd like to take you up on it."
“Oh, wonderful.” Walking briefly to her back counter, she picked up a lidded basket and shoved a few things, including her journal, inside before returning to Gunne’s side. “After you, Lady Cortell.”
They would walk out of the greenhouse, which Temperance would turn and lock. “Melody,” she called again, seeing the maid out in the garden tending to one of the flower bushes. “I’m going to walk Lady Cortell to the gate and then be off myself, I’ll be back soon.” Melody simply gave a wave, then gestured for Gunne to take the path. Temperance would move to walk alongside her, matching Gunne’s pace. “Again, I really appreciate you helping Mr. Burton out. He’ll be so grateful, but I won’t mention that it came from you, as you requested.” Temperance felt lighter on her feet than usual. What could have been a negative confrontation had turned into something much more pleasant. “And thank you again for the invitation. I’m looking forward to it.”
As they reached the gate, Temperance took a step ahead of Gunne and held it open for her, allowing her through first before closing and locking it as she had done her greenhouse door. “Please be safe getting home, Lady Cortell, and have a wonderful rest of the day.”
Post by Edith Byron on Sept 6, 2022 2:31:27 GMT -5
She lowered her head slightly to thank Temperance for her words regarding Mr. Burton, and the anonymity she would maintain per her request. "I'm glad to hear, Romulo and are also already looking forward to it, and I have yet to tell him about it", she smiled.
The woman went through the gate that was so generously held open by Temperance. She waited for her to close it and would then be on her way. "You too, once you come home from your visit. Enjoy the rest of your afternoon." And with that, she turned around and starting making her way home, excited to tell Romulo about the visit they would get soon from Temperance and her suitor, Thom.