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!
Kat was, as expected, a little late. Luckily this was something they had already discussed, so she wasn't pressed about it. Not that she would have been anyways but now she didn't have to pretend or anything for polite societal norms. Still, she rode at a quick clip to make sure that it wasn't an entirely ridiculous tardiness that would lead to a late night for the woman. That woman being Kat of course, as she still had to go to the Midnight House after this. Temperance could deal with her own bed-time as she pleased.
Tying up her horse where she had before, the soldier made her way around back as she had before. Making her way carefully towards the greenhouse as to not disturb the garden that probably had taken a lot of care. And seeing as she was trying to gain potions not lose their ingredients, she found it prudent to be careful.
"Hey Temperance?" Announcing herself as her step was often quiet she peered into the greenhouse for the witch. Hopefully everything was done, maybe even a biscuit or something since apparently there was an over eager cook around. That would be nice, especially since the Midnight House was great, but the food always left her wanting.
Temperance had been putting a lot of time into her work as of late. Normally she kept a fairly routine schedule, but as business always does, it'd gotten busier during the Aestas months. Work was hard in the sweltering heat, the days were longer than during the months of Hiems, and people tended to push themselves a little too hard. But the Apothecary didn't mind too much. At least she enjoyed her work. She had plenty of time to study, make notes, or read while she waited for certain potions to brew and turn.
As Kat announced herself, Temperance turned and a smile crossed her face when she saw who had entered. She'd been expecting Kat, so she'd left her gate and door open, but otherwise it would have been odd to have a customers come by so late in the day. "Good evening, Kat," she said, walking over to her and giving the slightest bow of her head. Even though Katerina didn't like being treated like a Noble, she still was one, and it felt improper enough just to be calling her by a nickname as soon as she entered. "Everything is done for you, I was just packing all of them into their bags. How've you been for the past few days? I hope you're well?"
The potions were set out on the back counter of the greenhouse, grouped up into three sections. She was wrapping them in linen and then putting them into secure bags to make it easier for Katerina to carry them as she traveled. It would only take another few minutes to get them all put up.
Temperance was a far nicer person then Kat would ever be. Something that she was certainly glad to take advantage of, but only so much. She had the coins tucked in her bag, the full amount not a coin short. Because while she enjoyed a good swindle it was far more fun when they were bad people. And this potioneer was not.
"Good? I suppose that depends on one's perspective." Personally she was exhausted and wasn't about to stop anytime soon. Training during the days, working every other night at the Midnight House because Ravin deserved all the help he could get now that he was back, and trying to keep her family functioning without her twin. No it really wasn't a good evening, busy was a better word.
Walking over to stand next to Temperance she sighed dramatically and shook her head. "Military life is tedious as always. How about you? And tales from the forest?" Always one to look for information and give as little up about her own life as possible.
"Yes, you're right. It is all a matter of perspective, isn't it?" A tight lipped smile crossed her face, as she knew that Katerina stayed busy. If she wasn't working her day job for the military, or taking care of her children, she was taking care of her siblings, or helping out at the orphanages, or at the Midnight House. Temperance guessed that the fact that Katerina was alive was about as good as it got for her. "I understand, I know that alone is a lot of undertake without all of the other jobs you've taken on."
She continued to pack the potions, wrapping them carefully and placing them into the bags, bags that could be slung over a horse and could bounce around a bit without fear of the potion bottles inside being broken. "Nothing special here. Work has been busy, that of which I'm grateful. Otherwise, it's been pretty quiet."
Behind the groupings of potions sat a tray of treats for the kids at the orphanage, wrapped up carefully. But as she took another potion into her hand, Temperance turned and looked at Katerina with a bit of a frown. "I do have some bad news," she said, a sigh. "You requested birth control potions. I cannot make them for you. The ingredients necessary have been restricted and I was unable to obtain them. The military now has a monopoly on them, but you already have children and you're an active member who would be forced to go on leave if you were to become pregnant, so they'd have no reason to deny you if you requested some." Her frown remained, even after she'd explained why she couldn't provide them. There was little she could do. Nobles might have been able to get their hands on it, but no commoner would have been able to. "I apologize for that, but it really was out of my hands."
She was wringing those same hands, a bit of worry touching her features. "They're quite dangerous, anyway, you know? They've been known to have...adverse affects, and could make it harder for you to give birth in the future, if you ever wanted to have more children."
Having trained a few of her younger siblings over the past few weeks had been a bit of a hassle. But without Kasper she needed all the help she could get. And most of them were glad to do it, and the ones too busy with their military careers weren't asked to hold back. She had suffered that enough for all of them. "It's just an adjustment, I always land on my feet." A little cat humor, grinning and laughing at her own joke because who else would.
"A quiet forest? How boring." It wasn't an insult, she truly felt bad for Temperance in the moment. Life wasn't meant to be boring or tedious by any means. "I hope my order hasn't kept you too tied up?" That would have been a travesty. Especially since apparently the order wasn't even complete. Reasons or not.
Raising an eyebrow she had no idea that the military supplied those things. It hadn't been a problem for her when she was younger, scarring most of the boys her age away. And clearly not taking them had landed her where she was today. "Well it would be nice if they told me these things. I swear sometimes they do it on purpose so us woman are at a disadvantage." Wrinkling her nose she was certainly going to ask for some. Nothing was getting her way this time around.
"Spoken like a woman not in the military. If I get pregnant I won't be able to safely be in combat for a while, and that's where I need to be." It was just the simple truth, and not something that Temperance had to understand. She had chosen a different path, a necessary one, but not one that Kat ever planned to walk.
Temperance smiled at the joke, nodding agreement. "Yes, you always seemed the kind to persevere no matter what. I'm sure this will be nothing different." A lot of women in the military were like that, her sister included. They could overcome amazing odds and end up on top of the situation. Temperance couldn't speak to how Katerina was juggling it all, but at the very least she put up a strong front. Whether or not it was a facade wasn't really for Temperance to sort out, but she truly hoped that Katerina really did have it all under control.
"Well, I can see where you would feel that way. We get a little excitement out here every now again, but I quite like my peace and quiet." Even if Katerina hadn't intended it to be an insult, Temperance hadn't expected something that sounded so judgemental to come out of their conversation, especially so early. When Katerina had left her greenhouse last time, Temperance had thought that the two had gotten along well. But she took it in stride, speaking softly as she always did. "As you said yourself, it's all a matter of perspective. What is exciting to you may be frightening to me, and what is peace to me may be boring for you."
Temperance did regret not being able to provide Katerina with what she'd asked for, especially after she'd ensured it could all be done. More often than not, Temperance's customers were passed the age of birthing, so she was rarely asked for birth control potions. She hadn't made any in over a year, so she'd had no idea that they'd become restricted. "Yes, again I apologize. I don't have to make them often, but I had no issue last time it was required of me. It seems these regulations are fairly new. Though, to be honest with you I'm not entirely surprised. Instead, I'm surprised they did do this sooner."
Her words were slightly broken off by Katerina's quip about Temperance not being in the military, to which Temperance turned, having finished wrapping and bagging the potions, and folded her hands in front of her. "Lady Winters," she spoke, still soft, but in more of a polite commoner to noble tone of voice, rather than one of a friend. "I've only just said that the military would likely give you one to avoid you being pregnant and having to leave, therefore it would make sense that I'm fully aware that a pregnant woman cannot perform her duties. I may not be a soldier, but I'm not quite so ignorant of such a logical cause and effect. I'm a healer, so it is my job to make sure that my customers are aware of any detrimental effects a potion may have on their body. I spoke from a place of concern, not judgement, nor ignorance." No one would ever claim that Temperance was much of a fighter, especially not Temperance herself. She didn't care for fighting, or violence, or inflicting pain. But that didn't mean that she'd hold her tongue while she was being insulted.
She turned back to the bags, securing them and sliding them over to her. "However, I do apologize for prying. It is not my business what you do with your body. I hope you're able to get the potions you need from the military." She patted the bag on the end gently with her hand. "These are the ones you specified for the orphanages. I'm happy to take them over for you in the morning so that you don't have to make a trip tonight, as it is getting later in the evening, but that is up to you. My maid and I also made some baked goods for them, so I intended to stop by regardless."
This is exactly who Kat was. She said what she wanted despite how others might interpret it, not fitting with the Lady title that she now held. But when you raised yourself and your siblings this is what came out as a result. Manners would never have helped her then and she'd never bothered to learn them now. She knew to keep her mouth shut around officers in the military, but Temperance didn't fit that requirement.
Shrugging her shoulders Kat nodded her head. "Makes sense to me." Certainly she didn't know a lot of people who didn't enjoy fighting, but it was probably a good thing. She never tired of violence but it could get repetitive if you really thought about it. And had she not been learning to pay attention to others discomfort, curtsey of her new partner, she might not have cared to notice Temperance's mood change.
"Temperance I'm not saying you are an idiot incapable of empathy." Rubbing her temple she was not the type to coddle someone with an apology by any means. If the witch was looking for that she would have to find it elsewhere. "I complained about the military being annoying in this way, not you." Maybe it wasn't how it came out. Or maybe Temperance had other reasons to be worried about pregnancy. Either way it wasn't her fault by any means, clearly.
Kat shook her head, glad for the offer. "No I heard one of the kids is a little too sick so I need to go tonight, you're welcome to join of course." She hadn't the time to worry about if Temperance still had her feelings hurt. She had too much going on to worry about people she just met. Moving to pick up the bag she looked at the witch with a raised brow, not sure if she was okay going out so late.
For a moment Temperance stood there, reading Kat's actions and words. Then she shrugged. Even if her words had come out sounding a bit harsh, intention held as much weight as tone. If it hadn't been Katerina's intention to offend Temperance, she would take the half-explanation as enough of an apology. A sigh escaped her lips and the tension was gone. Well, Temperance had never been one to hold on to anger or irritation for long. Perhaps that was one of the many things that made her so inept at fighting and violence. "Good, as long as we both understand." She said simply, her pleasant tone returning.
Her attention returned fully to the potions and the matter of taking the potions to the orphanage. If one of the children was sick enough that it was so urgent, Temperance understood the need for Katerina's urgency. "I'm happy to go tonight, but you came on horse, did you not? If you like, you can take the potions ahead of me and I can hail a carriage from a nearby Inn to meet you there with the treats and help distribute the potions to any who need them. While I'm there I can also go ahead and make a list of whatever else might be needed for them. The sooner I can start, the better."
Kat wasn't one to let go of things, but it was probably good that Temperance was. Especially since she was in fact in possession of the potions, and until she got Rosa back, her only connection for more. Except apparently the military, something she was going to have to look into. The fact she hadn't been told still bothering her, but nothing to do with the witch in front of her.
"You could ride with me too. But if you want that would work." Either way she needed to be on her way, so if Temperance fancied a ride so be it. Otherwise she would be off. With Kasper gone all of this came down on her, and that wasn't something she was used to yet. Maybe it was making her a little grumpier than usual. Maybe.
Temperance hadn't really expected Katerina to offer her a ride. Of course it would be the easiest way, but the Apothecary had not spent a lot of time with horses. Even though her brother was one of the best horse trainers and breeders for the kingdom of Nevermere, she'd not personally spent a lot of time on his farm. Still, she'd be rather behind if she had to walk to the Inn and then wait for the carriage to arrive, so joining Kat on the horse did appear to be the best option.
"If you don't mind, then sure, I'll join you," Temperance said, picking up another linen bag and placing the already wrapped treats that she and Melody had made for the children inside of it. Then she took her keys from the counter and nodded, holding her hand out to allow Katerina to exit first. "After you."
Once they were outside with all of the potions and the bag of treats, Temperance locked up the greenhouse door and followed Katerina down the cobblestone path through her garden and out her front gate, which Temperance closed and locked as well, though it was the kind of short gate that anyone could reach over and unlock from the other side, and a tall person could easily climb or jump over it. Locking it was more or less to keep the gate itself from swinging open from the wind and making a bunch of noise.
As they approached the horse, Temperance gave the animal a gentle rub of the neck and a smile, waiting for Katerina to climb on first.
Kat had offered without a second thought because it made sense. She was also not great with children, Rosa had been her buffer for a long time. Temperance seemed like a good person, one that the children would like. Certainly better at manners than she would ever be, and a nicer smile, less sharp and edged.
"It's settled then." Picking up the potions with care she walked outside, waiting for the witch to look her place up. Certainly would be a shame for anything to happen to it, it was a nice greenhouse and had probably taken ages. Maybe that's why she didn't mind spending so much time in the place. Could not have been Kat.
Climbing up easily onto the horse she took the treats and potions, getting them settled before offering a hand down to Temperance. She wasn't sure how familiar the woman was with horses, or how much help she would need. "Let's get to it then." She figured the other witch would sit in front of her considering a dress really only accommodated for that.
She wasn't particularly good at riding horses. She liked them. They were kind, beautiful animals, but it'd been years since she had climbed up and ridden one. And then she'd been wearing pants, not a dress. She'd never actually ridden side-saddle before, but Katerina was well trained and likely very capable of controlling the situation. And anyway, it wouldn't take them long to get to the orphanage by horseback, so the ride would be short enough.
As Katerina offered her hand, Temperance took it, leveled her foot into the stirrup and jumped up. She climbed up relatively easily, sitting side-saddle as mentioned before, and wrapped an arm around Kat's waist to make sure she could hold on well enough and Kat wouldn't have to worry about her falling off or sliding around. "Yes, no time to waste!" She said once settled and Kat began to steer the horse through the streets, off toward the orphanage. As the breeze caught her hair, she drew it all to one side with her free hand so that it wouldn't get into Kat's face, but for a moment she just enjoyed the breeze. It didn't frighten her riding the horse like this, instead it actually felt rather freeing.
"I'd forgotten what it's like to ride a horse. They're wonderful," she said, giggling a little. "I really should visit my brother more often. He owns a horse farm and trains them for the military. Where'd you get your horse? Maybe it came from his farm." She really did need to visit Orion soon regardless. She hadn't seen her big brother in months.
"Have you found anything else out about your missing potion maker? I know it's only been a few days, but I was hoping maybe you'd heard some news."
Kat loved horses. She had never had one until she married Fabian, which of course made sense. Commoners without parents didn't really have someone to ask for a pony. That didn't mean she hadn't ridden. Stolen horse back rides at first, then on occasion at the military. So she was generally good at riding despite the lack of access.
So when Temperance was secure she took off, making sure not to go quite as fast as she had before. It was different when you had a passenger as well as important goods. The potions were surely likely to be useless if they ended up on the ground, and while the sweets were an added bonus it probably would be best to keep hold of them. "Really? Huh don't know, it's one of my husbands I never asked." Something she would have to look into when she got home. If she got home.
"Mhmm nothing really." It wasn't that she had any reason not to trust Temperance with information, but she just didn't trust anyone. And she had already spilled enough in a moment of annoyance. Kat was busy enough working steering and riding that she didn't care to converse much anyways. It was a quick ride anyways and soon enough they were outside the orphanage where she would help Temperance slip off the horse.
Kat's answers to Temperance's questions were fairly short and to the point. They were on a horse, so maybe she was just trying to focus on riding and keeping Temperance from falling off. It was a little strange to be so close to Kat like this. The only person she'd ever ridden a horse with was Orion, but he was her brother, that was different. No matter though, if Katerina didn't feel like conversing, Temperance wouldn't worry too much about it. She turned her head forward and enjoyed the short ride.
As they arrived at the orphanage only a short time later, Katerina helped Temperance off the horse and then she helped Kat unload the bags from the saddle. Everything still seemed to be in good shape, a compliment to Kat's riding skills, and as Kat tied off the horse, Temperance looked up at the front of the orphanage. The sun was beginning to set by now, the streets were becoming darker and she would have thought that most of the children would be settling into bed by this time. "It's not far from my home," she turned to Kat, thinking out loud. "I hadn't realized how quick it would be on horseback."
She didn't feel right walking in first, so she let Katerina lead her in and scanned the place thoroughly to memorize it as soon as they'd stepped through the door, the same way she'd done on the way so she could easily find it again if she wanted to visit or bring the kids treats again.