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!
"You might be surprised" Thom chuckled, adding a little splash of milk to his own tea before leaning back in his chair comfortably. "Exciting as it might seem, a good portion of my work involves local businesses, which is a lot of reading through ledgers and tax records, from Skia and elsewhere, trying to find patterns." His eyes flicked over at Temperance with a smile. "She was rather surprised to find out that I actually wear glasses a lot of the time while I'm working, but it's true. Not that I've had a moment of boredom since we met. It's been a bit of a whirlwind."
His dark eyes swiveled over to Romulo in turn with a small smile. "It's something I picked up the knack for back when I was performing my military service. Just... talking to people, figuring them out, not to mention how to make numbers on a sheet of paper work for me. After I left the army, I just kind of... fell into it, I suppose. Couldn't really think of anything else I was good at. And it led me to Temperance, though in a somewhat roundabout way, so how could I regret any of it?"
Post by Edith Byron on Sept 5, 2022 9:02:21 GMT -5
The kids were peacefully playing and Gunne decided that they could stay a little longer as long as they didn't get too noisy. If they were to get loud, she'd call on Emma to take them upstairs, but for now they were behaving like little angels. She looked up from the children to look at Temperance. "You could perhaps get your Mother's jewelry framed, so you can hang it on the wall", she suggested with a friendly smile. "That way you get to admire it without misplacing it. If you were to want that, I'm sure Romulo, or possibly Thomas, could help you with that."
While listening to the man speaking, she reached over to grab a cookie, gesturing towards Temperance to go ahead. It had amused her to see the witch looking at them, so she wanted to let her know she could definitely take one if she wanted to. She then turned her attention back to Thomas. "How did you two meet, if I may ask?" Like she had told Temperance, she hadn't met Romulo prior to seeing him at the altar, and was curious to hear how these lovebirds met, organically.
"Oh, another army guy", she said, elbowing Romulo softly. He had been a soldier as well, but was struggling with his shoulder now.
Post by Romulo Cortell on Sept 6, 2022 5:39:37 GMT -5
Romulo smiled as he laughed slightly when elbowed him. He looked at her for a moment squeezing her hand loving how wonderful she is. a soft sad look on his face, kind of wishing he was still a part of the military, he just wish that his shoulder wasn't a problem, that he can get back into the military wing, pick up a sword and use it without even a touch of pain, however, that day is gone.
"yeah it is truly amazing how things work out, Do you ever miss it?"
Temperance hadn't really thought of something like framing the jewelry before. She had seen it done a time or two, but it hadn't crossed her mind, so when Gunne mentioned it Temperance returned the idea with a big smile. "Oh, that's actually a great idea. Much better than leaving them lying around on my bookshelf. Thank you for the suggestion, I'll look into it."
As Gunne took a cookie, Temperance nodded and took one for herself as well. She took a small bite first, then a second larger one. "These really are delicious," she said once she'd finished chewing the first bite, and finished it off with the second. As she was chewing, she blinked at Gunne's question and looked at Thomas for a moment. He'd seemed willing enough to share the story with Melody and her parents, but that was slightly different than telling Nobles that you'd just met. "Well, to sum it up," she said, clearing her throat. Really, she hoped he didn't mind because even if the story was a little more complicated than merely what had happened that day, she did find it to be rather cute. "Thomas was chased into my greenhouse by two ruffians, who I then chased off. They injured him, so we conversed while I tended his wounds. It's bloomed from there." She left out the fact that only a week or so had passed, and if Thomas really wanted to explain all of the Lord Mandrill mess, he could. But she'd rather focus on the parts about them. Those were the best parts.
Taking another drink of her tea to wash down the cookie crumbs in her mouth, Temperance eyed Thomas once more, a grin as she awaited him to answer the question regarding his military service.
Thom lifted an eyebrow slightly back at Temperance. That had been the rather shortened tale of their meeting, but accurate in its particulars, and the reason the two of them had chased him wasn't exactly a story he wanted to go back to in the moment. "It's not at all as romantic or thrilling as it might sound." he murmured with a little roll of his eyes. "Unless you count being tended to by a beautiful apothecary as I languished there, complaining at the aches and pains of a few cracked ribs. I was just fortunate that in all the hiding places I chose, it just so happened to be her greenhouse, and I certainly can't complain at the results."
Still smiling, he leaned over for a cookie of his own, biting into it as he flicked his eyes back to Gunne and Romulo. "Oh, I can't really say that I was much of a military man. I enjoyed my time because I was a quartermaster, and thus relegated to things I felt comfortable in doing, such as filling out reports, or talking to the others around me. For all that the military service is required by the crown, I felt rather fortunate in being there, rather than some of the alternatives available to me at the time. But in truth, I did little but sit around in a tent looking at paperwork, listening to others, and occasionally baking some muffins."
Post by Edith Byron on Sept 8, 2022 3:10:33 GMT -5
She was glad Temperance enjoyed the cookies. "We'll be sure to let Frya know her baking is appreciated", she responded. Their cook had been in service since the couple got married, and she was very satisfied with the dishes the woman brought to the table every night. Her baking was another thing she was very happy with. It hadn't been included in the job description, but it was a welcome addition to what was expected of her. The conversation then shifted to the story of how Temperance and Thom had met. First Temperance told the story, which led Thomas to say it wasn't all that romantic. Gunne slightly raised an eyebrow. It sounded like they weren't on the same wavelength when it came to the story and how romantic it had been.
"Well, it sounds very romantic to me", she said, smiling at Temperance in case Thomas remark and eyeroll had hurt her. She didn't know the dynamic between the two, so maybe it hadn't hurt her at all. "You two are a beautiful couple, so complaining indeed seems off the table", she winked at Thomas.
It appeared that Thomas and Romulo had fulfilled other duties during their time in the military. "It looks like you weren't able to leave the paperwork behind then", she said, referring to the fact he had said that was what he looked through still as an information broker.
Post by Romulo Cortell on Sept 8, 2022 9:55:58 GMT -5
"yeah the whole story is romantic, well apart from being chased bit, still romantic though." it was better than Romulo and Gunne story about having their marriage around. A lot of marriages happen that way, however, getting to know his beloved over the years he doesn't regrate the time they have spent together, to him it has been the most magical time he had. he wouldn't change it for the world.
He looked at Thomas as he explained his work in the military as he sipped his tea, "Well i guess you found your calling in paperwork."
"Yes, please let her know," Temperance said. "She certainly deserves the praise." Her eyes glanced back over at Thomas as she took another sip of her tea. Well, he wasn't entirely wrong. It hadn't been romantic at the time. She'd been a little frightened, and a little angry, since the thugs had trampled some of her flowers and while the whole thing had lead to romance, Thomas being beaten up by a couple of rogues sent by Lord Mandrill also wasn't exactly exciting.
"I suppose it does seem romantic from the outside looking in," she said in response to Gunne and Romulo, laughing a little to herself. More than anything the thought of it all was just funny to her now. "But yes, no complaints from me, either. Thank you for the compliment, Lady Cortell." Temperance was all smiles talking about how she and Thomas had met, but it felt rude to keep the conversation so turned toward them. "I know your marriage was arranged, but how long did it take the two of you to warm up to one another? You're clearly very fond of one another now, after all, which is lovely."
Paperwork was the simplest way of putting Thomas's job, and Gunne was right, he hadn't fully escaped it even after his military service. He just got better at it. "We'll have to send you two some of Thomas's muffins sometime, they're delicious. You'd never expect someone to learn to bake in the army." She paused, remembering what Gunne had said in their first meeting. "Oh, Lord Cortell. Lady Cortell mentioned that you have a shoulder injury that acts up. How did that come about?"
Thom glanced to the side to share a smile with Temperance. It might have sounded a little romantic, even though the lingering ache in his ribs was a steady reminder that in the moment, it had felt anything but. And he was quite content with his 'paperwork'. At least it was simple, all things considered. When matters got more complicated, that was when he had to turn to the other side of his practiced behaviors, and that's when ribs ended up cracked. Just... hopefully not his in the future.
One hand slid over to squeeze Temperance's free one gently, because he knew she understood how he felt about it all. And had done her fair share of chastising him for taking risks, to boot. "That list of people to give muffins to just seems to keep growing longer..." he teased quietly, not that he really minded. It was an easy way to take his mind off of other things, and return to the simplicity of things that would always have the same outcome, so long as the recipe was followed.
"I don't really mind the paperwork~" he replied to Gunne with a smile, turning his dark eyes back towards her. "At the very least, it does spare me the excitement of running away from people. Or having people run away from me. Far easier to rely on other people to do that, at the end of the day, and that suits me just fine."
Post by Edith Byron on Sept 9, 2022 8:53:53 GMT -5
"I can understand though that it wasn't all that romantic in the moment itself. I'm glad to hear and see Thomas made it out okay." Gunne could see the both of them were very happy to have met one another. She had told Temperance before, and still stood by it, that finding love naturally was a beautiful thing. "Luckily it didn't take too long, we struggled for about a year but had already made some progress during those first twelve months. I think the birth of Ruben really brought us together. It showed me what a loving man Romulo truly is and it charmed me." The woman smiled. The two of them really had come a long way, but she liked to think they'd also have fallen in love if their marriage hadn't been an arranged one.
She laughed when Thomas responded to Temperance saying they'd need to bring the Cortells some cupcakes. "There's no rush, we'd love to taste them one day but please, don't feel pressured to bring us some. I can imagine you're quite busy with your job." She nodded slightly when Thomas explained some more about his job. She was a courtier and didn't need a job. Occasionally she sold some potions, but that didn't require any paperwork. The woman wasn't used to working, and couldn't really imagine what it was like.
"I have yet to try the advice you gave me for the potions to help Romulo's shoulder", she sighed. "These two have been keeping me very busy." She glanced at the children, who were still playing quietly.
Post by Romulo Cortell on Sept 11, 2022 7:24:44 GMT -5
When they asked how long it took for them to warm up to each other he smiled as he looked at his wife and squeezed her hand. "For me i say about six months seeing how strong-willed, determined passionate woman she is made me realise that yes this is the woman I want to spend my life with and want to be the amazing mother to our children. the way she holds the room just makes me want to look at her and only her."
"Yeah no rush with the baking but yeah baking in the miltary is always a useful skill." He baked a little bit when he was in the military and having sisters knowing how to bake cakes, cupcakes anything sweet was always a handy tool.
When Tempy asked how he injured his shoulder he sigh. "About eight years ago my at the time eleven-year-old sisters was being harresed by these older guys roughly the same age as me. So I thought to do what any big brother to do and protact my baby sister however they surrended me and cause a burn so bad that it nearly impossible to lift a sword for too long even know 8 years later it cause me problems. I have good days and bad days. That why i had to leave the military." He explained.
"That sounds really sweet," Temperance said as Gunne and Romulo explained how long it took for each of them to warm up to one another. "I wouldn't think that would be much different from most other people if you'd been given the choice to court before marriage. You just did it the other way around, you know? And it worked out perfectly. It's really quite lovely to spend time with someone and get to know them, whether you're already married or not." Arranged marriages were always a bit of a risky subject. Most people still thought them to be necessary. Others didn't love them, but accepted them. Some hated them, as Temperance had, and likely as Lady Mandrill had. They certainly didn't work out for the best for everyone, but it was always nice to see when it did turn out something pleasant. "And I know what you mean about Lady Cortell drawing the rooms attention, my Lord. She really does have a strong presence, I really admire it."
It wasn't entirely untrue that they weren't busy, Thomas especially. He'd had more work come about as of late, and though Temperance didn't dig too deeply into it when he was home, he did always make plenty of time for her and the man really couldn't make a small batch of muffins if he tried. Still, she grinned at his comment, scrunching her nose at him playfully. "I guess I feel a little conflicted when it comes to Thomas's baking. I adore it and want to share it with everyone because it's so delicious, but at the same time I want to save it all for myself."
"Oh, I understand," she replied to Gunne about the advice, looking back over at the children when she gestured toward them. "They're absolutely precious, and so well-behaved. I'd be spending all of my time with them as well." Her smile remained as her eyes lingered on the kids, watching them play happily with the toys Thomas had given them, before she turned back to Romulo.
Frowning, she held one hand up apologetically. "I apologize for asking, Lord Cortell. It sounds like a somewhat sensitive subject, but it was very heroic of you to have done that. I cannot image the pain, burns are some of the worse. It must have done serious damage to the muscles in your shoulder for it to still be bothering you so many years later."
Thomas had his own opinion on arranged marriages, but then, he also had the statistics to back that opinion up. Not exactly something worth bringing forward at the given moment, however, so he restrained himself with a small smile, recognizing that it was hardly the moment to bring something like that up. Besides, it was rather different with the nobility. They had deeper reasons behind every marriage, those little games of power and connection, fashioning alliances and tying families together so one couldn't turn around and betray the other at the first opportunity.
Temperance certainly did have first claim to anything he baked, and that was an agreement they had come to early, but he was still aware that doing such things in moderation was most certainly not his strong suit. So yes, they'd had ample opportunity to share the results more often than not, occasionally with her family, or the maid Melody. So he wouldn't really mind sharing part of a batch with the Cortells in the future, it seemed like the least he could do, given their kindness with the invitation and the tea.
They were off talking about the children again, and Romulo's injury, his eyes glancing over to where Ruben and Timea were happily playing with their new toys before flicking back to the man of the house with a little wince. Burns were never a pleasant experience, and that was just talking as someone who, quite fortunately, had never suffered one, aside from the occasional little scorches from cooking for oneself. His hand squeezed down on Temperance's slightly, but he had nothing really to offer to the conversation aside from his own commiseration with Romulo's injury.
Post by Edith Byron on Sept 14, 2022 6:10:21 GMT -5
A polite, little smile formed on her lips when Romulo spoke about her. "Thank you", she mouthed at her husband before looking over at Temperance. "Thank you for your kind words, Temperance. I'd like to believe we would've found each other without the arranged marriage as well." She politely bowed her head a bit when the woman said she admired her ability to draw the room's attention. Gunne knew this ability could also bite her in the ass sometimes. Being straight forward and outspoken had caused her to end up in some tense situations before, and Temperance had experienced that herself.
The woman chuckled. "Well, feel free to come and babysit them then", she teased. Of course they had Emma who took care of the children when Gunne and Romulo were busy, so they didn't need a babysit.
She listened in silence when Romulo explained the story of his injury. It shocked people when they heard it for the first time, but Gunne knew how heroic her husband could be. When the man seemed confused about the potion, she spoke again. "When I visited Temperance in her greenhouse, we spoke about the potions I make you from time to time to help with the pain. I told her I couldn't seem to find the right ingredient to keep the pain away for longer periods of time, and she suggested some ingredients I could try but I haven't gotten around to doing that yet."
She noticed Thomas hadn't spoken since their conversation about his paperwork, and she glanced at him out of the corner of her eye. He was a polite and serious man. Gunne didn't quite know how she felt about him just yet. He seemed private, while Temperance was more of an open book.
Post by Romulo Cortell on Sept 16, 2022 17:36:34 GMT -5
Romulo looked at his children when they Tempy Apologise for asking a soft smile on his face. "No need to spologise, i would do it all again, I would take much worse for the people I love. If anybody hurt any my siblings, my children, Gunne." He looked at his wife, "it won't be a question of if it right or wrong I will protact them." He said softly. He doesn't see himself as a hero, heroic. He just see it as being a big brother, a father a husband. He calls it Love.
He looked between both Tempy and Gunne and smiled softly as Gunne explained. "Your potions are amazing dear. Like they helo me like the pain ease but now and then it still feel like hot coal is being thrown at it and that it for the day." It can cause him great pain for days he tries to hide the pain from the kids and Gunne as much as possible because he doesn't want them to worry about him too much.