Post by Hiram Eldouir on Sept 14, 2022 13:35:09 GMT -5
[ Please reference the Lore on Tribute to understand what this has looked like in the past. If you have not already decided how many marks your character has, please do so now, as it may be significant for this thread! It is open to all Eldouir and Dresmondi. There will be no post order, but there will be a prioritization of Eldouir replies, as well as any Dresmondi currently presenting their tribute to them. ]
Ah, Tribute. One of the darkest times in all the land.
The end of each summer was marked by this holiday of sacrifice. The tradition had been established by Hiram but perpetuated by the other Eldouir. It was an opportunity for the citizens of this pathetic kingdom to thank theircaptorsliberators, and to keep them loyal in their fear. It also happened to be around the time that Hiram was born, but Dresmondi didn't know it and if any Eldouir did then they hadn't publicized the very real possibility that this entire affair was actually someone's (Hiram) sick idea of a birthday party.
In the past the Eldouirs had opened the gates of Elderkeep and allowed the Dresmondi to journey to Temple Eldouir, formerly the Cave of Names, to present their tribute. This year, however, the gates remained closed, and it was made known to all that they would bring their tributes to the Eldouir Estate. It was the Eldouir's home's gates that were open, and all Dresmondi were welcome to enter into that front courtyard that was normally the site of military training. The military that the Eldouir had trained up was stationed at the gates and around the courtyard, ensuring none would travel where they shouldn't, ready and eager to strike down their own people should the opportunity arise. They were the savage dogs the Eldouir had trained them to be, chomping at the bit for violence and bloodshed.
At the back of the courtyard, giving room for a good number of Dresmondi to be present but not in the way, an altar had been erected. It was made of thick wood and earth, sturdy enough for a grown man to be slaughtered upon it without breaking. And perhaps one would be.
Just behind the altar, closest to it, were the thrones of the queens; only now it was @adeline who sat next to Elena rather than @myla . Hiram stood not far behind them, back leaned against the estate, arms crossed over his chest.
Elena was currently twirling a lock of her long, beautiful hair around her finger. Her expression was bored as she looked upon the Dresmondi that was offering a golden bracelet she had found. When the Dresmondi finished her presentation, Elena reached out a hand and the bracelet flew from the woman's grip to the Eldouir's. She ran her eyes over it for a considering moment before turning to Adeline and saying,
"The pattern would look better on you." She tossed the bracelet to the other woman, then waved a dismissive hand to the Dresmondi. It was with a quiet yelp of relief that she moved towards the Eldouir who was branding those whose tributes were sufficient. She took the press of the heated iron with tears of joy. She had survived another year.
Elena moved her lazy eyes over the small, growing crowd of Dresmondi.
"Next?"
GUIDELINES:
- In a single reply, post a) your character approaching the altar, b) the talking, if they do, and c) the presentation of their tribute.NO OTHER CHARACTER SHOULD BRING A TRIBUTE UNTIL THE PRESENTING DRESMONDI'S EXCHANGE IS FINISHED.* Others can reply and narrate their characters watching/waiting/reacting, but please note that no one else would bring up a tribute until the one that has just been offered has been received or rejected.
- The priority characters who may post back and forth without heeding any posting order (unless I tap you in DMs) is the Dresmondi currently presenting their tribute and the Eldouir. If you play a Dresmondi that is not presenting a tribute in that moment then you can still reply but your replies should be scarce.