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!
Post by Odina Ellis on Sept 20, 2022 19:52:24 GMT -5
Tara had began to feel nervous as people arrived and spotted her with her three girls, eyes seemed to linger on her longer than she liked. This would be the first time since her true discovery that she had been out in any form under the public eye she was scanning for one very particular face: Rosamere Osxiano. She knew though any Morrigan that knew of her existence was prone to see her and that would mean a great deal of explaining.
Lost in her head she was a little surprised when a woman, Edith Byron, she remembered her the first time she met the Morrigan family, but her family also approached who she hadn't met and didn't know, so in a copied fashion from Kennet she smiled grabbing her dress skirt fingers trembling as her heart began to race, "Oh... Oh thank you very much, Gunne Morrigan right?" she replied but it was Lyra who was the most flattered and Vekka rolled her eyes thinking to herself that Lyra just might float away with the big head.
"Very nice to meet you Lord Cortell, I'm Odina these are my girls," she tapped first Vekka, "Vekka, this is P'ol," the little girl finally waived but at the other children. Lyra introduced herself with a small curtsey, "My name is Lyra, and you young man if you say yess will be my first dance partner?"
"Get a rope so you can tie her down, hate to see her float away," Vekka retorted and received a pinch on the back of her arm by Odina, "Excuse her her Cambrian nature makes her snappy. It's been a while since I've seen you."
Last Edit: Sept 20, 2022 20:28:49 GMT -5 by Odina Ellis
Post by Valeria Delaney on Sept 21, 2022 4:12:36 GMT -5
Valeria give a soft smile at @catalina when she said her dress was nice. It felt like those words took longer than it needed to be. However, with it being the young prince's birthday she won't mention anything. "Thank you. You are very kind." Val being the present woman.
" nice to meet you Catalina, I am Valeria Delaney. " She thought a bit about how.many events she been to over the years. "I have been to a few over the years, like I seen the king at a few of them haven't had the honour of talking to him yet." Like her dad have spoken to the king, but maybe one day Val have the honour of speaking to him. After all her husband help guard him and his family.
Post by Edith Byron on Sept 21, 2022 6:21:27 GMT -5
Gunne had approached Odina Ellis, telling her her daughter's dresses were lovely. The woman knew this lady was family, but had never had a decent conversation with her, a little lost as to how they were related, but what did it matter? It was the prince's party and she was here to socialise. "Yes, you are correct", she said with a nod of her head as a courtesy.
She smiled when Romulo Cortell introduced herself and Ruben complimented Lyra's dress. Even though he was 5, he didn't seem to mind complimenting a 17-year-old. The girl introduced herself and asked Ruben to be her first dance partner. A wide smile appeared on the little boy's face as he nodded. "Of course, please!" he said.
There seemed to be some tension between the older daughters and Odina excuses herself on Vekka's behalf. "That's quite alright", she said, turning to Vekka. "Don't worry, you'll also find a dance partner." She winked, not caring whether her remark would calm the girl down or fuel her snappy nature even more. She then turned to Odina again. "It has indeed been a while. How are you?"
[whoops excuse me for messing up their names and the amount of daughters in my previous post]
Post by Romulo Cortell on Sept 21, 2022 9:00:15 GMT -5
To say that hearing his son complimenting a 17-year-old dress made Romulo smile. He love seeing his son confidence grow and grow every single day. Like he has both Cortell and Morrigan blood in him, so there is both power and charms within his blood. He softly give his son's shoulder a small squeeze. Motioning him ti gi and dance. Ruben bowed his head softly towards Lyla, "My lady." As he offer her his hand. Romulo did blink a bit smooth man, smooth.
He turned to the young girl. "Lady Vekka, I am sure by the end of the night there be a queue of follows asking for your hand to dance." He smiled. Little Timea stayed by when she noticed a little boy (Tybalt Zane ) walking around she pulled at her dad and he walked with her to the young by. "Hello there young sir, where your family?" His little girl just waved at him softly.
In possession of a magical necklace that wards off offensive magic attacks against him, a ring that allows him to suppress magic, and can turn into werewolf at will.
Post by Cassian Rainecourt on Sept 21, 2022 13:22:50 GMT -5
Cassian turned at the call. He didn't recognize the name, but he knew his son's voice. Though surely most of the kingdom doubted it, Cassian loved Cass. But he didn't scoop the boy up as he approached. He only smiled, that small expression that was easily missed on his stoic face, and then set a hand to pat the boy's shoulder twice as he came alongside him.
"Good evening, son." Cassian said, watching the way his boy's eyes moved over the sea. He would give him everything if he could. Starting with this ship. His attention was drawn by the voice of Iliana. Her beauty was captivating, and Cassian, but a man in this moment, was thoroughly taken by the sight of her. To think that the last time she had invited him to her room she had denied her. A burning passion grew deep in his stomach in that moment, and only a hint of it leaked into his eyes.
"My queen," he returned, bowing, before opening his hand to her. If she took it he would bring her to the railing to stand with them, only Regan Lassiter still lurking close by, long forgotten. His eyes flickered over her face, his lips still bent into a slight smile. "You put the other women to shame." He told her softly, quiet enough that even little Cass could not hear it.
When the last guest had crossed the plank it would be removed, a bell would ring, and the sailors about them--all soldiers, dressed impeccably-- would set the ship to sail.
Post by Regan Lassiter on Sept 23, 2022 4:54:33 GMT -5
While other soldiers mingled, chatting here and there, Regan did not. Instead, she lingered—just far away from Cassian Rainecourt to not be conspicuous, but close enough she could be called upon if needed. Regan was a notoriously awkward being, a fact that was usually on full display at anything remotely resembling a social event. Grant could more than attest to that, as could anyone who had seen her toss back champagne at a Delaney gathering while tied into an ill-fitting dress. This, blessedly, was a different affair entirely. Regan wasn’t there to socialize. She wasn’t there to look like anything other than what she was: on duty.
As @iliana approached, Regan faded a little further into the background. She had to actively fight her inclination to hover where Cassian was concerned. Whatever pull it was the bite had awakened was powerful, frustrating, and terribly inconvenient. It wasn’t the jealous burning of a crush, it was need at war with circumstance. It was a desire for closeness that fought with the necessity for distance, a feeling of sameness that contrasted with the chasm of difference between them. She told herself this was all part of learning to rein in the beast. Regan did believe that, even if it didn’t make the immediate present any easier. She stood back to watch the scene: the way the queen seemed to glisten in the sun, the way Cassian looked at her in captivation, the way he smiled down at—
The boy.
Regan’s brow furrowed. Something…something was different. Regan couldn’t place it, but it was powerful enough to make her freeze mid-motion. It was protectiveness, one that nearly compelled her to step forward and move Iliana aside. It was different than what drew her to Cassian. This was like the need for a mother to protect her young, or a dog to protect its master, or somewhere in between. What—
Regan blinked, clearing her head, gaze leaving the trio and focusing on the sea.
Last Edit: Sept 24, 2022 0:12:50 GMT -5 by Regan Lassiter
Cass was always his happiest with both his parents there. It wasn't that he preferred one over the other, even if when he wasn't feeling well he called for his mother, but he longed for them both when he wasn't with them. It just so happened that Cassian was the one usually away more often. So in these times, Cass would linger close to his father. Just like Iliana, he was captivated by the ocean, something the two didn't get to see in Lorendale. It seemed endless at times.
Naturally, Iliana's hand slipped into Cassian Rainecourt's. Moving to stand beside Cassian as their son lingered at the spot on the other side of him. She was sure in that moment that both mother and son had the same look of awe shining in their eyes as they stared over the railing. Yet it would be Cassian's comment that drew her back to him. It was only then that she caught the shimmer in his eyes that was slightly different than usual. Her eyes flickering between his and cheeks turning pink. Then the dress had done what it had intended... or perhaps it wasn't the dress at all.
His smile was the biggest part of that compliment. "Than I match you truly," she gave him that warm smile she had, "As you eclipse the other's." Her hand tightening in his before she'd move to place it on the railing. Watching, as the last guest boarded, that the pushed away from the docks and set off into the night. Cass pointed at the moving shoreline, excitement dancing in those hazel eyes. "Papa, will we get to see the castle from the ocean?!" His voice, while not loud, was filled with hope and excitement. Looking up to him, he was grinning brightly.
In possession of a magical necklace that wards off offensive magic attacks against him, a ring that allows him to suppress magic, and can turn into werewolf at will.
Post by Cassian Rainecourt on Sept 26, 2022 13:16:58 GMT -5
Cassian looked down at Cass. It was a shame the boy spent most of his days in Lorendale instead of Nevermere. That would change once he came under Cassian's wing, of course, but for now the king felt a kind of sadness that his son didn't know the ocean as well as he did. Perhaps, in time, things would change. He would like to see Iliana at the castle more, too. With her new direction, however, he doubted that would be the case. If anything, it was likely he would see her here less.
"We already can." He said, taking the boy by the shoulders and turning his body. The docks were close to the castle, and as the boat moved from the shore they could observe as the great grey, towering structure grew smaller. He'd pat Cass' back before releasing him. Then,
"You will see a great many thing in this vessel in the years to come. This ship is yours, son."
Post by Augustus Rainecourt on Sept 26, 2022 14:04:54 GMT -5
Augustus arrived a touch later than intended. He’d started off the morning with a brief spat with his wife, Phaedra Rainecourt-Marx, and had spent the carriage ride over putting his sour mood behind him. Both were skilled at performing the happy couple, even when that happiness seemed a farcical memory. He arrived with his three sons—Augustus Maximus, Atticus, and Antonius—in tow. All were well-groomed and sporting Lorendale maroons and golds; icons of their homeland. Augustus appeared in similarly patriotic regalia as if calling attention to the Nevermereaness of the whole affair.
His gift was an extravagant one: a broad sword of exceptional make, courtesy of his connections to Arynn Frey. It was housed in a maroon leather and gold inlaid scabbard, and its pommel was a lion’s head crafted out of shining gold. It was a fine thing, far more lavish than necessary, considering the distance of their connection.
Augustus would mingle with typical joviality. He’d keep one eye on his niece, hoping to catch her attention so he could give her and the foreign king his regards.
Post by Odina Ellis on Sept 29, 2022 16:56:19 GMT -5
Vekka made a puking like noise at the statements of potential men boy dancers, "Women would have a better chance, right Mom?" Vekka quipped which got a stern look from Odina before Lyra lightly pushed her sister toward the direction of offered food, "Go on Vekka stuff that mouth with food and drink yes."
It wasn't really a question or suggestion to deny as Lyra took the little boys offered hand heading to the dance floor, Vekka after confirmation from Odina that it was okay pulled her dress up high enough to reveal heavy black boots and stomped away to go eat. Odina nervously pulling at the dress she wore, "Is the rest of the family here? Rosa?"
Post by Edith Byron on Sept 30, 2022 12:22:43 GMT -5
Women would have a better chance? Gunne wasn't sure what the girl meant by it but decided not to ask. She chuckled softly as her sister told her to go stuff her mouth with food.
With a smile on her face she followed Ruben with her eyes as Lyria took him with her to the dancefloor. The boy was beaming even though it was a family member he was dancing with. Vekka then took off, leaving the women and Romulo behind. Then Odina Ellis asked a question Gunne couldn't reply to with the truth, as it wasn't her place to decide who could know about Rosa's disappearance and who couldn't. "I haven't seen anyone yet", she replied. "Maybe Keelan will come, but I'm not sure." She hadn't noticed that Keelan had been there but had went home again soon after seeing Regan. She had noticed Regan though, standing close to the royal couple, and felt the same disgust towards her that she had felt when she saw her in the palace court. She didn't forgive her for how she had treated Keelan, but she paid less attention to the woman now after she had spoken with her brother at dinner. "Your girls are very different from each other", she smiled. "Vekka seems like a feisty one."
Arynnite armor: The armor have two states: active and inactive. When inactive, they look like little more than ornate metal bracers, easily ignored. When triggered, the armor covers Tybalt and serves as an exoskeleton. It will protect its wearer from physical damage and is practically indestructible.
The armor has a certain "preprogrammed" purpose which is to protect its host. To do so, it reacts to heightened emotional states such as fear and anger, at which point the armor will trigger regardless of whether or not Tybalt wants it to or even if he's immediately aware of the threat. It has some degree of awareness and sentience although very basic and one which struggles to differentiate between enemies and friends. Whilst not actually in possession of a will, the armor can guide or direct its host in a specific action, much like a reflex.
The armor needs to be "fed" as Tybalt has discovered meaning that he must hold and absorb through touch certain metals such as steel, copper, iron and tin, a process which takes a few minutes. Without which, the armor will begin to weaken and become less effective until no longer able to manifest.
Perhaps its greatest weakness is that if being consistently bashed or beaten, it would begin to repair itself by using parts of the armor from elsewhere. For instance, if the wearer is being consistently hit in the chest, the armor will begin to pool away from other parts of their body such as the feet and hands, leaving them vulnerable.
With Trinity successfully guarding the prince, at least until she got bored, Tybalt felt confident enough to go and look for his son.
The boat was moderately crowded and he didn't want to appear panicked and potentially spook others. So he didn't start running around like a headless chicken. Instead the man moved cautiously, with an open eye in search of any trace of the boy. He couldn't have gone far but that didn't necessarily mean that he wouldn't have found the time to get himself into one form of trouble or another.
Having been stopped by Romulo Cortell, Tobey would glance towards the Cambrians he had been approaching before abruptly remembering those manners that his parents always been so keen to instill in him. He would greet the stranger with a small bow. "Hello Sir." He didn't know the man. "I wanted to go and talk to the Cambrians." As if to reinforce the point, the boy raised his hand and pointed towards the nearby group. As he spoke, he wore a beaming smile devoid of mischief which promised that butter wouldn't melt in his mouth. "I had something to say to them, see." Having explained himself, the child would attempt to side-step the man who had stopped him to continue on his way over towards Odina Ellis.
Post by Odina Ellis on Oct 2, 2022 10:48:26 GMT -5
Deep inside she hoped to find Rosa, it hurt her heart a little to think about so when Gunne changed the subject to her children Odina was pleased. Distraction.
"I have met few that can match her fire I know that, but yes their each very different," she looked toward Lyra dancing with the young boy a proper lady of Nevermere she thought, "Lyra has really grown accustomed to Nevermere, she's my sweetest by far and I think when she stays here she will do great things," then she looked at Vekka who was eating straight from the table and not making a plate, "Vekka is a warrior and our fiercest protector, her edges are rough but I blame that on her Father. Then this one," Odina patted P'ol on the top of her head gently, "Shy as all get out but has a split personality of both her sister's, but also a lot of Van Zant too."
Little Cassian turned to look up at castle as they slowly pulled away from it. All the light shining in his eyes told Iliana that there was so much promise ahead of the young boy. A lot of pressure and weight to be carried on his shoulders, but he had his mother and father there to help slowly build that weight. To help shoulder it for as long as they could. That was what Iliana believed, that they would let him have the weight of the two kingdoms when he had become strong enough to do so.
A small panic rose in her, because she knew eventually, that he'd be pulled more from her. That as a successful ruling king now for many years, Cassian Rainecourt would want to start having his son shadow him. She wanted it as well, but she also didn't want to see that brightness be pushed out of him too soon. She wanted him to be able to laugh and run amongst the gardens and play... It was a foolish motherly desire, but she hoped to protect that time for him whenever she could.
Iliana was dragged back to the present as their son whipped his head back to look up at Cassian with that toothy grin. "Really?!" His hands grabbed hold of the railing with surprising strength then, as if he was going to hoist himself up to stand upon the thin rail. But instead, he just brought himself closer to it. "I love it," he let out a small laugh before he settled, "Thank you papa." Iliana realized it then, that he was saying papa instead of 'father'. Her heart squeezed, knowing that he had picked it up from her calling her own father that. A faint smile lingered as she stepped forward and took her son's hand. "I'm sure there will be plenty of time to sail the ocean in Nevermere." She said, her eyes looking back to Cassian, an understanding there that the ship was to be used and not just sit in the harbor.
She'd give him a smile, before her eyes glanced over the crowd and she spotted @august and Phaedra Rainecourt-Marx, her eyes softening as she dipped her head in acknowledgement. And in a way, welcoming him and the others to start forward. As the royal family, they were lucky to have even the moment they did together before duty called...
Post by Augustus Rainecourt on Oct 4, 2022 11:07:39 GMT -5
Augustus, interpreting his niece’s nod, stepped forward with the gift he’d brought. He’d expect Phaedra Rainecourt-Marx to follow, their sons otherwise occupied by the other children at the festivities. Boys would be boys, and though they knew better than to misbehave, that didn’t mean they wouldn’t engage in a little mischief. It was a birthday party, after all. What harm was there in some fun?
“Your majesty,” Augustus dipped in a bow before approaching and kissing his niece on the cheek, “Radiant as ever.” He looked at @iliana with fatherly pride, as if he alone were responsible for the beautiful woman before him. “And you, young man,” Augustus said, warmly clapping Cass on the shoulder, “Looking more a king every day. You better watch out for this one,” Augustus glanced at Iliana with a playful twinkle in his eye, “I hear Rainecourt boys are a handful. Not that I’d know anything about that myself.” He winked at Cass before handing over his gift to the young prince.
“A weapon befitting a Lorendale royal.” Yes, Lorendale. The comment was no mistake, and he was happy to make it within earshot of Cassian. It was only then he’d look at Cassian Rainecourt acknowledging him with a smile and a nod.