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!
Pulling his knees up to his chest, he crossed his arms across them and rested his chin on top. "I sincerely hope he will help us, otherwise I've wasted so much time by coming here." He shook his head slightly, realizing it was probably the first time he'd been honest about his frustration with someone here. He felt Rune's concern over his words, but he brushed it aside. He was tired of constantly filtering himself. "But I will certainly share all I can with the King or whoever when the time comes, no worries there."
He turned his head to the side, looking at Ber as he contemplated how to answer his question. Deciding it was up to Kezia to tell others about her second dyr, he went with her original element only. "Lightning. But the last I heard from her she was planning to travel to Arynn Frey to speak with the other Dresmondi there, see if we can rally them to fight for their home."
Sighing, he stretched his legs out once again before climbing to his feet and offering a hand to help Ber up off the ground. "Perhaps I'll take you up on that, but I'll wait to see if the King or anyone speaks to me first so I don't step on anyone's toes."
“If it was my call,” Ber said simply, his gaze finding Zevran’s as they both sat there. He had caught a note of frustration, perhaps resentment, in the Dresmondi’s tone, but he could hardly fault him for it. “We already would’ve agreed to help you.” The seeds for the sentiment had been planted that night at the tavern, and over the course of the week, they had taken root and sprouted into the truth that he now surprised himself by speaking. And only as the words left his mouth did he realize how much he wanted to help. Ber hardly considered himself a generous person, not like Temperance, but he thought he understood now how it felt to look at someone, see their hardships, and want to offer them aid because he had the ability to help.
He certainly knew how it felt to be overlooked and left to struggle alone.
The revelation of the other Dresmondi’s element and plans had him nodding. “I hope she can.” If they went to war, not only would other Dresmondi boost their numbers, but they would have control of the elements just like the Eldouir’s army. Perhaps they could help counter whatever elemental magic was thrown at them?
When Zevran offered his hand, Ber took it with a small smile, pulling himself up so that he stood beside him. “Thanks.” He nodded at the accompanying statement, agreeing, “Yeah, that sounds good.” A pause as he considered the other man, whose understandable frustration at the king’s delay with announcing a verdict seemed clearer now that he had caught a glimpse of it before. “Punching stuff helps,” Ber advised awkwardly, an apparent non-sequitur. He offered clarification a moment later. “With being irritated at something.” Another brief pause. “Or someone.” At least it did with him.
Zevran's features softened a bit at Ber's words and he offered the man a fond smile. "I appreciate that, more than you could know." He paused for a moment to study Ber, his eyes trailing over the man's body appreciatively, and not for the first time since they'd been spending time together. If it hadn't been for Aly's horrified reaction when he mentioned sleeping with other men, perhaps he would already be trying his luck for more than just friendly sparring sessions.
'Let it be.' The sharp reminder from Rune shook him from his thoughts and he worked to keep the grimace off his face. He'd just occupy himself with one of the many willing women in the palace tonight then.
Focusing back on Ber and what he was saying, Zevran chuckled. "You don't seem like someone who is often upset at things. But I'll keep that in mind. I think I'll be spending a lot more time out here on the training grounds anyway."
A smile rose to Ber’s face at Zevran’s chuckle, and he lifted one shoulder in a sheepish shrug. “Yeah, well,” He said, by way of explanation. On the whole, perhaps Zevran was right, but there were always exceptions. “You’re cool, but some people just…” He shook his head, thoughts drifting toward a few individuals who had a talent for getting on his nerves. “Being irritating comes naturally to them. And it’s less trouble to hit a punching bag than it is them.” A lot less trouble. After a moment, he waved his hand, not wanting to linger on the topic or thoughts of unpleasant experiences with annoying people. At least not when he was in, overall, a relatively good mood from having enjoyed the time spent with Zevran.
“Oh yeah?” Another grin accompanied his words. Even if they only saw each other in passing outside of the times that they arranged to spar, Ber was happy to hear that the Dresmondi would probably be spending more time in the military wing. It meant that Zevran would be that much more prepared to fight when— if they declared war on the Eldouir. “Maybe I should show you around a bit then, so you know where everything is.” He shrugged, glancing around. They were clearly done sparring, but he was unsure if Zevran had other plans or people to meet; Ber didn’t want to hold him up. “If you’ve got time for a quick tour. Got anything else you’re doing today?”
He smiled back at Ber, "Well yeah, I have to do something with myself here. Before I end up getting into trouble." He winked at Ber and felt the eyeroll from Rune, which only made his grin spread wider. 'You're insufferable,' Rune sneezed from Zevran's feet. He kept his eyes on Ber, wholly ignoring his dyr's comments.
He shook his head and motioned for Ber to lead the way, "I'd appreciate seeing everything. I mostly want to stay out of the military's way. I don't want to be a bother for anyone."
Ber smirked. “The trick isn’t avoiding trouble,” He pointed out, ever the street rat turned soldier. “It’s not getting caught.” This was, admittedly, difficult to accomplish in a castle that only seemed to sleep in the dead of night. But he had learned which officers were more lenient than others when it came to forgiving lines that had been crossed, and that could make all the difference. A moment passed before he remembered the full implications of Zevran’s situation, and he conceded, “Though I guess the king probably wouldn’t be too happy with that advice.”
But as the other man gestured him forward, Ber took the lead willingly enough and began to show the newcomer around the halls and courtyards and training grounds that had been his home for the past couple years. The tour was undoubtedly colored by his own experiences and opinions, but he made an effort to be thorough. Conversation flowed naturally from one topic to the next as they walked, and Ber was gratified to find that though he may have come from a different kingdom, Zevran was easy to talk to. They agreed upon a regular sparring routine, and when they eventually parted ways, Ber found himself tentatively hoping that this would be the start of a great friendship.