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 Tallis Scorza on Dec 15, 2022 12:30:33 GMT -5
[ For @oriana ]
The Scorzas had much to celebrate.
Tallis had never felt so alive. The Acorzas had been buried in history’s coffin and made to live in the dark. But now, finally, they were starting to dig toward the surface. It would be painful, excruciatingly so, but Tallis was convinced that soon they’d breathe again. Soon they’d see the light. She could feel it in her bones.
So, in the spirit of celebration and in advance of their dinner with Gannon Albrecht, Tallis decided a new frock was called for. Cezar doted on her but she rarely doted on herself. Today, she decided to make an exception. With the cold autumna wind nipping at her nose, Tallis entered the little shop looking rosy-cheeked and lively, particularly for one who carried rot in her fingers.
If the shopkeeper was not immediately visible, Tallis would wander about the room until she spotted her. When she did, Tallis would greet her with a bouyant smile and a polite hello.
Last Edit: Dec 15, 2022 12:31:17 GMT -5 by Tallis Scorza
The Perfect Fit had been Oriana's second home for so long, despite it not being her own, she had grown slightly attached. It's reputation was important to her, or maybe it was the money and compliments she received, or that the better clients they brought in the more beautiful she could make her own clothes.
Either way when the poised woman came through the door, Oriana's eyes lit up. Perfect.
Curtsying, Oriana smiled right back. "Afternoon my lady, how can I assist you today?" Smoothing down her skirt, the woman looked like she wouldn't be a waste of time, and wasn't immediately demanding, all pluses.
Post by Tallis Scorza on Dec 15, 2022 21:02:10 GMT -5
Tallis turned to see a pretty little shopkeeper, one as fine as any gown hung up in her shop. She dipped her head in acknowledgment of the curtsy before her eyes drifted to the garments on display. Tallis found herself lost in the greens and blues and golds. Window dressing, she thought. Things of beauty to wrap oneself in so that their skin might feel a little more worthy. Perhaps on principle, Tallis was against such things, but for now, she’d make an exception.
“My husband and I are having a dinner party of sorts,” She said, finally looking back at Oriana, “I’d like to surprise him. Wear something to catch his eye.” It was a charade so deeply engrained it was as easy as breathing. One might even say it ceased to be a charade at all.
Oriana noticed the fabrics that drew the woman's eyes. Observation skills were key in her line of work, and keeping her clients pleased was a great way to increase her pay. And really there wasn't much more of a point in working otherwise, not like this would be her entire life or anything, too sad of a thought for sure.
"Well I dare say you could wear anything to catch his eye unless he's blind my lady." Smiling she had plenty of great ideas already swirling, one's that would fit her complexion quite well. "How quick is the dress needed?" An important question to ask before getting started.
Post by Tallis Scorza on Dec 21, 2022 16:32:48 GMT -5
Tallis smiled bashfully, tucking a stray curl behind hear ear. She wasn’t unaware of her beauty; like anything else, her looks were a tool to be used when necessary. It was just not a tool that she valued as much her others.
“Two or three days time, to be safe,” Tallis replied, “I’m not sure how long these things usually take, but I’ll happily compensate you for any rushing you’d have to do on my account.”
Oriana smiled, so this was a beautiful and rich new client. Well this was just her lucky day. Would make her dresses look good and she'd get paid a little extra. Absolute wins in her book. "As long as we pick from fabrics I already have and coin isn't an issue, three days will be no problem."
It wouldn't be entirely limiting, especially since she could always tell someone else the unfortunate news that there dress would be a little late. Money talked, and a little extra coin spoke wonders to Oriana. "Did anything catch your eye in particular?"
Post by Tallis Scorza on Jan 3, 2023 22:19:38 GMT -5
“Hmm…” Tallis’s eyes scanned the fabrics once again before her eyes fell on one in particular. She started to walk over it as if she were a moth drawn to a flame. Her fingers ran across the emerald silk as if it were a thing of affection.
“Green is something of a family color,” Tallis mused idly, “No need for crests or banners anymore, so perhaps a dress will do.”
Oriana smiled at the woman's good taste. "That color will compliment you so well. Some gold and black trimmings..." Trailing off she moved around grabbing some black lace, golden threads and a few other tasteful ornaments.
"So family colors and a husband, what man managed to snag such a beautiful woman?" Waving her over towards the fitting area, the seamstress raised an eyebrow. It was always interesting to hear the stories ladies came up with to swallow the fact their father traded them for something essentially.
Post by Tallis Scorza on Jan 16, 2023 14:56:42 GMT -5
Tallis’s eyes followed Oriana appreciatively. She was not a lustful creature. Neither man nor woman had ever caught her eye in a way that sparked heat in her gaze. But if one didn’t know better, they might think Tallis’s interest was something more intense than the admiration of the beautiful piece of art the dressmaker was.
“I was never going to fit the mold of a typical Lorendale wife; never suited to complete man who wanted a woman to tend to his needs. For better or worse, I’m poured from a different cast,” Tallis said with a sigh, “I was lucky enough to find a rare one made to fit. A man as strangely and uniquely made.” Her affection for him would be evident in her tone and features. She was the perfect picture of a smitten bride without needing to feign it.
Oriana was extraordinarily jealous of the life that this woman seemed to have. A man who didn't expect her to be anything but what she was. Now that was rare, even in Lorendale. Most men were too wrapped up in their egos, which was honestly a shame, they missed a lot that way.
"So you were the one who snagged him, what a wonderful twist my lady." What a lofty dream that she would never have. Because as much as she would attempt to manipulate, she wasn't technically a lady. And that could make all the difference in getting what you wanted. "I haven't seen you around, did I steal you away from another seamstress or are you knew around here?"
Post by Tallis Scorza on Jan 18, 2023 15:35:01 GMT -5
Tallis smiled, eyes sparkling as if Oriana had said something terribly funny. Yes, it was a twist wasn’t it? Hardly the most surprising one in the life Cezar and Tallis had built together. She watched the woman weave about her shop, feeling positively blissful. Tallis was a creature of high highs and low lows. There’d been far too many lows for her liking, so she planned to ride her post-Baldovino euphoria as long as she could.
“You’ll find I’m entirely unattached,” Tallis answered playfully, “My husband and I have been doing more business in Loren as of late. I’m not much of a city girl myself, so it's been a bit of an adjustment. Though an interesting one."
"Unattached and unsure about the city? Mademoiselle you've come to the right place." Laughing she winked at the lady, settling into an easy energy. This woman certainly wasn't like others, and it made it so much easier to keep a smile up. Most ladies were boring, teaching music lessons or being a wife. Clearly this woman had ambitions, it was beautiful to see on occasion.
Pulling out her measuring tape and notebook she looked up with a demur smile. "There are plenty of interesting places in the city. You just need a better guide."
Post by Tallis Scorza on Jan 19, 2023 13:44:26 GMT -5
Tallis smirked. She’d come in for a dress, but perhaps she’d leave with so much more. Yes, she was in the business of upsetting the establishment, but there was no reason that a revolutionary couldn’t have friends. Especially ones as delightful as this young woman seemed to be.
“And what is it that entertains a woman of your good taste?” Tallis countered with a smile of her own, “I’d imagine nothing as dull as what I’ve seen thus far.”
With a tinkling laugh, Oriana ducked her head with a blush in her cheeks. This was fun, and certainly a lot better than working on any of the dresses she had been putting off. "I'm glad I've made a good impression thus far."
Tapping her chin as if in thought, a smile spread as if a lightbulb had gone off. "Well there is this place, House of the Blessed. It's not everyone taste, need an open mind." And it would be a way to get Kiana more clients which was all the better.
Post by Tallis Scorza on Jan 22, 2023 14:23:48 GMT -5
Tallis smiled when Oriana laughed, one that crinkled the corners of her eyes. She was an enchanting little thing. More sophisticated, it would seem, than your run-of-the-mill dressmaker.
“An open mind, eh?” Tallis said with a smirk, “I believe that’s something I can come with.” She reached out her hand, eyes fixed on Oriana with a mischievous sparkle. “Tallis.” She offered only her first name, just as Oriana had done. There was no need for surnames, anyway. Tallis had a feeling they were going to be good, good friends.