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!
For years, Lorendale had been inching toward the precipice of open conflict. Now, that slow crawl was gathering speed into an all-out run.
Word of Felicity’s audience with the queen had spread like wildfire. Even Simon, who for days now had been sequestered in his study, heard of the encounter just as the wheels of Felicity’s carriage had started to steer themselves toward Birkhall. Kelton, ever the faithful assistant, was sent to gather details and construct a rough, largely unbiased account of what transpired.
Simon didn’t dally. He gathered some papers and books and set off for Birkhall. He was no stranger to the estate. Shray, his late sister, was one of Felicity’s contemporaries. As they traveled the route, Simon’s thoughts turned to his sister. The familiar sorrow and anger welled up inside him, though now, a new emotion entered the mix.
Sympathy. Understanding.
At least Shray had proven herself to be a woman of action. They’d all be sitting on their hands, letting old wounds fester though on the surface they’d appeared to heal. The circumstances of Baldovino’s death had proven that that rot ran deeper than they’d realized. That they were all in danger. All it took was one gifted to take matters into their own hands. If they—whoever they were—were starting to pick of nobles like flies…who would be next? How could any of them be safe?
The carriage came to a halt before Birkhall. Kelton, who as always accompanied him, guided him down the steps and into the manor. The servant would set off to inform Felicity of his unexpected arrival. Should she agree to meet him, Simon would be led to wherever it was Felicity could be found.
Post by Felicity Zane on Jan 7, 2023 7:23:52 GMT -5
Felicity was out on the grounds, planted under the willow that cast shade over her mother’s grave, weeping bitterly. Bitterly because her soldiers had been taken. Bitterly because her confidence in her queen was shaken. Bitter because all Tybalt saw when he looked at her was a delusional, broken woman. Her world was falling apart, a victim of gifteds and politics, and she didn’t know what to do. She didn’t know who to turn to.
The servant that approached to inform her of the duke’s arrival slowed and waited, hands clasped behind his back. He hated to keep their esteemed guest waiting, but Simon had been taken to a sitting room and was being served tea and biscuits. The servant hated to interrupt his master as she mourned even more, so he didn’t.
“Guide me.” Felicity whispered fervently. She had never heard from her mother here, but she never stopped trying. Trinidad has been a thorn to Felicity in her life, but her death had nearly unraveled her emotionally fragile daughter.
“Tell me what to do. I don’t,” she took a gasping, shaking breath, “I don’t know what to do.” She was on her knees, and she swept her eyes in a frantic arc and saw her visitor from her peripheral vision. She immediately sprang to her feet and dashed the tears at her cheeks.
“Forgive me, my lady.” The servant sincerely murmured. “The Advisor of War, Duke Mikaels, has called upon you.”
Felicity felt cold. No doubt the queen had sent him to…perhaps take her title. Or reprimand her in some way. Whatever the consequence, Felicity did not regret what she had done. What had she done? Cried out to the monarchy to help. There was nothing wrong with that. The public appeal kept the matter from being something Iliana could sweep under the rug. What would she do with it?
With a nod the servant quickly returned to the house, and Felicity made the rather extensive trek back to the lavish estate that was Birkhall.
She was still dressed as a marshal, and she held her head high with the pride she felt.
When she entered the sitting room she bowed to Simon, her gaze distant.
“Duke Mikaels. You are welcome here.” She was too polished to jump right to business. She would move to take a seat.
Post by Simon Mikaels on Jan 7, 2023 14:20:02 GMT -5
Simon had been served tea and biscuits but had touched neither. Kelton had started to pour his mentor a cup of tea, however once Simon heard the clink of the saucer he gruffly declined and asked to be left alone. Shray hadn’t quite left his thoughts and was stuck there like a pricking thorn.
He waited. The patchy darkness in his eyes revealed nothing of his surroundings. It showed only a foggy vision of the past his mind had tired to retain like water in cupped hands.
The click of the door signaled Felicity’s entry. Simon would not see her attire, nor her tear-stained cheeks, nor the bow she would bend in his direction. He heard only her footsteps and the practiced poise of her tone.
“A pleasure, my lady, as always.” Simon inclined his head in her direction then felt for his seat again, his cane propped up beside him.
Simon hesitated, not entirely sure where to begin. He was not here in his official capacity—not really. Simon had no clear agenda, other than, he supposed, to confirm what it was he’d heard. The same sentiments that had tugged at the edges of his mind ever since he’d started putting the pieces of his proposal together.
“It’s been a long time,” Simon finally decided on.
Post by Felicity Zane on Jan 26, 2023 6:41:31 GMT -5
Of course he couldn’t see her now, but it would have been inappropriate not to. Felicity had admired him when he’d had his sight, but once he grew blind he became something uncomfortable that she didn’t quite know how to manage. It wasn’t often that you came across a blind nobleman with such power in a kingdom.
“I was grieved to hear of the loss of your sister.” She returned softly, a true statement, even if that grief had been accompanied by a slew of other things. Confusion. Disbelief. Shray as an anti gifted organizer was no surprise. As a child murderer and victim of a witch? Or had it been a gifted? Funny how no official statement about the incident had circulated. Everything was just rumor, but a marchioness was dead.
Post by Simon Mikaels on Jan 29, 2023 20:12:48 GMT -5
Simon’s expression, which was normally a mask of perfect composure, did something very strange. It was as if someone had stabbed him in the chest and all muscles in his face had contracted with the impact. It was surprise, twisted with a touch of pain. It was quickly smoothed over, but for several moments he couldn’t speak.
Because nobody had grieved Shray; nobody but him, and he’d done so alone. There’d been no funeral with public morning or condolences from those close to them. No body was brought home to bury. Just an empty chair at the table for a dinner guest no one wanted. Not anymore. The rumors around her were too toxic to touch.
“Thank you,” Simon said, emotion weighing heavily in his voice, “She was—” A betrayer of her kingdom? A violent radical? A misled martyr? No. “Too young.” Simon eventually said.
Silence started to settle, and on realizing this Simon quickly moved to fill it. “It’s important for you to know, my lady, I’m not here in my official capacity. Whatever thoughts I have to share, they are my own, and not necessarily reflective of that of her majesty's government.” Simon paused to allow Felicity to respond.
Post by Felicity Zane on Jan 30, 2023 13:17:27 GMT -5
Felicity saw the expression on Simon’s face, and she was ashamed my glad in that moment that he was blind, for her own expression changed to almost mirror it. It was empathy. His pain, his shame—she felt them for a spark of a moment, and she found her easily ready eyes all too eager to fill for the umpteenth time that day.
She raised a hand to cover her mouth.
When he thanked her, composed as a noble ought to be, Felicity too found she was able to recover. Their society necessitated it of then. Propriety didn’t allow the tear she had she’d in court today. No doubt Tybalt’s shame was part of his ire.
“She was.” Felicity murmured her agreement, and she was content to leave it at that. The silence that followed was almost appropriate as they remembered Shray, but Simon seemed keen to fill it. Her gaze narrowed on him.
Post by Simon Mikaels on Feb 1, 2023 19:36:55 GMT -5
Simon’s pause endured after Felicity’s question. He was always a man who tread carefully, but balancing caution with action was more necessary than ever. Thoughts of his sister still lingering on the fringes of his mind, he jumped right in.
“I received an account of your audience with the queen. I was intrigued by what you had to say, and…” Simon selected his next word carefully, “Dismayed by her majesty's reception of it.”
Post by Felicity Zane on Feb 7, 2023 6:53:08 GMT -5
Simon’s silence was excruciating. Felicity inched forward in her seat until the tip of her gleuts we’re all that kept her from collapsing into the floor. Had he heard her? Of course he had, he was blind and not dead. But the way he sat there, she had no indication of whether he intended to answer. Perhaps she would say something to ascertain—
Her mouth opened as his did, but thankfully he spoke first. She lets hers snap shut and listened attentively.
Dismayed. Not as strong a word as Felicity felt, but something. Agreement. The last thing Felicity wanted was to sit around bad mouthing the queen, but this was a real problem in Lorendale and she was undoubtedly a part of the solution.
“Perhaps coming from the right voice she would be more inclined to listen.” She suggested weakly, ashamed hers hadn’t been enough. Perhaps a politician like Simon would be the key. Was this why he came? Did he intend to get her account and bring the concerns to the when once more?
Post by Simon Mikaels on Feb 9, 2023 20:51:11 GMT -5
The right voice. There was a chance that Felicity was right. A former marshal and a man of his position held sway, perhaps more in the eyes of the king than his queen. But Simon had his doubts. He once was poised to lead his father’s forces. He couldn’t imagine anything more urgent than reclaiming captured soldiers. And if the queen couldn’t recognize that, if she couldn’t even protect them from gifteds beyond their borders, what hope did they have in protecting themselves from threats within?
“Perhaps,” Simon echoed, “Though I would like your input in settling on a message.” Simon placed the papers he’d brought before her, inviting her to peruse them. What she’d find was the plan he’d presented to the king. One that restricted gifteds in a way not seen since they all had been under the yoke of a collar.
“I’ve presented these plans to the king, and have been instructed to gather support before they are presented to her majesty. The argument you presented in the throne room was much like the one that I hoped to make before submitting this plan for her consideration. But, given your reception,” Simon grimaced, “I thought it wise to explore alternative avenues of support.”
Simon paused, giving Felicity time to review what she’d been presented.
Post by Felicity Zane on Feb 24, 2023 2:41:16 GMT -5
Felicity’s delicate fingers reached to take the presented parchment, carefully handling documents she knew held great power even before setting her eyes to them. Before long she was looking up at Simon nervously, thankful for his blindness and obliviousness to her alarm as she read what was in these. She agreed with the plan, yes, but she knew the queen wouldn’t. Iliana was a gifted sympathizer and had made it clear she would not be collaring anyone. She made it clear that she considered all citizens as equals, though she failed to acknowledge the inequality of some of those citizens being able to incinerate others with a thought.
“The king…” she never liked calling Cassian that. He was Nevermerean, not Lorendaler, and had no place here as far as she was concerned. “He supports this?” She did not try to mask the surprise in her voice. She had always assumed he was in step with Iliana. He had, after all, helped Queen Nya with the regulations to remove collars from the gifted.
Post by Simon Mikaels on Feb 24, 2023 19:38:54 GMT -5
“Yes.” Simon’s answer was firm and plain. Her surprise was understandable. Cassian had, at least from the outside, had been careful not to overstep Iliana’s authority as reigning monarch. But Simon was as skilled a political navigator as any. Cassian was shrewd, and Iliana was naive. He had backed the right horse as far as he was concerned.
He’d let Felicity move the conversation. To ask her questions, so he could answer to the best of his ability.
Post by Felicity Zane on Feb 28, 2023 13:44:19 GMT -5
Felicity gave herself a moment to let this revelation sink in. She didn't trust the king of Nevermere. She didn't like his presence in Lorendale. If, however, he was able to see the reason in containing the gifted, then perhaps she should reconsider her prejudices. She'd never be loyal to the likes of him, but if he could serve a purpose for a time then she could stand behind him.
"So then...with the king's support, can you make this happen?" She raised the papers as she asked, forgetting he couldn't see. "The plans in these pages... Can they be done without consent from the queen?"
Post by Simon Mikaels on Mar 6, 2023 19:13:06 GMT -5
Simon had thought it would take more twists and turns to arrive at the point he’d hoped to land on: the queen’s consent. He was certain, beyond a shadow of a doubt, that this was what was necessary to protect the people of Lorendale. The queen’s naivete was understandable, but not excusable. And certainly not enough for Simon to stand by while Lorendale devolved into chaos.
“It is my hope we can force her hand,” Simon said cautiously, “It is one thing for the queen to reject these regulations in private, but if the people knew about it—if they knew that this was an option that was being denied them—I believe she’d have no choice but to bend to public pressure. And if she still refuses to bend…” Simon paused. He knew that once the words were spoken he could not take them back. After a moment’s consideration, he let them fall.
“We both know the weight of responsibility a Marshal carries. The Royal Legion may serve the queen, but as for our forces…our first allegiance is to the people of Lorendale.”
Post by Felicity Zane on Mar 7, 2023 12:29:28 GMT -5
Felicity felt herself numbing. Numbing to the words she was hearing. Numbing to the reality of this situation. How had Lorendale come to this? When had the people--the people at large, which were nongifted, like it or not--become secondary to...she wasn't even sure what to. What was it that Iliana was fighting for? Acceptance? Love? Approval? She fought for it from the minority and lost it in the majority. Felicity had never before thought it her place to consider the status of a ruler of her kingdom, but in this moment she did. The thought alone scared her. The fact that a man with power to initiate something real was enough to steal the breath from her lungs.
A silence followed. Felicity hardly knew where to begin. This could have been a test...but she didn't believe it was so. Even so, if the cause was the right one, would she be willing to fail?
"I think you are on to something, my lord." She said the words quietly. She knew already what Tybalt would say. How he would frown deeply at her. But his own mother had been ready to retaliate against Regent Marjolaine on the basis of marshal fealty.
"I...I should like to be a part of informing our people of this plan."
Post by Simon Mikaels on Mar 13, 2023 18:09:39 GMT -5
Simon did not feel the relief he’d hoped he would. No, Felicity had not called him a traitor and expelled him from her home. Nor had she denied his request out of hand. But still…what he had suggested was a tall and dangerous order. And that was reason enough to stay on guard.
“Lorendale will be safer for your support,” Simon said, including his head in acknowledgment and gratitude, “the king will bring this matter to her, but I should like it to be made public before she has the chance to negotiate changes. Once it is as we want it, we release it and cover our tracks. Let the people decide.”[/blockqutoe]