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!
Only when Clovis relented did Bowen nod, his great big smile returning. Maybe self-doubt was a normal thing for humans to feel, but as long as Bowen was there, he was going to lift up his cousin as much as he could. After all, it wasn't just for the man's benefit, but for Arynn Frey's. All of their leaders, whether it be government or military, needed to be confident. While they were currently living in a time of great peace, they could never know when they would be called upon to act. Clovis was dedicated and good at his job, so there was no reason for doubt or worry over what others might think.
"Well, she would be ignorant not to appreciate your knowledge, and your expertise," he agreed, drinking from his mug. "And I'm sure the girl will benefit greatly from both of you. I'll have to join you some day, perhaps I can watch one of your sessions with her. Maybe even join in! I'm quite rusty, I admit, but I'm not too proud to be beat up by a young girl." The giggling returned, but his mind remained on the girl and on Calliope. Even if Clovis hadn't questioned it, Bowen would. It wasn't about whether or not his cousin was capable - he definitely was. But Blackwoods generally took care of their own and kept within the family.
"Do you hear often from your parents or siblings? I have not spoken to them in longer than I have spoken with you, I believe. Sometimes I do envy the Blackwoods and their relationship with their family, but at least I have you, dear cousin."
And more compliments. Clovis accepted them with a slight smile and washed them away with a sip of his ale. "That sounds like a great idea", he said when his cousin proposed joining them during a training session. "The two of us could train too. That would be a nice change of pace." The soldiers under his command looked at him differently. At least Bowen would train with him like he was supposed to, without seeing him as a superior.
"I haven't, no", he said. His family was more a family of scholars and they didn't care much for the military. "They're too busy reading books to reach out." He shrugged. He didn't mind how little contact they had. "I've never been much of a family man, you know that. You on the other hand." He laughed. "With how much of a family man you are, I'm surprised that it took us so long to set up a meeting."
"A wonderful change of page," he agreed. "I so rarely have cause to swing the 'ol poleaxe anymore. I do sometimes miss my days in the infantry, if only because the constant sparring helped get out some of my pent up energy. Now I'm behind a desk most of the day, and my knees get stiff. But a few sessions with you, cousin, and I'll be back to fighting shape in no time." He lifted an arm, flexing it in the air and prodding at the lack of muscle that rested atop versus the dead weight that hung below.
Finishing off his second mug of ale, he slid the cup away and patted his belly. It might not have been enough ale to get him drunk, but it was enough liquid to make his belly feel full. He couldn't argue with Clovis about that much, he was right. "In truth, I do sometimes feel as though I'm pestering," he answered, shaking his head, then tapping his index finger against his temple. "Such thoughts may only be for me, by me, up here, as you've never given me reason to believe so. But I admit that I do get quite busy, and find myself wrapped up in my work for weeks so that I lose track of time. Perhaps my memory isn't quite what it used to be, hm? I'm certainly I've written reminders down for myself, to reach out to you, multiple times. And yet they somehow disappear. Oh! Maybe one of Lady Thornhill's little creatures has a mind of it's own, slips into my office and shuffles my papers about for fun." He giggled again, then sighed a grew somewhat more quiet.
"Such is the life," he added, eyes moving back to Clovis. "But no more. Unless you are away adventuring, we shall do this more regularly. And you will write me, if the Prince and the Queen allow you to go to Lorendale, yes?"
It was still odd to imagine Bowen sitting behind a desk instead of training or on the battlefield. He was a giant, and he had a lot of energy. Clovis didn't understand how his cousin didn't go crazy. Sitting around seemed way too boring for Clovis to live a fulfilling life, yet he knew there was more to the job than the way he had just described it.
He chuckled lightly. "We're getting older, my dear cousin. Maybe our memory is starting to go, or maybe it's indeed lady Thornhill sending creatures your way. If the latter is the case, I'd be slightly offended. She seemed like a nice lady, not one to mingle with family affairs." He smiled before taking another sip of his ale.
"I'll write you as often as I can, Bowen, that I promise." He looked his cousin in the eyes, making sure the man knew he was serious. He wanted to be closer to Bowen. He didn't want to go another ten years without talking.
And with that said, they'd enjoy a few more beers and a bit more banter before they would part ways again, both hoping they would see each other again soon