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!
Magic Detection: The ability to detect magic. The user can judge magical aptitude, pinpoint magic being used within a mile vicinity, and even detect when potent magic has formerly been used in a space. The magic may originate from a living thing or from an object, it does not matter. There is no restriction to the kind of magic that the user can detect. The weakness is the spatial awareness limitation, and while the user can detect the presence of magic, they cannot detect the specific kind of magic being used.
It was early in the day when Florina sent her manservant, Claude Fletcher, to Ellery estate with her card and a message for the master of the house. He arrived at the estate just in time that he would not be found inconsiderate. Fletcher knocked on the door and waited for a servant of the house to answer. The servant would see a man with neat, light brown hair and green eyes, perhaps in his thirties, wearing a livery of two shades of blue. Once the door opened, he would present Florina's card, saying, "My lady, Countess Florina Bellerose, would like to warn Count Ellery that she will be descending upon him in a half hour so she can discuss purchasing one of his fine horses."
As soon as he gave his message, and if nothing else was required of him, he would turn to leave the estate, intending to meet his mistress on her way to her destination.
Post by Anslem Ellery on Mar 2, 2023 16:53:19 GMT -5
Wellsley, the senior butler answered the door with a graceful bow and extended his hand toward the card. Well dressed in ivory and gold livery, his dark blond hair was lightly streaked with grey but neatly groomed.
"Very good sir. Thank you and good day." Wellsley replied politely, accepting the card and closing the door.
Count Ellery entered the foyer after changing from his morning clothes.
"Today's call cards should be in the bowl by now Wellsley. Anything urgent of note?" Anslem asked, putting on his tan gloves and taking his hat from the valet.
The butler bowed and responded, "Indeed My Lord, the Countess Florina Bellerose wishes an appointment in half hour's time to purchase a horse from the business. You also have a dinner invitation from the Duchess tonight." Although Wellsley gave no name, there was no doubt between them, as to just which Lady he referred to. He handed over the card and the calling card bowl for inspection.
Purchase a horse and she's a Lady with no other mention that he knew. Oh how he didn't like being unprepared, and he blessed providence that the Countess had seen fit to give proper notice before calling. The name was unfamiliar and he looked at the calling card more closely as if searching for a memory that simply didn't exist. No matter. He had until half past to get the servants moving.
"Set the tea in the sitting room in the south stables, replace the flowers, add some blankets against the chill by the chaise lounge and make sure the fireplace is well stoked. Use the gold service tray and bring out sweets at quarter of once the Countess arrives. Wellsley, get Chapman to serve but tell him to keep his mouth shut unless it's a yes or no My Lady."
"Yes My Lord."
At precisely half past, preparations were complete and everything accounted for. Anslem had two female grooms standing one on each side of the Stable entrance doors, ready to welcome the Lady. At precisely half past, Count Ellery and his staff awaited the arrival of the mysterious Countess Bellerose.
At her approach, Anslem removed his hat, bowed and smiled, saying, "Welcome to Ellery Equines, Countess Florina Bellerose. It is an honor to make your acquaintance My Lady."
Last Edit: Mar 2, 2023 17:28:57 GMT -5 by Anslem Ellery
Magic Detection: The ability to detect magic. The user can judge magical aptitude, pinpoint magic being used within a mile vicinity, and even detect when potent magic has formerly been used in a space. The magic may originate from a living thing or from an object, it does not matter. There is no restriction to the kind of magic that the user can detect. The weakness is the spatial awareness limitation, and while the user can detect the presence of magic, they cannot detect the specific kind of magic being used.
Post by Florina Bellerose on Mar 2, 2023 17:41:27 GMT -5
Florina arrived in a carriage precisely at the time she said she would. She did not wish to arrive late and add yet another insult to a man that she'd just sprung her presence on by being late. Fletcher helped her and her maid step out of the carriage before he followed his mistress as she made her way to the front door.
The senior butler would see an elegantly dressed woman with dark hair and eyes. She wore a forest green traveling dress and a matching hat which partially hid her pretty updo. Florina, as always, had her fan on her person, ready to ward away the heat or unwanted touches.
She would follow the butler when bidden, and when she finally met Count Ellery, she would give him an elegant curtsy, "The honor is mine, My Lord," her voice was soft and airy, "I do hope you will forgive the impertinence of me showing up like this without a proper introduction, but I heard you have he finest horses in Lorendale, and I should like to procure one for my aunt."
Post by Anslem Ellery on Mar 2, 2023 18:35:57 GMT -5
"You're quite forgiven Countess, it's no trouble at all, I assure you." Anslem smiled at her, taking in every inch of her attire and demeanor before continuing.
"A Ladies Mare is indeed a generous gift for your aunt, My Lady." He gestured for her and her Ladies maid to take a seat in the luxurious sitting room and remained standing until she was comfortable. The grooms came inside but stood by the stall entrance door to wait. He removed his gloves and set them in his pocket before joining in a chair opposite her. Reaching for the ever present tea, he sipped before beginning his questions, giving her a few moments to collect her thoughts. A Ladies Mare wasn't cheap and negotiations should be tastefully done.
"Countess Bellerose, you simply must tell me the sort of equestrian that your aunt is for this outing. While I could randomly show you a selection, I find it helps to get to know the person that the horse would go to. Would she prefer the most popular of delicate mares that are more of a reliable and docile nature? Or perhaps she's of the more athletic type for hunter jumpers? Some, however, are more partial to spirited mares."
When he stopped his flurry of questions, he couldn't help but add,
"I do hope you don't find my line of questioning, impertinent, My Lady." He grinned at her over the top of his teacup before setting it down again.
Last Edit: Mar 2, 2023 18:53:25 GMT -5 by Anslem Ellery
Magic Detection: The ability to detect magic. The user can judge magical aptitude, pinpoint magic being used within a mile vicinity, and even detect when potent magic has formerly been used in a space. The magic may originate from a living thing or from an object, it does not matter. There is no restriction to the kind of magic that the user can detect. The weakness is the spatial awareness limitation, and while the user can detect the presence of magic, they cannot detect the specific kind of magic being used.
Post by Florina Bellerose on Mar 3, 2023 10:39:52 GMT -5
She sat and removed her own gloves before taking a dainty sip from her own cup of tea, adding nothing to it. Usually she liked to add a little sugar, but she was tired from traveling and needed the bitter of just the leaves. However, whoever had brewed this pot had a real talent for it, and she found that she didn't need to add anything to her cup after all. Not over brewed where the tea would taste bitter no matter how much sugar was added, not under brewed where she might as well have been drinking water. Just right.
As he asked his many questions about what sort of horse her aunt may prefer, she studied the man, taking in his smart attire and dignified manners. The count seemed to be both knowledgeable and passionate about his stock, and she was certain she had been correct in coming here for a mare.
She set her teacup down and smoothed her hands over her lap even though her skirts were not in need of straightening. Did she detect a little teasing from the count? She decided to pretend to have not noticed for now. Instead, she answered his questions, "I don't find you impertinent at all, My Lord. I'm ashamed to say that I know little more about horses than how to ride them and perhaps knowing if my stablehands are neglecting them," her eyes drifted down to her hands which were folded in her lap before she looked him in the face again, "My aunt is Marchioness Phaedra Rainecourt-Marx. As you can imagine, she is a very elegant woman and I believe she'd like something of a more gentle nature."
Post by Anslem Ellery on Mar 4, 2023 14:43:25 GMT -5
The Countess Belllerose appeared reticent to speak more than necessary and Anslem decided to be more careful in his approach. He was unsure if it was boredom or distaste that spurred her quietude-that is until she dropped the name. The Marchioness Phaedra Rainecourt-Marx! She'd been married to the former Queen's brother! Weren't they in Arynn Frey though? Of course it was entirely understandable, and very prudent, that a mannered Lady did not presume to list the wants of the Marchioness! How she'd kept that gold mine of information to herself until her very last sentence, nearly caught him out of countenance. She hadn't started with 'my aunt rank here,' so perhaps it was to be a test of how he handled this interaction? She didn't look to be politically minded or an extrovert with ambition, so she was a complete mystery.
The Count set down his tea and ran a hand over his immaculately groomed hair in an absent gesture. That certainly changed the conversation drastically. Anslem watched her demure posture, as if seeming to sink into herself and often looking down. Was she shy or frightened? There was no predominant indicator as to how he should proceed, other than to be extremely cautious. Or at least he was guessing that was the case. Both the politics of marriage, relationships and mannered nobility were compounded but he would do his best to navigate the current situation.
"My Lady, I'm quite positive that you have nothing to be ashamed about." he reassured her. "We have a fine selection of docile yet responsive mares that just might be what you're hoping to find, if I may be so bold to presume, Countess."
Chapman came forward with a tray of sweets to set on the table between them, bowing politely and stepping back.
Magic Detection: The ability to detect magic. The user can judge magical aptitude, pinpoint magic being used within a mile vicinity, and even detect when potent magic has formerly been used in a space. The magic may originate from a living thing or from an object, it does not matter. There is no restriction to the kind of magic that the user can detect. The weakness is the spatial awareness limitation, and while the user can detect the presence of magic, they cannot detect the specific kind of magic being used.
Post by Florina Bellerose on Mar 4, 2023 23:59:09 GMT -5
If Florina were a more impish sort, she would have given Count Ellery a coy smile at his reaction to her aunt's name a title. However, if Florina were ever the type of woman to flirt so rakishly with a man she had just met, that woman had died the first few weeks of her marriage. The gesture seemed to be uncharacteristic of this man whose appearance was very polished with everything in it's exact place. Him nearly mussing of his hair by his own hand made her mouth tilt in a small smile which she tried to hid behind her teacup. She did not know if Count Ellery were the type of man that liked to be laughed at, and she did not want to risk his ire before she had a chance to decide on a horse.
His reassurance did get a genuine smile out of her that reached her eyes. She was sure he was playing it up now that she'd name dropped her aunt, but she appreciated the flattery all the same, "Thank you My Lord," she would reach for a sweet when it was offered, "I'm sure any boldness is well-earned on your part. You seem very passionate and knowledgable about your stock, and, as I stated before, I've only heard good things about your horses."
She took a small bite out of the sweet, savoring the taste, "My compliments to your cook, My Lord."
Post by Anslem Ellery on Mar 5, 2023 20:11:22 GMT -5
He brought down his well manicured hand back to his lap, reposing calmly once again. There was an air of reserve about her that made him want to know more about her. She didn't even raise an eyebrow at his daring comment, nor did she even change the tone of her voice as she responded so delicately. The Countess was the most well mannered young Lady he'd probably ever encountered and both her demeanor and elocution were as impeccable as her beauty. Her smile had quite stunned him for a moment but Anslem recovered quickly, considering the brevity of the moment. Something had come alive in there, however briefly, and Count Ellery very much wanted to see her smile again.
Anslem inclined his head graciously at her complimentary statement, smiling and looking her directly in the eyes.
"You are most welcome My Lady. And I'm sure Mrs. Emmett will be pleased to know that her work is wel appreciated."
Once he'd finished his tea, he pushed it toward Chapman to take and clear it away.
"Shall we take a walk around the stables a bit Countess? I believe you'll find many different selections to choose from." A thought occurred to him that might be just the way in, to making Countess Bellerose smile again.
"Perhaps you'd like to see some of the new foals?" Anlem suggested with a genuine smile. He knew if there was one thing that always made him happy, it was the new foals. Maybe the Lady might enjoy them too?
Last Edit: Mar 8, 2023 15:33:46 GMT -5 by Anslem Ellery
Magic Detection: The ability to detect magic. The user can judge magical aptitude, pinpoint magic being used within a mile vicinity, and even detect when potent magic has formerly been used in a space. The magic may originate from a living thing or from an object, it does not matter. There is no restriction to the kind of magic that the user can detect. The weakness is the spatial awareness limitation, and while the user can detect the presence of magic, they cannot detect the specific kind of magic being used.
Post by Florina Bellerose on Mar 7, 2023 21:57:46 GMT -5
Florina was decidedly unaware of the Count's confusion over her as she sipped the last of her tea. She was still bracing herself for the excursion of choosing a horse with a strange man, polite as he was. She had yet to get a good read on him and could not decide if his polite friendliness was a facade or not. It was like trying to read a book in the deepest shadows of an overgrown garden. Difficult, but not impossible.
Then the conversation took a slightly different turn than she had expected. It wasn't completely off kilter, foals were horses, and she was looking for a horse, though not an infant one...but she had thought him the sort to get right down to business and show her the stock he was willing to part with as soon as the pleasantries were over with. She thought about declining...she was here on business, after all. However, the prospect of seeing any baby animal was simply too delightful to pass up.
"New foals?" she could not keep the interest out of her tone, a smile once again tugging at her mouth in response to the count's own smile, "Yes, I would love to see them," she followed his example and set her cup down before donning her gloves.
Post by Anslem Ellery on Mar 8, 2023 16:09:31 GMT -5
Count Ellery rose gracefully to his feet, extending his arm politely to aid the Countess Bellerose upon standing.
"It would be an honor to escort you My Lady." Anslem answered and even extended a polite, if brief, smile to her Ladies Maid. Finally a woman of proper decorum, delicacy of nature and total propriety! This encounter was entirely what all those years of etiquette had been so exacted for! What was only a superlative waste of manners from him on a woman who was most undeserving, was now scoured from his mind at the opportunity. Her elegant refinement was unquestionable and Anslem rose to the occasion graciously.
The two immaculately dressed groomswomen accompanied them to the corral, as the nobles walked before them at a respectful distance.
"Many of the mares for your perusal are from these finely bred Dams we have here on site. I thought it best that you see the pedigreed lines first to help in your later decision, Countess Bellerose."
It was a quiet morning and most of the mares dozed while their foals played in wide open pasture. A gorgeous Buckskin mare with her lovely foal trotted forward eagerly the moment Anslem approached the railing. She nickered softly and put her face and whiskers forward to sniff at the pair of humans. The foal however, shoved his impertinent little face up to the Lady, abruptly squealed and ran off in flurry of tiny hooves skimming over the ground at high speed.
Count Ellery smiled proudly as he introduced the Countess to his clearly favorite foundation mare,
"This is Champagne Elite, my finest mare. She's produced many of the mares you'll be seeing today. Although her coloration and confirmation are enough to make her stand out, all her progeny are named with Champagne to emphasize their pedigree, My Lady."
Last Edit: Mar 8, 2023 16:23:30 GMT -5 by Anslem Ellery
Magic Detection: The ability to detect magic. The user can judge magical aptitude, pinpoint magic being used within a mile vicinity, and even detect when potent magic has formerly been used in a space. The magic may originate from a living thing or from an object, it does not matter. There is no restriction to the kind of magic that the user can detect. The weakness is the spatial awareness limitation, and while the user can detect the presence of magic, they cannot detect the specific kind of magic being used.
Post by Florina Bellerose on Mar 11, 2023 0:05:07 GMT -5
Florina looked at his arm for only a moment before she permitted him to help her stand, “Thank you, my lord,” she said, distantly noticing the way her maid, Sofie, flushed at the Count’s smile. She made no indication that she noticed such behavior, and held onto Count Ellery’s hand long enough that she would not be considered discourteous. Foals or not, it would not do to accidentally make herself seem brazen with a man she just met.
She allowed him to escort her to the corral, her maid following at a polite distance, and she took in her surroundings, “You have very beautiful grounds, Count Ellery,” indeed, everything this man owned seemed to be managed and cleaned to a lofty standard, “I imagine it would be very agreeable to take a stroll when the flowers are in full bloom.”
When they reached the corral, Florina saw horse with its foal, and she smiled at the sight. When the foal reached its nose to her, she started to reach out to pet its velvety nose, when the silly thing squealed and ran off like it had just played a grand joke on her, “How adorable!”
She listened as he informed her about his mare with interest, “She seems to be a very fine horse, my lord. Very lovely,” she said, “Are her—pardon me for being crass—are her progeny as sweet-tempered as she is?”
Post by Anslem Ellery on Mar 13, 2023 13:38:14 GMT -5
Although he had merely offered a polite arm to assist the Lady in rising as any gentlemen would, Lady Bellerose seemed rather reluctant to be in any closer proximity. However, he could not yet ascertain if it was a strong distaste for his presence in particular or merely attributed to her nature to be either shy or distant to all.
Anslem nodded and answered vaguely, still keeping a surreptitious gaze upon her.
"Thank you Countess, and yes, it's rather a lovely display in the warmer seasons."
It was a good thing he was watching the Lady at the foal's antics! She seemed shy or distant to physical proximity to himself, but the foal had made both a sudden sound and abrupt movement right at her face--but neither of which had startled the Countess in the least! She did in fact, appear highly amused at the capering foal and his stunts, as well as venturing a further query.
"Indeed they are My Lady." he replied to her most delicately broached question, still taking her measure and analyzing her behavior. She gave no indication of distaste or caution of sudden movements, sounds and behaviors in and of themselves. But the everyday occurrence of a man's mere nearness appeared to put her quite on guard. Or was it purely his presence personally? Fascinating. He moved to the side a couple steps, giving her more space, to test her reactions or possible lack thereof.
"Isn't he just a little scamp?!" Anslem confirmed proudly as a papa.
Three possible theories held sway. The Lady might be of a distant or shy manner in which she held all newcomers. Secondly, she might have heard something scandalous of him, though he was always quite discrete in his affairs. The third concern was far more worrisome. Her hesitancy might suggest a troubled history with a man who did make abrupt noises and movements in a negative way. Anslem frowned and thought of a few of his rescues as his eyes lingered on her delicate features a moment longer. The Count was mindful to keep at least a six foot distance between her and himself as he gestured to the nearest horses.
"Over on your left are thetriplets,Scarlet Lady, Flirty Lass and Caviar Class. The four total make up the dams of the mares you'll be seeing today. When you're ready, we can start showing you the mares for purchase available to you, Countess."
Last Edit: Mar 13, 2023 13:46:28 GMT -5 by Anslem Ellery
Magic Detection: The ability to detect magic. The user can judge magical aptitude, pinpoint magic being used within a mile vicinity, and even detect when potent magic has formerly been used in a space. The magic may originate from a living thing or from an object, it does not matter. There is no restriction to the kind of magic that the user can detect. The weakness is the spatial awareness limitation, and while the user can detect the presence of magic, they cannot detect the specific kind of magic being used.
Post by Florina Bellerose on Mar 13, 2023 23:16:17 GMT -5
She felt his cool blue eyes watching her as he answered almost distractedly to her ears about the grounds. Had she offended him by being too abrupt when she’d released her hold on him? She was very aware of the rules of propriety—her mother and teachers had made sure of that—and had been sure that her behavior wouldn’t be abhorrent, but perhaps she had miscalculated? Or had Vincent trained her to overthink something as innocent as a man just looking at a woman as he conversed with her?
Taking a deep, steadying breath that she hoped would pass for her breathing in the crisp helms air, she pretended to adjust her glove to mask how she so badly wanted to wring her hands together.
The foal was a delightfully silly creature, and the sight of it helped settle her nerves to something more reasonable. She smiled, demurely covering her mouth with her hand as she did so, “He is,” she agreed with the Count, turning her head to look at him before she looked away again. Had he moved away from her? He didn’t appear to be offended, quite the opposite…although the pleased expression had been aimed at the horse.
She thought that she should apologize if she had indeed offended him, but she said nothing yet. If she was wrong, she had no wish to make the Count feel awkward in his own home after she had forced her presence on him.
Instead she turned in the direction her indicated and studied the three horses, “Very beautiful,” she said sincerely. She had always liked the way horses moved, how their hair glistened in the sunlight, “I would like to see the mares now, if that is alright with you, my lord.”
Post by Anslem Ellery on Mar 16, 2023 13:48:12 GMT -5
The Lady's only outward show of vexation was an adjusting of her gloves and it gave Anslem something to think about. Like some of his rescues, nervousness was kept tightly under wraps as a fear response. What exactly was troubling the Lady Florina, he couldn't quite postulate yet, though not for a lack of trying on his part. He would solve this mystery.
"Then shall we move forward to the showing pen Countess Bellerose?" Count Ellery asked gently, moving to walk by her side, this time trying a normal three foot distance between them. This showing would be a gift for Marchioness Phaedra Rainecourt-Marx, so Anslem would hold nothing back and had prepped half a dozen of his very best mares to exhibit. As they approached, an elegant grey mare was ridden into the ring.
"May I present this lovely young mare, Champagne Dreamer. She is by Storm Cloud out of Champagne Elite. Of all my current mares for sale, she has the most sound comformation, has perfectly seamless transitions and rides like a dream."
His blue eyes lingered over the mare and rider, finding them a faultless pair that would do any seller proud. He asked the rider to put the mare through her transitions, showing the elegant line of her movement and the smoothest of gaits. She wasn't a showy flashy mare, but she was delicate, lovely and as perfectly docile as any Lady could hope to wish for.
Turning his attention back to the Countess, he smiled at her, keenly interested in her reaction to what he considered one of his finest mares. And the fact that they were now standing two feet from each other. Close enough to hear each other, but not crowding her. Anslem kept his smile friendly and attentive, leaning his arms along the railing to ease the tension in his shoulders. My but the Countess looked exquisite in the bright wholesome sunlight of a Heims morning! His bright blue eyes clearly showed his appreciation of her beauty as he explained further,
"Dreamer is sixteen hh and four years old, so while she is well trained, she's still quite ready for any further training if needed. She's responsive and very gentle in her disposition My Lady."
Last Edit: Mar 16, 2023 14:06:03 GMT -5 by Anslem Ellery
Magic Detection: The ability to detect magic. The user can judge magical aptitude, pinpoint magic being used within a mile vicinity, and even detect when potent magic has formerly been used in a space. The magic may originate from a living thing or from an object, it does not matter. There is no restriction to the kind of magic that the user can detect. The weakness is the spatial awareness limitation, and while the user can detect the presence of magic, they cannot detect the specific kind of magic being used.
Post by Florina Bellerose on Mar 16, 2023 21:41:08 GMT -5
She offered him a polite smile, “Yes please,” and she walked with him to the showing pen.
He was closer to her than he had been moments ago, and she wondered if her earlier worries were indeed a result of overthinking the meaning behind his actions. She really needed to get over this trepidation that had been literally beaten into her if she had any hope to regain a life that felt normal and safe again.
Still, nervous energy was still running through her hands and she clutched her fan to keep her fingers from fiddling with her sleeve or her skirt. She refused to behave like a ninny and end up offending the person she was trying to purchase a horse from.
The horse and rider appeared and Florina studied the horse with interest. The horse was an elegant creature. Florina wasn’t as well-versed in horses, but she could tell this creature was well trained and well bred. Her aunt would look very fine and comfortable riding atop of her, “What an appropriate name for such an enchanting creature. She would be a very fine choice, indeed,” she looked at her host and saw him looking quite relaxed as he leaned against the fence. It gave the otherwise rigid man a certain boyish charm that didn’t match up with her impression of him thus far.
She also saw the look in his eye and knew what it was. Young as she may be, she was no fresh faced debutante. She was a widow and had been on the receiving end of that look before. Even so, her cheeks turned a light shade of pink as the appreciative look sank in. There was a part of her that was very pleased with the attention—what woman didn’t like to have her beauty acknowledged, after all? However, she wasn’t sure if she was ready to encourage such attention, especially from a man whose character she’d yet to pin down. Quickly looking away, she feigned shyness so she didn’t accidentally reject him before she’d gotten to know the man.