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!
Hadrian had been found flat-footed. Nevermere’s military had been found to have a rotten foundation, and Hadrian himself was the one to blame. He’d taken a scolding from the king—which was deeply humiliating—but the blame, while uncomfortable, was justified. Among all the broken pieces, there were a couple that had stood out, all of them having to do with poor conduct among soldiers and miscommunication about their discipline.
So, Hadrian decided the issue needed to be met with a voice from the outside. Someone he trusted, and that knew how to inspire both respect and fear.
Though retired, Hadrian knew Vesper to still be a soldier at heart. He summoned her to his office, and had no doubt that she’d answer her captain commander’s call.
Post by Vesper Delvaux on Apr 6, 2023 11:35:47 GMT -5
The despair and depression that had come after her injury were very much real. Nearly her whole identity had come in the form of her military career and success she had found there. She had been a good Captain. The navy had continued to thrive under her tutelage and control. And then the loss of her leg had put all of that behind her. It took her time to find a replacement that was good enough, one that didn't leave her with a limp. Or at least a limp that was hardly noticeable behind her demeanor and the harshness in her gaze should anyone dare to even look in the direction of her leg.
What hadn't been hidden was the distinguishable new sound of her gait. Step, thud, step, thud, step, thud. It was the sound that would be heard as she answered the summons to the Captain Commander's office. Though she didn't technically work under him any longer, the respect she had for Hadrian Usher could not be diminished. She couldn't imagine what he might want from her but the lack of knowing didn't keep her from responding immediately.
The never ending ache in her leg was a constant reminder of what she'd gone through and a grimace on her face created a small crease appear between her sharp eyebrows. As she reached his office she rapped on the door with intention.
Post by Hadrian Usher on Apr 11, 2023 12:12:22 GMT -5
Hadrian heard Vesper near the door before he heard the knock. The distinct step thud, step thud couldn’t be mistaken. There was something in it that made Hadrian shiver. Yes, Vesper was the right woman for the job. Fear was a powerful tool, and if she could inspire it, all the better.
“Come in,” Hadrian said, standing with a smile. His eyes did not fall on Vesper’s leg or any other part of her. They remained fixed on her face, a soft smile of familiarity tugging at his features.
“It’s good to see you, captain.” He used her old title, the word leaving his mouth without a second thought.
Post by Vesper Delvaux on Apr 18, 2023 17:25:59 GMT -5
With two simple words to allow her entrance, Vesper stepped inside the door and spotted the Captain Commander. He was someone she knew very well, someone she'd fought and trained alongside for many, many years. If there was anyone in this world who had earned her respect and trust, it was Hadrian Usher.
Captain. The word stirred something inside of her, feelings she hadn't let herself feel in a long time. Pride. And guilt. She wouldn't let herself feel them today either. Instead she shoved them down deep inside of her where they could continue to be ignored. Because ignoring was the best way to get them to go away, clearly.
She nodded politely and closed to the door behind her. She was a private woman and unless told otherwise, she preferred not to have to worry about listening ears to whatever this meeting was about. "It's very good to see you as well, Commander," she said, with a tone of sincerity and the smallest hint of a smile though it was a bit buried by her professional nature. If Hadrian hadn't known her for so long, he likely would have missed that she truly meant it.
"I have to admit, I was surprised to hear from you," she admitted, remaining standing unless directed otherwise.
Post by Hadrian Usher on Apr 21, 2023 13:58:13 GMT -5
Hadrian had suffered many disappointments and failures as of late. To have a reminder of an earlier time—from his time as the roguish Naval Captain free of the burdens he now carried—was refreshing. He smiled back at Vesper, tough his was broader and less encumbered with the restraints of professionalism.
He offered her a seat and would take one himself on the other side of his desk with a deep sigh. “I’m sure you’ve heard about what transpired at the military ball. The phrase ‘all hands on deck’ doesn’t even begin to capture what I need at the moment. Above all, I need people I can trust.” He smiled, eyes softening for a moment on Vesper.
“You’ve been too long out of the service, Captain Delvaux. I’m afraid I’m going to have to call you up for duty once again."
Post by Vesper Delvaux on Apr 26, 2023 17:01:40 GMT -5
Vesper took a seat, silently grateful for the chance. Though she’d never show weakness like that, the truth was that her leg still gave her a lot of trouble. In spite of potions that helped, she was used to the near constant state of pain she was in.
She had indeed heard about what happened at the ball and her face grew grim. All hands on deck for sure. She could only imagine the upheaval that Hadrian was dealing with now.
Though her stomach dropped at the idea of being called back into action. Hadrian had been the one who she’d gone to when she retired and he’d tried to convince her to stay then. Her reasons for leaving were still just as true today as they had been then but recent events had her pausing before turning him down right away. After a long and hesitant pause she lifted her chin slightly and asked, ”What did you have in mind, Hadrian?”, dropping an ounce of her professionalism for familiarity.
Post by Hadrian Usher on Apr 27, 2023 13:37:43 GMT -5
Hadrian smirked at the use of his first name. He didn’t mind the familiarity. After all, she was an old friend, and he rarely objected to any gestures of closeness from a beautiful woman—however small they might be. And Vesper, despite her encumbrance, was still a beauty.
“Inquisitor General,” Hadrian said with ominous officiality, “Yes, it was low-level soldiers that made fools of themselves at the ball, but the potential negligence and misconduct by upper-level soldiers cannot be overlooked. You’d be tasked with ensuring the highest standard of conduct is maintained through all the ranks. You’d address incidents of insubordination and misconduct, observe training sessions and operations to ensure there is no sloppiness. That all is as it should be.” Hadrian smirked.
Post by Vesper Delvaux on Apr 27, 2023 15:55:56 GMT -5
Inquisitor General. Now that had a nice to ring to it, and in spite of herself a half smile crooked up the corner of her lips. She listened with clear interest in her cool gray eyes. She had to admit, it had its appeal. It was something she felt more than capable of doing and as a bonus, and as by design, it wasn’t a physically demanding role to take on.
A fly on the wall for the Captain Commander. Her skin tingled with anticipation and the thrill of such authority, authority she’d lost when she resigned from her position as Naval Captain.
How could she say no? It was as if the position has been created for her.
So she squared her shoulders and allowed an actual smile to grace her dark stained lips. “It would my pleasure to serve my Captain Commander and the Nevermere military in this way.”
Post by Hadrian Usher on May 2, 2023 11:00:40 GMT -5
And Hadrian would expect nothing less. He smiled back, delighting in the crooked curve of her lips. At first, he’d thought his interest was nothing more than the comfort of having a reminder of a simpler time; back when he was the roguish Naval Captain without the responsibilities he bore now.
But now he wasn’t certain. Now, he thought it was something else.
“And your commander thanks you for it,” He responded with a lopsided grin, “After all, your talents are wasted in the world outside, Vesper.”
Post by Vesper Delvaux on May 3, 2023 10:13:20 GMT -5
That smile of his though. It instantly brought her back to some of the best days of her life, serving alongside him when he was Captain. Even with that responsibility he had been more carefree than he was now. More roguish. Fighting and working at his side had been truly enjoyable. She missed those days. Perhaps even more than she missed having the title of Captain herself. To live and fight for your kingdom and your fellow soldiers while enjoying the comradery between everyone. Her heart ached for the past, one she'd never get back. Alas, time must move on and the unknown of the future could be exciting too.
"Well, you're not wrong about that," she said with a little sparkle in her eyes. She knew she had a lot to offer and the fact that she'd been using none of her talents since leaving her post had left her feeling empty. "It's time to stop messing around and focus on making our army into one that is unmatched." Helping Hadrian do just that...now that was a thrill.
They would discuss the specifics of the job together and Vesper would ask all the questions she needed to in order to ensure she'd do the best job possible. She was determined to prove that there was no one better suited for this task than she was.
Post by Hadrian Usher on May 7, 2023 14:34:09 GMT -5
“Unmatched indeed.” Hadrian repeated her words, though there was a tinge of sourness that lingered like a discordant note. That’s what Nevermere was supposed to be—unmatched. That assumption had been shaken by recent events; Hadrian’s worst fear was that their enemies would discover it before they had time to fix it.
Though he supposed that’s what Vesper would help him do. Fix what was broken and discard what was beyond repair.
“I want you to start with a thorough review of all superior officers. Observe, and ask any questions you need. Their time is yours if you require it. Then, I expect reports about each of them on my desk.”
Post by Vesper Delvaux on May 9, 2023 17:56:21 GMT -5
Vesper had always seen Nevermere as particularly strong though that was before they’d ever really tested that theory. She has not been there when the Eldouir has attacked in Loren though she’d heard the reports. She still believed that Nevermere could be superior, their numbers at the very least should assist with that. But recent events had served to expose the cracks. While the situation had been deplorable, at least it had shown them this before it was too late.
“Consider it done, Commander,” she replied with a nod, already beginning the list in her head of who she’d see first.
Post by Hadrian Usher on May 27, 2023 11:48:22 GMT -5
Hadrian grinned, satisfied.
“It’s good to have you back.” And he meant it. He’d stand, dismissing her to go and do what she’d always done: serve her commander without failure or hesitation.