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 Zarha Sliva on Jun 9, 2023 10:19:06 GMT -5
for @iadrik
Zarha was out and about, she not long done her training for the day and she was going throw the equipment making certain that everything was counted for and nothing was missing. Just one of the many task that her as a soldier she has to do. She always had on her mind that men here think Women are less then them and possible with try and take advantage of that. She have been thankful that she have had only limited interaction with the men her so far. Plus she know if she does, she have to be careful what she says and do. To remember her lessons and try not to let them walk over her, however respect that this is how they was brought up.
Getting the coloration from standing in the soon feeling the warmth of the setting sun felt nice and relaxing. There was a soft smile on her face.
"Hey, Nevermeran woman," was Iadrik's masterful opening line. His second oldest son, Cagen, was trailing behind him. The boy had dried blood around his lip, and his long, dark hair was tied in a messy bun. Iadriks hung loosely around his ears, equally as messy from their sparring session. His knuckles were bloody from the wooden staff carried by his young body-double, but his hand rested proudly on the boys head as they both came to stop.
They'd noticed the woman on the way home from their training. The new pack of Nevermeran soldiers had just come in, and he was surprised that most of them seemed completely new. More often than not over the years he'd seen the same faces in cycles, but he guessed newer soldiers were being taken into their military. Despite disliking them, for the most part, he liked to pay attention to their ways and their warriors - better to know thine enemy.
"What are you doing there?" He asked, looking on at the equipment. His son stood silently, likely looking somewhat bored.
Post by Zarha Sliva on Jun 10, 2023 17:12:58 GMT -5
When a male individual uttered a contemptuous remark regarding women, Zarha was tempted to retort with a snide comment. Nonetheless, she held back and instead recollected the advisory given by the Kat and Fraylin at the meeting before they headed out, regarding the prevailing outlook on females. She took a deep inhale before pivoting to confront the man, being cautious of the possible peril.
She noticed that the man was with one of his sons who has a bloody nose so there had most clearly been some training. She wanted to ask if she wanted to be tended to however, she thought that he would expect her to do it because she was a woman. Zarha wasn't get pushed around because of her gender. She might be on their land and she not going to say that they have to change years of culture however, she wasn't going to be taken advantage of because of her age and gender.
"I am currently checking on the qualities of the swords, seeing if any need repairs." Even though her body stood firm on the ground clearly not scared of the man in front of her. "Is there anything I can assist with you today sir?" She asked remembering to be poliet.
Iadrik snorted at the girls answer, and his son glanced up at him, curious about his response. Dark eyes scanned the girl more than once. She wasn't half bad looking, and she seemed young, a little spunky. A lot of Nevermeran women were like that, he'd realized. They didn't take much shit from anyone, especially men in Coheed. But last he'd heard, when they were in their own Kingdom, they weren't much more to the men there than women were to the men here. Nevermere had their little witches in the military, and Coheed had been allowing the women to fight as Parabolti and even have jobs. Nevermere's influence. The thought only made Iakdrik snort again. Give them a little slack, just to shut them up.
"That so?" He crossed his arms, stepping forward again and looking closer at the swords. "You all just got here. You telling me that you brought weapons of such shit quality they're already rusting?" He sighed heavily, motioning for his son to step closer. The boy did so, scrutinizing the swords just as his father had done. Iadrik had totally ignored Zarha's second question, because it was ridiculous to think that the woman could 'assist' him with anything.
"Pommel on that one's cracked," he said, pointing to one of the swords in the middle. "If it shatters during a fight, the edge will slice your soldiers wrist. Probably best to get that one fixed." Cagen said, doing his best to lower his voice to something more authoritative. He was young enough that it didn't sound demanding whatsoever, but it did make Iadrik smile, and rest his hand on his sons shoulder.
"What's your name, Nevermeran girl?" Iadrik asked, curious to see if she would actually take his sons advice.
Post by Zarha Sliva on Jun 12, 2023 5:08:33 GMT -5
She exercised immense self-control to prevent herself from rolling her eyes at him. Who does he believe he is? He is simply a man, nothing extraordinary, yet for some inexplicable reason, the men in this place believe that they are divine beings whom we women should worship. While they possess incredible strength, it does not render them invincible.
"We always do regular checks on our weapons to make sure they're top quality," she explained while inspecting the weapons. Suddenly, a young boy appeared and pointed out a flaw in one of them. Zarha carefully examined the pommel of the sword he was pointing to. "Thank you for your advice. I appreciate it. I'll make sure to have it fixed," she said with gratitude. It was apparent that the boy had an eye for detail, even at his young age.
When the father of the boys asked her name, she looked at him directly and firmly stated that "Please don't address me as "Girl" or "Woman". My name is Private Zarha Sliva." It's important to use people's correct titles and names to show respect and professionalism. She wasn't going to walked all over.
Iadrik, the grin still arrogantly pressed onto his face, sputtered and chuckled - certainly not with her, but at her. As if she had said something funny. To him, she had. "Don't call you woman or girl? But you are a woman, aren't you? What else was I supposed to call you before knowing your name? Witch? Or should I have read your mind? Can you witches do that, read minds? Well, we're merely be simple men here in Coheed, no mind reading for us."
"What's a private?" Cagen asked, looking up at his father rather than the woman whose rank it was.
"It's something to do with their rank. Private's aren't very experienced warriors, like you, son." He answered, the conversation carrying out as if Zarha wasn't there.
"I'm experienced!" He said, brows furrowing. "I've been fighting for...for a long time! I bet I could beat her!"
Iadrik's brows lifted high onto his head, and he turned to look at the woman before him. "Well, Private Zarha Sliva," he repeated her name in a mocking tone. "Would you like to prove to my son that you can beat him?"
The nine year old took a couple of steps back and gripped his bo-staff, looking more than ready to fight.
Post by Zarha Sliva on Jun 13, 2023 17:43:21 GMT -5
Zarha sighs softly "Private would of been acceptable." Zarha explained, her expression was flat. This man is so cocky thinking that he is better than everyone else. It is fucking annoying.
Zarha gives a slight laugh when the man answers the son when they are talking about her like she wasn't there. She trying so hard to hold back. Are all men here as cocky as them both? When he asked if she want to fight his son. She couldn't help but laugh. "I am sorry but I am not fighting your son."
Her arms crossed her chest even if she wanted to, which she doesn't she would lose her job for fighting a child. It might be normal here to do such a thing. He might look eager but she not breaking any rules just to shut the jerk of a man up. Zarha would love to punch this man in the face though it so tempting. However, she need to keep collected and together.
Iadrik feigned surprised when Zarha rejected the offer to fight his son. He lifted his hand to his chest, a false-gasp. "Did you hear that, Cagen?" He said, tone filled with sarcasm. "The Private here doesn't want to fight you! Can you imagine?" The false offense dropped quickly, and his hand moved from his chest to his belly. He belted out a laugh, his son likely as irritated by it as Zarha would be, and rolled his shoulder when he was done. Cagen was crossing his arms, tantrum sure to follow.
"Please, do excuse my forgetfulness, Private," he said, lifting his hands almost apologetically. "Your warriors don't start until a little later, isn't that right? I assume that means you'll only fight slightly older children." He glanced down to see his son still pouting, and used a hand to smack him in the back of the head. "Don't pout. I know a challenge won by default of forfeit means nothing to us, but warriors don't pout."
"I don't want to stand around and talk to that woman anymore. If she won't fight me, what's the point?" He huffed. "Can I go home? At least Lokke will fight me."
"Yes, go," he said, taking the boy roughly by the head and turning him around, then pushing him away with just enough force to send the boy stumbling forward. In reaction, Cagen lifted his staff and whipped it around, cracking Iadrik's knuckles with it. He drew them back with a quick wisp of air and laughed. "Your reactions are getting quickly. Tell Lokke to work on that."
"Yes, father," he said, and the boy was gone.
Iadrik's knuckles, which had been covered in dried blood, began to bleed anew but he made no effort to stop them, merely rested his hands on his hips. "Do you have any sons, Private? They keep you on your toes, I'll tell you that much. You appear old enough to have given birth by now."
Post by Zarha Sliva on Jun 15, 2023 18:20:33 GMT -5
When he pretend to be surprise Zarha's face reminds unfazed by it. he possibly expects her to apologise. "Wow for somebody who acts like he knows so much about Nevermere Military doesn't know much about it." Her tone was flat, not giving two fucks to this man. "A challenge is only won by forfeit if a challenge was accepted in the first place and as I did not accept the challenge, there was no challenge for me to then back out of. So in that case no challenge won or lost."
She watched him shove his son forward her arms crossed the interaction happened before she turned her attention more onto the swords. However she stopped and laughed out loud when he asked her if she had any sons and mentioned that she old enough to given birth. "Are you serious? For me even have any children of my own I would have to be married and I can say for certain I am not doing that any time soon."
"I don't recall ever claiming that I know a lot about your military," he said, head cocked to the side, amused by her efforts to seem nonchalant. "I've picked up a few things, here and there, over the years of course. But my words to my son were regarding a challenge made here in Coheed. Your boots stand on Coheedsmen grounds, meaning challenges are to be treated as we would treat them here. A warrior who rejects a challenge has already lost." He pushed his lips out in a playful pout. "It seems I'm not the only one ignorant of the other's culture, hm?" His head swiveled, watching intently as two more Nevermeran witches passed by, before turning back to Zarha. "I'm sure the loss means little to you, though, right? No need to be defensive."
Hearing her answer, he quickly went from arrogant and very proud of himself to curious. He looked her over, slowly, taking in her features, and moved his head slowly from one side to the other, as if assessing her. "Why wouldn't I be serious? It's my understanding that Nevermerans may have children out of wedlock, but even if you couldn't, I had no way of knowing that you were not married." As if a light bulb went off in his head, he lifted an index finger. "Ah, it's the mind-reading again, isn't it? I really must learn that trick."
A deep sigh escaped his lips, disappointed. "Well, I wouldn't wait too long. You're likely at peak fertility and birthing strength. Perhaps the right man simply hasn't caught your eye? Nevermeran men not quite up to the task?" He laughed again. "Maybe a Coheedsmen would suit you better."
Last Edit: Jun 21, 2023 22:49:13 GMT -5 by Deleted
Post by Zarha Sliva on Jun 16, 2023 15:14:00 GMT -5
Zarha looked at the man, she was honestly trying to work here. "I didn't mean to insult your culture." That was all she said on the matter, in all fairness she doesn't really care no matter if it was the culture or if he was pulling her leg she wouldn't be fighting any child.
"We can't read minds." she sigh Iadrik think that this is a game to him. Why does the fuck he care if she has children or not? Cause at the end of the season, she would be back in Nevermere and away from here. However, if Iadrik thinks it's all a game to him, she can play the game. There was a smirk on her face. "I guess you're right, the men of Nevermere don't know how to handle me. That, I care too much about training, and becoming stronger. No man in Nevermere is strong enough for me."
Zarha would wait to see how he handle those apples.
His expression changed to one of exaggerated disappointment when she said they couldn't read minds. "Well damn, that would have made things all the more interesting." He replied, shrugging away the faux disappointment.
The new air of confidence that flowed from the girl had Iadrik lifting his brows to look her over again, walking in a half-circle around her with his arms crossed. "They're too weak for you, huh?" He asked, perfectly willing to match her attitude with his own. "Don't you think some of them might take offense to that? Quite a few soldiers came with you. None of them can compare to your diligent, determined training?" He sounded skeptical. He'd seen plenty of interesting displayed from the Nevermeran soldiers, but she had just been an easy target for the day. Getting them all riled up was fun. It was the least he could do, since they were occupying his lands.
"Interesting," he continued. "Such a strong woman would be eyed by the parabolti. Do you know who they are?" He asked, circling again. "Women warriors, a more recent lot here in Coheed. Fewer and far between, as well they should be, but I bet they could show you a thing or two." He stepped a little closer, looking down at her. "I bet I could, too. In a different way, of course."
Post by Zarha Sliva on Jun 16, 2023 15:47:58 GMT -5
Her eyes followed him, her body not moving as he moved around her. With an air of confidence in her voice, "Yes, I need a real man to show me the way. I had a few people say that I should have more fun... I think they are just jealous of how strong I am." It was interesting seeing his responses to things.
"Yes I do know who the Parabolti are, I am always finding ways to get stronger." When he stepped closer, her brown eyes looked up at him, not intimidated by his height. She had a look of interest on her face. "And what sort of stuff can you show me?" If he was being a jerk to her, she might as well try and have a little bit of fun out of him well she still can right?
He snickered, moving his head side to side as he did so. "You do seem like you could stand to be a little more fun. Is that difficult for you Nevermerans? Can't say it would surprise me to find out you lot can't manage to be both at the same time. Especially your women. You all tend to be so very serious."
That she wasn't backing down from his challenge was amusing, though. Maybe she didn't expect him to take it very far. Maybe she thought he'd laugh in her face and walk away. Instead, he walked around behind her and moved in close, so his chest was pressed against her back, his head leaned down next to her ear. "Coheedsmen have voracious appetites and our abilities and training give us more stamina than your men," he whispered, eyes watching as people passed by on the same path Iadrik had been walking when he'd spotted Zarha. Men, women, children, and Nevermeran soldiers alike would all have a clear view if they bothered to turn their heads. For that very purpose, he reached out and put his hands on her waist, moving them inward to feel over her stomach.
"Our women have to work hard to please us," he grinned. "We come up with all sorts of tricks." One hand moved up, attempting to cup her breast while the other moved downward, attempting to slip into the waistband of her pants. "If I told you all about it," he whispered, "would a woman who has never done it before even understand what I'm speaking of?"
Post by Zarha Sliva on Jun 18, 2023 15:00:32 GMT -5
"Who to say I am not having fun now?" Her voice is confident with a slightly joking vibe to it. "Trust me if you think this lot boring you should see the lot i put up with in Nevermere, complete bore." Her arms stay folded slightly under her chest to try and elevate them. not like she needs to.
When he moved behind her, feeling his chest against her back. Listening to his voice, even though his voice his cooky, his voice is daring. Spoke leadership, even though she spoken to people in rank, this man behind her as he started to wrap his arms around her, his presence speak more. Making her still want to push the limits.
So even though she let the one cup her breast she grabbed his other hand. Zarha tried hard not moan as she turned her head slightly to him. Her eyes knew where his hands were going and she kind of wants it. However, she reminds herself this is a game. "But I am not just a woman, I like to lead, I am a witch and if you want me to please you." She turned herself round in his grasp. trying to reach his manhood, suggesting she knew want he means. "Then let go somewhere private because I want to know more about your... tricks." Staying confident, showing no hint of backing down. She not as weak as he think she is.