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 Lisette Bashar on Oct 15, 2023 13:19:14 GMT -5
Lis’ gaze was fixed on Paris, eyes sharp, mouth flat. She would not have retaliated, not even if her father had said nothing. She well knew there was a time and a place for everything under the sun; in father’s presence wasn’t it. She didn’t even look to Violet when she chimed in. Of course, she had words for them both, but she knew how to play this game with a little more precision.
When her father spoke she let her eyes drop humbly. Her heart rose and soared. Ibrahim’s approval was something they all craved, and Lis usually received it in spades. She said nothing.
Only when Ibrahim’s attention returned to Ares would she lift her eyes to Paris, a Mona Lisa smirk finding her lips for a smug beat before she turned her apparent rapt attention to her father, gaze adoring.
Post by Ibrahim Bashar on Oct 16, 2023 12:14:27 GMT -5
Ibrahim offered Ares Bashar a small smile, which was rare, but he was proud of the young man and he was looking forward to seeing him take his father's place. He had to visit Idris soon, before the man became too ill to recognise people, but he was putting it off. Idris was weak, and Ibrahim found it difficult to feel sympathy, even though Idris hadn't chosen to be ill.
Then it was Paris Bashar and Violet Bashar 's turn, who had been met with harsh words and a glare moments earlier. While Paris spoke, Ibrahim noticed that Malikan Bashar walked in. He nodded at the man, and would address him later.
"My boy", Ibrahim started, looking at Paris Bashar , "I do not recall asking you to form such opinions on your sister, let alone voice them. Apart from that, you spoke while I was talking to Ares. I thought I raised you better, to show respect and be silent while others are talking. I see now that I overestimated your ability to be an adult. What have you done, recently , that's worthwhile to share, and that benefits the family?" He paused to let his words sink in. "You don't even know what a real soldier looks like", he scoffed and shook his head. Paris had never been physically strong.
If Paris didn't recognise his question as a rhetorical one, he would respond to a possible response after he addressed the new person in the room. At least Violet had been smart enough not to speak.
"Malikan Bashar , my good man, anything to report on the troops?" He looked at Xavier after, wanting to give his son the opportunity to speak. He was still his second in command, but he young blood also needed a chance to speak.
Last Edit: Oct 16, 2023 12:18:15 GMT -5 by Ibrahim Bashar
Post by Ares Bashar on Oct 16, 2023 17:18:04 GMT -5
Ares definitely noticed the way Paris Bashar had tensed and delighted in it even more so than listening to Ibrahim berate him. What a delight to get even the smallest reaction from Paris. It filled him with such energy and excitement. As Malikan Bashar entered the room Ares briefly turned to look at him, silently judging his military attire and the way the room would surely start smelling of body odor before too long. He turned his attention over to Violet Bashar as Ibrahim addressed Malikan and gave her a little half smile, his eyes twinkling. She was the apple of his eye and he loved watching her pick on Lis, though he'd been too busy speaking to hear the specifics of what exactly she had said.
Last Edit: Oct 16, 2023 17:18:14 GMT -5 by Ares Bashar
Ravi had arrived with his Father followed by his wife and children even though he dismissed them at the door, Annalise patted Ravi's hand knowing the night before had been long with a small but strong fit. Nothing that should have alarmed the family she had kept it contained within their quarters letting Ravi hash it out of his system, he would be good for a few days.
'just pick it up, pick the fork up Ravi and fling it through his soft little eye, they blessed Paris with two...he needn't need but one'
Ignored. Ravi had took a seat beside Violet Bashar and as soon as Navi spoke thick fingers pushed thicker black hair behind his ears, he was intent to intently follow the conversation.
'he'd miss like he missed in training.'
Ignore harder. His hands went under the table to pick at a old scab on his knuckles, fingers digging deep. His dark eyes didn't match his bright outward appearance as they bore unknowing holes through Paris Bashar. Why couldn't these brats just shut up?
'teach them the law of Ibrahim! that'll shut him up. you'll feel better too. ill be satisfied. stab him Ravi!'
The boy like voice giggled loudly almost sheepishly, "Don't say...," a hand came up and down with a little more force than implied, who was he don't'ing? His eye contact hadn't broke from Paris with his small outburst so he recovered but he had paused, "Don't speak again Paris Bashar unless it's excusing yourself from the table so the adults can talk," reconfirming his Uncles words, he shouldn't but he need the agitation these young Bashar brought him, "Sorry Uncle Ibrahim...it's just disrespectful. I won't tolerate it."
Ravi fell as silent as the voices in his head...despite perhaps a light panting throughout his head echoing like sinister laughter almost. The wolf. His skin broke out in goosebumps.
Last Edit: Oct 16, 2023 22:56:36 GMT -5 by Deleted
Jagged teeth extend from an elongated forward jawline, razor claws that eerily extend past where they should be on the hands, and harrowing yellow orbs for eyes hunt for their victim. A ten-foot-tall immovable wall of rippling black muscle, hardened skin, thick shoulders that extend down into broader arms, all covered in shaggy dark fur. His legs hold firm like small tree trunks, with powerful feet that dig grooves into the ground at a run. A ferocious beast that is as wild and difficult to control as it is lethal for and protective of the one who finds how to walk with a predator.
Post by Malikan Bashar on Oct 17, 2023 10:16:43 GMT -5
Exchanging that same look to his father he knew so well, that feeling that ate at his gut. Never getting the warmer response he deep down wanted, that was Xavier through and through, all business to him. His uncle saved the day from a colder temperament forming across his brow, pulling his focus away. Letting the others speak and waiting patiently to answer, exchanging a look with Ares Bashar and Violet Bashar , then giving a nod while he waited for the right moment.
”Some success Uncle. I’ve ten recruits that will be worth your time.” Ibrahim Bashar . A declaration with some experience of testing men. Knowing that his uncle or Xavier would make the final determination. “Good men, whose silence I will vouch for.” That was what ruled out more recruits than anything, how free they were with their words, especially when drunk or on their spare time.
He’d spent long hours observing, then getting to know any potential recruits, how much they could be trusted. Then testing discreetly or from a distance. That didn’t leave many men at the end of it all, but after he’d trained with those he thought worth it, few let him down. Broadly, ”the men are in good spirits but restless.” He would not bother his busy uncle with smaller day to day details on what they needed unless asked, those details could be worked out with Xavier or their quartermaster.
@ravi 's words to Paris Bashar surprised him, about the only thing that moved his otherwise stoic expression. He steered clear of family politics, and knew Ravi to be a soldier, a fighter, but even he wondered on the wisdom of challenging the son and heir openly.
Post by Paris Bashar on Oct 17, 2023 19:47:17 GMT -5
Paris was stunned, but this face remained neutral and smooth as it had been when he’d delivered an apology to his sister. He’d been annoyed by the verbal hand slap from his father but was willing to stomach it. But instead of letting the moment pass, Ibrahim Bashar doubled down on shaming his son and exalting his daughter in the presence of others—an unmarried woman, who contributed in none of the ways a traditional Nevermerean woman should.
But Paris was secure in his own contributions. He was a steadfast servant of his family who had managed their finances and kept the machinery of running the estate oiled. His father seemed to have forgotten that was the case. For how did he thank him? Call him ‘boy’ in front of the others? To chastise him in such harsh words in what he believed to be a disproportionate verbal attack? No. Paris was a Bashar man, the same as his father, and he would not be made a spectacle of.
When the lunatic @ravi spoke, that was the final straw. Paris calmly stood and said in a quiet, level voice. “Please excuse me—it seems my presence is an agitation,” Paris glanced at Ravi, “I would hate to derail the proceedings any further. If there is a need for me, I can be sent for. ”
Paris dipped his head respectfully and, without any show of emotion, quickly and quietly left the room.
[ EXIT PARIS ]
Last Edit: Oct 17, 2023 19:47:39 GMT -5 by Paris Bashar
Post by Lisette Bashar on Oct 18, 2023 6:03:52 GMT -5
Lisette, for as much as she might delight in the verbal backhand from her father, also felt the weight descending on Paris’ shoulders to be too much. He was always a little ass, and sometimes she played the game just as harshly.
“Please, father,” she said ever so gently, reaching a hand to touch her father’s, “let me speak to him. You know how he can get sometimes.” No doubt why Paris was considered soft, but still.
If her father allowed then Lis would stand from the table, curtsy, and then hurry after her brother.
Post by Ibrahim Bashar on Oct 18, 2023 6:33:22 GMT -5
So much happened all at once. The man sighed and closed his eyes, dragging a hand down his face to keep his cool. Eventually, he dropped the hand and looked around the room. He hadn't had the time to respond to Malikan Bashar before @ravi verbally attacked Paris Bashar, which caused his son to get up from the table and leave. Leave! During a family meeting.
Ibrahim looked at Lisette Bashar and nodded. "Go, but don't be too soft on him. He needs to learn to listen." He squeezed her hand once more and looked at @ravi.
"Who are you to talk to my son like that?" Ibrahim knew that something was wrong with Ravi. His sister had always been so jealous of him and she had cursed him (at least that's what everyone thought) and now he was... this. It often seemed like he was multiple people in one. His sister had been executed, but the curse had remained. "But you are correct. He was disrespectful. Still, please keep the voices down, will you, Ravi? You'll get your turn to speak."
Now on to Malikan Bashar. At last. "That's good news. We'll meet soon, to discuss it in more detail." He glanced at Xavier, who didn't seem all too happy about his son being allowed to discuss this with Ibrahim, but Ibrahim did not care about his brother's feelings. "They will have to deal with their restlessness a little longer. We can not make a move yet."
He considered that enough talk about their troops for now. Details were meant to stay between him and Malikan. The others didn't need to hear it.
"Now, is there anyone who'd like to add something, or say something. Now is the moment, not before, not during, but now." He looked at Ares Bashar, Violet Bashar and @ravi. If none of them had anything to say, Marcus or Xavier might add something in a bit.
'RUUNNN ON LITTLE BOY! ILL EAT YOUR FUCKING HEART IF MY BROTHER HADNT LIED AND HAD ME KILLED!'
Shame washed over Ravi, hands once again dropping off the table and he tore into the scab on the top of his hand from under. Little Navi had been created in his head he was very sure of this to be punished for not telling the truth the day she was executed. Still part of him was glad Navi was here, it meant he was better at the game of life she heard his thought and rocked his head with laughter.
mmĥmm...şĥamẹ...tª§tęÿ...
'ravi tastes better washed in shame, you fucking broken little man..feed the dog..FEED THE DOG'
fėẹđ mË Řªvị
The Wolf rarely spoke but he was and it lapped up the shame like it had been a fountain of youth. Navi laughed and she was suddenly sitting across the table and Great Uncle stood behind her. A quick flash of half eaten bodies filled the room. Ravi just sat blank faced.
'he's no one uncle ibrahim, uncle killed the wrong one'
All in unison all the voices spoke some he didn't know but they loved to remind Ravi:
Ķilled ThĘ wronĞ oŊĘ!
Ravi just remained quiet with his thoughts, fed The Wolf his shame, and listened to the taunting voices. He had nothing to add and wouldn't speak again unless addressed.
Post by Ares Bashar on Oct 18, 2023 10:33:46 GMT -5
Ares was disappointed indeed when Paris Bashar got up to leave. His gaze trailed after him with his brows furrowed together and a small frown on his lips. He had half a mind to get up and follow him but he wasn't about to leave the family meeting without being dismissed. Not when he was so close to getting that courtier position from his father. He couldn't afford to let his love for messing with Paris get in the way of that.
He turned his attention back to his uncle as Lis got up to follow her brother and simply shook his head politely when Ibrahim Bashar asked if there was anything else he had to add. He looked back to Violet Bashar, curious if she'd use this chance to say something though he wasn't sure if she had anything herself.
Post by Violet Bashar on Oct 18, 2023 19:40:27 GMT -5
Violet raised her eyes up in time to catch his little half smile at her. Immediately, the feeling of shame subsided. If her brother wasn’t unhappy with her, then as far as she was concerned, she’d done nothing wrong…only upset her uncle who was arguably easy to rile. Much like Paris Bashar, if his behavior was to be used for any resemblance between father and son, although Paris showed his little fits of emotion in a manner that Violet had always viewed as unmasculine…although she probably would have been tempted to run if @ravi had spoken that way to her. Ravi was unpredictable. She’d been too young to know the specifics of why he was the way that he was, but Violet had always been a little intimidated of him, if only because she wasn’t sure exactly what would work to get him properly twirled around her little finger.
Violet didn’t have anything to add to the meeting. She wasn’t even sure if anything that she would would be taken seriously. It was difficult to tell with her uncle…or any of the Bashar men for that matter. Honestly, she was tempted to ask something incredibly stupid and cute, if only because it would pull her aunt’s heartstrings.
Jagged teeth extend from an elongated forward jawline, razor claws that eerily extend past where they should be on the hands, and harrowing yellow orbs for eyes hunt for their victim. A ten-foot-tall immovable wall of rippling black muscle, hardened skin, thick shoulders that extend down into broader arms, all covered in shaggy dark fur. His legs hold firm like small tree trunks, with powerful feet that dig grooves into the ground at a run. A ferocious beast that is as wild and difficult to control as it is lethal for and protective of the one who finds how to walk with a predator.
Post by Malikan Bashar on Oct 21, 2023 15:00:55 GMT -5
The words his uncle gave @ravi confirmed what had been educated into him his whole life by his father. That discipline he’d been drilled with, resounding through him, as if he were re-living one of several past memories. A part of him felt sorry for his cousin.
Paris Bashar leaving and Lisette Bashar looking to attend to him stirred something in Malikan, a want to move or act. Not wanting to overstep his place, he wanted to train Paris, give him a sword, or just stand by his side for the sake of the family. However unlikely that was, whatever anyone thought of Paris or Malikan for that matter. Would Paris want his help? Probably not. That didn’t matter, he was honor-bound to offer it, putting it in place for the time Paris did want it.
For him, the family and his duty to it was above all other considerations, even or especially if that help was rejected.
Having fulfilled that duty to his family for now, he had nothing else to say when his uncle Ibrahim Bashar asked. Like many of the others, he remained silent, finding his place in this new dynamic that was shaping up. He linked his hands behind his back as he often did when at home, appearing about as open and unthreatening as he was able to.