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.
Our dearest and lovely admin welcomed her new baby boy, Jet, on Sept 7th! We're so happy for her and her family! Congratulations Mama!! Your boys are all so lucky to have such an incredible mom to love them! God bless!
In possession of a magical necklace that wards off offensive magic attacks against him, a ring that allows him to suppress magic, and can turn into werewolf at will.
Cassian was dressing for dinner when a commotion sounded outside of his tent. Horse hooves, voices, little enough to not have bothered the average king, but Cassian wasn’t average. He was highly attuned to his surroundings and constantly living at the edge of a knife, metaphorically speaking. While his muscles tensed in preparation, his face and general demeanor remained unmoved.
He was buttoning the last two buttons on his tunic when Regan entered.
Post by Regan Lassiter on Jun 28, 2024 17:58:02 GMT -5
Regan too was aware. Standing watch in the dark, she was aware of the slightest rustle within Cassian’s tent, the least sound that reminded her that he was still there…but yes, also to the world around her. Having been in Cambria for nearly a week, the coterie had developed its own rhythm in the strange land. The training and bustle of the day settled down with the setting sun and the nobles and diplomats retreated to their lodging—perhaps enjoying, for a moment, to pretend as if they were back in Nevermere with its all its comforts.
Her eyes scanned the dark, enjoying the stillness before the sound of quickly falling horse hooves caught her attention. Regan motioned to the other guards to stand by and stand ready as she walked to meet the sound. A pair of soldiers, rode forward, one with a witch also riding behind him on the saddle. The woman, who was clearly worn jumped down and stood before Regan readily.
“Huntsman,” the witch started, “I bring news from Commander Usher.” The woman thrust a message into her hand. “It is of the utmost urgency, it should go to the king at once—”
Regan nodded and, before the witch had finished, turned to the tent and indicated for her to follow. “Do you know the contents of this letter?” She asked, gesturing with the document. The witch nodded hesitantly as she walked alongside Regan.
“I know, generally yes. I…” The woman’s voice was low, nearly more than a whisper, “The Eldouir have returned to Lorendale to seek an audience with the queen. His majesty’s sons are safe in Nevermere, but as for the rest, I know very little. It’s been a day since I came as fast as I—”
“You’ve done well, soldier,” Regan cut her off. The words were sincere, but Regan’s bedside manner was rather poor. “Wait outside.” The huntsman bid the woman before stepping into the king’s tent with a grave expression on her face and veins of fire in her eyes. The Eldouir. Regan would not soon forget her last encounter with them at the speech and before that the killing of the Governor’s young son. The name boiled her blood. When she saw Cassian, she’d bow (admittedly her eyes flickering momentarily to the place where his fingers worked to do up the last few buttons of his tunic) before extending the letter to him.
“A message from Commander Usher...the Eldouir have returned to Lorendale,” Regan said in a low, even voice before waiting for Cassian to read whatever the letter contained.
In possession of a magical necklace that wards off offensive magic attacks against him, a ring that allows him to suppress magic, and can turn into werewolf at will.
Post by Cassian Rainecourt on Jul 5, 2024 11:28:38 GMT -5
Cassian registered her face, her eyes, and felt the compulsion to shift. To harness that form of power, to howl in defiance—or submission—to the moon and face whatever it was that gave her eyes such weight. He didn’t, of course. Cassian only let his hands fall to his sides, bracing for what news she would bring.
He heard her words as he reached for the letter. The last time she had passed him one like this it had been singed. If only he had a moment to sit in that memory. Instead, her words fell on his ears like a gong. He was not aware of how his face had paled.
Cassian opened the letter without a word and gave it a good looking at. Too good.
Post by Regan Lassiter on Jul 6, 2024 9:38:30 GMT -5
Regan’s entire attention was on Cassian: the paling of his face, every move of his muscles. He had far more control than she did, yes, but the compulsion to shift into one’s wolf form was powerful. It was always just within reach, waiting to break free. But he didn’t. She watched his eyes track down the contents of the letter before stalling, continuing to scan the lines as he grew paler.
Regan would step forward and put a hand on his upper arm. Her touch was not tender or comforting. It was firm. Bracing. If he looked up at her, he’d see the crackle of fire in her eyes and a certainty, a sureness, that didn’t often appear with such force. Regan endeavored to be what the king needed, to anticipate as best she could, and this moment was no exception.
She’d stay silent, eyes fixed on her king. In her mind’s eye, however, the memory of the governor’s son—his limp body—lingered, and young Cass’s face started to impose itself over the memory, eyes vacant as life left him—
No. Regan’s jaw clenched as she stayed close, waiting for orders.
In possession of a magical necklace that wards off offensive magic attacks against him, a ring that allows him to suppress magic, and can turn into werewolf at will.
Post by Cassian Rainecourt on Jul 6, 2024 23:26:23 GMT -5
Cassian was on an island. He always was. Alone in the world, alone in all that he did. What would he find in Lorendale when he went there? His mind dared not to go there. Instead it remained here. Regan’s touch called for him to return.
His gaze had lost focus on the page. It sharpened once more, raising to meet Regan’s. In her eyes was strength. It was a reminder. There was no room for attachments as the king. Not even with something like family. Anything, anyone, could be lost.
Post by Regan Lassiter on Jul 7, 2024 6:39:45 GMT -5
Like a hound set on a trail by it’s master, Regan’s heart thudded with new purpose. The ghost of a smirk passed like a shadow over her lips before her stern expression returned. Vengeance. Bloodlust. Regan did not know what the king had in mind, but when she nodded it was with thoughts of tearing the Eldouir limb from limb with her teeth.
In possession of a magical necklace that wards off offensive magic attacks against him, a ring that allows him to suppress magic, and can turn into werewolf at will.
Post by Cassian Rainecourt on Jul 10, 2024 7:28:30 GMT -5
Cassian hated spontaneity. He hated making quick decisions and abrupt actions, but this was his family, his queen. There was no other way. He kept his eyes on Regan for a moment longer, trusting her to think ahead, to be the Huntsman, to do what she needed to do to be prepared for what they might encounter.
With a silent nod he turned and went to the entrance of the tent. Alys was not far. He had her called for, briefed her, and entrusted her with keeping his absence unknown to those who didn’t need to know: most everyone.
With that, he and Regan set off to the doorway, the one strategically placed for the use of portkey, despite the fact that the average structure in Cambria didn’t possess a door.
It only took minutes for them to be in Nevermere. They would step into Cassian’s office. It was presently empty but had a quality of having been occupied formerly. Cassian took a moment to look—look for something to tell him the state of things. Blood, really. There was none to be found. After a pause he would exit for the hallway.
Post by Regan Lassiter on Jul 10, 2024 10:22:25 GMT -5
Regan craved purpose. Loyalty drove her, making her remarkably dependable in moments of crisis. When Cassian called for Alys, Regan quickly and discreetly readied herself. She hoped they wouldn’t have to confront an Eldouir, but if it came to that, she was prepared. With potions on her belt and an axe on her back, Regan followed Cassian through the door after Alys was briefed.
They moved through the familiar halls, directed to where the queen was being kept. Castle guards fell in step at Regan’s command, one inquiring if they should fetch Commander Usher. The king could accept or decline the offer. As they approached the queen’s room, Regan signaled for the guards to hang back. She’d follow Cassian if he allowed, otherwise, she’d remain outside the door.
When the door opened, Iliana was on the other side, looking hollow with red-rimmed eyes and her youngest child in her arms. October Montgomery was with her as well as a Nevermerean lady-in-waiting to assist with the child. Seeing her husband, tears started to fall down Iliana’s cheeks again.
In possession of a magical necklace that wards off offensive magic attacks against him, a ring that allows him to suppress magic, and can turn into werewolf at will.
Post by Cassian Rainecourt on Jul 11, 2024 3:48:22 GMT -5
Cassian did not waste time moving through his halls. He wasn’t quite jogging, but his steps were quick and his attention pointed. Any waiting nobleman would know better than to intercept him.
At the question of Lord Usher’s presence, the king gave an affirming nod.
The hand that reached for the door behind which Iliana should be visibly shook. Reacting, Cassian drew it back into himself, to the place where it was private, where no one would know how the thought of her and his children being harmed made his inner man quake. The guards behind him would not see it, only Regan. Before she could help him by opening it for him, he surged forward and did it himself. Time to face the roses.
Eyes falling over the scene quickly, he was relieved to find there were no roses to face. Only his beautiful, crying wife, all in one piece. He ignored the lady-in-waiting and moved forward cautiously.
Post by Regan Lassiter on Jul 12, 2024 16:49:33 GMT -5
Cassian was in everything. He was Regan’s sole occupation—her every waking moment. So when his hand shook, when his features transformed and he reached for the door again, she read the narrative as the familiar pages of a book. She wanted to reach for him—always did—but instead, she followed her king, fury for the Eldouir burning in her chest.
Once in the room, Regan’s eyes fell on Iliana. She had always had a strange reaction to the woman. There was a base jealousy, of course, that couldn’t be denied. But Regan wasn’t heartless. When she saw the young woman crying, clutching the child in her arms, Regan’s chest squeezed. Her anger only burned hotter. She looked at October Montgomery and acknowledged him with a nod. Two guards, serving their respective monarchs.
When Cassian moved forward, Iliana stood. The lady-in-waiting seized the opportunity to gently slip the child from Iliana’s arms…and the queen did not protest. She swiftly moved toward him, shaking as she sought to take Cassian’s hands in hers.
“They—they killed—killed him,” Iliana gasped, “I saw—the king, Akagi, they killed—him—I watched, it was…” Her voice broke off as she started to gasp for air.
Post by October Montgomery on Jul 12, 2024 17:10:31 GMT -5
The encounter with the Eldouir had been shocking to the say the very least but October was at least content that Iliana and her children were safe. When it was decided that she too would go to Nevermere, October was insistent that he follow. His job was her safety, not in figuring out what to do about the Eldouir problem. That could rest in the hands of the monarchy and the council and whoever they deemed called to aid.
He had spoken words of comfort to Iliana as they waited for Cassian and his heart broken to see her in such distress. When Cassian entered the room he saw the relief on Iliana's face to see him and he returned Regan's nod in acknowledgement as the two met one another in the room. October knew Iliana's mannerisms as much as Regan knew Cassian's. He'd keep his distance though placed himself between the door and the monarchs just in case something unwanted came through next.
In possession of a magical necklace that wards off offensive magic attacks against him, a ring that allows him to suppress magic, and can turn into werewolf at will.
Post by Cassian Rainecourt on Jul 14, 2024 11:40:10 GMT -5
Cassian took Iliana’s hands and clutched them tightly. The words that followed shocked him. Surely she saw it on his face, and how could he keep that in? Akagi, dead. His sister a widow. Arynn Frey without their king. He pulled her into him, both to comfort her and to give himself a moment to blink stupidly at the wall behind her.
“You’re safe now.” He quietly promised, something dark tickling his tone. Something vengeful. Something angry. Already his mind was racing to the next thing that needed to be done.
“I need to leave you. But I’ll make sure you’re safe.”
Post by Regan Lassiter on Jul 14, 2024 11:43:57 GMT -5
Iliana would let him go—reluctantly, but she would let him. Even in her moment of peril, where the world was crumbling around her, she understood the responsibility of being a monarch. They could not afford to linger. Ever. She nodded, and stepped back toward October Montgomery, as if he were a safe harbor she readily retreated into.
Meanwhile, Regan’s heart hammered in her chest. Her eyes fixed on Cassian—a dog, ready to be let off its leash. She’d follow where he led.
In possession of a magical necklace that wards off offensive magic attacks against him, a ring that allows him to suppress magic, and can turn into werewolf at will.
Post by Cassian Rainecourt on Jul 14, 2024 12:02:06 GMT -5
Cassian looked to October Montgomery and would give the man a nod. He knew Iliana trusted him completely, needed him even, and that was okay. It was good. After just a pause Cassian would exit the room, Regan in tow.
Outside the door he would use his key to open a way back to Coheed. With someone always waiting, he was met by a soldier whom he told to retrieve Alys. Cassian would have her posted with Iliana, waiting outside doors and accompanying the queen should she seek to wander.
Then, if nothing delayed his portal, Cassian would go next to Arynn Frey. Hadrian, who had been sent for, was directed to wait in the king’s study. Hopefully these meetings wouldn’t be long.
Post by October Montgomery on Jul 18, 2024 11:27:34 GMT -5
With a nod back to the king, one that also contained a bow, he watched as the two left just as quickly as they came. He could see both the understanding and the sadness in Iliana's eyes that he had to leave when she would preferred him to be with her, but they all knew that duty came before anything else.
As they left, October moved back towards Iliana as she cried.