ββΠΎΟ
Ι΄α΄ α΄α΄
α΄Ιͺα΄α΄α΄Ι΄α΄α΄ α΄xα΄α΄α΄α΄ α΄Ι΄ α΄α΄Κα΄Κ Κα΄sΙͺΙ΄α΄ss
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Post by ββΠΎΟ on Oct 14, 2021 14:21:19 GMT -5
Three years of bloodshed. The kingdoms of Ketia and Oshelon were once allied nations, but one would not know that now from wandering their kingdoms. Both are war torn, streets populated only by the men who were too old or weak to fight and the women who were left behind. The bitterness between the countries is so strong that few remember that it all began as a dispute between two rulers.
There is a third kingdom, Luwyth, that knows little of war. It is called the Sacred Country by many because it is a strong hold of the church and a powerful royal family. Luwyth has played the middleman throughout the war, providing supplies and funding to both Ketia and Oshelon. But theirs is a precarious position. If the rulers of Ketia and Oshelon learn to put their differences aside, they may turn their attention to the kingdom that has claimed to be friend to all.
Our story begins at the turning of the tide. The three nations remain locked in battle, but their rulers agree to meet at a secluded palace on neutral land. Enticed by rumors of peace and new alliances, nearly all of the royals converge in one place for the first time in decades. Of course starting wars is simple. Ending them is another matter entirely, especially when the people in power all have conflicting agendas.
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ββΠΎΟ
Ι΄α΄ α΄α΄
α΄Ιͺα΄α΄α΄Ι΄α΄α΄ α΄xα΄α΄α΄α΄ α΄Ι΄ α΄α΄Κα΄Κ Κα΄sΙͺΙ΄α΄ss
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Post by ββΠΎΟ on Oct 14, 2021 14:22:24 GMT -5
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ββΠΎΟ
Ι΄α΄ α΄α΄
α΄Ιͺα΄α΄α΄Ι΄α΄α΄ α΄xα΄α΄α΄α΄ α΄Ι΄ α΄α΄Κα΄Κ Κα΄sΙͺΙ΄α΄ss
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Post by ββΠΎΟ on Oct 14, 2021 14:41:51 GMT -5
- LITERACY: Roleplays tend to last a bit longer if the expected post length is on the shorter side, so I don't expect an essay with every post. But please be thoughtful with your characters and plotlines. Quality over quantity is a good rule of thumb!
- ACTIVITY: I struggle with this too sometimes, so I forgive you if you leave. But please don't join if you never intend to involve yourself in the story. With the slots being predefined, every character has a function in the plot. Try to post every few days at least.
- JOINING: Make sure to read through everything before posting on the character page. The families can be a little confusing and it's possible I'll fall behind on updating the front page. Just post somewhere or send me a message to make sure the slot is truly available.
- CHARACTERS: Nuance is key, so try to think how your character fits into this world and the rest of the cast of characters. What would be an interesting dynamic to explore? The blurbs are just to get people thinking and set up some history, the rest is up to you! Also, please only claim a maximum of three slots.
- CONTENT: Most of the people on this forum are older now, so there might be some more mature themes as relates to either violence or romance. Obviously we'll be keeping things forum safe, but this is a reasonably dark world with backstabbing, scandal, and war.
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ββΠΎΟ
Ι΄α΄ α΄α΄
α΄Ιͺα΄α΄α΄Ι΄α΄α΄ α΄xα΄α΄α΄α΄ α΄Ι΄ α΄α΄Κα΄Κ Κα΄sΙͺΙ΄α΄ss
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Post by ββΠΎΟ on Oct 14, 2021 14:46:35 GMT -5
β Ketia β
Landscape and climate: The furthest north of the kingdoms which experiences all four seasons. It is a largely industrial kingdom dominated by mines and quarries along the Lead Mountains that carve through the land. There are also swaths of farmland and moors. The smallest of the three, but the land is rich.
Capital City: Barrack City, in the foothills of the Lead Mountains. It is a surprisingly beautiful city and one of the most populous on the continent.
Allied with Luwyth, at war with Oshelon
Royal family: Leoz
Longtime rulers of Ketia, the Leoz family rose to power in large part due to their wealth from mining precious metals. Despite having ruled for generations, they are considered unorthodox because they were not one of the families with preordained power due to connections to the church. Their mines are still functioning to this day in the Lead Mountains of Ketia. The Leoz family is considered quite cutthroat by the outside world, and their people both fear and hate them (in large part because of the war). Their rule has been reasonably prosperous, so their power is considered secure for the time being.
Family sigil: A lion with a steel muzzle over a yellow background
Family traits: dark skin, dark hair, icy blue or black eyes (generally)  β Luwyth β
Landscape and climate: Southwest of Ketia on a largely flat territory dominated by grassland and some forests. It is warmer than the other two kingdoms, and hosts three "sacred cities." The people of Luwyth are pious, and massive cathedrals dominate most towns.
Capital City: Luwythenna, aka the Sunkissed City at the southernmost border. It sits upon a shining shore of white cliffs.
Allied with both Ketia and Oshelon, supplies them both in the war.
Royal family: Rexson
One would have to search far, far back in the record books to find a time when the Rexsons were not the rulers of Luwyth. Their power is as constant and dominating as the southern sun. Unlike the Leoz family, they are rumored to descend from the gods themselves. In fact they have deep connections to the church, and in their kingdom they are worshiped as a function of religious propaganda. But they are not a military family, which is considered the weak point of their rule.
Family sigil: A magpie with a golden branch in its beak over a red background
Family traits: olive skin, dark eyes, blonde/brown hair (generally)
β Oshelon β
Landscape and climate: A rocky landscape full of craggy outcrops and highlands. It also has by far the most shoreline of the three kingdoms. Its people are predominantly occupants of fishing and farming villages. In fact, there are no large cities in Oshelon, only townships and fortresses. There are many factions of people, many of whom are quite proud.
Capital City: Thrand, which is really a glorified fortress a few miles from the eastern sea.
Allied with Luwyth, at war with Ketia
Royal Family: Emree
The family has ruled on and off in Oshelon for over a century. Their people are very diverse and spread over a great area, and power is not often stable in Emree. But the most recent king has ruled with an iron fist, bringing new infrastructure to a once very disbanded territory. They are currently quite popular, and in fact the war efforts have led to an increase in support for the Emrees. They are stereotypes as the "mercenary kings" because they often rise to power during times of strife. They are considered strong military minds.
Family sigil: A shield depicting a cascading wave over a blue background with two spears
Family traits: Pale skin, ashen/silver hair, blue/green eyes (generally)
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ββΠΎΟ
Ι΄α΄ α΄α΄
α΄Ιͺα΄α΄α΄Ι΄α΄α΄ α΄xα΄α΄α΄α΄ α΄Ι΄ α΄α΄Κα΄Κ Κα΄sΙͺΙ΄α΄ss
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Post by ββΠΎΟ on Oct 14, 2021 14:48:53 GMT -5
***These are all the available and claimed character slots for the roleplay. This list is subject to grow longer if needed but is intended to build in some dynamics and plotlines for the sake of realism. Blurbs are open to interpretation and are meant to be expanded on once claimed.***
β THE LEOZ FAMILY β
The King: (45 years old) Widowed, accused the Emree family of poisoning his late wife.
OPEN
The First Daughter: (25 years old) Formerly betrothed to the heir of Oshelon, but it was called off because of the war.
OPEN
The Male Heir: (24 years old) Negotiating an engagement with the eldest daughter of Oshelon, but everyone knows he's a bastard, despite the family's denial
OPEN
The Second Son: (23 Years old) Commander of the army, unaware that a peace is being negotiated. Currently on the battlefield
CLAIMED BY: glow
The Second Son's Wife: (24 years old) They were forced to marry and often avoid each other, despite her ambition. Not of royal birth.
OPEN
The Second Daughter: (19 years old) The neglected child, hates that she is never approached about family matters, Currently on the battlefield
OPEN
β THE REXSON FAMILY β
The King: The King: (28 years old) Unmarried, no children. Became king after his father died seven years ago.
CLAIMED BY: glow
His First Brother: (25 years old) Ambassador to the army of Ketia, Currently on the battlefield
CLAIMED BY: stormrage
His First Sister: (24 years old) Head Priestess of the Church, almost as powerful as her brother. Twin of the second sister.
OPEN
His Second Sister: see Emree family
His Third Sister: (21 years old) The flirt of the family, determined to increase her power no matter the cost
OPEN
His Second Brother: (20 years old) The right hand of the king, despite his young age he is a political mind
OPEN
His Fourth Sister: (17 years old) The beloved child of the family who easily charms whomever she encounters, Currently on the battlefield
OPEN
β THE EMREE FAMILY β
The Queen: (51 years old) Sworn enemy of the Leoz family, she does not bark but she does bite.
OPEN
The Male Heir: (27 years old) His mother's champion, recently returned wounded from the war.
CLAIMED BY: stormrage
The Heir's Wife/Second Sister of the Rexson family: (24 years old) Married as part of an alliance, loyal to her blood.
CLAIMED BY: glow
The Second Son: (25 years old) A warrior who is often competing with his accomplished brother.
OPEN
The First Daughter: (24 years old) Prone to meddling in others' affairs, always up to date on the gossip.
OPEN
The Third Son: (22 years old) Son of the queen but not the late king, recently legitimized. Resentful of his brothers.
OPEN
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ββΠΎΟ
Ι΄α΄ α΄α΄
α΄Ιͺα΄α΄α΄Ι΄α΄α΄ α΄xα΄α΄α΄α΄ α΄Ι΄ α΄α΄Κα΄Κ Κα΄sΙͺΙ΄α΄ss
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Post by ββΠΎΟ on Oct 15, 2021 13:15:03 GMT -5
The main plot of the roleplay revolves around the peace negotiations. Many of the other plots will relate to that, while also allowing the characters to split off into smaller groups. For the background context, the most important thing to know is that the war has been raging for three years. Both Oshelon and Ketia have lost men and resources in the process, and wish for peace. However, it might be in the best interest of Luwyth for the war to rage on. And there are always the resentments and personal agendas for the royals of the opposing sides to get in the way of a simple agreement.
Side plots will be influenced by character dynamics and whatever other drama we can come up with. When considering how to involve your character in the plot, as yourself what they serve to gain or lose due to the war, and what they serve to gain or lose from other characters. Below I will list some optional plots which people can essentially opt-in to depending on interest:
- Ambitious younger sibling: A prince or princess who is not the heir of their family decides to improve their chances at gaining power. Some means of doing that: assassination, advantageous marriage, fraternizing with the enemy, etc.
- Unexpected allies: Two people who come from opposing sides come up with an unorthodox plan to unify the kingdoms or end (or prolong) the war.
- The will of the gods: Religion is important in this world, to some characters more than others. Some may claim to know the will of the gods when they do not, or wish to assess the gods' intent through religious means. Do the people of the church have other plans?
- The war rages on: While most of the royals play the game of politics, some are taking matters into their own hands on the battlefield. Can they influence the war from the ground?
- Love is in the air: Which characters may already have romantic connections? Which might be interested in getting engaged for political reasons? Which may have been scorned? Are there opportunities for torrid affairs?
- Blood is thicker than water: What conflicts might arise between family members? How might they navigate that?
- Etc....These are all just starting points! If you have an idea, let's hear it!
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ββΠΎΟ
Ι΄α΄ α΄α΄
α΄Ιͺα΄α΄α΄Ι΄α΄α΄ α΄xα΄α΄α΄α΄ α΄Ι΄ α΄α΄Κα΄Κ Κα΄sΙͺΙ΄α΄ss
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Post by ββΠΎΟ on Oct 15, 2021 13:49:56 GMT -5
This roleplay has had many iterations throughout the years both by me and by other people, so credit to all those who have participated historically. This time around, thank you to Starchaser for helping me plan and Stormrage for encouraging me to remake it. Thank you to anyone uncredited, including artists, although I did use free images on adobe spark to make the layout.
-- Save for future announcements and expansion --
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Post by πΎππππππππ on Oct 15, 2021 17:42:59 GMT -5
[ woo ]
[ am dead after work so will make forms tomorrow ]
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ββΠΎΟ
Ι΄α΄ α΄α΄
α΄Ιͺα΄α΄α΄Ι΄α΄α΄ α΄xα΄α΄α΄α΄ α΄Ι΄ α΄α΄Κα΄Κ Κα΄sΙͺΙ΄α΄ss
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Post by ββΠΎΟ on Oct 15, 2021 17:55:50 GMT -5
[ woo ] [ am dead after work so will make forms tomorrow ] |
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ββΠΎΟ
Ι΄α΄ α΄α΄
α΄Ιͺα΄α΄α΄Ι΄α΄α΄ α΄xα΄α΄α΄α΄ α΄Ι΄ α΄α΄Κα΄Κ Κα΄sΙͺΙ΄α΄ss
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Post by ββΠΎΟ on Oct 15, 2021 23:37:08 GMT -5
β Kaspar Rexson β
on the palace grounds, alone
Kaspar trudged up the road, twirling his horse whip mindlessly between the fingers of his right hand. To passersby his motive could easily have been mistaken for an innocent walk around the grounds. Indeed, walking was how he often occupied his time. He was known for roaming all around his own palace, even the servantsβ quarters and the barns which kept the pigs for slaughter. But he never walked simply because his feet were restless. He walked because he had to check in, to make sure no one was stepping out of line or doing something they shouldnβt.
That was also why he had taken his horse out to memorize the unfamiliar territory in which he now found himself. Kaspar was always thorough. That was the most common misconception about him: that he held an entire kingdom together through pure intuition. No, he was not intuitive, he was meticulous. But when it comes to success, the former can easily be mistaken for the later.
He smiled and nodded at the groom who walked in the opposite direction. βItβs a pleasant day,β he remarked, and the groom agreed with the requisite, βYes, your majesty.β When he was alone again, the cheerful expression eased off the kingβs features.
There was much to consider. His plans were ever evolving, but they required all of the pieces to fall perfectly in place. The most important thing was to assert Luwythβs position as ally to all. That was easier said than done. The Leozes and the Emrees could start tearing at each othersβ throats at the drop of a hat. Or, even worse, they could put aside their differences and call off the war. That was the opposite of why Kaspar agreed to come. He needed to ensure they hated each other more than ever, but that they never redirected any of that hatred toward him.
He scanned the grounds as he made his way back up to the palace. Golden trees blanketed the surrounding valley. The castle was on high ground, and below were the gardens. Further down the hill was the servant housing and the stables. He liked to imagine he could hear and see all things from the cooks chattering in the kitchens, to the boy brushing the sweat off his horseβs back, to the whispers between royals in the castle walls.
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ββΠΎΟ
Ι΄α΄ α΄α΄
α΄Ιͺα΄α΄α΄Ι΄α΄α΄ α΄xα΄α΄α΄α΄ α΄Ι΄ α΄α΄Κα΄Κ Κα΄sΙͺΙ΄α΄ss
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Post by ββΠΎΟ on Oct 15, 2021 23:37:22 GMT -5
β Alys Emree β
in the palace halls, alone
Alys stood over her overflowing luggage. The large wooden chest looked like some kind of gutted animal, with her gowns splaying out like scattered entrails. Thatβs a morbid thought, she mused as she placed her hands squarely on her hips.
A girl was supposed to help her unpack the night before, but obviously the palace staff was stretched thin. They werenβt accustomed to hosting three royal families at once. In fact, it supposedly sat empty for most of the year. Though it belonged to the King of Ketia, the castle was more of a holiday retreat than a residence. The staff that worked there were likely used to quiet halls and empty rooms, the opposite of its present state.
Resigned to her own fate, Alys began hanging her dresses in her quartersβ armoire. Although the task seemed daunting at first, she soon found it to be quite soothing. The last few days had been a whirlwind. Travelling to the mountains from the coast of Oshelon was no simple feat. Her body was still sore from the hours spent bumping around in a carriage in the company of her husbandβs family. Their arrival was no more relaxing than the journey. Stepping foot inside the palace felt like walking into a lionβs den; the joy of seeing her siblings was tainted by the tension in the air. The distance in her eldest brotherβs eyes had reminded her of what she nearly forgot: she was a member of the Emree clan now. By comparison to the shared spaces of the palace, her own rooms felt more like a retreat.
She made a dent in her packing and then began to feel restless. She abandoned the wooden chest and found herself walking toward the door. Her hand hesitated on the doorknob. Who was she going to encounter? Her feet seemed intent on carrying her to her siblingsβ quarters. She wanted to speak with them privately, to ask if they still loved her even if her name had changed. But she knew it was unwise to tip-toe around like a common burglar. Everyone was acting jovial now, but they would all take note of anything remotely suspicious.
Instead, she entered the hall and resolved that she would speak to whomever she encountered first.
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ββΠΎΟ
Ι΄α΄ α΄α΄
α΄Ιͺα΄α΄α΄Ι΄α΄α΄ α΄xα΄α΄α΄α΄ α΄Ι΄ α΄α΄Κα΄Κ Κα΄sΙͺΙ΄α΄ss
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Post by ββΠΎΟ on Oct 17, 2021 13:37:46 GMT -5
[ πΎππππππππ We can talk about the nature of Alys and Malachi's relationship! Do you want them to be in love? Or should there be some kind of conflict? ]
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Post by πΎππππππππ on Oct 17, 2021 18:30:52 GMT -5
( hmm could be interesting to develop their relationship. What do you think? )
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Post by πΎππππππππ on Oct 17, 2021 18:43:31 GMT -5
( could do a mix of one and two )
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Post by πΎππππππππ on Oct 17, 2021 18:56:26 GMT -5
( lol poor Mal )
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Post by πΎππππππππ on Oct 18, 2021 16:49:01 GMT -5
( lol rip )
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ββΠΎΟ
Ι΄α΄ α΄α΄
α΄Ιͺα΄α΄α΄Ι΄α΄α΄ α΄xα΄α΄α΄α΄ α΄Ι΄ α΄α΄Κα΄Κ Κα΄sΙͺΙ΄α΄ss
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Post by ββΠΎΟ on Oct 18, 2021 21:01:26 GMT -5
β Elmir Leoz β
in ketia, on the battlefield
The din of battle was ever present, even in the dead of night, when it seemed to linger as a dull echo in Elmirβs ear. He was becoming adept at tuning it out. Only when he was trying to speak to his men, and had to raise his voice, did he notice the clanging of swords on shields.
βI need you to make a supply run to the nearest town. The men are starving, and the farmers will part with their rations for the right price.β He handed the young man a small coin purse. Petr looked scarcely older than fifteen, with red cheeks and a mop of blonde hair. Elmir suspected he had lied about his age to the recruiters. He often sent the boy on errands away from the battlefield, even if an older man would have completed them more efficiently. At the moment, his services were as necessary as any soldier. Elmirβs men were as good as dead if they became emaciated, and they were close to that now.
Petr gave a short nod and excused himself from the tent. Alone, Elmir sat back against the edge of his table. In doing so, he jostled the wooden pieces that had been laid out on a map of the surrounding area. He glanced down at it. Even with the pieces scattered, he could pinpoint their location exactly: a narrow valley in the Ulnar region. Fifteen miles inward of the border with Oshelon. His men were caught in a bottleneck. It was the third week straight that his regiment had delayed their return to Barrack City. He had intended to call them back once the region was secured, but it was as unstable as ever. Oshelonβs men seemed to descend from all angles. A retreat at that moment would mean losing swaths of valuable farmland.
He pried his dark eyes away from the map. They were sore from hours spent out in the blinding sun on the frontlines. But he knew he was holding up better than most.
A rare wave of homesickness washed over him. When he was a boy, he had secretly wished for a war. He viewed it as an opportunity to prove his worth and to escape the watchful eye of his father. But he missed eating warm meals and sleeping in a comfortable bed. He wanted to kick himself for the strategic mistakes heβd made, the unnecessary lives lost.
But there was no point in dwelling on it now. The din of battle echoed on, and the hilt of his sword had grown cold.
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Post by πΎππππππππ on Oct 21, 2021 8:56:36 GMT -5
β Malachi Emree β
in the palace halls, alone
To say that Malachi Emree was amused would be a gross overstatement. As the cart rattled on, jostling its inhabitants, Malβs mood continued to grow fouler and fouler by each passing second. He ground his teeth back and forth, both from frustration and pain, as he set his dark amber gaze to glaring out of the carriageβs meager window. Only a few other people were in the carriage β Malβs retinue, as it were. His own personal chamberlain, who was currently squeezing himself as tight against the opposite the wall of the carriage as he could, as though he could sense Malβs growing anger. The other occupant was the castleβs own physician, who was only accompanying Mal and his chamberlain because of the reason Mal wasnβt currently on the battlefield.
Imagine his surprise when heβd returned home, wounded and struggling, to find the castle practically empty. His mother wasnβt there, and neither were either of his siblings. When heβd gone to his rooms, temper burning, he found his wife wasnβt there, either. So incensed was Malachi that he may have destroyed a few pieces of old furniture. He blamed it on the injury, and the pounding headache heβd had since being felled on the battlefield. He turned to stare at his right arm, which was splinted and bound in cloth that was a bright white, so stark against Malβs darkening mood. He tried to move his fingers, tried to urge his hand to respond, but there was nothing. No movement; only a lancing pain that shot up his arm. He sighed, and turned to watch the environment pass. When heβd gotten home, it was to learn that his mother β and, surprisingly, the rest of the royal family β had been called to attend a summit at the king of Ketiaβs summer palace. Turns out, Malachi was supposed to have been warned β but the message runner had disappeared. So instead, upon being severely wounded in battle, Mal had returned home, and had been immediately presented with one of his motherβs staff, who told him the news.
The carriage lurched to a sudden stop, drawing Malβs attention. The palace was clear, looming far too close for Malβs comfort. He wasnβt much for interacting with strangers on a good day, let alone one where he was in agony. His head was pounding, his right arm was burning, and he felt sick to his stomach. Nevertheless, he pulled himself together, letting his royal mask slip into place as he climbed out of the carriage.
βMy lord,β his chamberlain said, keeping his voice soft. βI will take your things to your chambers immediately.β Mal nodded, but did not reply. The old physician lumbered out of the cart, huffing and puffing as he did.
βIβll go see to the infirmary here,β the man croaked, age shivering in his voice. βCome and see me anon, so that I may tend to your wounds.β
Mal frowned at him, but nodded. Along with the broken bones in his arm, he had several lacerations to his body, along with a few cracked or bruised ribs. The palace staff approached him with a greeting party.
βPrince Malachi Emree,β one of them announced, and Mal sighed internally. βThe King of Ketia bids you welcome to this summit.β
Mal nodded to them, and inclined his head. βIf you would follow me,β the man continued, βI shall show you to your rooms, and direct you to where the summit shall be held, Your Majesty.β
Resigned to his fate, Mal followed.
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ββΠΎΟ
Ι΄α΄ α΄α΄
α΄Ιͺα΄α΄α΄Ι΄α΄α΄ α΄xα΄α΄α΄α΄ α΄Ι΄ α΄α΄Κα΄Κ Κα΄sΙͺΙ΄α΄ss
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Post by ββΠΎΟ on Oct 21, 2021 16:15:31 GMT -5
β Kaspar Rexson β
on the palace grounds, alone
Just when Kaspar felt he had everything under control, he heard a carriage rolling up the road. He turned and watched as it approached. Stormy eyes noted the ornate finishing and the hints of blue on the curtains of the vehicle, and he realized it belonged to the Emrees. Once it passed, he followed it to the front of the palace, his pace a bit slower than it had been before. An edge of unease crept into his bones. He had already guessed whom the carriage ferried, and it posed a wrinkle in his plans which he had not anticipated.
There was nothing to do but put on a friendly face in order to greet the new arrival.
Malachi Emree was welcomed first by the palace chamberlain. As if on cue, people seemed to materialize from all angles to investigate: butlers, grooms, and valets gathered around the carriage to attend the royal visitor. Kaspar noted the heir of Oshelon stepped onto the ground with a distinct tenderness. His right arm was held close to his body. Regal though he was, he was clearly unwell.
What happened here? wondered Kaspar. Malachi Emree was supposed to be on the frontlines, and yet here he was, looking altogether quite unwell. Curious indeed. Now there was one more Emree for Kaspar to keep in check, the heir to the throne nonetheless, and the husband of his own sister.
βSo the Champion returns,β Kaspar started as he made his approach. He wore an easy smile that one might expect from an old friend. With a smooth gesture, he dismissed the chamberlain, βI will show the prince to his quarters.β He fell into step with Malachi, allowing his eyes to scan the prince with thinly veiled curiosity as he ushered him inside. The herd of palace staff allowed them to pass but did not follow. Kaspar knew they wouldnβt dare interrupt a king and a royal heir.
βYou look strong, sir, if a bit bruised. I suppose youβll be wanting a warm meal and some fresh sheets to lie on. The Leozes have you and your family housed in the east wing.β As they walked through the cavernous halls, maids stopped in their tracks to bow and watch the two men pass. Kaspar spotted Alys before she noticed them. She was making her way down the spiral staircase, eyes to the floor. βLook, Iβm sure my dear sister will offer you some comfort,β stated Kaspar. He waved his hand for Malachi to continue on without him. He had played his role of the welcoming companion. The politics could take place later.
In the meantime, he hoped Alys would do her job of fawning over her battle-bruised husband. Malachi Emree needed to know the Rexsons were his trusted allies, close enough to be considered family. Anything to drive a wedge further between him and the Leoz clan.
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Post by πΎππππππππ on Oct 23, 2021 18:28:31 GMT -5
β Malachi Emree β
in the palace halls, with Alys
βSo the Champion returns,β a new voice said, and Malβs back teeth clenched down. He knew that voice. Kaspar Rexson, king of Luwyth, approached him wearing an easy smile. There was something off about it, though; Mal couldnβt quite put his finger on why yet. He settled his cat-like amber eyes on the older king as he approached, waving away the chamberlain in a smooth, regal motion. βI will show the prince to his quarters.β Mal inclined his head in thanks, though the motion was stiff. He did nit speak, although it was technically expected of him. His ribs and head were hurting too much for Mal to deal with all the royal protocol and nonsense.
He followed after the king, his gait smooth and fluid despite his obvious injuries. But that was Mal β good at hiding his own pain and suffering. He focused on his surroundings, memorizing the number of steps it took to get to their destination. It was one of his methods at controlling his pain and anger: focus on things that could be counted or things that could be easily observed. Golden curtains. Step number one-hundred and fifty-seven. Gold accents embedded in the floor.
βYou look strong, sir, if a bit bruised,β the Rexson king said. Malachi made a noncommitting sound in response. βI suppose youβll be wanting a warm meal and some fresh sheets to lie on. The Leozes have you and your family housed in the east wing.β
No, Malachi thought to himself. The Leozes may believe itβs they who delegated where my family goes, but it wasnβt them. He ignored the stares of the maids and servants in the castle, although he could feel the weight of them. Mal was fairly well-recognized; after all, how many people had stark white hair and eyes the color of whiskey? The white hair was an Emree trait, but Malβs coloration stood out even among them. It didnβt help that he was quite a renowned warrior, so he imagined some of the staring was the result of shock at the sight of his condition. He was injured? How could that be? He sighed to himself.
βLook, Iβm sure my dear sister will offer you some comfort,β Kaspar said, drawing Malachi out of his thoughts. He flicked his gaze towards the nearby spiral staircase, and saw his wife, Alys. Rather instantly, Malachi felt even more out of place. While he cared for his wifeβs safety, he had never had the opportunity to get to know her. She was beautiful, of course, but their marriage had been for political reasons. How could he love someone that he did not know? Could he ever love her? Maybe, but he was too tired to handle any of that right now.
Malachi thanked Kaspar as the king strode off, turning to watch him go before he returned his attention back to Alys. βHello, wife,β he said, voice weary and exhausted. His face was drawn, brow furrowed slightly.
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ββΠΎΟ
Ι΄α΄ α΄α΄
α΄Ιͺα΄α΄α΄Ι΄α΄α΄ α΄xα΄α΄α΄α΄ α΄Ι΄ α΄α΄Κα΄Κ Κα΄sΙͺΙ΄α΄ss
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Post by ββΠΎΟ on Oct 24, 2021 20:10:04 GMT -5
β Alys Emree β
in the palace, with Malachi
Alys felt a shock run up her spine, as if she had stepped into frigid water. It was silly, but she had almost forgotten that Malachi was a real person rather than a phantom. Suddenly there he was, speaking to her brother, standing in the column of light cast by the palace windows. The pair of men had spotted her first, and she felt their expectant gazes follow her down the staircase. Kaspar would vacate the hall before she arrived. His sly smile told Alys all she needed to know. This was her task, not his.
βNo one told me you were coming!β she confided as she approached. As she walked closer, her eyes were drawn to the change in her husbandβs stance, to the bandaging around his arm. Sympathy and confusion battled inside her chest, quickening her breath. βYouβre hurt?β The many follow-up questions hung in the air. How did it happen? Is it serious? Will you recover?
He looked tired either from the journey or from pain, perhaps from both. But he stood straight as ever, features impossible to read. She did not know how to proceed, or even what was appropriate as a greeting. His fingers hung loose at his side, and she noted their purplish hue. Would she hurt him if she touched him?
Their shared language was a rudimentary one. Despite being man and wife by law, they were little more than strangers in practice.
βYou must be exhausted,β she stated, and she began shepherding him back toward the staircase. βCome this way and you can lie down.β Even as they walked back toward their private quarters, she felt as if they were being watched. She was reminded of something her brother had told her. Average people have two people in a marriage. Princes and princesses have thousands. Even at the time she had rejected the sentiment. Yes, there were many people with a vested interest in their marriage. But ultimately the person whom she owed the most to was Malachi.
As they entered the room, she remembered of the scattered items of clothing and the unkempt bedding. "Oh! Here, sit on this chair while I make the bed. Shall I fetch anyone while you rest? A physician?" She quickly tossed the draped gowns and robes back into the wooden chest and then straightened the duvet.
Then, with the room feeling a bit more empty, and a sudden quiet descending, she walked back to him and knelt beside the chair.
"I can't begin to imagine what war must be like," she stated softly. Her brown eyes conveyed her sincerity as she lifted his bloodied knuckles and lightly brushed them against her lips.
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