Viola gripped the ends of her blanket and pulled it reluctantly over here face as she overheard her partner rise from the depths of slumber on a Monday morning and get an early start on the day. The responsible thing to do, yes, but the humane thing — she would beg to differ. But nonetheless, the meister would attempt to return to her beauty sleep as the alarm was silenced quickly by golden boy Austin.
”Ten more minutes, I swear.”
She grumbled quietly to herself through the sheets and blankets, and rolled back into the haze of disassociation. But that time would soon come to pass and Viola would eventually grip the sheets and pull them down to slide out of bed. The meister’s eyes were sunken, dark circles, squinting as her gaze aimed throughout the dimly lit bedroom. Her bare feet would find themselves sliding from the side of the bed and searched around for two small black slip-on sandals — and as they found them Viola pressed herself to wake into a zombie like state.
Her destination wasn’t to the bathroom to fix herself up or anything of that I’ll, no, she instead made way directly to the kitchen. The sound of the slippers sliding along the apartment floor with a ‘kshhh!’ reverberating throughout the small apartment space. Her efforts as minimal as they’d be would arrive her at — the kitchen table. She grumpily, snappily, pulled a wooden chair out from beneath it and would slump into the seat. Viola’s gaze typically fiery and hostile, but at this hour, it would be emit a different aura altogether. And with it she would aim her sights over to the weapon companion.
”Nourishment - nourishment - nourishment....”
Monday was hell, and as much as she wanted to become the next meister to receive that oh - so coveted title, on days like this she could do without waking up early and driven. So instead she would wake up in this current state, a black and red striped t-shirt that was a size too large for extra comfort, and matching pajama pants that were hemmed so she wouldn’t drag them, oh and those forementioned slippers that made the horrible sound. Her hair was a mess, sticking up in numerous locations and good lord the back of her head had been sticking straight out in some sort of ‘Sonic the Hedgehog’ hairstyle. But of course Vi did not care at an hour like this, on a day like this, she cared about nothing but food right now — and in this moment he was slacking as a partner by assuming it was safe to skip cooking breakfast and pour a bowl of cereal.
Her destination wasn’t to the bathroom to fix herself up or anything of that I’ll, no, she instead made way directly to the kitchen. The sound of the slippers sliding along the apartment floor with a ‘kshhh!’ reverberating throughout the small apartment space. Her efforts as minimal as they’d be would arrive her at — the kitchen table. She grumpily, snappily, pulled a wooden chair out from beneath it and would slump into the seat. Viola’s gaze typically fiery and hostile, but at this hour, it would be emit a different aura altogether. And with it she would aim her sights over to the weapon companion.
”Please.” She quietly announced under her breath, a small pout falling upon her expression.
The minor library was fairly small, as far as libraries went. There were only 2,500 books in the collection. However, the quality, not quantity, was what Reina sought. There was always enough time to do more research, and being extra prepared for the talks was never a bad idea. Lacking anything better to do, Christina and Reason accompanied her.
Today’s focus was warfare. Reina wished to know exactly how the South would possibly respond to an attack. Just in case. There had been numerous books written about the wars between Ateria and Croania, but most provided scant, if any, detail about the tactics and methodologies of southern generals.
Surprising, considering how much they enjoy patting themselves on the back for their accomplishments.
Still, she was being pessimistic. Nobody wished for war. It was within every single lord’s best interest to avoid conflict. Sure, minor skirmishes may have been inevitable, but most everyone knew that times had changed. Disputes were now settled with a pen and paper, in the courtroom rather than on the battlefield. Humanity had long surpassed the need to beat the snot out of itself in order to resolve its conflicts.
It wouldn’t hurt to be safe.
Reina pulled a few tomes off the shelf and set them on one of the studying desks. A small gemlight illuminated the table.
So inefficient. Electricity is far superior. And yet, they cling to their old ways and refuse to change. When will the South learn?
“Mother, I’m going to take Reason over to the sitting chairs,” said Christina. “We’ll be available if you need us.”
Right. Reason couldn’t read. What a shame. He had such a bright and inquisitive mind, only hampered by his disability…
Reina shook her head and settled into her chair, twirling a lock of hair as she delved into the past…
“This, right here, is the miracle that allows the tower to function,” the monk named Mark said. He was pointing at a large metal plate embedded into the floor of the Great Hall. The plate was about 3 meters square, and inscribed on it was a glowing yellow circle. Illegible scribbling lined the inside of the circle, some ancient, forgotten language.
“Former Mage Queen Ishtar constructed these in order to allow movement between each of the floors in the tower. They are powered by pushing magical energy into them, like this.” Mark knelt and placed a hand in the center of the circle. “Anyone with a half-decent favor can operate these. Every Brother can use them as well, and will charge the circle for you. Just say the desired location and it will consume the energy to move you there, provided there is an end portal and you are permitted in the end location. Now, Lady Lapseus, where in the tower do you wish to go?”
“The small library, if you’d please.” Melodia offered a quaint bow towards the monk. She knew better than to mouth off to anyone inside the facility, and remaining off the radar was far more favorable. So her masquerade of a goody two shoes little girl that ruled the northeast was exhumed as usual, crimson sights shutting happily aimed at monk.
“Oh - and before we trans-tele-port, would you mind if I call for my servant? Or would you be able to accompany me, I’m prone to falling.” She batted her eyelashes, any outcome would work - of all things Melodia hated, looking helpless was number one.
“Oh, it is of no effort to me.” Mark offered Melodia his hand. “I will take you there, then return to my duties. I believe Lady Young is already there, and she knows how to operate the circle, so do not worry about returning.”
Melodia accepted his hand and stepped onto the circle. “Minor Library,” said Mark.
The teleportation experience was quite possibly one of the oddest sensations Melodia had ever felt. It seemed as if her entire body was folding into a specific point, then compressed, then unfolded and regurgitated back to the real world. In a flash of light and dancing colors, she found herself on a similar plate in the Minor Library.
Mark led her off the plate and let go of her hand. “This is where I must take my leave, my lady. Please have a pleasant day.” He stepped back on and flashed away.
The Minor Library, while small, was packed to the brim with books. Any space not occupied by shelves was instead a reading table or study area. Only a small nook in the corner gave any breathing room, furnished with some comfortable chairs. A man in a cape and top hat sat with a black-haired woman. The woman was reading aloud.
Across from Melodia, she saw a familiar face studying a book at one of the reading tables. Reina Young had barely changed since Melodia saw her last. Still the long black hair, the youthful skin, the particularly stiff posture in her chair. It was all so familiar, echoing back to their youthful tutoring sessions.
Still a bit flustered by the magical recombobulation that occurs from one dimensional entry point to another, Melodia reaches to the small leather bag strung across her forebody. Plucking out a small metal cylinder from within she would press a button at its side turning the small contraption into a small cane for the petite girl to support herself as she walked out.
Afternoons were the most tiring period of the day, after all, and don’t even ask her about nap time.
Utilizing the metallic cane, Melodia slowly made her way to the familiar face, huffing out her words in a tired fit. “Seems like all the rumors about northern nobility being beautiful immortal women is true, eh?” The Lapsean girl finally made her arrival to the small desk in which the eldest Young nobility sat at. Melodia’s reddened sights gazed comfortably upon Reina, scanning her over with a smirk planted upon her face. “What’cha reading?” A wispy white eyebrow raised in inquisition to accompany the girl’s question.
Reina started, nearly knocking over the gemlight. “Oh, what in-” Her eyes met Melodia’s. “Mel! Oh, it’s been so long!” She stood up and pulled the chair beside her back. “You’re even using a cane now… sit down. I’m just brushing up on some history, don’t mind me. But what’re you doing in this dusty room?”
Melodia offered a nod of genuine appreciation, pressing the button to compress her cane once again and sliding herself carefully into the chair that had been offered. The girl was sickeningly thin, frail, and the small thud that reverberated from the chair would be followed by a very brief grunt as Melodia finally sat down and adjusted herself. “Th-thank you! And it hasn’t been too long - eh, you don’t look much different. Nor do I, but that’s for the world to decipher.” Mel briefly offered Reina a haunting flash of teeth as her lips peeled back for a moment. “But enough of that, yes, I’m likely here for the same reason as you. Research, though - perhaps the larger library may have been better for what I’m looking for. But I found you here! And that’s worthwhile enough.” The Lapsean noble’s expression returned to normalcy, pressing her posture up to peek over at the particular tome Reina had been glancing through.
“Warfare ‘eh?” Melodia bravely pried.
Reina turned red- an odd sight, considering her usual bearing. “Well, erm, I meant to look into the specifics of how Southern strategy plays out, but I can barely find anything. House Pachel probably keeps all those books for themselves. It’s just a… preemptive endeavor. I don’t think it’ll come to this, but it doesn’t hurt to look. Nobody wants war, after all. How are you holding up? I do hope the cane isn’t the start of something even worse. You look far too young to be using something like that.”
Melodia smiled warmly towards Reina, glancing in the direction of the other two occupants within the library. “Regardless of how we look, time continues to pass us by, and biologically everything and everyone is finite.” Melodia’s eyes squinted as she turned her attention back to Reina. “But being preemptive is so very like you, and I’d wager it’s warranted. Maybe we need a good war or two. Maybe some blood being spilt on southern soil would do the world good.” The Lapsean noble tightened her lips and raised her shoulders before leaning into the table and resting her elbows upon its surface.
“How’re the babies doing?” Melodia winked at Reina slyly, goading any sort of reacting from her.
“Oh, well, nothing quite yet. The wedding’s scheduled for the New Year. I do believe that, with how they’re all over each other, we might see real babies soon.” Reina laughed. “Christina thinks I don’t know, but it’s so obvious how she’s all about Reason when she thinks nobody can see. It’s quite cute. But don’t think you can distract me there. I noticed what you said. Have you talked to Arthur yet? He’s the most receptive to comments about conflict.”
Melodia slowly shook her head in reluctance. “I haven’t, you know how much of a recluse I am. Were it possible, I’d shut the borders to my land - clasp my hands together - and wait for my own demise. But I have mouths to feed, family to protect, and power fits my hand like a glove.” The Lapsean shifted in her seat, the small body contorting a bit as discomfort welled up within her body.
“Idle chitchat in hindsight, what’s your game plan with the shitslinging that’s about to occur? I keep a brave face in front of Rhy, but honestly, I’ve had it with the treatment the southerners continue to give us - I’m half pressed to just shut my mouth and act on my own from now on.” Melodia’s tone audibly sharpened and became dry, direct, and serious as the waters of the conversation went from familiar to dangerous and foreign.
Reina sighed. “It’s true that I just want to throw off the chains and do whatever, but I can’t help but feel like peace is a superior option. Times are changing, Mel. I’ve spoken to some of the Southern lords today, and I can’t help but feel like we very well might come out of these talks in a much better situation than before.” She began to count on her fingers. [color=d8cfbe]“Reason is wrapped around Tina’s thumb, Granis has pledged support, Aureolin is somewhat favorable to technological development, and Nols has displayed interest in advanced transportation technology as well. Seler is a wild card. Vector likes his beastmen, but he also doesn’t care for anything more advanced than a sextant. I have no idea of Balaur or Dalris, nor if Solaris’s vote even counts. Regardless, everyone’s more favorable to us than you might think.”[color] She smiled and closed the book.
Mel’s face twisted and contorted as Reina’s words trailed on, from disbelief to disappointment. “So you think now, out of the blue, they’ll begin to increase the livability in the north? The conditions, the disparity, the rights, how about that voting power? If you’re right - I’ll shut my mouth then and there, and begin to play nice. But until then, I shall continue to have my doubts.” Melodia breathed out slowly and slid her hands from the reading desk back down to her lap, allowing her fingertips to tap anxiously along the fabric of her dress.
“Any new research projects - innovations?” She deflected.
Reina frowned. “Don’t change the subject like that, Mel. I heard what you said. They won’t be changing anything. We’re the ones who have to drag the damned conservatives into the future. Unfortunately, they still hold power in more ways than one. Peace is the best option right now. That starts by changing the mindset of those in power, little by little. It’s far too risky to do anything else.” She sighed and laid her head on the table, looking sidelong at Melodia. “I’m so very tired, Mel. So tired. Everything… the prep work, all of it. I wish I could ignore everyone, but I have a duty to fulfill.”
Melodia grunted in response to Reina’s monologue, her discomfort coming to pinnacle as she leaned in and let out a single loud whine as she planted her face into the desk. “So rational. But you’re right, I apologize for my behavior. My age gets the better of my mind sometimes - and to my body, but that’s no excuse.” She slid her face from the wood to look back at Reina, a tired expression mirroring the Young noblewoman’s. “I guess I’ll try to keep my pride in check, even though the southerners never do. I’ll just send them a couple shipments of sugar pills to make myself feel better.”
Reina laughed. “Tell them it cures the common cold. Maybe then we can finally prove that the placebo effect is a real thing.”
Melodia flashed a devilish smile and lifted her head to rest a cheek on her arm. “Or I’ll tell them it’s some groundbreaking antibiotic, and then I’d sip wine as countless innocents died from infection.” The Lapsean’s upper lip raised disgracefully as her twisted tendencies continued to spill out.
“Oh, you. Don’t kid around like that. Now, some of the Southern lords, maybe…” Reina’s expression darkened. “Well, it’s no matter. What are you doing in the evening?”
Melodia’s expression turned to curiosity, a single eyebrow raising and her posture perking up at the question. “I planned on killing time annoying the monks, perhaps running hitting on a young southern heir. Childish nonsense is my only pastime when I’m not in Gohethia - why do you ask?”
“No reason in particular. I got permission from the Queen to use the laboratory. Would you like to join me?” Reina smiled again, this time a devilish smile. The one from long ago, when she was never up to any good.
Melodia’s heart raced for a moment, the rush even catching her so off guard that she got lightheaded for a brief moment. Her eyes would squint at Reina, the crimson hues seeming to lock onto her fellow scientist. “With a look like that, how could I refuse?”
Viola is of normal stature for a girl of her age, standing roughly five feet and six inches in height[167cm]. Her build is mostly muscular, but a carb & protein-rich diet has caused some her features to swell with time. She’s got a round face, though that’s typically covered by the black suede bandana fixed onto her face. Her eyes are a red-violet hue that seem to blend into brighter shades in the sunlight, though expression given from the pretty jewels within her head are typically hostile to say the least. Viola’s hair is a dyed a deep shade of red with traces of black at the roots and blended in, though her brown roots would tell the tale of her natural color.
The girl’s skin is a peach tone, less pale and more of a pink undertone that is easily reddened by abrasion and sunlight. Though this feature would be only noticeable on her cheeks and face as she is quite literally entrapped in armaments and garb from neck to toe. She’s typically seen in hwe signature multicolored hoodie that is white along the actual hood, grey and black along torso and sleeved, and a dark red at the bottom trim. She wears soft black fabric pants that are just the right amount of loose not to cling to her body shape, while also not being baggy to the point of uncomfortable. These pants also hold a number of pockets on them, at each hip, along the legs, even right below her bum. At her feet she wears two grey steeltoe boots with a composite spike on each heel, perfect for executing kishin scum - or to be. Last but not least, on top of her head is a black military cap that’s rather plain but makes it easier to keep her hair together. And while it’s plain, it really does wrap up the hostile military look that Viola goes for with her outfits.
Personality
Viola is rough around the edges. She is harsh, not communicative, and honestly just not great with social interaction. The girl is known to snap at the drop of a hat, and when she does it usually results in some disciplinary action from the higher ups. Violent, that’s a good word to describe her as well - and this results in her being generally avoided by most students in her and other classes.
But she’s not all bad, right? That’s hard to say as she doesn’t really seek out interaction unless told to do so or absolutely necessary. She follows rules very well, instructions too, but when someone tends to break those guidelines Viola will often stray to her typical ways and lash out onto these people. Viola has been seen respecting strong figures of authority, or just strong people in general - death scythes and senior meister with ages of experience and accolades are given no lip or naysay by Viola.
She also has a soft, sweet, less hostile side to her that’s just buried deep-deep in there. Perhaps some traumatic event in the past caused this side of her psyche to be suppressed to drastically, or maybe it’s just a complex. Nonetheless, to those who are lucky or unlucky enough to get close to the girl - they would find that when someone does something that she genuinely appreciates she can’t help but shyly say thank you and move on about her day.
Likes [+] Crispy Chicken Tenders [+] Soft Blankets [+] History and Historical Figures
Dislikes [-] Soggy French Fries [-] Rain - General Overcast [-] Blabbermouths
Fears [•] Solitude - Being Alone [•] Not Meeting Expectations [•] Public Speaking
Backstory
The Pardues Family is extensive and influential in the Northeastern U.S, their family fortune roots long-long ago during the colonial era and the history behind it is kinda blurry even to the family members. Nonetheless, Viola being born into such a family - and to the family chief executive even more reluctant, caused quite the different upbringing than many children her age.
Though I wouldn’t say it was horrible. She was fed with a silver spoon, never had to worry about getting things she wanted, had countless nannies and maids to clean after and cook for her. The early years of Viola’s life were everything a kid could dream of, she was practically raised like a princess. But as she grew older, so did the expectations, gender means nothing to a Pardues and you are expected to pull your weight in the family. Homeschooling, grooming, policies, business strategies, force fed down the girl’s gullet as they prepped the young Viola for a life of black dresses and PowerPoint Presentations
So she ran away. Not little-kid temper tantrum ran away, young Viola saved up every bit of money she could muster to scrounge up around the house and then her poor mother’s credit card for good measure. And with her funds secured she fled their New York estate and headed west to do things on her own. Now don’t get me wrong, when she did this she was around twelve years old and for a kid her age to be on their own traveling from one side of the country to the other - it’s not safe!
She would eventually come across a retired meister named Elizabeth Sbaghetti, whom pressured the girl to live with her for a while. Allowing the young girl with exceptional knowledge stay with her mostly for entertainment. However, one day the house would be attacked by a kishin to-be with a revenge story out for Elizabeth. But a pair of seasoned warriors with the last name Kilgore appeared from the shadows and took the bad guy out. The way they fought and trusted eachother so unbelievably convinced the young girl that this is what she wanted to do. After they left she practically begged Elizabeth to train her.
Weapon Partner Austin Kilgore
Meister Abilities Soul Menace, Soul Projection
Miscellaneous Abilities/Skills Hit & Run Tactics, Highly Athletic, Exceptional Vision, Sneaky
Soul Resonance King Lion Crunch By resonating their soul wavelengths and amplifying it repeatedly, Austin's scissor blades are engulfed in soul energy in the shape of the two halves of a lion's jaw, both a brilliant, bright-blue soul-powered color. With a gigantic lion's head made of soul energy formed, the lion gives a titanic roar, giving Viola the ability to cut the scissors, crushing their opponent with a powerful burst of soul energy.
Extra Easily bribed with food. Probably likes Austin’s parents more than him.
Viola is of normal stature for a girl of her age, standing roughly five feet and six inches in height[167cm]. Her build is mostly muscular, but a carb & protein-rich diet has caused some her features to swell with time. She’s got a round face, though that’s typically covered by the black suede bandana fixed onto her face. Her eyes are a red-violet hue that seem to blend into brighter shades in the sunlight, though expression given from the pretty jewels within her head are typically hostile to say the least. Viola’s hair is a dyed a deep shade of red with traces of black at the roots and blended in, though her brown roots would tell the tale of her natural color.
The girl’s skin is a peach tone, less pale and more of a pink undertone that is easily reddened by abrasion and sunlight. Though this feature would be only noticeable on her cheeks and face as she is quite literally entrapped in armaments and garb from neck to toe. She’s typically seen in hwe signature multicolored hoodie that is white along the actual hood, grey and black along torso and sleeved, and a dark red at the bottom trim. She wears soft black fabric pants that are just the right amount of loose not to cling to her body shape, while also not being baggy to the point of uncomfortable. These pants also hold a number of pockets on them, at each hip, along the legs, even right below her bum. At her feet she wears two grey steeltoe boots with a composite spike on each heel, perfect for executing kishin scum - or to be. Last but not least, on top of her head is a black military cap that’s rather plain but makes it easier to keep her hair together. And while it’s plain, it really does wrap up the hostile military look that Viola goes for with her outfits.
Personality
Viola is rough around the edges. She is harsh, not communicative, and honestly just not great with social interaction. The girl is known to snap at the drop of a hat, and when she does it usually results in some disciplinary action from the higher ups. Violent, that’s a good word to describe her as well - and this results in her being generally avoided by most students in her and other classes.
But she’s not all bad, right? That’s hard to say as she doesn’t really seek out interaction unless told to do so or absolutely necessary. She follows rules very well, instructions too, but when someone tends to break those guidelines Viola will often stray to her typical ways and lash out onto these people. Viola has been seen respecting strong figures of authority, or just strong people in general - death scythes and senior meister with ages of experience and accolades are given no lip or naysay by Viola.
She also has a soft, sweet, less hostile side to her that’s just buried deep-deep in there. Perhaps some traumatic event in the past caused this side of her psyche to be suppressed to drastically, or maybe it’s just a complex. Nonetheless, to those who are lucky or unlucky enough to get close to the girl - they would find that when someone does something that she genuinely appreciates she can’t help but shyly say thank you and move on about her day.
Likes [+] Crispy Chicken Tenders [+] Soft Blankets [+] History and Historical Figures
Dislikes [-] Soggy French Fries [-] Rain - General Overcast [-] Blabbermouths
Fears [•] Solitude - Being Alone [•] Not Meeting Expectations [•] Public Speaking
Backstory
The Pardues Family is extensive and influential in the Northeastern U.S, their family fortune roots long-long ago during the colonial era and the history behind it is kinda blurry even to the family members. Nonetheless, Viola being born into such a family - and to the family chief executive even more reluctant, caused quite the different upbringing than many children her age.
Though I wouldn’t say it was horrible. She was fed with a silver spoon, never had to worry about getting things she wanted, had countless nannies and maids to clean after and cook for her. The early years of Viola’s life were everything a kid could dream of, she was practically raised like a princess. But as she grew older, so did the expectations, gender means nothing to a Pardues and you are expected to pull your weight in the family. Homeschooling, grooming, policies, business strategies, force fed down the girl’s gullet as they prepped the young Viola for a life of black dresses and PowerPoint Presentations
So she ran away. Not little-kid temper tantrum ran away, young Viola saved up every bit of money she could muster to scrounge up around the house and then her poor mother’s credit card for good measure. And with her funds secured she fled their New York estate and headed west to do things on her own. Now don’t get me wrong, when she did this she was around twelve years old and for a kid her age to be on their own traveling from one side of the country to the other - it’s not safe!
She would eventually come across a retired meister named Elizabeth Sbaghetti, whom pressured the girl to live with her for a while. Allowing the young girl with exceptional knowledge stay with her mostly for entertainment. However, one day the house would be attacked by a kishin to-be with a revenge story out for Elizabeth. But a pair of seasoned warriors with the last name Kilgore appeared from the shadows and took the bad guy out. The way they fought and trusted eachother so unbelievably convinced the young girl that this is what she wanted to do. After they left she practically begged Elizabeth to train her.
Weapon Partner Austin Kilgore
Meister Abilities Soul Menace, Soul Projection
Miscellaneous Abilities/Skills Hit & Run Tactics, Highly Athletic, Exceptional Vision, Sneaky
Soul Resonance King Lion Crunch By resonating their soul wavelengths and amplifying it repeatedly, Austin's scissor blades are engulfed in soul energy in the shape of the two halves of a lion's jaw, both a brilliant, bright-blue soul-powered color. With a gigantic lion's head made of soul energy formed, the lion gives a titanic roar, giving Viola the ability to cut the scissors, crushing their opponent with a powerful burst of soul energy.
Extra Easily bribed with food. Probably likes Austin’s parents more than him.
“We were supposed to have the cars packed hours ago people, let’s go - let’s go!” A black haired youth who seemed to just be reaching adulthood shouted just outside the Lapseus estate. The front of their property held a large stone fountain, healthy maintained grass and hedges, and a large driveway that led to the private road that led to the estate. There were a number of maids and servants frantically taking luggage to the three blood red cars parked on this driveway, filling the trunks and storage space to the brim with metal suitcases and large rucksacks.
“Vaatiii~ don’t stress about it so much. While I’m sure being late would create a poor impression, there’s no way that their views of me could get any worse ‘eh?” The long-haired Lapseus twin faintly smiled at the young raven-haired servant. She stood a few tens of feet away from the servant boy, her voice weakly projecting out at him - and shakily stepping out the front door and down a couple of stone steps to the ground below.
“Eh, alright, though I would like to leave today so it’ll be hours rather than days of tardiness.” Vati’s words seemed pleadful, his eyes peeled from the small stark haired girl and back toward the route of people packing the vehicles. These men and women’s livelihood was serving the Lapseus family after all and while their history wasn’t the best, this new generation of maids and butlers should be grateful that Melodia and Rhythmia were as kind as they were.
“Very well, but don’t work them too hard. Or perhaps you should, I won’t be around to harass them for a few days. That reminds me~ where’s my sister?” Melodia raised a finger to tap her chin lightly, her crimson sights danced around the front property of their estate not seeing anyone that quite looked like her. She then turned herself, the small black shoes smoothly sliding on the polished stone below and clacking down as she made her way back up the steps and inside the large - white and red painted mansion.
“Sist- uck- ugh-“ Melodia coughed out as she tried to project her voice once again, damned deteriorating body and it’s weakness.
“Here,” a small voice replied from just inside the doorway. Soon enough the other twin Lord of House Lapseus, Rhythmia appeared. She had one duffle bag slung over her shoulder as she trotted down the steps to meet her sister. In the short-haired twin’s hand was the summons that bade them to Harrow’s Tower. She skimmed the paper the same way she’d done multiple times before since they’d received it. After a moment her eyes slid upwards, peering over the document at the assembled people running about. Without a word she handed the summons over her other shoulder to a man who’d stepped out after her, carrying a massive, sleek black case in each hand. To the man’s credit, easily caught the parchment between his teeth and managed to tuck it into his breast pocket.
“Running behind, Vati?” the man chuckled, hefting the large luggage over to the middle car and shoving one into the trunk, threatening to squash the other items already inside. The maids nearby nearly shrieked at the action and hurried to fit it in properly.
“Wha- Sir Huston! I should have been more on top of them, my apologies!” The young Vati quickly spat out before running into the estate to grab more luggage and sprinting even quicker out and back towards the cars.
Huston laughed and, now with a free arm, the larger man bowed with a flourish to the Lady Melodia, before taking care to tuck the other case into the floor of the backseat of the car.
“Good morning, Lady Melodia. I wish I could go with you both just to see the look on those mageborn’s faces when --”
He was interrupted by Rhythmia patting him on the back in thanks for carrying her luggage. He smiled at the woman and moved away so she could toss her bag into the back.
“You need to take care of things here while we’re gone, Huston,” she said softly, and Huston - their estate’s chief of security - nodded in understanding.
Huston slapped Vati on the shoulder on his way back toward the home, “Keep ‘em safe, son.” He said and went about his business.
Rhythmia raised a brow at the two guardsmen before shaking her head in quiet amusement. She waited by the door to the car, offering her flesh hand to her sister Melodia to help her in.
“Thank you, Hunkston. And Rhy, are you sure you’re okay with leaving behind the Guard Captain?” Melodia quietly spoke as she reached out and clasped her sister’s hand.
“Do you not believe I alone am capable of protecting you and your sister, Lady Melodia?” Vati huffed out as he slammed a final heavy chest into the trunk of the middle car, the silver-red crest of their lord’s house slapped right at its center.
“I mean, probably not~!” Melodia hissed out as she and Rhythmia approached their car. Wind passing out in chuckles beneath her lips as she laughed at mocked at her bodyguard’s prowess.
“I am so offended m’lady!” Vati whined, slamming both hands into his thighs and widening his sights pathetically at the pair.
“It’s not even —— eh, though, with age comes experience. And in turn with experience, you gain wisdom. And since Hunkston is an old geezer like me and Rhy, so that wisdom will definitely be more useful in debates with the southern pigs.” Melodia’s lecture happily sung out from her lips, raising at their corners and twisting into a sinister grin. Her head canting from left to right as she tapped the tips of her toes against the ground below.
Rhythmia huffed out an amused puff of air at the thought of Huston providing any “wisdom.” Still, she let her sister and Vati go about their banter as usual before she briefly chimed in.
“Can’t take everyone,” she said simply, shrugging one of her shoulders. There were things in the estate that needed to be protected, either for sentimental value or… not. So yes, she was more than happy to leave Huston, a trusted person, behind. She had faith in Vati and knew Melodia did too even if she playfully pretended not to.
After most everything was situated, Rhythmia surveyed the gathered people and vehicles yet again. She locked her eyes on the dark haired guard and eventually too on the man at the wheel.
“Driver?”
The man snapped to attention, the grey and red cap atop his head being adjusted by his right white-gloved hand before nodding to the two. “Ready when you are, m’ladies.” His posture fixed itself in its seat as he reached for the ignition key turning it to start the long black vehicle’s engine. Humming to life, the group would quickly make their way into the back seat.
“Always so serious Rhy, you’ll never find a proper suitor with that attitude. Not that we need one.” Melodia’s sung out to her sister, eyes squinting at her as she daringly jested.
“Lady Rhythmia, if you wish to ignore our saintly leader - I will follow suit.” Vati chimed in. It really did seem like the boy took after the woman he guarded more than he himself would believe, almost like siblings.
Once again Rhythmia merely shrugged at them both. She met Melodia’s eyes and though her face was a blank slate, her sister would be able to read the amusement in them. Well, the one, anyway. The artificial eye was always shimmering, but never with any emotion. There were days when Rhythmia would rise to meet her sister’s provocations, but today wasn’t one of them. The short haired Lapseus wasn’t one to get nervous, but still she found herself clenching and unclenching her fists as they prepared to leave.
Rhythmia climbed into the car and settled herself in. She seemed to be in a rush but really, she was just hoping to get the whole event over with as quickly as possible. As she raised her arms to cross them over her chest, he noticed a slight tear in the stitched skin sleeve she’d chosen to wear. ‘Didn’t want to unsettle the mages,’ that was expressed to her and so she deemed it appropriate to conceal at least part of her prosthesis. She scooted closer to the others and peered at them.
“Mel,” she said and held her hand out with the torn “sleeve.” Should she repair it before they left, or leave it off? It wasn’t out of the question that Melodia would have some kind of kit with her, what with the mountain of things packed.
Melodia sat between Vati and Rhythmia, she enjoyed the claustrophobia, or perhaps just the warmth of being between two others. Not that the back seat was right or anything, the two small girls barely took up any room in the spacious car - plenty of leg room for Vati. She also knew that the two with her enjoyed window seats, especially her sister who was extending her sleeve out to her with that bright red doe eye.
“Can’t have that.” She uttered quietly between the two, reaching down past her skirt to her feet and into a small satchel that was placed carefully in front of her. Her medical equipment, which held sutures of many sorts - threads is surgical quality - and oh so many needles. Melodia plucked one such pre-threaded needle from the brown leather bag, pulling it out and twisting some stray fiber around her free hand while extending it towards her sister’s sleeve.
With careful precision she danced the metallic took in and out of the fleshy fabric, cross-stitching the sleeve and mending it back together as she pulled the weave right. The artificial skin now had white exes along it’s torn side, but the glossy and rather pristine fiber could be seen as a beautiful fashion statement or something - that’s what Melodia thought to herself.
“If anyone makes a comment, we’ll string them up and bleed them dry. But I think you should be fine now.” Melodia chimed to her sister, snapping her sights shut and beaming a smile of consideration towards her.
Rhythmia nodded at the comment. She knew that Melodia was a tease and loved exaggerating, but more often than not she said exactly what she meant - and she probably would string up anyone who so much as looked at her (or any of their entourage most likely) wrong. She was a good sister, or so Rhythmia thought. She smiled back at Melodia, a small grateful curve of her mouth.
Now that everything seemed to be ready, she leaned over and tapped on the driver’s headrest. When he looked into the rearview mirror to meet her eyes, Rhythmia made a spinning gesture with her finger to signal him to get the cars moving. If they’d forgotten anything the entire procession would stop at their command and even turn around, but she hoped that wouldn’t be the case. The driver in turn took this cue to honk his horn to signal the convoy to get a move on and head southbound down the road that the grand Lapseus Estate sat located upon. The property was a jewel amongst the rest of Gohethia: grassy green fields, hedges shaped into art, white stone carvings, as pretty as all noble estates should be - regardless of their location. Though the path out from their estate would soon transition from eden to a bright and busy city. Large industrial buildings, cityfolk passing through the foggy streets… and as the three car convoy passed some Lapsean citizens they waved happily as the car zipped on by.
“Oh, how I enjoy the growing trust the people have in us. I know that the city commoners are much more appreciative than those on the outskirts of our region, but gosh, the positive attention is quite refreshing. Especially compared to the past!” Melodia’s words bubbled out happily as she glanced back to Rhythmia, the innocent smile of genuinity painted earnestly upon her face.
“It’s nice,” Rhythmia agreed, and she let her nodding head rest upon her chest as the convoy’s speed increased once outside of the denser city. It seemed like so long ago when some of these same citizens would crowd the walls of the estate, shouting obscenities at the family. Well… she thought, letting her mind wander just a bit. It had been more than thirty years Melodia had risen to become the head of their house. People had been born and grown into full fledged adults since then, never knowing the at times brutal past of House Lapseus that ruled over them.
The short-haired Lapseus chose not to dwell on that thought. It was always a strange feeling, thinking about how much things had changed while she and her sister had remained largely the same. Bodily improvements notwithstanding.
With her head still resting on her chest, back pressed against the leather seat of the car and arms folded, Rhythmia cracked an eye open to meet Melodia’s cheerful gaze.
“D’you think,” she started after a quick glance past Mel and Vati out of the car’s window, showing at the time a dismal clouded sky that the sun was desperately trying to break through, “...we will have to stay long?” The woman was already unhappy with the event in general, and though it was far from her first time at Harrow’s Tower, she didn’t want to spend anymore time there than needed.
Melodia hummed curiously and veered her own crimson sights along Rhythmia. A sense of confusion would very briefly overcome the long-haired sister’s expression, flashing her vision across the car and out the window herself. The sight was quite beautiful, and although the north had its issues - they were true to their country and its people. The revelation of why exactly Rhy would ask that question set itself in Melodia’s mind, and made her smile reassuringly at Rhythmia. The long-haired sister reached her small hand out and set it upon her sisters knee for a moment giving a light pat.
“Of course we won’t be there long. We will listen to the annoying southern noble tirade, we will nod and think indecent thoughts, and then we will leave. If we’re lucky maybe one of older lords will die of a heart attack during the meeting - what was that one’s name? With the fancy mining regime in the southwest?” Melodia rambled on, allowing her views and emotions take the wheel with every articulation they crept from her child-sounding vocal chords. All the while, Vati kept his words to himself and watched out each window cautiously, that was his job.
Rhythmia’s face cracked into a smile and she closed her eyes again. If they’d been joking around in the comfort of their home, she may have even snorted a brief and rare laugh. Melodia’s brand of humor was quite something. Still, she never failed to get at Rhythmia, whether she was trying to cheer her or rile her up.
”Hm… Ba-lare?” she guessed. She left almost all political affairs to her sister, and although Melodia was in her light-hearted mood, the long haired sister was no fool and was only teasing. She’d know the names of all the “Southern scoundrels,” because how else would she know who to tear apart if she didn’t?
“...Balaur,” Rhythmia corrected herself after a moment. Yeah, that first one didn’t sound quite right. The smile was still resting on her face and she relaxed just a little, talking with Mel.
Melodia’s hands raised up quickly from her lap at the comical revelation and let out a single childish chuckle, almost mocking the name. “Most of the southern houses are so forgettable! It’s not like they’re any use anyway. Maybe that Reason boy, but he still has a lot to prove to the north anyway. And in the end, we need to focus on ourselves first and foremost - nobody will be there when we fall.” Her tone took a darker turn towards the end of her statement, looking to Rhythmia rather seriously, almost glancing right through her.
“You may want to reign in that volatility just a bit, m’lady. You will be voting on important subjects when you do - arrive. And the flippant attitude will not sit well with the southern powers.” Vati spoke rather bluntly, looking to Melodia with a look of disapproval eyebrows furrowed and all. The nerve of the boy, not only speaking to his master this way - but someone who has done so much!
Rhythmia took to nodding again - she couldn’t find any falsehoods in her sister’s words. Despite that they had dug themselves out of the hole their ancestors had dug for them, despite that they’d found a handful of others they trusted, despite that they’d managed to carve out a place for themselves… the only ones they could rely on were themselves. Rhythmia had come to truly feel that way over the years.
She looked up at Vati and raised a brow at his words. Any other servant would turn heads by addressing their Lord like that, and even the driver started to sweat a little, but Vati had quickly become a large part in her sister’s life - and as such, in Rhythmia’s - that it wasn’t as surprising as it should be. Rhythmia sighed, a small sound, and leaned her head against the window. No doubt the two seated beside her would launch into a mock argument. She was content to listen to their banter the entire trip...
...and that trip flew by rather quickly, most of the ride Melodia had snuggled into a warm blanket she’d retrieved from her luggage, napping the ride away. Rhythmia beside her fell into a shallow sleep. She’d wake up every now and then to make sure the rest of the car’s occupants were okay, then go back to dozing against the window - a testament to her trust in her sister’s bodyguard. The driver made only a single rest stop at a town that was somewhat halfway between Gohethia and their destination. Guards were stationed at every entrance and exit during that period. The journey was quite the long one, in actuality, even for the fancy automobile of the privileged northern nobility. The Lapseus sisters just slept the time away.
Eventually the convoy reached the notorious Harrow’s Tower. Vehicles screeched as they claimed their own parking quite some ways away from the rest of the carriages and horses of the other patrons.
Rhythmia exited the car first, her eyes scanning the entire area before she ducked back down and nodded for the others to leave as well. She wasn’t frightened or even worried about an attack - to do such a thing here, now, would be monumentally stupid - but one could never be too careful. She retrieved her small duffled and looped the strap over her shoulder before hefting the two large cases easily out of the car. Once she stretched her flesh limbs a little, Rhythmia turned her attention to Melodia. It was no secret the sisters were getting on in years, and while Rhythmia’s prosthesis and general activity kept her upright, her sister had always been on the frail side - and lately it had been getting worse.
“All right?” she asked the other Lapseus gently.
Melodia turned to her sister as she carefully pulled herself out of the car, dainty little fingers gripping out for safety. “Fine - fine - fine, have my manslave get my chair and carry it to the tower with us. Can’t have myself looking up at the prey, I mean, pretender!” She beamed a toothy smile at her sister.
Rhythmia returned her smile very briefly before peering over the top of the car and calling out in a deadpan voice: “Manslave.”
“You really have a complex about your size.” Vati chimed out as his green eyes rolling as he grabbed a wooden construct that was seemingly folded up, tucking it beneath his right arm rather easily. “Off to butt heads with the blue bloods then?” Vati winked to the two sisters before looking off towards their destination.
Rhythmia gave Vati a curt nod, her irritation once again becoming evident if not in her face then in the line of her shoulders. She watched servants and guardsmen spill out from the other two cars, buzzing back and forth between vehicles to collect the sisters’ luggage (and some of their own). She’d tried to convince Hunkston - Mel is really getting to me… Huston - that they’d be fine with the minimal amount, yet here they were. Though the other cars were for protection more than anything else, they still carried a great deal of suitcases, bags, and other such things.
Melodia smiled off once again to her sister while answering back to Vati. “Onward, to go rustle some feathers, maybe Reina and I will have a nice talk in private as well.” And with that, she started to trail off leading the way towards the entrance of the Keep. What would await them inside, they couldn’t yet say.
House: Lady of House Lapseus Age: Fifty-Two Race: Human Gender: Lady Appearance: 4'7 in height // 95 lbs // White Hair // Crimson Eyes
𝕊o 𝕆n & 𝕊o 𝔽orth
Reputation: Melodia's reputation is a difficult one to describe. Her history is full of discrepancies, she appears to be a teenager despite a number of decades on her seat within House Lapseus. She is known to be a savant of Medical Science and helms the development in the north for such endeavors. Not only this, but she is rarely seen by the public unless she is unveiling some new development she had made with her research, mainly those discovered through unknown means of funding and with little to no transparency in those studies. There are rumors that she and her sister are illegitimate children with foreign blood, though these have yet to be proven - there are a mixture of positive and negative rumors that circulate through the social circles of commoners that work within her region. Most of the negative ones root back to the earlier eras of Lapseus control, though the disappearances of people and Lapseus Sisters' appearances do tend to unsettle those who live within the cities under their control. There are also positive chatters as well as she has discovered numerous groundbreaking medical methods and developed countless pharmaceutical products in these curious endeavors.
Alignment: "I serve only House Lapseus."
Skills:
Wise Beyond Her Years - Melodia was quite gifted in her youth. Her and her sister were blessed enough to have expensive tutors that taught them within their estate. These tutors were not only gifted themselves, but were given permission to teach the young girls everything they wished with accelerated lessons and six to seven day plans that ceased only during the winter every year. Knowledge was power in the north, and although Melodia's parents were selfish, greedy, slimy, cutthroats who screwed the lower class without end. They did care deeply for their daughters and wished for them to be ahead in life for the cruel world that awaited them in their adulthood. And as evil as they may have been, Melodia thanks them even in current years for this. Nonetheless, decades have gone by and while Melodia's body is brittle and small - her knowledge grows and flourishes every moment of every day. There is a say "The wisest warrior sharpens their blade every day." and she embodies this saying by constantly pushing the boundaries of her studies, intellectually, and morally.
The Unassuming Predator - Melodia's condition allows the the cold and cruel noblewoman to retain the appearance of youth. She uses this to her advantage. Those who don't have knowledge of the truth behind Melodia's facade would easily fall for the noblewoman's facade - but those that do know of her truth don't see a young girl, but a ruthless opponent. When not playing the young unassuming girl card Melodia's quite cruel to those she does not respect, and sometimes even to those she does. Her tactics are generally unorthodox and calculated without the bindings of morality, even some of the southern nobles could take notes of from her cruelty. But she is by no means the most powerful noble, nor does she wish to be, she simply has her own goals and will take every step needed to reach those ends.
Backstory:
The Lapseus Family were once quite established in the northern cities. With a noble bloodline dating back before the war with the south the House was most famous for the deceased Almonte Lapseus who fought without end to better their position among the other nobility and earn more prosperous lands for the people. But after Almonte’s death the House would fall into decline. The ambition that the famous figurehead left behind only caused his descendants more trouble, insurrections, deceit from former allies, all of which had been caused by the good intentions. This track record only caused the generations that followed to grow more bitter and secluded themselves into their abodes, angry and unfulfilled.
It wasn’t long until this treatment twisted the once benevolent nobility into those that loathed others and wished only to improve their momentary happiness. Greed, lust, gluttony, all forms of atrocity were performed over the years by these generations of the Lapseus Family. None were innocent, as those who didn’t outright enact the horrendous actions simply watched in depression. This attitude spilled into their ruling over the lands, causing ever increasing debt and disparity for the people - trade grew worse and worse over the years and eventually poverty became the norm. This became even worse during the war, as rations became even more sparse and the nobles chose their own safety over that of their people, shutting themselves and their protectors away in their estates in a selfish act of self preservation. This is what drew the final line between the house and their people.
Fast forward a few years and welcome a baby Melodia into this world, she’s a Lapseus true as all can see with her stark white hair and bright blue eyes. She was born alongside her twin sister Rhythmia, both girls were on the smaller side though were healthy and promising heirs to the Lapseus seat. Melodia was a bright youth from the start, her outlook on life was positive despite the conditions around the House, she and her sister was tutored rigorously by Amadeus Sytheria a fairly accomplished scholar in the north, the workers and servants within the house were incredibly friendly, all seemed well in Melodia's early childhood. But with age and time soon came realizations. Melodia would soon come to learn about her family's darker side, their greed, their treatment of the people, none of which sat well with the pure spirit that was newly brought into the world and still quite sheltered.
It was after this realization that she would take steps in the right direction, hoisting herself into the medical field as she found the study both exciting and helpful. Even at a young age Melodia was quite skilled when it came to this profession, and would even sneak out of the estate to treat people of simple ailments - with the supervision of personal bodyguards that she trusted personally of course. These night trips would result in a small but budding trust in communities around the House's estate, embers of a fire that would soon ignite and incinerate her family as a whole. A letter would arrive from the court of law, stating that the entirety of the main family branch of House Lapseus was to appear before them to be tried for so-so many laws being broken and the cruelty to the masses finally being addressed.
𝕄agic
???
𝕋echnology
Equipment: • Medical Equipment - Melodia keeps on her person a number of medical tools, syringes, phials, pills, antiseptic, a number of scalpels of different lengths. One would typically be found with a firearm in the north, especially in this day and age but not Melodia - weapons are quite literally never found within her arsenal per say. Instead she keeps things that she might need to tend a wound, or take a sample, things that fall more in line with her professional background than that of self defense or anything of that ilk. She does however have chemicals that could be deemed harmful one her should she need to escape sticky situations.
L a p s e u s
Domain: Research Location: Northeast Members: • Vati Polynox • The easiest way to summarize Vati Polynox is that he’s a nobody - no public record, no family history, no trace of citizenship on any census, he’s a ghost and that’s exactly what he was meant to be. Vati is Melodia’s personal bodyguard, caretakers, he’s basically responsible for most of the unpleasant stuff that she would need to deal with if she wasn’t a brittle old crone. But those who would be lucky enough to meet the boy would find that he is completely obedient and enamored with Melodia, and while they bicker from time to time their connection is very real and visible.
• Theadora Thespia • Although she wasn’t even born during the culling of House Lapseus, the branch family of Thespia still feels those effects to this day. Formerly a house that prided itself on maintaining the bars and dice houses of the Lapsean cities, the “House of Liars” has within the new generation - reformed into something else entirely. Theadora Thespia was raised in a time where the main family nor her own were doing so well, and when the nobility isn’t doing well - neither are the people. The gambling days were limited, bars were empty, people were starving. Thea was by no means a sheltered youth, often taking to the streets with her mother and seeing these atrocities with her own eyes. And it was with her summit to the head of her branch that she decided to change things. In her teens she took to visit the scientific savants of the main family Melodia, and was taught by her for some time - but she also ventured to House Young which had a lasting relationship with the family. And with the teachings of these two intellectual households she came home with a new focus for the Thespia, developing new and more accessible food sources and utilizing science to create them if they didn’t exist.
• Cian Mortimarx • A strange relic of the past is the Mortimarx family, still they are rightfully a branch of Lapseus to her dismay. They are the gravekeepers of the region, by choice and by trade, and aren’t even really a noble house by any means other than name - rather they live in the far north of their territory in the boonies. The Mortimarx also have a knack for dressing outlandish and making scenes in public, whether this is for attention or not is to be decided, but they are renown for the wrong reasons among Lapsean people. Cian is the head of this family, he’s around Melodia’s age and the two have more in common than either would like to admit. He is whimsical and uncomfortably eager to please any who are unlucky enough to have this fellow arrive at their door.
Gohetia: Gohetia was named after a being that the first lord of house Lapseus saw in a dream. The city itself is massive, bright, and lively, and to visitors or those whom look from the outside in it would look like a bustling little paradise. But that is not the case, the problems that are outside of Lady Melodia’s control still remains no matter how much she sacrifices. There are slums where those whom can not earn wage live in shabby houses and live on the bare minimum, there are still seasonal food shortages that cause distrust and paranoia during times of hardship. But there is something else in Gohetia, and all of the Lapsean territory itself. Hope. Free medical assistance is there for every wounded and sick at each hospital in the region, Melodia sets countless coin aside to purchase food stores for the people that are also given out for free. She is seen as a savior, and a motherly figure you many in the city and many of nearby towns and settlements. But there is also a strangeness to her, and her methods.
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[h3]Lewds available on request ༼ ಥ ل͜ – ༽[/h3]
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