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Eventually everyone will get a nickname, even Lindy who already goes by a nickname 
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22 hrs ago
Current
Gonna be offline for about a week, traveling. See ya!
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29 days ago
I'm back, I got a new Halloween-ish avatar, and I'm ready to catch up on writing~
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2 mos ago
Is there any better feeling than tsumo after a kan, and the dora turns out to be the four tiles you just called? I think not.
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1 yr ago
It's so fun to make random OCs for an RP I will probably never run
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1 yr ago
"As usual, I've been doing online roleplay, and having a blast with women in their 30's exhausted from working too much."
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Bio
If you're on my page, check out the RP World of Light!
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♤ 21+ | UTC-5 | Casual Roleplayer | 1x1's: Closed ♤
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Hello! I'm Yankee.
I'm usually down for pretty much anything: action, adventure, romance, horror, taboo, comedy, smut, gore, slice-of-life, etc.
I like cute, fun stories just as much as dark, gross, traumatic (for character) stories. I enjoy creating original characters for RP,
but I get as much enjoyment writing as canon characters in fandom-based games!
On that note I like comic books, cartoons, and videogames. I'm also very into cosplay and art!
I am a very slow writer, so my preferred posting pace is once per week or less. I usually post on weekends.
I like to have fun while writing, so I prefer relaxed partners who don't take things too seriously.
Remember: fiction =/= reality.
Feel free to PM me to chat!
However I do not check PMs immediately. Might take me a day or two... or ten to get back to you.
Forward all complaints to @stone
and remember,
Most Recent Posts
♦ Wèi Lái ~ Project Attacus ♦
Wèi Lái listened to the others tell their stories, however short they were. Not complete stories of course, but still. The tall winged Zasshu only hummed warmly in response to most of them, though at the mention of Genbu her antennae perked a little.
"Eh? Genbu?" She titled her head, studying Cade. She guessed she could see it, what with his carapace, but he was so... timid! Genbu was an aggressive, territorial Archon! Then again, the same was true for Lindy and Balaur. Although she knew that obviously the Zasshu, herself included, wouldn't be very similar to the Tenshi for the most part... not for the first time Wèi Lái wondered just where the disconnect happened. "Hm~ I guess I can see it..."
She was busy pondering to herself, surely appearing a bit spacey, when Shirona wandered over with her gift.
"Whoa~ what a big box!" Wèi Lái peered curiously at it until it's contents were finally revealed. Carefully, she took the leg shaped object, slowly turning it over in her hands. It was... well it was a leg. With a shoe and stockings... and a lamp shade...? Oh, it was a lamp. A leg-lamp. Wait, was this a moth joke? Wèi Lái looked up at Shirona, studying the other girl's face for a while before looking back down at the leg-lamp. It was sort of interesting, in an antique way. Sort of dumb but also sort of morbid.
"...
...
...
...it's cool!" she laughed after a long pause, "Yay~ a gift just for me! Thank you, Sakurai! Or do you prefer Shirona? Saku~? Shishi~? Sa-Shi...?"
Reorganizing. . .
Reorganizing . . .
The DK Crew
An Akeshan Alliance
An Akeshan Alliance
Something unusual was happening.
Somewhere in the depths of the wilderness, a small group of beasts had gathered. The proud beasts that had fled Croania so long ago, that lived in isolation away from the prying eyes of the Akeshans, and more importantly, each other. Before them, three beastmen, bound by contract to serve.
“And so, we are all here,” one spoke at last. A gangly figure with arms and legs much too long for the rest of its body, walking like an animal. Its goat-like head was adorned with many more horns than any animal could ever have, accompanied by two sets of eyes that never closed, not even to blink. “At last. The time has come. That filthy being that calls itself the Mage Queen will die.” Murmurs of approval from the others.
But as always, beasts did not like to do their own dirty work. Neither was Croania a place for them - and so, the creature’s gaze shifted downwards. Three beastmen, a fourth to come later. It would be enough. It had to be.
“I trust there are no complaints?” One shook her head vigorously. She had green hair in impossible spirals, dressed in clothes that had been repaired and worn over and over until the entire thing had become patchwork. The second, a much taller man with fox-like ears, muttered something to himself, but that was all. The third, a young man with shaggy brown hair and lupine traits and his hackles raised, snorted loudly.
“None, now say what you wanna say and get on with it already,” he growled. For once his tone was low. He’d been humbled hard recently so his words lacked the usual bite to them, but this beastman was still far from a perfectly cooperative agent.
“What is that saying? Patience is a virtue?” it said, as slowly as it could. It chuckled, continuing at a regular pace. “But we are all sick of waiting. So I think I will.” The green haired girl laughed too, baring her sharp teeth.
“Don’t tease!”
“Of course not,” the goat-like creature continued. “Where was I? You are about to embark on a trip to Croania, by boat. It shall be... some weeks. You little ones are so slow.” It gnashed its teeth together. “From there you shall arrive at a port in Teglo. I have heard it is known for being filled with unsavory types, so there will be little hassle there. From there, seek out the woman named Eiris Itra. She won’t be far.”
The white-haired fox man grimaced. “And she looks like..?”
“Horns like a ram. That’s all. You’ll know when you see her.” He didn’t seem satisfied with that answer. “I see that we don’t have time for more questions,” it said, giving Sarnic a pointed look. “So now, we will just be seeing you off. We wish you luck.” More murmurs from the rest of the beasts. “And ask the powers that be for your success.” The green haired girl spun on her heel, staring out at the border of the forest nearby, and the view of the sea not much further. The crowd of beasts began to dissipate as the girl began to run off towards the water. The taller man was soon to follow, walking quickly after her.
“We won’t need luck!” the wolfkin called after the larger beings as they made their way back into the depths of the forest. “Just keep your damn promises when we get back!”
He stared into the woods a few moments longer then kicked at the dirt before stalking off after the other two Akeshans. As soil gave way to sand, Sarnic snorted again and took in the view of the beach and the boat.
It was kind of small, for an ocean vessel at least.
He hopped in anyway, giving the wooden build a shove to make sure it would hold up. Then he lifted his bright eyes up to the cat and fox. “Which one of you is gonna sail this thing?”
The cat girl pointed at the other man before jumping into the boat as well. It rocked dangerously.
“You can’t be serious,” the fox huffed, looking around before stepping into the boat delicately. There was still space to move around, but there was no doubt that it would soon get claustrophobic. He stepped out. “If this is how it’s going to be, you’ll both have to do as I say before we all drown.” He gave the boat a light shove. It didn’t budge, but he didn’t look that strong either. “Let’s get this thing onto the water. Introductions after.”
Maybe it was the situation they’d found themselves in, or maybe it was just the wolf’s culture, but Sarnic came up to the edge of the ship and stared down at the taller man, baring his teeth in a tight grin.
“How about you do what I say? If yer scared of drownin’ just make sure you follow my orders and keep the boat upright!" He was clearly used to being in charge. An alpha male, if you will. The brunette stepped off the side of the vessel and landed beside the fox-man. A show of strength was in order, so Sarnic pushed on the boat until it was floating in the shallows.
“If you wanna give input then give it, but I’m gonna have the last say. Especially when we get to Crowhatevera.”
“And we haven’t even left Ashket,” the man huffed. “I’ll argue with you later. I suggest that we get the boat in the water. And then you can sail it to Croania yourself, huh?”
Sarnic seemed to have ignored the man, pushing the boat out until it was in deep enough to get going. Once that was through he stalked right back over the fox and snatched the man's collar, dragging him a bit into the water and bodily tossing him over the side of the ship before climbing up the side himself. What you couldn't solve with words, solve with violence! Once back on the ship Sarnic shook himself free of water and gave the green haired girl a pointed look.
"Not gonna have a problem with you, am I?"
She blinked, pointing at herself. “Me? Jezebel. No problem at all.” She shuffled to the side as the fox sat up, almost snarling. “And you... Sonnola, Sarnic,” she said, pointing at each of them. “Father mentioned. Can we go?”
The wolf grinned. Jezebel, huh? He liked her much more than ‘Sonnola’ already. Sarnic nodded over at the fox in question, daring him to back up the vicious look on his face. If anything a quick scuffle would let Sarnic blow off some steam.
“Let’s get movin’, huh, Sonnola?” Sarnic said. Truth be told, he knew the bare minimum about sailing. His tribe lived deep in the forests, the most water they were used to seeing were rivers and streams, sometimes a bog. Still, he figured it was some kind of wind-powered thing. That was what a sail was after all.
“We’ll help out to get this thing ‘cross the ocean, but just remember who’s in charge,” he reminded, volunteering Jezebel while he was at it. The rest of the set up went surprisingly smoothly. The sooner they could set off, the sooner they would be off the damned boat...
...the instant they were moving in the right direction, Sonnola dropped to the floor, making himself comfortable. “We’ll be sailing in a straight line for a while. Shouldn’t be much of a problem unless the wind changes. As long as someone’s always awake, they can get me up if we start turning.” He narrowed his eyes at his companions. “Killing the queen of that continent? What have you two got up your sleeves, then? I don’t expect some kind of weakling to attempt something like that.”
At the stern, Sarnic had thrown most of his top layers off and sat watching the waves move behind the boat. His first time on a true sailing vessel had him a little queasy, but he was doing a great job of hiding that and appeared to be hunched and brooding instead. Still, at Sonnola’s question he looked over his shoulder at the man.
“D’you really think huntin’ some human down and killin’ ‘em and their guards is gonna be that hard?” he questioned, genuine confusion touching his voice. Of course, this was a “Queen” they were after, obviously it wouldn’t be a stroll in the park, but the wolf Akeshan wasn’t expecting to walk into a war.
“Find her, ambush her, cut her throat,” he said simply, “I don’t need any tricks to take down my prey.
....but,” he added after a moment, turning to face the other two Akeshans in full. “That fuckin’ monster did give me a contract, same as you I bet.”
“I suppose you’ve never lived anywhere with that kind of monarch. Neither have either of us,” Sonnola said, jerking a thumb at Jezebel, who had stuck one of her arms into the water, “but I did spend some time in the Court.” He shivered slightly. “I wouldn’t doubt that woman is surrounded by those who would rather die before we even get to touch her. This is an assassination, not a hunt. Now, tell us what you can do so we can put together some kind of plan while we’re stuck at sea for the next twenty days.”
“What did I say earlier about rememberin’ whose in charge?” Sarnic snapped, getting to his feet and stalking over to Sonnola. “If you don’t watch it yer gonna see just what I can do first hand.”
Taking Sonnola’s words as a challenge wasn’t out of the ordinary for the Dimutic tribe member, and facing opposition like from his own tribe and clan members was something that might have actually brought some familiar feelings to Sarnic. Still, he really preferred fighting out problems, and that was surely what an attitude would lead to. Standing above the fox, Sarnic breathed out heavily, and mixed with his breath was a dense cloud of vapor. It leaked from his mouth and settled on the deck, and when it kept pouring out it rolled off the sides or rose into the air, creating a thick fog. Once he snapped his mouth shut, the fog stopped coming and eventually the ship would leave the clouds he generated behind. Sonnola’s lips curved into a thin smile.
“If that had been any less impressive, I would have thrown you off of this boat,” he said. “Now, I-”
“Done!” Jezebel chirped, pulling her arm out of the water. She dried it off with her clothes, then looked out at the sea. All around, in the water, fish had risen up to the surface, dead. Every few seconds, a new one would float up to join the rest. Jezebel picked one out, holding it by the tail. “Safe to eat. But too many, you can’t move. Fine after an hour.”
She gave an expectant look to her companions. “Poison.”
With a toothy grin of approval Sarnic approached the green haired Akeshan and took the fish off her hands, giving it a whiff then biting into it - testing the poison’s strength, perhaps?
“Useful,” he appraised, scooping out a few more fish before they drifted by and depositing them onto the deck. How exactly the poison worked was a good question, but Sarnic was particularly interested to see if Sonnola could back up his bark.
“Okay, and what about you?”
“This can be a little dangerous,” he warned. “Especially since this boat is wooden.” He reached into the bag he had brought and pulled out a shallow bowl. It quickly began to fill with a clear liquid, but stopped soon after. “My range is quite large,” he said. “But there’s more to it. I have... acquired a second contract, after a fair amount of bargaining.” He snapped his fingers, and the liquid ignited. After a few seconds, he tossed the bowl’s contents over the side of the boat, leaving nothing behind but the unmistakable stench of alcohol. “I’m also a skilled archer, and I know a fair bit about poisons. Making them, that is, if any get into your blood, I’ll leave you to die. Satisfied?”
“Yeah,” Sarnic said honestly. He watched the bowl sink then turned back and tossed a poisoned fish the fox’s way. “Smells like fermented fruits. It’d be double useful if we could drink it too.”
“You can.” He caught the fish, giving it a wary look. “But you shouldn’t. Wait until we’re done, and we can have a drinking party while that entire continent dissolves into chaos.”
Jezebel didn’t hesitate. She took a large bite out of her fish, chewing with her mouth open. Sonnola looked away. “Cro-crowanya,” she said. “Croania! Is it like Ashket?”
“Not the wilderness, no,” the fox replied. He seemed satisfied, having seen Jezebel eat the fish, so he took a cautious bite of his own. “I’ve heard there isn’t nearly as much forest over there as there is here. And what, they all live in buildings? Sounds like a horrific waste of space to me. Where do they hunt?”
Sarnic grunted and plopped himself down on the deck, eating his own fish. “You said you were in the Court before. Prolly like that. What the hell was that even like anyway?”
“I see what you mean. It wasn’t entirely what I’ve heard Croania’s like, but apparently it’s similar. There’s a lot more buildings there than anywhere in the wilderness. More organised, but there’s still plenty of space there for good hunting.” Sonnola gave him a dark look. “The people there? Fanatics, the lot of them. It was all Corach this, Corach that. I’m glad I got out, if only to get dragged onto whatever this is supposed to be.” He gestured to the boat. Jezebel gave a sad look to the vehicle, and Sarnic paused in his chewing to fix the man with a strange stare.
“...? It’s a boat.”
Collab with @Aviaire
Word Count: 577 (+1 exp)
Level: 4 - Total EXP: 7/40
Location: Devil's Casino, Land of Adventure?
Since seeing Linkle off into the next battle, the circumstances of Gneidxick's devilish game seemed to get more and more confusing. Now, Ace Cadet wasn't very adept at seeing through charades, and much less so the ins-and-outs of Galeem's influence and how it manifested, but it seemed to him that what the others were saying was true. The Guildmaster - Gneidxick - wasn't being mind controlled or coerced or anything, the giant dice-headed man just seemed to believe he had to go through the motions for his own sake. That was kind of sad.
There was still some piece to this puzzle missing, and as the white robed koopas flew around letting their healing magic work on everyone, Cadet acted as little more than a wall for the princess to bounce her theories off of. Not many stuck, but to be honest it was kind of nice regardless. The hunter tapped his foot and smiled as he watched over the rest of their crew and awaited the ones still in portals to come out and spin the die. He was itching to get into some more action, but with the numbers on the board so close to the end, he'd hate to jump into a portal only to miss the big showdown when they won! That and, even with Peach, the koopa army and kamek clones flitting around, maybe they needed some extra man-power out here in case Gneidxick decided to cut his losses and run. After all, he'd proven himself untrustworthy, what with masquerading as the Guildmaster when he was actually a giant cartoon with a emotional problem.
It wasn't long after that most of the squad came back - one of them shooting out like a star even - and then Cadet raised his arms over his head in celebration.
"Woohoo! Now we -"
He was cut off by the avalanche of adventurer's from the ceiling. People in all shapes, sizes and colors descending to help them. It was a splendid sight.
"Heck yeah, calvary's here!" The Cadet excitedly drew his sword as the casino master's minions rained down around them. With so many people, it was likely to turn into a free-for-all. Not really the red head's style, but hey - he had energy to spare and was looking forward to using it.
...however, his excitement quickly turned to giddiness, and then just plain nausea. The area whirled around as if caught in a tornado, Cadet and all of the others flung about until it was over only a moment later.
Disoriented, Ace Cadet laid where he was for a few seconds before he shook his head and attempted to get up. There was something soft below him, and something fluffy on top. With a wiggle and a shove, Cadet pushed the person atop him off, sitting up and looking over. It was Fox, and he shook the pilot's shoulder to make sure he was okay. And below him was... oof, the pretty winged lady, Meg. Between a Fury and a furry, huh? The hunter quickly helped her up, and after a few apologies he approached the area that Gneidxick and the mystery woman vanished.
"Wh... that's it? That pair of kecha-wackos just up and leave?" They even took those little pink minions of Gneidxick with them. With a frustrated sigh and a dejected kick at the floor, Cadet turned back to the absolute mess of the casino's interior where everyone was picking themselves up off the ground. "Now what?"
Things seemed to be going well, for now. That armored soldier might prove a problem though. If she recalled correctly from her studies back in the capital, the easiest way to take down a heavily armored enemy was through magic. What poor luck that His Highness Prince Alnard and that other mage, Artemisia, were on the other side of the fort! I don't think my arrows will be able to get through that armor, Bel thought to herself as she nocked another and aimed for the axeman behind the armored man. Trace was still ahead of her, striking out at the target before Bel let her arrow loose to once again clean up and fell a bandit. Once that was through, mount and rider came to a halt, turning back toward the armored bandit. The man was making his way toward Branna, would she be alright? Could Mors' teeth get through the thick plating? Even if her help would be minimal, Belisendé wanted to lend it. In quick motions she fired arrows at the heavy armor wearer, watching most of them bounce off but hoping at least some would find their mark. |  _________________________ Class: SquireStatus: Alive Currently: Attacking EXP: 60 Inventory:
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The White Room
Melodia Lapseus and the Branch Families discuss future actions within the territory.
“You can’t possibly understand what the three of us went through!” Melodia assaulted the taller, slim, but similarly pale and fair featured figure across the table from her.
The woman was Theadora Thespia, an up and coming scientist from one of the stronger branch families. Despite Melodia’s current tone with the young woman, the noblewoman did actually quite enjoy Thea’s presence.
“I’m not saying that I do, or that I could ever imagine to— If what you’re saying about the spatial magic anomaly is true, I’m glad that I didn’t decide to go. I shall continue to press the question though. Will you let me open you and Rhythmia up under the surgical lamp? You’ve seemed healthier than ever these past few weeks. And I think there’s knowledge to be gathered. You both will heal up in no time.”
Melodia snapped an empty tin cup from atop the wooden table, clutching it and consciously aiming the item at Thea. Though it wouldn’t release, instead she just grunted out loud and slammed the tin back down causing a loud ting to echo within the room. Her red sights seethed directly into Thea, whereas the other woman simply stood calm and collected— staring carelessly back.
“I wish Vati were here to freak out over someone asking to cut me open. It would’ve lifted my spirits a bit— with all this sickening energy in the air. What’s your thoughts on the southern endeavors? Hold your thoughts on Kothlin’s antics for another time.” Melodia raised a white eyebrow as she pried an inquiry from the calculated Thea.
The taller woman’s posture relaxed as she leaned into the table and allowed her elbows to rest upon the white-painted wood. Her hands came together beneath her chin before she spoke. “You’re right in thinking that we have no reason to worry. The operations along the Southern Border as well as my little project in Kascadia in the north make sure of that. I’m more concerned with our neighbors to the West, they’ll be running short on supplies— but I’m sure you won’t let them starve.”
Melodia nodded along to Thea’s words, her lips flat and her expression a straightened concentration. The noblewoman’s sights sifted to a large clock mounted to a wall near the door as Thea continued on.
“As for the houses themselves. They’ll begin mobilizing within the next few months, maybe sooner depending on— Regardless, it’s probably a good idea to coordinate with Rhythmia when it comes to that topic.” Thea lifted her hands from the table into a shrug and brushed some hair from her face as she awaited the noblewoman’s response.
Melodia smiled softly, eyes still glued to the timekeeper as if to avoid making eye contact with something else in the room. Something that wasn’t a friendly scientist whom she sometimes disagreed with. In the opposite corner of the room, decidedly not sitting at the table was a pale man with dyed black hair— his clothes were incredibly old-fashioned, frills, long stripes along tapestry leggings, and even a black top hat. He looked like a human checkerboard, a jester of the times long since past.
“Don’t wish wish ta’ hear my thoughts e’guess, little dol’e?” The man’s voice creaked out in pain, but he stood up tall and his step still had a spring to it. By the vibrations that exhumed from his maw, one might assume he was wounded, sickly, or dying, but seeing him in action gave the opposite impression.
“Were I able to let you live in peace tucked in your own corner of the abyss never to speak to me again, I would cousin. But alas, tradition is a long-lived thing. I’ll not cast my eyes upon your cursed, broken, body— but I guess I could hear you out, cousin.” Melodia’s words held some withdrawn tact, they wished to draw a line rather than wound Cian Mortimarx.
“Tha’ south house e’ Pachel is ‘n chaos. Ample opportuna’ ta’ get our fingers an’ influen’ in there befora’ts gone?” Cian’s broken language was another relic of an older time, or perhaps it was just a result of his broken body... but he maintained his relaxed posture and kept his sights on Melodia.
“If I may? I think that mobilizing forces into the south is a bad move. Should any of their southern allies catch wind of the notion, the entire plan goes up in flames and we find a newly painted target on our back.” Thea quickly exclaimed her thoughts and shifted in her seat at the idea of war reaching their doorstep.
“I’ll consider it cousin, but you also need to consider the repercussions of unchecked ambition. You and I both know quite well how that comes back around to bite you back in the ass.” Melodia’s eyes closed as the clock struck twelve’o’clock and she stood from her big white chair. “But this meeting shall be postponed for the time being. I’ve got more important matters to tend to.” A brief dip of her head was offered to both parties in the room, and then she quickly clacked her way over to the door’s exit.
Gohetia Public Forum
The whole squad from the Harrow’s Tower incident have gathered for a public statement to the people.
Melodia was the last to arrive to the forum, her car pulling behind the others lined up already behind the large concrete building. The roar of people could be heard from outside, the people weren’t outraged— it just wasn’t often for public appearances like this to happen. A chorus of chaotic excitement, and it rubbed off on Melodia. There was a smile on her face as she took her cane and slowly walked to the rear entrance with a bodyguard at each of her sides.
One of the men opened the door for her, and the Lapsean noblewoman slowly walked into the preparation lobby of the forum. It was a small sitting room with nice decor, red carpet, small brown wooden tables and chairs, paintings of old Lapseus architecture, and the friendly faces that awaited her arrival occupied it. She beamed at Rhythmia and chose not to acknowledge anyone else really, at least for now.
“Rhy, is everything ready?” Melodia beamed.
Her sister looked uncomfortable, but nodded all the same. It wasn’t the same feeling Rhythmia had on the way to Harrow’s Tower - it was something jittery, anxious. Even days later it was clear that Rhythmia was bothered by the event in some way. Still, she only let it show here in the prep room, with her family.
“We worked out a game plan,” came a warm voice from the side of the room. Huston, the burly head of security smiled at Melodia as he continued, “not much changed since the last time you were briefed, Lady Melodia, so no worries about being out of the loop. Except...”
“...I am presenting,” Rhythmia followed up, her crimson eyes meeting her sister’s like a mirror.
“Yeah, usually I’d handle it but we thought it was important to have you both speak. Not every day we get dragged into a war after all!” Huston’s smile didn’t fade, but he crossed his arms over his chest when he was done. He was keeping the room’s spirits up, but there were a lot of people worried.
“Very well, if you need support— we all will be here for you.” Melodia confidently chimed in to the positivity that Hunkston ignited. Her sights warmly stared back Rhythmia, but showtime was soon upon them and she was late to the whole situation anyway.
“M’ladies what of Lady Young? Should we introduce her to the populace, or should she remain in the shadows for the time being?” Vati quickly interjected the positivity with something a little more touchy. Tina had been a guest of the nobility, though, only a few people knew her identity in Gohetia— so an alias was given to her over the past few weeks to prevent any trouble. Vati had been her personal bodyguard, charged with showing her the more savory parts of the Lapsean capital.
“I suppose this would be a good opportunity to let the people know of the Young heir’s presence. I suppose we will need to give it a spin that’s easy to digest, however.” Melodia sifted her sights to little Tina, she had gotten as comfortable as she could with her situation.
“Even I am not fully aware of the situation that led me here! But Lapseus has its uniquities that catch my attention, and anything to be learned is fully welcome in my book!” Tina was as peppy and egg-headed as ever, simply taking full advantage of the situation. She was quite shaken up shortly after the events at the Tower, and Vati was there to keep watch until she got out of the damaged headspace. They’d bonded a little, but that pushover Vati was hard to get along with.
“Hahahaha! What a sweetheart!” Huston ruffled the girl’s hair.
Rhythmia hummed, considering Melodia’s suggestion. A “spin”? She was fairly certain that most of the populace of Lapseus would take any reason the sisters gave them. Even if the twin rulers had said ‘hey, we kidnapped this heir for leverage,’ most of the citizens would nod and go on with their lives. They were just used to that sort of thing, but...
No, Melodia was right. The long haired Lord hadn’t worked so hard over the last couple decades improving the house’s name for nothing. A positive spin, then.
“...safer in Lapseus...?”
“Hm, that’s true...”
“Yeah, while Kothlin does all the heavy lifting over there, poor Miss Reina is stuck in the middle. We’ve only got two Mage-pig houses nearby to worry about. One is in the middle of tearing itself apart and the other is Seler!”
“Easy enough, that’s our angle.” Melodia nodded in acceptance before turning her sights to the double doors leading to the people. “Lets get on with the show then. Shall we?” The long-haired noblewoman turned on her heels and slowly stomped towards the entrance to the stage of the venue. She pressed the smooth wooden doors open and the others fell into step behind her.
The roar of Lapsean people overpowered even the thoughts in their heads. Melodia happily waved out to the thousand-some audience and stepped up to the elevated platform where a long table with seats for each of them were placed. Only two microphones were placed upon the structure however, each one placed in front of the centermost seats which were etched with the Lapseus sigil: two hands clasping a red dagger.
Melodia found her seat on the left, pulling the chair out from beneath the white table and planting herself comfortably within it. Naturally, Rhythmia sat herself into the right chair. Around them, the rest of the group settled in. Melodia’s hand reached out to pull the metallic device closer to her face before calmly speaking into it.
“Thank you, everyone for gathering today at the Gohetia Amphitheater. As you know, the nobility and some of our closest were requested at Harrow’s Tower a few weeks ago. It was a conference to discuss laws and grievances between the North and the South.” As the word South left Melodia’s lips the crowd began to frenzy into angered shouts and boos.
“Now as some of you may be aware, there was a catastrophe at the tower. An unknown party utilized a weapon of magical origin to not only destroy the tower, but trap all the innocents in the area. Countless lives were lost, Northerners, Southerners, even some of our own.” Melodia’s words were once again met with hostility not aimed at her, but at a specific demographic within her speech. The crowd jeered until the short-haired twin leaned forward briefly as if to speak. She didn’t though, merely looked out over the people gathered before sitting back with her arms crossed, nodding for Melodia to continue.
“Lapseus is stronger than ever, and the time has come for us to rise above the rest of the world. I’m asking each and every one of you to help in this effort. Double your work forces, send your sons and daughters to our academies, give us your strong to protect our borders, give us your brilliant to uncover more scientific mysteries. We of the noble house of which your very land is named after shall of course double our efforts as well!” Melodia’s sights turned to her side of the table with Vati and Tina.
“Tina Young, Heir of neighbors to the west has joined us to aid in our scientific efforts. She is sharp in her youth, and a growing mind that will surely be put to use in our wonderful city. Which she shall be staying within, for her safety, until further notice— I ask of you all to treat her as one of our own.” Melodia then peeled her sights back to Rhythmia, nodding to her as the topic of safety had now been introduced. She hesitated for just a moment before standing beside her sister.
“...like Melodia said, Lapseus is strong,” Rhythmia began, her head tilted slightly downward as she spoke, eyes pointed toward the crowds but focusing on no one in particular. “Our lowlands protect us... our only Southern neighbor is in disarray... and our Naval forces... are more than enough to deal with any threat by sea...”
She trailed off, staying quiet for a few seconds before she collected herself again, glancing to Melodia as if to absorb her twin’s way with words.
“...but more than anything... the Lapsean people are what make us strong. Anything you give makes us stronger. Livestock, crops, people, children... and in return, we... will see to it that all of our families prosper,” she said, “we always do.”
The last forty years were proof of that, and the crowd called out in agreement. They jostled each other, shouted their support for the twin lords, and generally raised their voices high. In the midst of the noise, Rhythmia continued.
“Generals will be visiting the outer cities... send those who want to give us their bodies to them. Here in Gohetia, come to the estate... What we need immediately are scientists, technicians, and sailors... or anyone willing... to become one.
...Lapseus will prevail,” the short haired lord clenched her fists lightly on the table, and at a loss of what else to add, she glanced at Huston who flashed her a quick reassuring smile.
“Well said, sister.” Melodia happily punctuated, beaming happily to her sole blood relative and nodding in appreciation.
“With that! I shall now be taking five representatives of the familia that reside outside the capital.” The long-haired noblewoman did not prepare this section with the others, it was an idea that blossomed after the talks with the branch houses. Those seated at the table with her looked over in surprise. The head of the Lapseus house was ever a spontaneous one.
Lapseus Estate Dining Room
The twin Lapsean nobles sit at their big extravagant dinner table to discuss their future plans.
The evening dinner was one befitting their status: lobster, truffle cheese, marinated duck, lamb chops, and much more. What was different though is that usually these meals would be shared by staff, friends, and others on the property- but Melodia specifically asked for privacy tonight.
“So— I know you’ve been a little shaken up since we’ve gotten home. But your loony sister has a proposition for ya’!” Melodia reached out her hand towards the spread of food, grabbing the plate of lobster and snapping off a claw while reaching for a crabcracker with her other hand to break the shell. Across the table, her sister cut into the bird and peeled slices of the meat away, placing them delicately on both of their plates.
“Hm?” Rhythmia hummed, eyes moving away from the task she’d given herself. It was true, she’d been feeling off, but she’d be back to her normal self soon - at least, she hoped.
“Sir Mortimarx thinks it may be a good idea to send a small operation down into Pachel territory. I think you’d be the best person to lead such a thing— now I know what you’re thinking. We just got back, things are still a little chaotic, but I assure you that I can manage on my own.” The long-haired sister continued before chomping down on some lobster meat happily.
The short haired twin watched Melodia for a few moments before she nodded, to herself and her sister. She was right, of course. She usually was. Melodia was a strong woman in a lot of ways, and even if her physical health wasn’t one of them she had ways to protect herself - especially here in the capital. Not to mention she had the rest of the staff too. Vati was a man who could be trusted to look after her even if he was busy watching over Tina for now. There was also Huston, too, whose devotion to the family was second to the sisters themselves.
Rhythmia took a few bites of her own meal, tilting her head from side to side in consideration.
“...not a bad idea...” she settled on. “Surprising... that you agreed with Morti.” She gave Melodia a small smile, slightly teasing, a way to let her sister know that she was recovering all right from the whole ordeal at Harrow’s.
“We can see who is... in line to lead the house. Support them... or...” Destroy them was left unsaid.
“That branch of the family has always been— weird, even by our standard. But he’s ancient just like us, and with age comes wisdom. I didn’t look at him a single time during our meeting though.” Melodia snapped another claw of lobster, interrupting herself on cue before saying, “I’m getting off topic! The reason for the privacy this evening, is because nobody— not even Huston can know about this.”
Rhythmia raised a brow at her sister’s words, but kept silent as Melodia went quiet herself, pushing away the crustacean and reaching for a beautifully crafted knife, an ebony handle, Damascus Steel, small pearls around the fastened around the bands that held it together. Then the long-haired Lapsean sister stabbed it down into their table, rage burning in her crimson eyes.
“We have a traitor in our midst. So our circle of trust shrinks once again, until we find the insect and flay— and display them outside the estate.”
Ah. Rhythmia figured she’d say that.
The Lapsean leaned back in her chair, clicking the fingers of her metallic hand onto the seat’s armrests.
“I can find them, but it... takes time. And... with all the preparations...” she trailed off, lifting her gaze to the ceiling. There were many times she wished she was closer to a normal human being, but sometimes she also wished she was far more a monster than she already was. Multiple limbs, frightening speed - but then, what person didn’t wish for that from have time to time?
“...if... you have an suspects, send them with me,” Rhythmia suggested, eyes falling back toward her sister, “if you don’t... is there... any able to sniff them out...?”
“I have a feeling it’s someone in the capital that’s in arms length, but I don’t want to go pointing fingers yet- I’ve got some ideas on how to bait them out. As for who to take with you, I’ll let you choose! No more than ten, no less than five, if you can manage that.” Melodia quickly responded, the blade planted into the table wood being twisted to bore a small hole in the table.
Once again Rhythmia found herself surprised at her sister’s words, but soon enough her expression melted into a dopey smile. It was a look reserved exclusively for Melodia - different from the small feelings she usually let through.
“Worried?” she asked of the other Lord. Rhythmia’s strength was easily equal to five or ten men - probably more. That’d Melodia would suggest a detachment of up to ten was much larger than normal. “I’m fine... promise. Need to take some generals with me... sweep down the shore and drop them off... I’ll get some... recommendations from them.”
A pause.
“...Mel, are you... sure you don’t want Huston’s help...?” The man was serious about treachery, he’d happily rip any traitor apart limb from limb, though it’s true he wasn’t exactly the most subtle person in the world.
“Once we’ve found the scum I’ll have Huston take care of the rest. I just don’t know if it’s someone inside his circle, so the fewer people I need holding their tongues— the less guarded this individual will be.” Melodia happily smiled back to her sister, continuing to bore the hole as withheld anger coursed through her veins.
Of course, that made sense. Rhythmia nodded once more, slowing unfolding herself from the back of the chair and going back to the wonderful dinner. Lapsean chefs were talented indeed.
“Mel,” she said, and looked from her sister’s face to the knife she was twisting between her hands. “Punishment for the traitor... not the table...” she could understand Melodia’s anger. It had been some time since anyone close to them attempted to betray them, but it needed to be a focused anger, until they found the culprit.
“Yes-yes-yes, I’m sorry. The carpenters worked very hard on our furnishing!” Melodia huffed to herself, tossing the knife to the side and grabbing a slice of duck with a fork.
Collab with @Haruharara
@SilverPaw From the discord:
Currency is going to be partly coins, partly a barter system. Remember, early medieval world. Yes, gold and silver is there; but at the same time, people will take foodstuffs and trade goods in lieu of currency.
It's not a universal currency system, either, but most everyone uses either silver, gold, or both.
Different names for different coins, but it's all valuable and often weighed.
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