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So I had a brief conversation with a friend (@DarkHorse) in kind about a certain roleplayer on the site, in which I had no idea she had written with her before, and it dawned on me just how many folks have experienced and love the hell out of @Aleksei! So I says to her, "wanna start a fan club?", and she responded that she thought it was a great idea, and that Aleksei might enjoy it. And so here it is folks! The Official Aleksei Fan Club! This thread is open to any and all players that had had the pleasure of meeting, talking to, and/or playing with Aleksei and have an undying love for her like we do. Join us in the act of recounting the wonderful times we've had with her, as well as swelling her hubris with compliments!

one thousand posts! 👀 truly a personal benchmark! perhaps this means that I am here to stay for good. ❤️

YOU. GUYS. STAAAAAHP! Seriously though, you dont even understand how much I genuinely love this! AND how I absolutely enjoy you all for letting me be part of your role-play fun, because seriously, without you guys I wouldn't be here. It really comforts me to know how understanding and patient you all are with my crazy life. I don't ever feel stressed about getting in touch with anyone or you all getting impatient with me. I try to keep everyone in the loop because I always want to make sure you guys understand how appreciated you are. AND I MISS YOU GUYS SO MUCH ; ^ ; My first year of college has granted me my Accounting Certificate, and this time next year I will have my Associates Degree (God, Allah, Cthulhu, Flying Spaghetti Monster willing) in accounting. I'm going for my Masters because I like crying over T Graphs and business expense reports =D! I know I said it in my status update but I'll say it again here too - SEE U SUCKAS ON WEDNESDAY! I've been keeping an eye on everything to make sure I'm staying up to date with things ❤️

PLEASE READ THIS BOTH CAREFULLY & THOUGHTFULLY. This is merely a poke in the shrubs to see who's out there. I will answer questions about the [less than] current thread already in existence and how to proceed from it, pending the interest of you fine fine people. Genesaris: An Expedition in the Past. This is for a roleplay story taking place in the early years of Genesaris. A time when magical technologies are up and rising and where the land is still so very young and holds a lot of secrets to discover. A group of scientists [and travelers/guides] wants to use the newest of technologies [airships/steampunk tech] to transport themselves quickly across the land in order to follow up on leads about special plants, animals, and people. The time span the characters will face will most likely consist of years [for them]. During this time frame, they will be able to witness the birth of a new age in Genesaris. They will be able to experience the change in atmosphere and society, as well as traverse untouched lands that will eventually become more civilized as time goes on. With these things in mind, a lot of the more powerful plants [powerful as in the abilities provided by such plants] may go extinct and become very rare, so that in the present timeframe of Valucre [? AO] they will be very limited and extremely hard to come by. [Also, please take note that during this early period in the young Genesaris’ life, that it has not made itself known to the other continents of Valucre, e.g. Terrenus, Tellus Mater, etc. Also, keep in mind that weapons like guns…are nonexistent or extremely rare in this time. Advanced technology will not be used or even referred to, as it does not exist either.] This RP will fall in line with the lore of Genesaris, but will give whoever’s character, the ability to witness history as it happens. You may have free reign [with approval from King] to help create plants, animals, and old landmarks no longer in the existence of today’s Genesaris. [Approval must be made before posting any changes, new things made.] A list of preapproved plants is already in existence, and when we come upon them, I will explain what type of plant they are… And all or some of our characters [pretty much whoever chooses to] can be the first ever to try them out. We won’t know what they can do to anyone ICly….unless we experiment a little first…right? All the plants are going to be written out in the same [older]format created by OffTopic, and can be viewed in Herbalism 101. Please keep in mind that our characters will not have access to most of these plants, due to having no connection with Terrenus and other continents[Tellus Mater, Terrenus, etc.] during the timeline we will be writing in. I’m pointing them out as a reference, so you can get an idea of the design and presentation used after discovery to describe the plants, and hopefully create more new ones in a group effort by us. This also encompasses older civilizations and tribes, unknown areas and landmarks of Genesaris, and animals and creatures no longer seen in Genesaris today. When I say that, I really hope that people not only want to RP out this idea, but help to build on it by creating more flora and fauna, and can help generate great scenes of the young Genesaris. This will be a creatively fun RP, where your contributions do and will count. CURRENT Thread[Thread One]: Early Genesaris: Expedition in the Past. [cont.] Thread Two: Early Genesaris : Time Stamps This thread is optional, and is merely meant to be used as a journal for each individual. Here they can ‘write’ about their experiences, what they’ve encountered, etc. It doesn’t necessarily have to be a journal either. They can write letters to friends and loved ones as well. Old Thread as a Reference for Newcomers: EarlyGenesaris: Expedition Here is where most of the traveling and discoveries will take place during the entirety of the story. This is also where I will explain what the plants look like, and we experiment to find out their effects. A lot of them are poisonous and deadly, I will let you know beforehand whether or not it is safe. For your character. Mind you, I may warn you about the plants, but I will not warn you about the dangers being faced while traveling through the youthfully wild lands we will be in. Everyone will be at risk, including my own character. Characters/People: Looking for 3 people to join Die Shize and I as we continue our gloriously haphazard adventure. Lead Herbalist/Scientist: [The early and original] Doctor Lilium Concordia [yes…She is friggin' old, and you’ll get to see part of why in this story and your characters [if you so choose] may experience this phenomenon for themselves. And a lot of it has to do with another story not included here. Sorry.] Our Main Crew: 1. Die Shize as Dr. Jikol 2. -Lilium- as Dr. Concordia 3. Rin as Claudette Virga Von Ja'Guthra Talia 4. Thotification as Lord Ruler Suzerain, King Emperor of All Creation [Suzy] 5. Flame Hero: Endeavor as Potential Cameos: Vielle [Guinea pigs provided] NPC Guides NPC Travelers PLEASE, if you are going to join, feel free to share any ideas you may have. Don't be afraid to speak up. I like plots and ideas. Especially if they make the story more fun! If you're worried about receiving credit, don't be. Whatever contribution you come up with is your own, as long as-first and foremost-it is approved by King. ****There will be a 3 day post limit. What this means, is that if you do not post within three days of it being your turn, you will be skipped, but that’s not to say you can’t post later. You’ll just be skipped in order to keep the flow of the thread going. If you have stuff going on and are busy, that’s understandable, just let someone know what your post time may possibly be.**** I am a fan of posting order, mostly because it is less confusing in my mind. That way there aren’t two people interacting back and forth in ten posts before anyone else posts, which can deviate from the story. Important links: Genesaris Lore Herbalism 101 If interested please reference these posts: 1. Introduction - Notes about the mission. 2. Movement - Parachuting to the ground. 3. Current locale - Forest in search of whaaaaat?! PLEASE TAKE NOTE: A new thread will be created as Die Shize and I are going to break away from the old one to start fresh from where the last one ended. Please make yourself aware of this. Boon: Depends on what you contribute. Discover something awesome! Help to create new plants, artifacts, animals…etc, etc. If you have in-depth questions you don't feel like asking here, feel free to contact me via PM here on Valucre or drop me a line on Discord @Lilium#8636. ALSO, I would like to invite those people with older Kingdoms set in Genesaris to ponder the idea of guest appearances depending on the location of our troop. For those of you who would like to add to the background of your rich lore while it may have been in its youth, this could be a fun and interesting way to do so...? Or even hint to me, things you would like to have been seen, discovered, or noticed about your areas in this RP's past time frame of setting. @King @Die Shize

to everyone i'm writing with—i must ask for your utmost consideration and your unfailing collective patience 😂 i'm currently in the throes of midterm exams, and i must wrangle my wayward project groupmates and my unruly monkey brain to focus on what needs to be done; hence, my posting speed for the next week might be considerably slowed, but it should pick up again once i finish the bulk of my requirements ❤️ thank you, i love you all 🙏

Interest check for a little run-and-gun adventure in Silver Harbor, thread to start in a few days to maybe a week. Background: The sleepy little harbor has been a major dock for smugglers for years, at the town's detriment. Avarice Lynch has recently arrived in town, and is marshaling allies to seize the biggest smuggling ship of the lot: the Iron Queen, when it comes to offload its cargo. To that end, he's recruiting outside help from Silver Harbor and beyond. Looking for: Adventurous action fun. The thread will start with some planning with Avarice and the volunteers, followed by a giant run-and-gun as the Queen comes into port. Any and all are welcome, there will be plenty of chaos (and hidden objectives) to go around. Combat: I like to run a narrative combat, rather than anything crunch-heavy. So really, you're pretty free to do as you like and show off some cool stuff as you like, in keeping with the Rule of Cool. If you'd like to face down a major NPC or something suitably dangerous, I am all about that business, so shoot me a PM beforehand and I'll set you up with some gnarly smuggling sorts. Some minor dice rolls may be in order to determine degree of success/embarrassment. Hit me up with any questions, and start the countdown to the demise of the Iron Queen! @Saerwen Talmiel @Dizzy00

It's time for new reactions again! The Lunar New Year theme gained some popularity, so I'm going to go with that. This is an open call for ideas for me to draw again! As usual, I'll do a mix of characters and festive icons. It's the year of the Pig, so if your characters have any pig pets, or if you have any beasts in your territory that are like pigs, those would be perfect 😜 Not all ideas would be selected, but you get a higher chance if: 1. It fits the theme 2. If it is a character, they have a distinguishable feature 3. Reference images (the more the merrier), 4. Suitability as a reaction. Reactions are very tiny images, so the simpler it is to draw your idea/character, the better. Lunar New Year falls on February 5, and traditionally, the festivities last 15 days. Here are some pictures I randomly took off google related to the holiday -

To all who it may concern and those that I have written with, as you all most likely have noticed I kinda vanished for a little bit. I am back now however when I first started off writing here I decided that I would need to moderate my roleplaying in order to be able to sustain. I want to continue to roleplay because I really like it but in order to do so I need to cut back a lot. To a point that I will only roleplay as one character in one thread at the time. Not exactly sure how that will turn out but it will mean that I will have to step away from the Dermonts. If we have been writing in the past, I thank you for reading this and I value your understanding. We can still write in the future, however it will be under different conditions.

Hullo hullo. Mooooooostly new fella' who's spent an unfathomable amount of time uhm'ing and ah'ing about throwing himself into the fray that is Valucre. Finally decided to do something about it, so here I am. Been a roleplayer for a fairly lengthy amount of time, started on forums but moved away from those towards more real-time affairs. Want to get back into forums (HAVE wanted to get back into forums) for a long time, and Valucre came up on my radar uh...a few years ago? But flip-flopped on it for ages until finally, well, this happened. That all being said, I'm looking forward to roleplaying with, hopefully, a great number of you. Please treat me kindly. Or don't. I can take it. Nice to meet you!

It was a relief, to see Cassandra Uldwar pull herself back from the brim; gaining a fraction of the calm, poised lady- no doubt, weighing the pros and cons of her offer with the dangerous logic an entrepreneur would be envious of. Whatever it was, the unease of facing her formidable rival was much preferred to the dread of watching one fall. It's better to be seen as removed from anything resembling a person; people were weak, and these weaknesses result in destruction- one way or the other. 'Tis a far better thing to forget mortality, hide it away. Become as distant as those kindly Queens in tales of the past. So, when Duchess Karradeen joins the sad little party, full of faces so devoid of cheer- it was only Evienne's duty to dip into a curtsy, greet the Duchess and drive the thoughts of the supposed founder of Taen out of her mind. She gazes at the simple movements of the man, and can't help the smile ghosting over her lips, the inexperience shows- and she is determined to claim a dance. But, she feels the stares subjected at her, probing nobility wondering what on Earth had happened to the Lady Uldwar; and what part Evienne had in her state. A needlessly worried glance, towards Merida- towards Dahlia, allows her to, atleast, confront the analytical gaze of Lord Hildebrand. Evienne grits her teeth, smiles as pleasantly as she is able to- and dips her chin in return. How she burned from it all. "Thank you, everyone for your offers. Lady Evienne. It would be an honor to take refuge in your home, so that I may keep my children safe from the madness my hushed suffers from." The lady Cassandra finally says- her voice resounding, resilient; the tone of prideful dignity is enough to expunge her mind of other matters. "My Lady, let us know when you want to retire for the night." Evienne's smile is wry- dry as the humor around them, "You've been through quite the ordeal." She did hope it wasn't too soon, this departure, despite the warmth of her words. There was still business to be attended to, and she loathed neglect any of her duties in favor of the other. "Mother, what's going on?" The voice, announcing Illyana Uldwar's presence released Evienne of her current duties with matriarch. It is seized, with a shallow curtsy; to both ladies, and a hooked arm around Niko- in a fashion that quite resembles when Miss Dahlia had dragged Mr. Cayne off, she persuaded the Tea House employee to a small stand of sparkling liquor and Lemon Cakes. Much, much, much quieter than the conspiratorial whispers of the nobility. They still followed her movements, most of all Lady Ship Skirts and her sister, but, then, so did a maid- of about fourteen. Or perhaps, they were staring at Niko? Atleast, here, she could think- with the help of a glass of champagne, and, then another, and, one more, and just another afterwards, to put a stop to it, Evienne gnawed as to the whereabouts of Luis and Vesper till her head spun, and an alcohol haze just clouded her vision. "I do appologize," She started, a giggle bursting aimlessly from her lips, finally paying attention to the captive employee. "I didn't quite mean to hold you for ransom among the dreadful drama of these nobles, it isn't what you imagined, Mr. Zandriel, and I do... Apologize for that." She punctuated her words with a flicker of her fan, and a hiccup, cutting her off-- rather rudely, in the middle of her words. The taste of lemon cake filled her mouth, she isn't quite sure when she had grabbed it, but, the taste is delightful- just as she bore witness to Illyana Uldwar, a blur through the crowd and out on to the courtyard. Her mother, pleading after her not to leave. To her chagrin, the scene lightens the alcohol haze, and reason forces her to tail the Lady. Evienne focusses on keeping her steps straight and steady, fanning herself as though the flush on her cheeks were due to heat and not the sparkling glasses of champagne. "Lady Illyana!" She called after the Lady-turned-priestess, scowling at how fast she walked. "Lady Illyana, 'tis dangerous outside! Let me accompany you, at least." Despite herself, the cool winds of the courtyard felt delicious against her hot cheeks- finally reaching the errant Lady. "Lady Illyana, please, allow me to accompany you to Vesper, atleast. My cousin is a far better combatant than I." @KittyvonCupcake @vielle @Grubbistch @Witches Brew @Ataraxy @Tyler

Who has officially completed Medical School? THIS GAL!!!! 😄😊❤️❤️🎉🎊

*watches some user reputation counts go down* is this....an opportunity 😂 (jk i love you all, send more love all over ❤)

Excellent. My proposal is this: Due to the attention Pirate’s Cove is receiving (with it chiefly being DESTROY ALL PIRATES), I would be more than happy to expand upon some lore of the area and would greatly appreciate any help anyone wants to toss my way. This would mostly be to make it a more fleshed out area because I think we should expand our UM Game of Thrones into a Game of Thrones: Pirate Edition. The title of “pirate lord” could be given out like noble houses, along with a crew and/or a fleet of ships. Our lovely @vielle suggested that there be seven pirate lords total. This way, anyone that wants to go through and wreck some pirates’ day up or wipe out the Cove is faced with more concrete opposition than one thousand faceless and nameless NPCs to slice through. It also gains interest in the UM board, as I know I’m not the only pirate loving nerd on this site, and it provides more opportunities for changing the overall story of UM. I feel like opening up these positions would also provide a balance for any noble house that wants to claim all of the Cove for influence, because now they have to work for it. I can tell you right now that the pirate lord I intend on playing would be more interested in gargling Copperbeard’s bath water than agreeing to an alliance with nobility, but could be persuaded to aid a house for the right price.

Whatever questions or doubts Abigail had over the situation were eventually answered as people continued to rapidly banter about the situation and make implications as to what was going on. Clearly Lord Uldwar had lost it, which was hardly surprising since he was a man who had made many, many enemies and few (if any) friends over his reign of terror. Abigail spent many of her younger years fearing and resenting the man, for it was his enforcers that Karradeen often had to appease as they struggled to conduct their business. And as their smuggling efforts grew, the threat of exposure by overly nosy Uldwar minions became an every more omnipresent threat. The fact that a man such as he should not resort to violence against his own family was sad, but hardly surprising. The more she learned of the situation, the less concerned she was about the consequences of aligning against the disgraced patriarch. Though Norkotia may have chosen to align with him, they would be fools to maintain that allegiance in light of recent developments. Oscar Uldwar had finally made himself a liability to all who sought to align with him, and that meant that the best action now was to get in the good graces of his enemies by assisting them. Though her greater instincts were to immediately seek monetary profit from the situation, she realized that sometimes just a hint of good will could be worth far more wealth in the long term. It was something not every Karradeen leader had appreciated. "Lady Uldwar, there is a vessel currently anchored in Gold Harbor that is due to set sail for Port Mars at dawn." she speaks up, "I can send word to the captain to set sail ahead of schedule, should you require anyone be transported between isles. If you husband reaches Port Mars first, he may still attempt to use his soldiers to detain any family members or servants loyal to you that may still be there, but I can have my men locate them and smuggle them out of the port before he is any the wiser." She realizes she might have waited too long to pledge her support to the ongoing endeavors, but it does not hurt to offer assistance even if it goes unaccepted. In fact, it is far cheaper that way. "Karradeen sailors have smuggled more people and cargo under your husband's nose than he could dare to imagine. If it is helpful to you, they can do it one last time." she added. @Grubbistch

It was a few minutes between the time Aveline sits on the terrace, and Teresa starts attacking the desserts. Of course, the desserts have always been there, but they'e been more or less static. When the princess does finally make them dynamic, the action atomizes molecules of sugar, vanilla oil, pectin, starch, and cinnamon. While perceptable to sapient humanoids only in very close priximity, other animals can perceive them from further away. Aeline is sitting on the terrace, petting Vivian and Nadia, staring at the weird oak, when the foxes suddenly stand up and rush to where Teresa and Som are at the buffet table. Confused, Aveline stands up and follows them. Then suddenly the foxes come tearing past her back out to the garden. "Uf I didn't know better, I'd say they just saw an angel-" Aveline thinks, knowing their background and justified fear of them, "Titus..." Aveline thinks, remembering the Emperor of Taen the Veluriyam Empire is an archangel. When Aveline gets to the buffet table, she finally notices Teresa's wings, which line her up to the fact that her parents are angels as well, and... "Well fuck," Aveline says to nobody in partcular, and now she needs to make a decision: go search the gardens for the foxes, or stay and eat some sugary shit. @Ataraxy @danzilla3

She reels at the sight of the young Lord Uldwar , bleeding, with Vesper's coat around his shoulders; as though the dark red staining the vivid blue velvet were symbolic of her soul being soiled. She doesn't, however, give in to these base instincts of shrinking back- perhaps, due to a new awareness for Niko's presence- imagined his discomfiture of having to deal with more swooning Ladies. Or perhaps, it is Lady Illyana's steadfastness, even in the midst of such internal turmoil, leaching from that strength. Most likely, however, was that it came from Vesper's commanding presence. No longer was the Lady in front Evienne's cousin 'Moonie'. The intensity simmering in her eyes betrayed her as the Sea Witch, as the Lieutenant of House Dali. Evienne straightened her gait, alcohol left her unsteady- but, she was as sober as a marble now. The drooping lad, draped in a cacophony of silver and blue and red and gold, clutching onto the strong woman made for a terrible tableau when they stopped in front of her. "Evienne, is this Cassandra’s daughter? They need to leave, now. I can take them back to the estate and make arrangements for her other children. Luis has been attacked and Uldwar is missing. Where is Merida? Someone tell her to stay with the Mosgroves. Alistair’s parents will look after her.” Vesper ordered, the lack of merriment the only explanation needed. "And get a servant to fetch our guards from the carriage. I am not impressed with the Emperor’s finest.” "Uldwar got away?" incredulousness sharpened her word, complimenting a glare aimed at the Imperial guards, just milling about. "I've offered Lady Cassandra and her children assylum under house Dali, we should move quickly." As she was about to nudge Illyana, gently, a reminder to move- and quickly at that- when she speaks and startles Evienne. "I have to get back to Misral. I am sorry, Lady Evienne, but there's so much at stake here, I have to hurry." She says, resilience hardening in her words. "There is a chance I can transform House Uldwar into something different, something good, and if that's possible, I need to take that chance. Besides, I already have adequate protection." Illyana frowned, obvious concern for her siblings state, conflict marring her brows. It is one Evienne understands, and she doesn't move to disregard the Lady's intention- instead, she tries, in vain, to catch sight of Merida and young Mosgrove. Suddenly, she felt rather frightened for the youngest of the group, the most vulnerable. If Uldwar were still free... More words were exchanged between a Guard, and his two charges; just static to her as Evienne tried to puzzle out the sudden dread gnaw. The dazed words of Luis Uldwar springs her into action, intercepting him with a firm- but gentle grip on his arm; and a kindly smile fluttering on her lips, "Let's go see your Mother first, make sure she's alright, we want her safe, right Luis? We must take her and the children to Dali and there they'll be safe. Now come on." She crooned, her voice conveys worry, it is slow- but no mirth was forced upon them. "Vesper, why don't you accompany Lady Illyana back to Dali, and then to Misral, surely the remaining children must be there?" She suggested, plainly. "You won't know peace until you do." The last statement was ambiguous, directed at either lady- relevant to both. "I'll accompany the Lord to his mother, fetch the guards and make sure Merida's safe." A trivial statement, one said to reassure, and remind, there was nothing more reassuring than competence. "Mr. Zandriel, won't you please help me lead Lord Luis back to his Mother?" Evienne pleaded, draping an arm around his waist. So, she hobbled on, supporting the young Lord; directing him towards the congregation of Ladies, orbiting around the tragedic Lady Cassandra. And though her feet carried her away from the dance floor, Evienne's eyes sought after the figure of her dancing cousin, only relaxing when she caught sight of the soft, fluttering skirts. She abandons Luis with Niko, a sheepish smile in tow, as she intercepted the couple; fingers ghosting on Merida's shoulder. "Mer, Moonie tells me you must stay with the Mosgroves for now, Lord Uldwar's free; I must take of some matters, but, I will be with you shortly." There is guilt blooming in her chest, there was a smile- and, she suspected, some softer feeling budding between the two; interrupted with her injection. She flashes an appologetic, mirthless grimace at Alistair. "Take care of her." Not a threat, but a request. She resumed the company of three, with an easier heart. "Lady Uldwar," She called out, "We must make haste toward the Dali estate- Lord Uldwar has not been apprehended; Lieutenant Moontraveller has made plans to retrieve the remaining children, please find ease in that." She turned, towards the foyer; intending to lead the party out when she caught sight of a strange sight. At first, it was dismissed as a trick of light; then, it was blame on stubborn remnants of alcohol. As they drew closer, there was the odd sensation of realizing it was not caught her in a state of confused awe. A Lady stood, infront of her- slightly stooped, as though in pain; a cane in her hand; and familiarity glimmering in the shade of her hair, the curve of her cheeks, and the color of her eyes. Like a mirror, one that showed an older Evie, one allowed to develop more naturally; not in the sharp lines of muscle and vogue. She recognized herself in the lady; and paused, momentarily, in a bemused daze. The moment was shattered when Icy eyes caught their reflection peeping back, once blue- now grey, each echoing the other; and a hasty curtsy is paid. But, there was work to be done- and, so, Evie marched on; a veritable whirlwind of blue and silver. @KittyvonCupcake @Grubbistch @vielle @Witches Brew

Excusing herself from the growing group once Grant had agreed to her proposition, at least to the possibility of a proposition anyways, Teresa wandered off toward the Reverie themed pastries. According to the chef, some of the best bakers from Andelusia to Umbra had been hired. Grabbing hold of a rather expensive looking plate, even to her raised standards, the variety of snacks almost came off as a bit intimidating. After a moment or so of debate, the young princess early plucked a pretzel shaped mini-cake. It smelled of vanilla and chocolate. A small yet forceful poke from her force showing a caramel middle. Caramel sauce? It was a conscious effort that restrained Teresa from licking her lips and trying to smush the entire thing in her mouth at once. Instead she took her fork and cut off a manageable piece from the corner, making sure to dip it in any caramel that leaked from the pastry's wound. A couple bites in had Teresa back at the pastry table for another pretzel-thing and a handful of other treats. Once Reverie was over the first thing she needed to do was ask the chef what the pretzel cake was called. Delicious. Honestly, why couldn't vegetables taste like that? The fact that healthy foods tasted off while unhealthy foods tasted like heaven always struck her as a particularly cruel joke by the Creator. Finishing the second pretzel cake, with a painstaking slowness to not seem gluttonous, Teresa eyed another. This one a green triangle shaped fruit, Gha'zu the Mork'Ouths called it, dipped in a thick coat of chocolate and another slightly bitter layer of something else. She sank her teeth into the triangular treat and was graciously greeted with a surge of sweetness. That time Teresa actually licked her lips. Taen really had the most wondrous fruit. A waiter made to pass and she grabbed his arm, tugging him toward her. "What's this called?" The original look of badly hidden annoyance was quick to scram from the waiter's face as he realized who was talking to him, the blood rushing from his face turning him into something of a zombie. "I-I-I-I'm not sure, princess," the boy stuttered, nearly dropping the tray he'd been balancing on a hand. Teresa shrugged and blew a strand of hair out of her eyes, sending the waiter off with a wave. Whatever. She'd just find out later. Good help was so fucking hard to find these days. A circular golden pastry then caught her eye, brown specks of what looked like cinnamon lightly sprinkled over it. The smell made her mouth water as she approached, snatching one up with a deft accuracy. When the sight of Renovatio's Grand Kommadant swept across her peripheral vision she nearly choked on the golden delicacy. She'd heard that the Lord of Mythal had made connections with Renovatio just as strong, if not stronger, than the Emperor had. But, despite those rumors, she hadn't expected them to look quite so... intimate. Was not Milo Mythal a married man? Her mind raced with all the possibilities though her eyes looked everywhere but in their direction. Out of everyone in the room Primera was the only one Teresa could not afford to insult, even in the slightest. Renovatio wasn't a house of a few hundred people. A war between them would be disastrous for both sides. Though a small part of Teresa wanted to see it, to witness who was truly stronger in the end. So, with those thoughts in mind, she opted out for the safest route: the angel turned back to the food. Can't offend food. But Teresa did have half a mind to wage war. Death by being stuffed in her mouth. How many of the pretzel cakes would fit? Ah, well. Maybe later. @Aleksei @-Lilium- @danzilla3 @anyone who wants to interact

"Are we late?" He looked at her with laughter in his eyes, wondering if she was anxious about their tardiness or if she's just putting on airs to ease his nerves. Their entire journey to the estate she had sat next to him holding a joyous conversation, spreading her smile across his face in an infectious manner that made it impossible for him to brood. The last few months have been a bit unkind to the working elf; he had almost forgotten what it was like to be in familiar company. Reaching over, he grabbed her hand and gave it an encouraging squeeze that meant more to him than her. Again she has taken time out of her schedule to play the protector, keeping him safe from the crowds of people and from his faulty ability to communicate with other people. Milo didn't want to go, but he was outvoted by everyone in his house and forced to leave by threats. Outside the comfort of his office he felt too exposed to the masses; when airing his worries to his companion, she laughed at the ridiculousness of his fears. "No, though I think even if we were it wouldn't matter much." He rearranged her delicate fingers threaded neatly at the dip of his arm. Each digit was decorated with golden rings that were either ghastly in their make or extremely fragile; a small insight into the woman's taste, he assumes briefly. Afterward, he reached down to help her smooth the soft satin of her skirt and remove the specks of debris she had accumulated during their small walk towards the entrance. While he cared for the dress, she ran her fingers over the tulle covering her corset, feeling the nubs of the floral design tickle her fingertips. "I have never been so uncomfortable in my life," he nearly whined, his complaint being the fifth thus far. "You look so handsome, Milorian! You shouldn't be complaining!" The Grand Kommadant exclaimed, her enthusiasm causing her opal hues to dance with amusement. Getting him in the suit was only half the battle; Milorian didn't want to come, to begin with, forcing him in attire he's not accustomed to just rubbed salt in the wound. "Plus, it's only for tonight, and then you can burn it if you want," she plucked at the red thread braided through his pale hair. Convincing him to cut his hair was like asking someone to cut off their arm, it would have taken a whole lot of persuasion and bribery to get him even to consider it. The tall elf was accentuated by the well-fitted suit, showing off his overbearing height and the rigidness of his too proud shoulders. He mumbled, occupying himself with the flowers woven in Primera's red curls. Again, she had made sure they matched in some way; tonight the two had flowers freckling their hair, and the square in his pocket paired her dress. Some people might think it's cute, but he knows she did it because he is seen as an opportunity for her to play with. Next time, he will put up a bigger fight. "I guess it's time," begrudgingly he tugged the blind woman into the fray of the celebration.

She opened her mouth again to give back another retort, but in that moment she stopped, and realized her position in this argument. If she kept on like this, she may just lose favor with Teresa and embarrass herself and her faith. "You are right, My Lady." She bowed her head respectfully at Reyna, continuing. "While I don't agree with your opinion, you have every right to express it here. I can't imagine the things you have seen or lived through to form such feelings towards Gaianism, but I will not fault you for them. There's no such thing as a perfect person, and I am certainly not one of them. From the deepest part of my heart, I love and accept you for who you are, no matter what." With that, she felt the need to reconnect with her family once again, knowing that she had taken an honorable and respectful approach away from such a turbulent topic, and to hopeful help promote a better image of her beloved Goddess. "Excuse me, Your Highness, I need to see my mother and family, and see how they are doing." With a curtsy and a smile, Illyana made her way towards where she last saw her mother. All too soon she would find her, just now being introduced to the horror of the events that happened during her political maneuvering. Cassandra considered the offers, finally putting herself back together enough to make a decision. Even as her world was falling apart, it was best she at least try to remain strong in her behavior and dignity. "Thank you, everyone for your offers. Lady Evienne." She said, looking to her young rival. "It would be an honor to take refuge in your home, so that I may keep my children safe from the madness my hushed suffers from." "Mother, what's going on?" Illyana asked, having entered the vicinity of the others. "Where is father, and Luis? What happened to you?" "Oh my precious daughter." She hugged her deeply, fresh tears rushing out of her eyes. "Your father has lost his senses, we must leave Misral before he finds us. Come, we'll get Luis and send for our things once we have settled into the home of House Dali." Grabbing her hand, she tried to pull Illyana into going with her, but she would not budge. "Wait...so father is on the run now...he's forfeited the throne, and even you wouldn't enforce the laws of succession upon us..." Her mind was working a mile a minute, and it was then that she knew what she had to do. "The sword." She whispered, right before running off towards the exit. "Illyana wait!" Cassandra called. "Just leave it, it's not worth destroying yourself!" She knew just what her philanthropic daughter was up to, and felt despair tugging at her heart. House Uldwar had been built around many traditions, but the most important one being centered around the very symbol of their authority. The black blade known as Destiny's Bane, an ancient sword that acts as a constant reminder of who is in charge of House Uldwar, and who holds power. "If you have any mercy, Gaia, stop my daughter from acquiring that sword at any cost...please..."

His eyes are a curios shade of blue, dark enough to remind her of the ocean, roiling with all sorts of mysteries to explore- but unlike the Ocean, there's a spark with in them that doesn't quite sit right with her. There's was strange look upon the stranger's face, for just a moment. Brief enough, that, when juxtaposed against a grin sly enough to give Vesper a run for her money, she felt incredibly selfconscious, and wondering if it had been there at all. With her fan unfurling, slowly, deliberately- fold by fold to obscure heated cheeks, Evienne files the moment away- pushes it to a corner of her mind to ponder on and pick apart for later. She does, however, choose to re-evaluate the man, tall enough that she had to peak up at him, through her lashes. Muscular enough to assure her he was some kind of warrior, perhaps an adventurer from Taen; but decidedly not nobility, not like those Singlances. But, what does puzzle her, is how the curl of his lips summons a small family of butterflies in her tummy. With a frown, she sentences them to drown by Cider, downed in a gulp, and pelts them with lemon cakes for good measure. The heat, however, returns to her cheeks with vengeance, conjured up by a chuckle from this enigmatic man. "An unfortunate misunderstanding, Though I think hell fire may have been easier to handle! It's too bad really. Titus- er, the Emperor sent me this suit, so it was probably quite expensive." He laughs, eyes twinkling with mirth. "Pleasure to meet you Evienne." The greeting was finally made, and Evienne makes it a point to observe, with matronly pride at how at ease Merida seemed to be getting with introductions. So, she allows a girlish chuckle at his words, believing them to be a joke of sort perhaps- but, upon closer inspection to the weave of the fabric- Evienne is forced to reconcile truth with his statement, so casually said. Her eyebrows perk up in, her mouth easing into a deceptively sweet smile, he couldn't have been too much older than she. "Well, that must've been quite a dire misunderstanding, I wonder what grave offence you've comitted for such horrible consequences." She giggles at the prospect of some faceless Andelusia citizen hurling fire at such strong young man. Her mind rebelling fruitlessly with more flattering descriptives for him, she smothers them with a light cough. "Something tells me you're used to it." She jabs with an amused grin. "Still, you must quite the citizen of Taen, then, Sir, the Imperial Majesty bestows gifts only to those truly worthy. Pray, tell me you're an adventurer! I do love a good story." Perhaps, that would be what will alleviate her mood after the Uldwar scandal. She suppresses her sigh, savagely, with a glance towards that coy smirk lightening boyish features, glass containing pale gold pressed to his lip. Then, this Marik nearly chokes as he gazes upon the wide hips and garish bows of his attacker, and he charmingly tries to cover it up a cough. "Truthfully it is. I've been surrounded by beasts from a different universe and felt more at ease." There's an earnestness she quite likes, and she chortles hideously at his efforts. Begging to be teased. "Is Taen truly filled with wondrous creatures with the softest furs and scales of a dozen rainbows?" She can't help her question any more than keep the curiosity from glinting in her eyes. "I've heard of fire rats, and terrible plants and monster beyond anything I've ever imagined!" He makes a move for the dance floor, and she rests a hand on the crook of his arm. The time for her ploy would run out soon, so she made a guise of reaching for some more Cider. It allowed her to shift her gaze to the members of the Tea Society- wide eye'd and innocent. "Say, isn't it a treasonable offence to destroy a gift from the Emperor?" "U-um! Lord Mosgrove..! Would you h-honor me, with a dance?” Merida stutters out, and her heart is so filled with pride, Evienne was afraid of it bursting. She sizes up the Mosgrove boy behind her fan, oner hand still hook on Marik's elbow, awaiting his response to the heartfelt plea with eager ears. Truly, the ball was turning out to be a gay one, it atmosphere enveloped them. Suffused her cheeks with color, and restlessly moved her silk covered feet. The gaiety, however, is short lived- and Evienne downs her second glass of Cider much like the last, all at once. She has caught sight of Lady Uldwar, and thoughts, desperately begging to be shoved aside, came back- twisting her face into that of grim determination. There's a small relief of Lady Kalika accompanying the Matriarch, a little crumpled- a little smudged, from her ordeal- Evienne nods in acknowledgment, grateful. A glance around the room assures of Illyana's presence, in spirited conversation with the Imperial Princess and a lady in blue- but worry gnaws at her for the lack of the Dali Lieutenant and Lord Luis. Still, she manages to curtsy properly to Cassandra, once she's within the small group, noting Lady Kalika's quick retreat to the Hildebrand party. "Lady Cassandra, I offer my sincerest condolences," She begins, her hand falling from Marik's proffered arm- with a twinge of regret. Miss Chamelis is tactful enough to step between her and the man, the proprietess' arm hooked firmly with his as she all but gently dragged him onto the dance floor. Leaving her with Niko and Cassandra. Perhaps, she ponders melancholically, watching the enchanting twists of Miss Chamelis' mane- and Merida's gentle, soft steps with Mosgrove lad, she wouldn't get to dance in this ball, after all. The thought fills her with disgust at its selfishness, and urges her to continue. "I offer the Dali Estate as refuge for you and your children, until Lord Uldwar is brought to account for his transgressions. Lady Dali, even my Father, Lord Goldcourt, will offer refuge and protection- we can not stand ignorant and idle under the weight of these crimes." She is firm, but gentle, allowing the Lady to test the weight of her words, offering her kindness with a grim grey gaze. @Grubbistch @vielle @Witches Brew @KittyvonCupcake @Ataraxy

kalika hildebrand "House Hildebrand and House Uldwar have always been good friends. Will Lady Varda be willing to set aside her alliance with my husband to keep my children and I safe?" As Lady Uldwar continues her worried spiel, fraying threads at the seams, Kalika’s mind begins to race. As she is not in any position of power to directly grant the noblewoman immediate asylum under the protection of House Hildebrand, she cannot ultimately offer any sort of promise, aside from the ones she and her husband are allowed to provide. However, there is an alternative that Kalika is at least willing to explore. “My Lady, our alliance to House Uldwar concerns the betterment of you and your own, not to any specific individual that may even now seek to harm you. I cannot speak for the Lady Hildebrand, as she has yet to grace the ball with her presence, but my husband and I are very much willing to take you and your children under our wing, and under the protection of House Isidore,” Kalika murmurs under the speculative questions left from Lord Uldwar’s passing, placing a steady hand on the woman’s back as they weave through the crowd, Suri a silent guardian trailing behind them. It has been ages since she has brought up the power she still wields as the headship of a vassal farming house, but Kalika supposes the circumstances deem it necessary to remind herself of her ancestral house once again. “To come against us is to come against House Hildebrand, and that is something only a few can afford to engage in.” They eventually come in sight of the Dali women, accompanied by a few strangers and the proprietor of the Andelusian teahouse. “Whoever you trust to keep you and your family safe, House Hildebrand stands behind you,” Kalika tries her best to smile in a manner that offers warm comfort and quietly deposits the woman in the company of House Dali. She looks across the few paces between herself and her husband, gives him a subtle nod: Suri and I are quite fine. Jasper smiles at her with no small hint of pride, even as he engages with the Duchess Karradeen, and Kalika waits for the women to converse, Lady Uldwar safely nestled in the Dali’s grasp, before returning to her husband’s side with her daughter in tow. @Grubbistch @LikelyMissFortune @Witches Brew @Ataraxy @Tyler

Having already given a response to Illyana, Teresa didn't offer any further opinion on the match of wits concerning religion and its possible faults or application. In truth, she was less concerned with the fundamental ideas of Gaianism than with the possibility of feeding people to far out from the main cities to reach. A central temple in a few hundred miles south of Andelusia would provide a much needed safe haven for the more unfortunate peasants. There were so many people but so few cities left to house them. Granted an Oasis could probably have done a similar job, but if there was already a temple there that would be easier and less costly than creating something from scratch. Teresa sniffed, letting the other women discuss while she shifted her gaze back to Grant whom had responded to her question. Pushing a stray strand of dirty blonde hair behind an ear, the imperial princess looked up at him thoughtfully. "Lord Grant, after Reverie ends I'd like to call upon your assistance for a rather dire issue. It would be inappropriate of me to speak of it during such a holiday, but I shall send for you within a fortnight. I will not hold you to act without knowledge of my request, but I do insist that you head my call when it is sent." A plan was steadily forming in her head, one that might fix the volcano issue. However there was an equal chance that her half-baked plan would swiftly fall into bloodshed, an option which she knew her father would never agree to unless there was no other option. Hyperion, on the other hand, might be willing to lend a hand. Even if it needed to get a little dirty. Out of the corner of her eye Teresa noticed a handful of her father's guards running outside with the rather ferocious Dali woman trailing not far behind. A part of her wanted to follow, wanted to be involved in all the ongoings. The wiser part of her won in the end and steadied her feet, keeping them planted where they were. She wondered, absent mindedly, whether all Dali women were as ferocious as that soldier woman or as sharp tongued as Halisera. Teresa felt a faint smile tugging on her lips at the thought, imagining the matriarchal house to be full of warrior women and scholarly men. A laugh almost escaped when she pictured her father as one of those scholarly Dali men. Fortunately most were paying attention to Reyna and Illyana's conversation so she was able to easily cover it up with a light cough. @danzilla3 @Sleepy Seal @Grubbistch

Definitely onboard with this, no doubt. As the contract for being her work husband requires me to.

She listens to Jasper mention the mechanized transport Norkotia had shown Hildabrand during their visit there, hoping that this meant the latter hoped to begin purchasing such things en mass from the former. It would mean even more business for House Karradeen, on top of whatever defense measures Hildabrand may pursue. The Hildabrands, from what she'd heard, were a young and eager lot, so she hoped it meant they would pursue Norkotia's products aggressively. Then Lady Uldwar approached, seemingly with an entourage in tow. Abigail wasn't sure what the situation was, but she reasoned it had to do with Oscar Uldwar's boisterous departure. She could hear Jasper's wife, whom she had not yet made acquaintance of herself, offering some manner of asylum or protection, which only created more questions. The Dali woman who approached shortly thereafter seemed to offer some explanation, however. "Lady Cassandra, I offer my sincerest condolences. I offer the Dali Estate as refuge for you and your children, until Lord Uldwar is brought to account for his transgressions. Lady Dali, even my Father, Lord Goldcourt, will offer refuge and protection- we can not stand ignorant and idle under the weight of these crimes." After waiting for Cassandra Uldwar to have a chance to respond, Abigail speaks up, her stance subtly shifting into less of a noble woman's and more of an alert swordsman. She isn't sure if there really anything to be alert over, but the sense of urgency some of guards were showing as they filed out of the building seemed to indicate something was happening. "Lady Uldwar, what has happened?" Abigail addresses the matriarch, having not had the opportunity to greet her properly, but the moment doesn't seem like the right time to worry about standing on occasion. Of course, despite the concern the others are showing for the lady, Abigail would continue to withhold judgement, for she did not know the full context. Lord Uldwar was not a man she held in particularly high esteem, but he was the favored ally of Karradeen's own closest ally, which meant she had to tread carefully on involving herself in their affairs. And if she must involve herself, she needed to be careful of which side she chose... @Grubbistch @vielle @LikelyMissFortune

True, the woman was beautiful in a way many weren't. There was no doubt in Marik's mind about that - it was a fact which applied to most of the women nobles attending the ball. Instead it was the smile she gave in return to his apology that really caught his breath. Coy, demure, absolutely stunning. He nearly commented on how she reminded him of the dawn before catching himself, silently biting his tongue in the process. What is going on with me? He couldn't remember the last time anyone had rendered him speechless, much less someone he'd just met. Hadn't even met, in fact, just randomly bumped into. Giving a slight, nearly motionless shake of his head he tried to dispel the thought and covered up his surprise with a mischievous smile, the corner of his lips playfully twisting upward. "Well met Mr. Marik Cayne from Taen. Are you sure you're from Taen, though, Sir? You look as though you've walked through hell fire." [Evienne] He couldn't help but give a rueful chuckle at her observation and flicked the singed corner of his suit jacket jokingly. "An unfortunate misunderstanding, " Marik responded, a twinkle in his blue eyes. "Though I think hell fire may have been easier to handle! It's too bad really. Titus- er, the Emperor sent me this suit, so it was probably quite expensive." Too bad it hadn't burned completely, anyways. He appreciated the Titus' intentions, but Gaia did the clothing feel uncomfortable. "Forgive me, I'm... Evienne Goldcourt, and this is Lady Merida Spidervalley, Lord Mosgrove- and Miss Dahlia Chamelis and Mr. Niko Zandriel, from the wonderful Andelusian High Tea Society." [Evienne] “Greetings Mr. Cayne." [Merida] "Pleasure to meet you Evienne," he said, giving a variation of those words to everyone he was introduced to. There wasn't much else he could do, really. Last he'd checked in on Lunaris, Titus had just started heading off to fight a war with that asshole Damien. He may have been the Taen Founder, but he knew no noble names or stations. Even the High Tea Society didn't register. No doubt it served tea, but other than that Marik found he had no clue what it was. So much had changed in the two years since he'd entered into war with the Xer'orians that surrounded the invasive Yh'mi mountain. Well, whatever. The world continued to spin, what was new? "It is quite intimidating isn't it? Such... wide Panniers and what not." [Evienne] He'd been in the middle of taking a sip from what remained of the goldish alcohol in his glass when Evienne said that. It seemed like a rather casual statement, but when he followed her eyes to the rather widely dressed women he almost choked in his effort to not spit out the liquid from the laughter that threatened to burst out. In the end, though he did manage to keep from spraying the liquid, Marik still had to take a moment to cough and clear his throat. "Truthfully it is. I've been surrounded by beasts from a different universe and felt more at ease," he mused after recollecting himself. "But, now that you're here- I must commandeer you for a dance or two! The other two lovely ladies have partners, join us!" [Evienne] Marik laughed again, letting her pull him to the dance floor if that was her following action or following her to the dance floor of she simply motioned. She called out to the Dhalia woman and spoke another name, but Marik wasn't really paying attention. His talent with remembering most names was close to zilch, so whatever name Evienne called out soon scampered from his memory into an oblivion. “U-um! Lord Mosgrove..! Would you h-honor me, with a dance?” [Merida] Though he didn't know the young woman or the young man, any brainless fool could hear the nerves in Merida's request. The treasure hunter flashed the man, Mosgrove, a knowing smile. One that gave a stranger's approval to the girl he'd chosen. It was those who fear the most that could be the bravest. Marik himself was fearless and thus not brave as there was nothing for him to overcome, so he greatly admired those with strength enough to pull through obstacles. @LikelyMissFortune @vielle @Witches Brew @KittyvonCupcake