Author: Angela Rose, Posted: Fri Jan 6, 2017 9:05 AM, Post Subject: Heart on Trial[P/R]

Aaryona leaned into Eirik, “Yes, she was the reason everything was done. We didn’t find the cure for Nathaniel in time nor did we know there even was one.” The woman was wicked and the fact there would be a fight once again made her unsettled.

Angela waved at Eirik with his words. “I am glad that she has someone to look over her. When we lost Marius I knew that she would be a wayward soul. Aaryona is strong and thickheaded. When she was a child we had a mage who would babysit for her when I went to run my potions shop. She lit him on fire from her magic.” Aaryona made a face. She wasn’t the most obedient of children when she was younger.

“What is it you want to talk about?” Aaryona was too the point but Angela nodded her head to follow her. 

“Oh, lots of things. The state of the world. The way it bends and curves to the outcome of large events. The way women don’t stay in hell where they belong.” She had pretty much confirmed Aaryona’s suspicions as they were led into a room. “Mainly it’s that Cyprus was hiding under my nose.” She closed the doors before them so they could have privacy. “My husband-” 

Aaryona spoke up to interrupt her. “Yeah, heard about that congratulations. I hope he is better than the last one not that I don’t love Taylef. We don’t know need a war on two fronts again.” She gave words of wisdom and Angela nodded.

“Drae is part of the problem. BUT he didn’t know. See Drae has a secret he doesn’t let out. About ten years ago he had gotten himself into a situation with sleeping with a man’s wife. Won’t go into the details but the man killed his wife and tried to get Drae to. Drae let a demon contract with him to try and way the woman.”

“And let me guess out of all the possible fucking odds of what demon that could be it was Cyprus.” Aaryona had been trying to fill in the dots of the story. “How the hell did you two meet?” The probability of what happened should have been zero.

“Oh, we met in the mage city. He helped stop a man trying to kill me for being one of their false gods. I contracted him to become a rogue for The Sundering Gardens. We could always use talents like his for getting things that shouldn’t belong in mortal hands. Well, the rest of the story is obvious from there, isn’t it? One day before we were married the mark she had put on him flared while looking at old paintings in our family book. He came to realize the woman attached to his soul was Cyprus. The only reason Drae is alive is because Cyprus used the woman and unborn baby to extend his life. As you can imagine he was very upset with himself.”

Angela frowned a bit. “However, to save not only myself and our children he went back to the ash remains of Greer’s mansion that he had destroyed. He made a strong barrier and forced Cyprus in there. We’re not sure how long she will stay there but we had to get her out. I’ve since taken over the contract that was keeping Drae alive so even if she does get loose she can’t kill him through that.”

Aaryona looked annoyed. “What’s her goal and how do we stop it.”

Angela fiddled with her dress. “Complete destruction of Arri and she needs Iva, your youngest sister, as a host. She wants to slaughter all of you in front of me to cause me pain since she knows she can’t kill me. I was hoping you could keep an ear out in Parvpora. Both you and Eirik should be able to do that.”

Aaryona sighed deeply and leaned into Eirik. “This woman just needs to stay dead.”

“Agreed.”

Author: Eirik, Posted: Thu Dec 29, 2016 4:50 PM, Post Subject: Heart on Trial[P/R]

The journey didn’t take as long as it had when they had left for Kurayo, but this venture felt more important. This was a personal matter for Aaryona, and though he couldn’t read minds, Eirik could plainly see that this wasn’t the sort of affair she wanted to face. He recalled what she had spoken of her brother, and know that they had learned of the possibility that his death was not that of a true one’s made him curious as to how this family matter would play out. They arrived in Arri, which was a strange site since it wasn’t like the typical cities he had known about and before long the duo arrived at the place where the trial was held. The large man stood by her side, eyes shifting over from person to person as she introduced to him. The siblings there must be but the few out of the hundreds she revealed to him, and he assumed that they all were from their home realm originally. He saw Angela and noted the similarities and differences between mother and daughter before quickly dismissing it. He could understand some of her worries, but she needed not to fear anything- the wolf was hers and hers alone.

One by one, all those present; her brother Lucian was first, followed by each of her sisters, all the while the man in question was calm and precise. A guilty man wouldn’t have given off the same demeanor as he had, but still there was much to question of him. The final one to offer his statement was one that he didn’t know, but he seemed knowledgeable of the ordeal. But even with all that, Nathaniel still chose to drink from the chalice and admit his follies to the audience. Angela spoke up afterwards and then there was a brief moment of silence. “She was the one that made Nathaniel do all those things, right?”, he asked in a hushed tone to Aaryona. This was perhaps the worse case scenario possible for them, especially if she came back as a demon. What would they really be dealing with now?

Eirik let out a soft rumble from his throat, almost growling at the alarming news before the verdict was passed. Nathaniel was free. Aaryona looked pleased with that and his following words, reassuring that their father wasn’t entirely gone from them yet. He knew that she had been worried about that for the longest time.

With the trial over, he would have to speak with Aaryona more about the situation, but her mother intercepted first. The wolf bowed his head towards the Queen in respect. “I am Eirik. Protector of your daughter. I’ve been serving her for a while now””   

Author: Angela Rose, Posted: Mon Dec 26, 2016 8:09 PM, Post Subject: Heart on Trial[P/R]

Angela nodded to Raeguel and looked back at her once wayward son. There was happiness in her eyes but what she didn’t expect was for Nathaniel to drink from the cup anyways. There was a look of amazement. “Not that I don’t trust your words Raeguel, it’s just I feel the need to clear my mind as well as everyone else’s in the room.” Nathaniel took a step forward on his platform.

“I murdered and I caused chaos. I do not deny those things. I have killed hundreds and set my sister Aaryona Draconis up for failure. I have started wars or tried with the intent to have all those around me burn for whatever facade of a cause was in my head at the time. However, my actions were caused by doses of poisons that Cyprus Rose put into my food while I was studying in Arri. This was before we knew how much of a great evil she was. We knew she would kill her own children but we did not know the lengths she  was willing to go.”

Angela fixed herself upon the throne before standing up. “And now she has returned.” There was a hush in the room. “As a demon this time. We have limited intelligence on it and I quite frankly don’t give a damn if this leaves the room. I, Angela Rose, of the Red Court rule Nathaniel Rose-Draconis not guilty of his crimes. He is free to leave but he is to help clean the mess up that he was involved in.”

Nathaniel nodded, “I was hoping I could have added that to my sentence if possible. If I could not get you to believe me, Mother.” His words were sincere. “If it is one thing Draconis men do best it is get revenge on those that hurt their kin.”

The way he worded it made Aaryona set up now. “What about Father? Your words puzzle me. You say it as if he is alive.” 

Nathaniel shook his head. “We spoke briefly when the worlds fell. He is still not entirely dead but he will remain so until he sees fit to return. He wanted me to let you know that you have been doing a fantastic job being his heir. He couldn’t have picked a better person to lead the Draconis. You know our father, never really wanting to let go.” Aaryona seemed pleased by Nathaniel’s words as if she knew their father had not been dead.

“I would suggest all of us get some rest in Arri. If you want to return to where you are from, do so tomorrow.” It was more of a jab at Aaryona as Angela descended from her spot. “You’ll have to introduce me to your fellow here.” Angela looked Eirik over. “I was actually hoping I could talk to you about the situation in Parvpora.” 

Author: Raeguel, Posted: Sat Dec 10, 2016 1:46 PM, Post Subject: Heart on Trial[P/R]

Raeguel had no idea of what to expect or how this would all play out, but he was asked to help identify Angela’s son and he owed her for far more in his eyes. He made it there with his son and his friend. Melina had made certain to make him aware of what happened and his mother clarified it, though he couldn’t completely blame her. Lucian and Episcia were going into adults and had made the decision themselves, albeit like most young lovers before them, so he wouldn’t push on it. Right now they were friends helping the other out through the crisis that their actions sparked up and all he could do was support them. As they made it inside where the trial was hosted, he could see several of the goddess’ children around, observing and waiting to find out themselves whether this man was truly Nathaniel or not. Angela herself seemed reluctant to test him and one by one the children made their point across to the young man, sharing their feelings with him. Raeguel looked to his son as he extended an olive branch to the possibly brother that he had never known. His death had been the catalyst for several things, especially the creation of the twins. When he got through, one of his sisters that he recognized from the war meeting against Cyprus was there, a puny little thing but fierce in her own right. He had nearly forgotten that another of her sons weren’t present from the old world. He frowned at the realization and wondered how she had fared on that situation.

Nerezza was up next, but before she took her turn, she came over and embraced him. It had been some time since he saw her, though he had wished it had been at a more savory time and not with him and Melina in bed. He stroked at her head lovingly before she mustered the courage to speak out to the defendant. He studied him with keen interest, taking everything into consideration- his tone, his body language, the way he carried himself and how the others had reacted to his responses. Though he wasn’t completely proud of it, he had been amongst Deceit’s top followers and knew of all the tricks one could perform when lying. He didn’t know of the young man personally, but from the tales he heard of him and how all of this was playing out, he was sure he was telling the truth.

He also knew of the possible pain he carried, for their tales weren’t all too different. The only thing being that Raeguel had chosen to make his mistakes, Nathaniel had been a puppet and his free will taken from him. His eyes shifted to Angela and nodded. After some time of contemplating in silence, he spoke up.“His words seem true, I do not pick up any malice or deceit in his voice. His body and mannerisms suggest that too, both genuine towards his siblings and yourself. He knows of those he knew in the past well, so while the possibility of him being a doppelganger is possible, I hardly doubt it.” His hand caressed Nerezza’s head again. He was willing to bet his sword hand that it was Nathaniel down there, but it was not up to him to decide that. He could only voice his opinions on the matter.   

Author: Aaryona, Posted: Fri Dec 9, 2016 12:05 PM, Post Subject: Heart on Trial[P/R]

Aaryona walked in with a look that could kill on her face. The way over hadn’t been pleasant and she felt sorry for poor Eirik who had probably never traveled by magic before. She kept him close as they walked around the court. The room was oddly circular and Aaryona had never been to Arri before. Her eyes latched onto Nathaniel and when their eyes met, she simply looked away. The trial was simple and Nathaniel being who he had always been was making it easy. Straightforward and to the point. She leaned on the railing of the room and looked up at Eirik. “That is Nathaniel in the center. The white haired girl is my younger sister Nerezza, The white haired older man is Raeguel, the boy who is with him is Nerezza’s twin, Lucian. The pink haired little one is my other younger sister Aelwen. You probably guessed which one my mother Angela is by now.” She was unsure about the little blonde elf that was traveling with Lucian was but she let it go.

Her voice had been low, enough to hear Lucian speak out to Nathaniel. “Nathaniel, young one. It is always necessary to introduce yourself even if your name is out there.” As always Nathaniel was the picture perfect idea of what grace was. Even in a situation such as this one he did not waiver. This was the Nathaniel she had been used to. “I hope that we can learn much from each other my little brother.”

Aelwen spoke up next, “Thaniel shouldn’t die.” The room got even more hushed than what he had been. “That was what Rey said before we decided to kill you. If Rey was here then he would be happy that you have made it and seem better. That was the alternate goal of the group with Mother. However, they were disillusioned to how to handle it. You couldn’t be saved except by dying… At least that’s what we believed. I stand with Rey now. I hope that you pass this test.” She sounded more mature. Aaryona was proud of that.

Nathaniel nodded a bit. “You’ve grown up Aellie. Once a stubborn little girl who could set fires just by glaring. It’s nice to know not everything changes.” If Aelwen could have jumped down and beaten him she probably would have but Aaryona managed a slight chuckle at the annoyed look on the half elf’s face.

Nerezza was quiet but she had made her way over to Raeguel now. She snuggled up into him and let her gold eyes look up at her papa. “It’s my turn,” She snuggled into Raeguel once more before she left his side and looked down at Nathaniel. “I don’t know you. I know the pain that is associated with you. I want to heal our family.” Once more the girl snuggled into her father and gold eyes closed. She barely gave Nathaniel room to respond.

“Trust me, that is my goal as well.” Nathaniel’s words reached everyone, and the girls nodded to him.

Angela held up her hand and looked to Raeguel. “Raeguel, you were there for the planning and the execution. May I use your expert eyes to see if he has lied at all?” If she could get away without having to force the chalice she would. “I wish to hear your thoughts on the matter.”

Author: Lucian Rose, Posted: Thu Dec 8, 2016 5:44 PM, Post Subject: Heart on Trial[P/R]

“Wait, what?”

The confusion on his face reign supreme as Lucian stared at his father as he sat on his bed alongside Episcia as she remained clutched beneath his arm.

“Nathaniel is alive it seems. Or so the person that claims to be says. He’d arrived in Arri not too long ago and was apprehended. The trial takes place tomorrow and I have been called as a witness to help see if he is truly your brother.”

“I don’t get it”, he exclaimed, “You never even saw him before, so why are they asking you to help identify him?” Raeguel sighed and rubbed at his eyes, “Likely because I assisted in helping your sister murder him. I didn’t have my blade against him but the way I had went about it, I might as well had been the one to strike him.” The young one was so bewildered by this turn of events; for the longest time it was believed that Aaryona had killed Nathaniel in their last encounter. But now? It seemed like Revaliir had somehow reversed it all, that was to say if he had truly been killed in the first place. “I want to go see him”, he said after some thought before looking to plead with his father. Before he could even get the words out, the daywalker nodded. “And your friend?” Eyes were on Episcia to see if she wanted to go. Her grip on Lucian’s arm convinced him that she didn’t want to be by herself here, still rattled by her own family drama. “Then get ready you two, we are leaving soon.”

Packed and prepared, they ventured to Arri within a day’s time and though exhausted they made it to the trial was taking place. As they came into the sunken room, his eyes latched onto that of the sight of Nerezza and his other sisters. He wondered how each of them took the news- surely if this person was really their brother, then they would know why he had caused the chaos he had back home. It had not been by his choice but by that of their aunt, everyone knew well of the story. He stood with both his father and Episcia as he lowered his eyes down to see Nathaniel for the first time. He looked so much like Mother the similarities were hard to miss. Still all had to be proven first and that’s when his mother came in and presented him with the case in hand. Leaning forward, he watched as a chalice was brought out and given to him, one that would help to either prove his case or damn it. Looking on in anticipation, he barely registered his father’s hand on his shoulder before the children were called upon to speak out before the trial continued.

“Nathaniel…”, he called out to the man, his heart overwhelmed with wonder, excitement and yet also fear and questions. “If you are truly the man you claim to be, I wish to learn more of you in the near future then.” While it was true that he had other older brothers, he wasn’t really close with either Ash or Thyme and without what happened to Nathaniel in the past…then neither he or his twin would have existed. If anything, he felt as though he owed him some sort of relationship. He couldn’t help but to watch him before offering his name to the man. “Lucian.” 

[OOC: Gmodding permission was granted by Episcia]

Author: Nathaniel, Posted: Mon Dec 5, 2016 8:07 PM, Post Subject: Heart on Trial[P/R]

Being back in Sularia was both a blessing and a curse. While he was happy to be home and possibly back in the good graces of his family, he had a fear in the back of his mind that everything was not going to go quite smoothly. As soon as he stepped into Sularia he was met with a pack of soldiers. They placed him in shackles and soon he was escorted right up into the main castle. There was no love to be found in any of their eyes and he could hardly blame them. He had been a crown prince and yet he had betrayed them. It was not by his own hand but he was sure that they saw it that way.

So he waited in a cold cell beneath the castle. He could see some of the darker court members also down there awaiting their trials. He wondered how long he would have to wait. Would he be killed? Or would his mother find it in her heart to try and trust him? Half of him thought of this as a ruse and a way to test his loyalty. 

Closing his eyes Nathaniel began to sit in a deep mediation. He sat for a long while until he noticed a particular power by him. Opening his eyes he stared into the green orbs of his mother. She looked so visibly stunned by his appearance. Their meeting was however brief as she quickly disappeared. It was a full day before he was escorted up from his cell and to the room that he had never seen before.

It was much like an arena but not for entertainment. He was brought to a podium in the center of the sunken room. Before him was a throne, no five. He was sure that only one of the queens would be here today. His eyes darted around the room and found it… occupied. There at a railing stood a little pink haired elf. He knew her as his younger sister Aelwen. She looked angry and if he remembered correctly that was the emotion she was most known for.

Next his green eyes met gold as he stared at a sibling he did not know. She was beauty but he could clearly see his mother in her. Nerezza looked miff and could not understand what all the fussing was about. She had not known Nathaniel, only the stories and the heartbreak but to stare at him now… it was odd.

With Reyviir not in sight Nathaniel wondered if he had been lost in the void. It tore his heart apart to not see the boy who had once called him Thaniel. Finally his heart took a leap as he spotted his sister coming into the room. Not a half sister but his full blooded sister. He tried to call out for her but it was clear by the look on her face that she did not want to speak with him. A strong man was by her side and he did not know who he was. 

He calmed down and looked back at the throne and stared at his mother now. She had appeared like air. “You are brought here on suspicions of intent to commit treason… what say you?” Angela’s words were heavy.

Nathaniel cleared his throat. “Not guilty. If I may, I would like to take truth serum. I know the great mighty Mother would have something like that. I would like to cut this trial down as little as possible.”

Angela seemed amused at him and a chalice appeared in her hands. “The Chalice of Truth is your selected method of damnation then? May your heart be clear… Is there anything that the Rose siblings have to say to Nathaniel before we move on?”