Fantasy Four Suits Volume 1.5

[TPBx]

This is a tale of Four Suits, the four kingdoms that despite all odds rose from the ashes of rebellion to form a grand nation filled with wonderous magic and destructive warfare. Borne from a once powerful mage named James Stryker, the kingdoms have faced years of trade, prosperity, war and struggle for superiority over all. But now they must face a greater threat - The Argossian Empire. Faced with a massive invasion with numbers and technology that far outclass them, the Suits had only seen such a large scale attack a few hundred years ago when the first wave came. Soon, the royalty and their aces must gather for a grand meeting in the Diamond Kingdom, known famously as The All Hands On Deck Conference.

Will the Four Suits unite against their historic oppressor’s invasion, or divide as they use the opportunity to capitalise on hundreds of years of conflict and gain an advantage over the others?
Find out now in Vol. 1: Kings & Jokers.

———

It all starts on a day unlike any other. The Diamond Kingdom has allegedly put out a call for all the royals and their aces to attend a conference, the words ‘All Hands On Deck’ being universally understood by all. This was a topic of national urgency. Messenger telepaths scramble in bureaucratic offices, sending and receiving messages across the kingdoms to alert the royalty of the news. There is a public unrest as word breaks out about the resurface of the Argossian attacks, citizens worried that their town might be attacked next. Already foreign naval forces have been sighted off the east coasts and reports of small skirmishes across the Diamond borders have begun to stir a panic.

Meanwhile, rumours of a new rebel insurgency equipped with powerful foreign technology have been permeating hushed talk. The Jokers, supposedly conspiring with the Argossians, have begun to strike out in heart of the Suits’ territories. Bombings, assassinations and smuggling of illegal contraband have never been more present in all the Kingdoms and the correlating rise of crime has been noticed everywhere. The people call for their royalty, their queens to do something about these terrorists but fear of sighting warships over the horizon has become a continent-wide worry for some months now. All the while The Jokers grow more powerful as supporters and sponsors rally to their cause, dissatisfied with the current leadership. Trade has become strained as protecting land and sea routes grow increasingly difficult due to the sudden rise of piracy and bandits.

The conference is in a week, and the Kingdom’s leadership must pray a plan can be put together. A world without magic and rife with oppression may become reality for the lands of Yune.

Welcome to the valiant struggle of the Four Suits

 

[Diphylleia grayi]

𝔔𝔲𝔢𝔢𝔫 𝔬𝔣 𝔇𝔦𝔞𝔪𝔬𝔫𝔡𝔰
⟡

Somewhere amidst the hours and the seconds the serenade of night had sung its last verse and refracted into the cry of a new dawn. It seeped in from the edges of the dark canvas, the blue velvet suddenly shifting and turning in rosy pinks and sandy yellows.

The newfound light sent the shadows retracting and subtle as it was, she did not have a chance to bid the milky speckles farewell before they had faded. Instead, a canopy of gold greeted her seeking gaze and revealed to her, through the window, the change the universe had undergone in her ignorance.

As if suddenly in a hurry due to the arrival of dawn, the dainty figure began to sprint back and forth in the kitchen to then finally settle her attention on the oven. Clasping her hands together she closed her eyes, said a little prayer and then went ahead and pulled out the plate.

In a matter of seconds, her expression went from hopeful to resigned as she eyed the victims of her inattention and it was with a heavy sigh that she put the plate down.

On the plate, below the swivelling steam and smoke, rested an array of penguin-shaped cookies. Black and crumbling around the painstakingly cut edges it was evident that they had been sitting in the oven for too long and were probably, inedible. While plain in looks, one could deduce from the girl's reaction that they were objects of her effort and, later on, her negligence as well.

Taking a step back she propped herself against the counter and overlooked the other golden brown cookie plates which filled up the remainder of the table. As it appeared, the penguin plate was the only one to fail but judging by the looks of it the knowledge seemed to offer little consolation as the baker hung her head regardless.

Then once she was seemingly done lamenting the girl turned to look at the window again; sunlight dispersing and reflecting off her eyes in pastel arrays.

For a moment the world seemed to stand still, the sun unmoving in its cradle of mountains and the shadows placid in their nooks.

She watched the dust particles dance in the framed warmth of the sun and time return as the light pushed the darkness back from the white roof tiles below. With a smile, perhaps a little sad but all the same a smile, the girl untied her apron and put it to rest on a chair.

"Better luck next time I suppose." She remarked and glanced at the burnt penguin plate, tracing its metal edges with her fingertips.

Her gaze locked on to one of the cookies and with a movement that seemed almost compelled she picked it up and brought it to her lips.

If she could taste it, would it taste bad? She wondered, parting her lips ever so slightly while bringing the cookie closer. Before she had a chance to take a bite, however, she halted and put the cookie back down with a resigned smile.

"Probably, he wouldn't like them either I think." The girl answered the thought out loud and went to get the trash bin.

⟡

The city of Ariandel, the capital city of the Diamond Kingdom and the nexus of all its prosper. Once the ruins of broken dreams but now a symbol of hope, complete in its towering glory.

When Idun thought about the misery which this city had seen, the blood which these streets had soaked up and the sorrow which the people had experienced she could not muster anything else but: "I'll protect this". She would protect that which they had rebuilt in their sweat and tears, the lands which they cultivated, the houses where they lived and created memories, the walls which the pictures of the past hung and where the pictures of the future would hang, the tomorrow that would dawn upon them all and the tomorrow after that; she would protect it all, but most importantly she would protect their smiles, the people's smiles.

She had only lived here for a few months but this city, these streets and the people which resided here loved her like no one else. And she loved it all back. How the city would listen to her footsteps, heels clicking against the pavement; how it would watch her smile ear to ear at the sight of dusk painting it in its blazing embrace; how the people would greet her 'welcome home' after having been outside its boundaries.

Her home had and would always be by his side but this city was a gem even in the eyes of one.

"Idun, Idun! Come and play with us!" A group of children calls after her when she passes by on the street. She declines with a wave of her hand, lips curved in a soft smile.

"You look so pretty today, Idun! Is something big happening?" Comments a pair of teenage boys all while circling around her with their wooden swords. She nods and ruffles their heads before sending them on their way.

"Ah, Idun! Can you give me a hand here you think?" asks an elderly lady and raises the grocery bags in her hands. She halts in her stride.


"Nice weather we got today, ain't that right Idun?" the elderly lady mustered out between her huffing and puffing.

Idun watched how the crinkles around her eyes moved in sync with the formation of dimples upon her cheeks, how the bones in her spine jutted out from her forward reclined back and how the skin sagged around her scrawny hands. She looked so fragile, weathered by life's travails. And Idun could sense it, the sorrow which hid in the corner of her mouth tugging upwards and the wrinkles which foretold her age.

"Yeah, it couldn't be any better." She replied, craning her head up towards the sky in the next second to let her gaze lull on the sun.

Once at the doorstep of her home the lady offered to take the bags, stretching out her veiny hands towards her. She found herself studying them, the blue roots which peeked through the grey and haggard skin; fascinated by how exposed the vessel of her life force was.

"You're in a hurry, are you not?" The other one mused, eyes closing in a half moon smile.

Idun flinched, glittering eyelashes fluttering up and down in rapid succession. Lips parting and closing shortly after in curious hesitation and translucent eyes gandering over the perspiration beaded forehead before her.

The lady, unfazed by the youth's flabbergasted look and unwilling to acknowledge it, waved with her hand and shook her head.

"You're not all dressed up for nothing, are you? I'm sure you got other things to do today other than helping an old lady like me out." She snickered and pried the handles of the bags out of her knit fists "All I wish for is for these peaceful days to continue."

With those words having been uttered it only befell Idun as natural to rekindle her wish with a beaming smile; the syllables of her response falling perfectly off her tongue.

"They will, I promise."

⟡

Somewhere amidst the hours and the seconds, she found herself in absolute stillness. A stillness which spread from the dew in the grass to the rustling of leaves in the trees to the clouds, aimlessly drifting by in the spaces between her outstretched fingers.

With her hand above her face, sunlight grazing her in specks, she let her gaze trail along the impeccable contours of her fingers and sail upon the smooth waves of her knuckles. There were no storms to be encountered, compared to the hands of the elderly lady where the wrinkles and scars had bulged in tides over frail bones and where the water had run crystalline on the surface of the deck.

She existed but she was not alive.

As her hand fell to the side, her eyes followed and dipped into the opposite direction of the burnt orange butterfly weeds, blue-violet wild irises, and gold prairie black-eyed susans at her feet. Content with lapping sunshine and cradling rain in the crevices of their leaves they gently swayed side to side, blissfully unaware of the little deeds that could disrupt their existence.

In a way, people were exactly like flowers.

"Goodmorning William."

She calmly asserted her company's presence with and twirled around, hands clasping a bouquet of rioting colors in front.

A mellow breeze swept past over the landscape, tousled her everchanging prism locks and danced with the skirt of her white dress. Lips curved into a smile she let their gazes collide, her fleeting glittering one and his constant crimson one. Tilting her head to the side, balancing back and forth on her heels, she then finally imparted the question upon him.

"So what do you think? Will they help us?"
⟡

Kloudy
​

 

[SentinelSevn]

Ability:
- Sensory Manipulation
- Mind Control {WARNING}

Location:
- Ishveil : City within the Spades

Interactions:
- Sheila Ivoren VioletShadow
- Travis Arelius Balfnaught1

Quillon Downs
38 || Ace || Spades

~ A week prior to the Grand Summons ~ ​

"Now let us begin.. shall we?" Quillon asked. He was seated in a dimly lit room, with the only semblance of sunlight peeking in from a small window around the corner. He leaned forward, pressing his weight onto the bare surface of the wooden table in front of him, and hunched his shoulders over just slightly; appearing more like some sort of mob boss in a meeting than whatever high-ranker he was assumed to be. In his mouth was cigarette, faintly crumpled from the time spent shoved into his front pocket, and the end dimly lit with the embers of a dying flame.

On the other end of the table, sat another male in a chair of similar material to the table. The man looked fairly young; looking yet to have been any older than his mid-twenties. Bare-chested, and appearing to be in pain, despite the lack of obvious injuries to his body. He was in no regards defined, or fit. In fact, he was rather ordinary in shape. He had dark brown locks of ear-length hair that was dampened and matted by his own sweat, in such a mop of a mess that it partially strayed in front of his face. The man was clean shaven, his face as uninjured as the rest of his body. However, his eyes, the natural ebony brown he was so accustomed to, were glassed over by a pale white. He was blinded..

"I just want to know who you work for.. and the reasons for your attacks." Quillon began, his eyes unblinking as he assessed his captive's every action. From the quick shift in head direction as the captive followed the sound of his voice, to the shift in his hands as he struggled to free himself of the iron bindings that shackled him to the chair. "It was.. Rowan, was it not? Your name? Originally from the Kingdom of Clubs, but you have long since defected."

The captive froze in his seat, immediately stunned at his captor's knowledge of his identity. He has told them nothing, uttered not a single word besides blasphemous curses since his capture. "W-Who are you? And how do you know my-"

"Quillon Downs." He was cut off by the Ace, before he could finish his slew of questions. There was a silence from both parties, the name alone answering more questions in the captive's mind than just his first. The name, in and of itself, was a threat. It was the name of the Ace of the Spades Kingdom. Some would say one of the most vile of the royals, purely because of his reputation. He was an infamous manipulator of the mind, known to be capable of shutting down even high level individuals in a matter of moments.

Bringing the silence to an end, the captive began to let out an uneasy chuckle. "Downs, huh? The Ace of Spades left to do menial tasks like interrogations, you must have really fallen off the ladder! Can't you just read my mind and get all the information you want, or have you fallen so far you can't do that either?"

Quillon let a small smile come to his lips, eager to see the man's attitude become far more defensive once he was aware of who he was. He was making progress. But while mind reading to that extent was out of his hands, Quillon was hoping to goad for the captive to begin thinking again of any answers Quillon was looking for. Quillon could only read the target's current thoughts, but not memories of the past without completely enveloping the target under his Mind Control. And that, Quillon reluctantly used other than to cancel any unruly abilities.

"That's besides the point, Rowan. Just tell me what I want to know, and this will come easier to you. Your leader, and why they have been attacking trade routes. More specifically, our transportation of precious metals."

"Tell me, Downs. Have you really done nothing significant as your time as an Ace that they're putting you back to guard duty?" The captive continued with his own questions, goading the Ace to stray from his path and attempting to irritate him instead. And although he would soon believe he was successful, it would also be much to his dismay.

"Let me tell you.. When a person excels in what they do.. you don't remove them from that position and place them somewhere else. It's counterproductive." Quillon responded, but the tone in his voice shifted as he began to continue.

"It's like putting a rat who could swim in the middle of the ocean.. The captive began to feel an itch climb up his back. In fact, it was everywhere his body made contact with the chair; from the shackles that pinned his legs to the chair's feet, to his back and his arms. The itch continued..

"The rat may swim for a moment, but eventually.. it would drown.." At this point, the itching became more of a needle-like sensation, along each and every groove of the chair's wooden frame. "But put it in a barn.. and it will scratch.." Again, the pain escalated. As if following the trend of Quillon's comparison, the wood began to feel like claws dragging along each and every seam.

"and it will burrow itself into the wall, for months and months..." At this point, the wood began to feel like it were tearing away at this skin with every small motion the captive did in recoil. He struggled not to scream out in pain, but could not help himself from releasing cries for help as his body told him that the wood was tearing him to shreds.

Quillon sat unmoving, looking rather amused as he watched and did nothing as his captive squirmed in his seat. A seat specifically made for his interrogation purposes. A seat, crafted from the driest of woods, from the dullest of tools, unsanded, and unpolished. Every burr and splinter of the chair was a tool to Quillon's disposal, as he overloaded the seated individual's receptors for touch to the point of shattering.

Quillon brought a hand up to his own lips, displacing the cigarette and holding it between his ring and middle finger. "Again, Rowan. Who are you working for, and why are you attacking?" He repeated the question, hoping that at this point the desperation to have the pain removed would have his captive reveal some information. And then it began, the panicked thoughts that would reveal the answers.

"Who I work for?? Why we do it??" Rowan repeated in his head, struggling to grasp at the answers that would make the pain throughout his body disappear. As much as he worked to speak out the answers, any attempt to open his mouth resulted in him releasing yet another cry of pain. "I work for-"

It was at this point that they both were interrupted, by the sound of a bolt twisting on the door keeping them confined to the small quarters...

 

[VioletShadow]

Sheila Ivoren

Mood: Concerned
Location: Ishveil - Meeting room inside a prison
Mentions: SentinelSevn Balfnaught1

It simply didn't make sense. The pieces of the puzzle lay there before her, but no matter which way she turned each piece, it felt like they could never fit together. With a sigh, she stood up once again, leaning over the map with the labours of her efforts dotted around in concise notes. One attack on the mineral imports from the Kingdom of Clubs, one indiscriminate attack on merchants near the northwest border and now an attack on some weaponry to be exported to the Kingdom of Hearts. Geographically, these incidents had very little in common. It would make sense if three seperate organizations were behind these attacks, but they were all supposedly caused by the Jokers. Just how large were their numbers to orchestrate these incidents all across our kingdom like this, or perhaps teleportation magic was in play?

"Do you have any ideas at all, Travis?" She asked, breaking the silence, her naturally calm demeanor somewhat cracking under her frustration. "I would understand if they were aiming for our weaponry, or perhaps the mineral imports to cut off the root of our smithing industry, but the attacks seem so randomly placed." She pondered out loud, her naturally gentle tone of voice unbefitting of the treacherous situation at hand. Quietly, she sat back down on a comfortable armchair, patterned with silver flowers against the soft red velvet cushioning. Her eyes glanced swiftly over to her fellow royal, the King of Spades, whom she respects for a past deed, as well as the dark ornate door behind him, which hid a certain distasteful figure behind it.

As she was about to relax from her thoughts, and take a sip from the delicate teacup that lay on a seperate table from the map, a sudden pounding in her mind alarmed her. Her eyes widened momentarily, before the contents of a telepathic message began to clearly flow into her head. Just in case Travis decided to speak during the message, she put a single finger to her lips to motion for him to stay silent.

"...We have been urgently summoned to a royal conference meeting in the Kingdom of Diamonds." She spoke after a long pause, ensuring that there was no extra information in the telepathic message. "Could you get Quillon? I'll prepare the carriages and provisions." She spoke calmly, deciding to deal with the travel arrangements first before pondering as to why this could be happening. It was convenient that they were all in Ishveil though, since it was one of the cities closest to the Kingdom of Diamonds. Although she knew Travis would've probably preferred interacting with their Ace as little as possible, she didn't particularly want to see him either. That, and there was the chance that more telepathic messages could be relayed to her at any time.

As she began directing the servants and allocating duties, walking through the noble estate with swift steps, her mind began to whirl once again. There were hundreds of reasons why the Kingdom of Diamonds would call a meeting, but the most significant would most likely be the threat of the Argossians, and/or the Jokers. Sheila couldn't help but be concerned over her kingdoms stand in this situation. They were located farthest from the Argossians, but there was a chance they could be roped into war. Was their economy and/or military stable enough for such a thing? She began to think of countermeasures, in order to keep the kingdoms damage in such a situation, to a minimum, even if it was only in her head.

​

 

[Balfnaught1]

Travis stared down at the map. These attacks annoyed him on a personal level. Each one felt like a personal failure to crush these “Jokers” and annoyingly enough they had no idea how many of them there were. Interrogations were very tedious things, as a captive will generally say whatever will keep them from further torment which, more often than not, is far from the truth. Unfortunately, this meant they had to involve… him. Travis was unsure exactly why he hated the man as much as he did. It could have been his success where Travis had failed, his flippant and infuriating attitude, or the knowledge that he could go through Travis with all the difficulty of a walk through the park, but ultimately his opinion of him was the same.

"Do you have any ideas at all, Travis?"

Travis was brought out of his musings by his Jack’s question. She was competent and he much preferred her to Sir Havok, especially near the end. He was about to respond when he was cut off again for the message mage’s transmission. A conference? What sort of emergency could require every Royal and Ace to deal with? His heart sank as he realised it could really only be Argossia. It was his opinion that every good commander should dread war, this was certainly what he felt. He had no desire to see thousands die for the whims of those far above them. The Jokers were pushed to the back of his mind as he stood up to get Quillon as Sheila left to prepare their transport. As much as he disliked him the man was an absolutely invaluable asset, especially during a meeting like this. He would send messages to the garrisons to start preparing for hell. It wouldn’t hurt to be ready, despite being the furthest from the Empire.

Not knocking, he slid the bolt of door to reveal Quillon and a writhing man bound to a chair. The captive, he assumed. He turned to Quillon, keeping his words brief and his voice curt in an effort to be more professional.

“Sorry for the interruption. You’d best finish up quickly, we’ve all been summoned to a Royal conference at the Diamonds Kingdom. Probably the Argossians.”

He absently looked at the captive out of the corner of his eye. He was in utter agony but there wasn’t a mark on him. This was the utter beauty of Quillon’s power making him a master interrogator. Stupid boy, getting himself captured and not killing himself immediately. He must have known things would only get worse.

“I won’t interfere further. Now if there’s nothing else, I’ll be preparing for the journey. We should arrive together to show solidarity.”
He never broke eye contact with Quillon, staring straight at him the whole time.
SentinelSevn VioletShadow

 

[Melon Bomb]

The brilliant chandelier lights gleamed across the rim of his wine glass as he raised it in cheers, proudly eyeing the fellow noblemen around him. The host of the party, Sir Luger, was dressed to his utmost. He had made sure that his suit was custom made just for this night, a debut of sorts for the new tailor he had contracted. Even in times of leisure, there was always business to be had.

“I thought you couldn’t make it?” Luger laughed heartily, playfully shoving his friend’s shoulder. “Your daughter has an important recital tonight, doesn’t she?” He absent-mindedly swirled around the drink his glass, shifting his weight to one foot as he kept his other hand halfway out of his coat pocket.

“Come on now,” the other man grinned, holding eye contact as he took a sip from his glass. “You’re my best friend, there’s no way I could skip out on your biggest ball yet. But, I may have to leave a little early. The recital ends at eleven, wouldn’t want her to think I missed it,” he chuckled to himself, downing more of his drink.

“Ah, I know exactly what you mean,” Luger nodded with understanding, gesturing the cup vaguely in his direction. “I feel like nobody knows just how difficult it is to juggle all these priorities.”

“Well, tonight we’re here to forget about those priorities,” another voice said, this time from an older woman. She plucked a biscuit from a nearby tray and popped one neatly into her mouth, chewing with a pleasant satisfaction. “Isn’t that right?”

“As much as I’d love to agree with you, I’m afraid I’m always a busy man,” he shook his head with a smile. “I didn’t get to the top by sitting on my hands, you know.”

“Of course, I would expect nothing less from you, Sir Luger,” the woman replied, careful to keep her tone submissive. She hesitated for a moment, looking up from the ground to contemplate her next words. “Oh, and I hope you won’t find this rude, but. . .” With a gloved finger, she pointed toward the open balcony, where a woman stood leaning over the railing. “. . . who is that? I don’t believe I’ve seen her before.”

“Who?” The host squinted, attempting to follow the imaginary line where she was pointing. “Ah. Goldia? Don’t mind her, she’s not important. Anyway, Henrich, you were saying about your daughter?”

“Sir!” The voice was barely audible through the chatter filled lobby, but the man was able to catch it nonetheless. “Sir! Luger, sir!” A skittish looking man in a simple butler’s outfit scurried up between the three nobles, glancing back over his shoulder every few seconds.

“What, what is it?” Luger said, furrowing his brow at the anxious butler. “Spit it out, lad.”

After a moment’s pause, he swallowed nervously and lowered his head very slowly.

“She’s here,” is all the young man said. And it was all he needed to hear. Sir Luger’s eye visibly twitched as the words disgraced his ears. He shoved his glass into the butler’s hands, knocking him to the ground as the wine spilled onto his clothes. The man stormed his way through the crowds, the surprised guests forming a messy path between himself and the entrance.

His fears were quickly confirmed when he saw it with his own two eyes, his glare narrowing down at the filth standing under his roof. Standing staunchly at the doorway was a small fae woman suited in cheap clothes and even cheaper looking armor - a stain against the ball's otherwise picturesque backdrop. This wasn’t the first time, but for the sake of all that was good in this world, it had better be the last.

“Vie. . .” Luger hissed under his breath, picking up his pace as he felt his fingers tense up with rage. “Who let this filthy, half-breed street rat in here?” The man barked at the top of his lungs as he pointed at the woman with a trembling finger, effectively silencing the entire party as the onlookers gazed at the two in shock. Froth formed on his lip, his eyes bloodshot and his other hand squeezed into a tight fist.

“You dirty little. . . Guards! Remove this scum from my presence!” he continued.

Nobody moved. He grit his teeth, looking frantically left and right. The guards were there, certainly, but something was freezing them in place. No one dared lay a hand on someone well known to be an acquaintance of their queen, lest she lay a hand upon them.

For what felt like an eternity, only his heavy breathing filled the noble court. This was unacceptable. Finally, he took a step forward. And another, and another, continuing to advance until he and Vie were mere inches away from each other.

“Don’t. Cause. Any. Trouble.” He said quietly, making sure she could hear every ounce of hatred in his spittle.

“What, you're still mad about that?” the young woman pouted, scanning the party of gawking noblemen and women. It was tough to see through the thicket of gaudy colors, but in all likelihood her master probably stuck out more than she did. "Get over it already! I'm not here to see you, baldy." Eventually, she fixated on the person standing on the balcony.

With an audible "hmph", she skipped past him and the music seemed to fade back in as the ball goers resumed their original stations, leaving Luger standing before the set of open double doors that slammed back in his face. He vowed never to allow such humiliation again, but here she was. . .

It was quiet on the open balcony. The background noise peaked and subsided behind her, but in the end, that’s all it was.

Background noise.

Normally, Goldia would be out in the ballroom enjoying the party like everyone else, but she was in a rather pensive mood today. No, not just today. The past few months, perhaps. Her head was always full of such meaningless thoughts, but she couldn’t escape them. She was surrounded by a sea of lively, unique faces, but she’d never felt more alone. Her night out with Kynan was meant to cheer her up, but their guest of honor the queen was nowhere to be seen. It wasn't like her to be late, not at all.

"Master!"

Her head perked up slightly, as did a faint smile on her cheeks. Goldia pulled away from the banister, letting the refreshing night air rush over her as she turned to face the fae girl before her. Not who she was expecting, admittedly, but just as welcoming a sight.

"The stars answered my call tonight, I think," Goldia laughed to herself. "Vie, what are you doing here? Not to dance, surely."

"S-something urgent came up!" the girl squeaked, her translucent wings flitting restlessly at her back. From beneath her mantle she produced a small scroll and bowed, neatly presenting it with both hands. Peeking up at her with one eye open, she continued, "It's. . . it's about the queen."

"Oh?" Her fingers went still, pinched around the soft parchment. She hesitated. It was only paper, but its touch sent shivers through her arm. She delicately plucked the scroll from Vie's hands and unraveled it, reading it silently from the top.

The color quickly drained from her face.

"I don't believe it."

***

Several Hours Ago. . .

-

“You are not wearing that to the ball.”

Clover, Kynan's personal maid, huffed with her arms folded over her chest. She waited - but not patiently - for her the queen to pry her head out of her ass and give at least two minutes of thought in coordinating her outfit. Her foot began tapping faster.

“Oh, don’t be such a weak sister,” Kynan said, dismissing her concern with a curt wave of her hand. “I think it looks classy.”

“Yes, a black military uniform with metal spaulders just screams elegant ball-dancing. You’re supposed to look dazzling, not intimidating. Pick something else.”

“Are you suggesting I wear a dress?" she said with narrowed eyes.

"I am strongly suggesting you wear a dress," Clover shot back with a stamp of her foot, challenging the queen's gaze. "For god's sake, just humor me for a minute would you? The rumors are getting out of hand, I want the people to think you're a normal person - you're not our symbol of military might, so leave that to the king and go change."

"Look at the lip on you today." Shoulders wide, back straight, Kynan straightened out her cuffs and turned around to do as she was told. "I'll be out soon."

-

Kynan stood at the curb with Clover at her side, waiting for the carriage to arrive. It was intensely cold out - as it often was - but neither were fazed in the slightest. One becomes accustomed to the freezing climate of the south but even beyond that, the two were at their absolute physical peak and the wafer thin fabric of the dress proved no hindrance to her. She had received the telepathic summons in the middle of her preparations - she was not one to cancel plans, but once her outing had concluded she would be certain to catch up on lost time.

The sound of hooves matched against cobblestone echoed from down the road. As the queen and her servant busied one another with idle chatter, neither was quick to notice the strange countenance of the coach driver as he pulled up to them - an intricate mask hid his face and two piercing eyes gazed out from its slits.

Kynan was the first to look up, and she met his gaze with a look of distaste. She craned her neck, setting a gloved hand threateningly on her rapier.

"You have some nerve hiding your face before your queen. Take off your mask."

"Queen?" A surprisingly high, but still distinctly male voice droned from beneath the driver's hood. "Oh that's right, we have one of those don't we?"

Clover swiftly unsheathed her own blade, pointing it at the masked man. "You're not our driver!" she barked, the fierceness of a lion in her tone. "Who are you? Answer quickly, or you'll lose your tongue--"

The driver ignored her threats and drew a pistol from his coat. And calmly fired off several shots. Kynan moved to deflect them with her rapier, but something was wrong.

She was slow. Very, very slow.

By the time her weapon was halfway out of its scabbard, six bullets ripped violently through her dress and plunged deep into her torso. Kynan stopped dead in her tracks. Out of her control, her legs suddenly buckled and she collapsed onto her knees with a thud, feeling gushes of warm blood spill between her fingers as she clutched her wounds and her rapier clattered uselessly against the floor.

What? She didn't understand. Aces aside, she was the fastest royal between the four kingdoms, how could she possibly have been too slow? No, it wasn't just that - her body felt heavier as well. This man. . . what did he do to her!? What just happened?

Her vision swam as the pain started kicking in after the initial shock. She vaguely made out the sound of Clover pursuing the attacker, but couldn't make much of it.
No way. This wasn't real. This wasn't real. This wasn't real. She was actually going to die.

What the hell was happening? Clover? Goldia? Remi--

 

[Goonfire]

Shallow gasping, a struggle to keep air in his lungs. Heavy legs, carrying him virtually nowhere. Magic? Mere sparks compared to the brilliant flames that could destroy entire cities in a minute. Leolin opened his mouth to scream, only for nothing to come out as he ran through the pitch-black streets. There, up ahead, stood familiar figures: the royals, his friends. He stumbled towards them, but they couldn’t help him. They were all dead, mere corpses standing there. His head whipped around to see the faint gleam of a jagged, broken blade being raised to swing at him. The sun was gone; there was nothing he could do to save even himself as the sword came hurtling towards him in slow motion, so he closed his eyes one last time...

Leo bolted up from his bed with a gasp, fresh tears losing their grip on his long, dark eyelashes. The golden light of the rising sun filtered into the surprisingly plain chambers. “Just a nightmare,” he sighed in relief before willing his bare form to stand and stumble into his personal bath. The sun gave him strength, allowing his magnificent fire to spawn and burn underwater, heating the bath until it was enough to scald the average man. Steam filled the gorgeous granite room as he enjoyed a thirty-minute bath.

Three years had passed since Leo became the Ace of Hearts. With the last jack’s recent loss to his gentle friend Twig, he became the most senior member of this oligarchy. Although the previous ace was long dead, memories of his atrocities were still trapped all throughout the kingdom, even in the floors of the Hravart mansion. And so, every step he took back towards the wardrobe reminded him why he fought his way to the top.

Handsome—albeit unadorned—red garb soon obscured Leolin’s toned body. He breathed another sigh of relief once he finally donned his tall, sturdy boots and gentlemanly white gloves. Snatching his signature pink-feathered hat and his everyday equipment, he was ready to fulfill his self-imposed duties for the day. First item on the agenda: check on Axton to see if he was still alive, or if that sinfully attractive bastard got too lazy to breathe overnight.

Leo was by no means intimidating. His friendly grin stretched across his face as he greeted each maid in his home, and then every person whose path he crossed on the way to the castle. He shuddered for a moment when he received the notification from those friendly neighbors, the Diamonds. It prompted him to pick up the pace; he recited a brief incantation and launched himself over several blocks, the explosion from his cannon jump leaving a small crater in the dirt road. On his way down, runes carved into the soles of his boots glowed, signaling he would descend upon the castle grounds with some grace.

Upon landing, Leo exercised his authority for one of those rare occasions. No guards stopped him as he stepped up to the door of the king’s room, so he knocked. “Ax! Open up, its Leo!” he called through the rich wood of the door. “Urgent news; all hands on deck, the Diamonds say.”

Quinlan63

 

[Coyote Hart]

Twig was not the type that frequented the castle. The stiffness, the uncomfortably light clothing, the unrealistically bright environment, and the overly structured dinner time all accumulated to an unsuitable climate for Twig. Of course, he did request a modest room in the castle in the case he decided to stay the night there or to work, but he usually preferred his little house that was situated a short walking distance away from the castle. It was homely and filled to the brim with books and paperwork. There wasn't a single servant present in that hard-to-navigate house. Most of the time, it wasn't an inconvenience-- Axton, Guin, and Leo all knew where he lived, and anybody else who might be looking for him would know where he was since he filled his free time with providing free medical checkups for the commoners.

So Twig was only half surprised that while he was drinking a cup of morning tea and poring over a large medical textbook early in the morning, he heard urgent footsteps and then a round of frantic knocking on his door. The book was particularly interesting, and it was slightly early in the morning, so Twig felt just the slightest bit of annoyance that someone was looking for him.

Twig stood up and made his way to the door, making sure not to trip on any of the books stacked ungracefully on the floor. Before he opened it, he squinted through the small hole in the door that let him see whoever it was on the other side. It was one of the servants from the castle, who Twig had recognized from crossing paths several times. The servant seemed particularly out of breath as if he ran all the way from the castle over to his house.

"Good morning," Twig said, opening the door, a smile on his face, "Do you need something?"

"Could you go to the castle as soon as you could, Sir Terwilliger?" the servant said breathlessly. He took a deep breath and continued in a more controlled manner, "The Diamond Kingdom has requested our presence, and you need to plan out things with the Ace, King, and Queen."

"Of course, of course," Twig said, smiling as he wondered what the matter was. Absentmindedly, he asked the servant, "Do you want to come in for a cup of tea? You seem really winded."

"Sir Terwilliger, you need to the castle immediately," the servant said sternly, but also slightly sheepishly, "There's no time for tea."

"Oh. Yikes. Sorry." Twig said in embarrassment. Perhaps insisting asking the servants to refer to him as an equal as opposed to a superior was a bad idea. As he felt his face turn red with embarrassment, Twig nodded and ducked back into his messy little house.

It took Twig only a few minutes to get to the castle. He only brought along with him his staff and didn't bother to change out of his modest shirt and tie. And the walk wasn't long at all either. Before he knew it, he was out of the dingy and dull town and in the brightly carpeted castle. Guards lined the fancy front room. It was then that Twig realized that he didn't know what was going on, where the meeting was if Leo was even able to yank Axton awake for it, or where he was in the castle as a matter of fact.

"Darn it," Twig said under his breath, shaking his arm in frustration, "Where is everyone?"

Then began Twig's little search through the castle, which seemed almost labyrinth-like to him. He passed several rooms, all which seemed deviod of the royal's presences. He could have asked the servants for directions, but due to his shyness, Twig abstained and instead continued to silently suffer as he ran laps around the castle.

"Kitchen, no, bathroom, no, that's Leo's office, he's probably not there, oh. Guin's room." Twig sighed in relief when he finally found a room that might yield him information. He raised his left hand and knocked on the smooth, well-kept wood of the door, "Guin! Uhh, sorry, but I'm kinda lost. Can you help me?"

. D O V E

 

[TPBx]

Ethan Kaloronos, King of Diamonds

Ethan looked out from a balcony in the Royal Estate. His dark cape wavering back and forth with the subtle breeze blowing in from the east. His stoic gaze cast upon the gates, awaiting the arrival of the Royalty from the other kingdoms. However, after a few minutes, the King grew bored, so Ethan turned around letting his cape fly through the air for a short moment before slinking into the shadows behind him. He sensed the presence of the Ace and Queen elsewhere and decided to head over there, disappearing and reappearing around some of the darkly lit corridors within the castle and around the estate. Making use of his magic like this was more efficient than walking since it took relatively no effort to use Shadow Step compared to the rest of his abilities. Finally using a shadowy portal to reappear out in the sun-lit field behind the Castle of Diamonds.

There he saw the Queen of Diamonds, Idun, and begrudgingly the Ace of Diamonds, William, relaxing together on the hillside. He takes a couple steps forward, the gravel beneath him making a distinct crunching sound as he approached the pair. There was no mistaking his presence as he made it known. Ethan then overheard Idun voice her concerns to William, it was only natural since she confided almost everything in him. Besides the Ace was her creator, and they shared a special kind of relationship with each other.

"Of course they will," Ethan replied knowing that he was the last person Idun expected an answer from. "I will make sure of it," he stated confidently. Though he had his own apprehensions about the event, its been a century since the last time the Four Kingdoms came to a resolution together. It took a special kind of diplomat to make the prideful idiots of that generation to bother settling border disputes that plagued the country long after the Argossian Crusades, and it would take an even greater miracle to have the Kingdoms come together like they did back then to unite against the greater threats looming beyond their borders. It was clear that the Argossian Empire was up to something big, and that years of planning were being paid off as rebel factions like the Jokers were causing civil unrest.

"Though...."

"...."

Ethan had lost his train of thought. There was something he had to say, or he wouldn't have ventured all this way outside the grounds of the castle. He shifted his gaze towards Idun and William, awaiting a response.

Kloudy Diphylleia grayi

 

[Kloudy]

Ace of Diamonds
(Hillside - Ariandel)

​

“Good morning.”

William responded impassively after having stepped out from a nearby portal, the slowly swirling mystical mass of cyan remaining for a quiet moment before dematerialising. Idun, the Queen of Diamonds, had invited him out here primarily to discuss the upcoming conference their kingdom had called. Of course, he guessed she just simply wanted to spend time with him, or they wouldn’t currently have been standing on a gold-touched hillside as the early rays of dawn stretched out at them. Glancing into her expectant eyes and noting her sunlit gaze, William briefly wondered if she was trying to be romantic, but discarded the thought swiftly. With the threats that currently faced them, the royalty didn’t have time to relax and thus neither did he. Speaking of which, his eyes casually slid to the side as he stood next to Idun, recognising a presence and matching it to the voice that answered their queen’s question for her.

“Though...?”

William gave the king a squinting half-curious look from over his own shoulder instead of fully turning around. The temperature directly around him had dropped slightly and frost had already lightly dusted the curls of grass beneath his feet, stretching out a few inches before stopping. Their king had called this conference because he deemed that the recent Argossian skirmishes were a national crisis, but he seemed somewhat uncertain. As an ace, it was William’s job to ensure the royalty did their job properly, so he was forced to do such pointless things as guessing what Ethan was thinking. His eyes were almost cat-like and they briefly grazed over the man’s body, taking in the tiny details in his body language. Thanks to his Ultimate Perception, he could notice that Ethan seemed tense, possibly nervous for all his stoicism.

He looked away into the horizon with a listless sigh and noticed a group of deer on the outskirts of a forest about a kilometre away. If the other kingdom’s royalty denied assisting the Diamonds in the upcoming war, then he was certain they would be signing their own death waivers. History was bound to repeat itself after all, and the first invasion had drilled through the east and nearly continued to blow holes in the rest of the continent. There was no escaping, avoiding or ignoring the fate they would all share if they remained divided. And yet the weight of hundreds of years of war and hostility certainly hadn’t left anyone’s mind and William was sure he could feel that resentment in the breeze that’s blew by. Metaphorically speaking, of course; he couldn’t actually feel the breeze. He didn’t look away from the horizon as he spoke with that everpresent neutral tone.

“They would be fools to refuse us, but we’ve historically been fools for centuries now. Who knows if we’re still capable of uniting.”

Diphylleia grayi TPBx

 

[. D O V E]

[class name=Guin]
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[div class=Guin][/div]

[div class=fontsize] Queen of Hearts [/div] Location: Heart's Castle
Tag/s: Coyote Hart ​

SUBJECT X-13
Profile: rank 5, human, male, 46 years old, slaver's underling
Notes: The subject displayed aggressiveness while it was alive. Restriction was required.

The subject was administered with Mana prior to its death (8:13pm) through the use of Drain. I speculate that the process could help prolong the reanimation since leftover Manas turn into Dysidia. Subject lasted for approximately 7 hours (3:11am) which is remarkable since previous subjects only lasted for a lesser time. I would need to perform more experiments to prove this theory. Nonetheless, it was insentient just like the others.

The dawn was slowly breaking over the horizon and the formerly darkened sky was being painted with a faint hue of gold and pink blending with one another to announce the birth of a new morning. Withdrawn from this light was a woman who preferred to welcome the day isolated inside her chamber, busy with her books and pen while completely indifferent to the sunrise. A crown sat tilted at the top of her disheveled hair and the hint of the sleepless night she had was present in her eyes.

The woman was none other than Guineverre y Blanca: the queen of Hearts herself. It has been a year or so ever since the previous queen fell to her demise and the title was passed to her but it didn't stop her to pursue her decade-long endeavor to further understand the Dark Arts. In fact, it only made things easier. As a queen, Guineverre had an easy access to resources she needed to be able to conduct her experiments. She has been making progress faster than she has ever did and she believe that it won't be long before she makes a breakthrough.

Finally satisfied with her work, the monarch rose from her seat and stored the magical book back to its pocket dimension before proceeding to get ready for the day. After all, a queen such as herself must always uphold grace and elegance. Almost an hour has passed and Guineverre was ready to go back to her chambers looking as if she wasn't sleep-deprived for days. However, she found herself a surprise in the form of the Jack of Hearts knocking on her door looking troubled.

A smile tugged at the ends of her rose-red lips as the female monarch crept her way behind Twig. "My, my, this is most definitely interesting. What are you doing in front of my room so early in the morning?" she teased as her eyes squinted with a playful glimmer before proceeding to smile brightly at him. It was almost crazy to think as to how this was the same woman who was performing such nefarious practices a few hours ago..

 

[Quinlan63]

Axton Ephraim- King of Hearts​

More power more power more power more power more power more power more power more power more power more power more power more power more power..... I NEED MORE POWER!!!!!!!!!

KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK "Ax! Open up, its Leo! Urgent news; all hands on deck, the Diamonds say.”

Axton woke from his sleep trying to figure out why Leo was waking him up so early. Then he realized what he was saying to him had been important enough for him to forget about sleeping in. Rolling out of bed he slip on his clothes slowly taking his time since he didn't feel like rushing. Opening his blinds before moving on he could see the sun shining brightly and the skies so clear that it looked like it was going to b a good day. After he went to go wash his face, rinse his mouth out and comb his hair out. He didn't really try to look professional though since he didn't really need too when Leo did enough for everyone in the entire kingdom (jk). But it did make Axton wonder why Leo made it a habit to come wake him up everyday even when he had nothing important to do.

"Alright I'm up Leo," he says once he opens his door. "I'll go make sure everything is ready for when we leave and check our troop movements." Axton knew well enough Leo was going to be looking for the others to tell them the news if they haven't heard for themselves. As for himself he was going to make sure they had enough military power to keep the kingdom safe while they were gone. So far attacks had become more frequent at the border and along trade routes that they have had to start spreading their troops thin. Granted this has been good for his own personal reason but would be useless if they were all killed off.

Man why didn't I quit when I had the chance? Why can't there be some way to just stop everyone from fighting? If I was running the show everyone would just be happy living there lives not worrying about killing each other over lines on a map and the importance of magic.

Yeah Axton didn't really like all this political stuff much, fighting yeah he liked that but more for the pleasure. It was moments like this that made him think that world domination wasn't such a bad idea.

Goonfire

 

[Goonfire]

The knocking became more frequent and furious until Axton answered the fiery Ace. "Wonderful," Leolin purred, satisfied with waking the king and goading him to work. "While you do that, I'll go find Guin and Twig. Do light a fire under it!" With a cheeky and effeminate giggle, he strolled away, the crimson cape flowing behind him.

Soon enough, Leo was pacing to the queen's residential block. He barged into the hallway of his sister figure. "Oh Guineverre, get off your Guine-rear!" he sang humorously and affectionately, knowing she would likely be awake at this hour. To his knowledge, she was merely a light sleeper, and he was none-the-wiser to her unethical late-night activities. "Diamonds have news for us; all hands on de—Oh, you’re awake already.” There was Twig, too. Leo was glad to see him up and about. By the looks of it, the expert healer had hurried from home, so the pyromancer imposed his helping hands to help tidy up. He straightened up Twig’s necktie, brushed a scrap of mint leaf off his shirt, and ran a gloved finger across his lips to wipe away barely-noticeable spots of tea. Likewise, the affectionate Ace circled around to Guin and adjusted her askew crown. “Twig and his herbs, and you and that crown,” he mused, whisking a few stray strands of her golden hair back into place. Tempting as it was, he didn’t give either a peck on the cheek, as it would be an invasion of privacy.

Quinlan63 . D O V E Coyote Hart

 

[Diphylleia grayi]

𝔔𝔲𝔢𝔢𝔫 𝔬𝔣 𝔇𝔦𝔞𝔪𝔬𝔫𝔡𝔰
⟡

They're two souls intruding upon the flowers' world of verdant greens, aquatic blue, and cotton white. Two souls emanating shadows upon their fluttering petals, stealing the precious seconds of their efflorescence and wasting away the golden warmth on their chilled frames; light washing in like waves, rising and faltering off seashore cliffs.

His lips part and she revels in the seconds before and after his voice has resounded, his breath rippling through the air in gray ringlets and dissipating in transparent beads. What remained was his words, concise and cold; imparting a little bit of winter in the peak of summer, just like the first time they had met. Her moon-watching from the bottom of her well and him painting the landscape in winter's initials.

Overcome by a sudden urge to cradle the moon which she had gazed over for so long she had reached out. And wanting to breathe stars into the constellations above she crawled and squirmed to the surface, eventually reaching solid ground which, at the time, seemed almost high enough to do it. However, as she then discovered it wasn't close enough and determined to find a way she had settled her gaze on the horizon; crawling at first and then walking in staggering steps.

Unwanted, unintended and inhuman she then stumbled upon her very first human: William.

She could still see it, the twinkling stars which had prodded her forward all while tantalizingly winking at her and William standing amidst them as the only one she could reach.

Bringing her hand to her face Idun escorted a pair of glittering locks behind her ear and broke off from the crimson eyes; her iridescent gaze seeking itself to the third shadow and the owner of the voice which had invoked her attention.

"Ethan!" She gently came to exclaim upon recognizing the other one, eyes widening and eyelashes fluttering uncertainly like the flower petals below.

As if the entire world had been surprised by the appearance of the King it sent another breeze weaving through the landscape, loose grass and petals stirred into the air from the ground.

At the same time, frost slithered out from beneath the feet of the Ace; crystals stilled into a blanket of white over the nearby plants.

Caught in the moment's suddenness the girl found herself staring back and forth between the two during their short-lived exchanged, her smile returning at the end of it. Clasping her hands behind her back she straightened up and puffed out her chest with a confident look upon her face.

"Well, with our reliable King, our strong Ace, and our wise Jack I'm sure there's nothing we can't accomplish." She beamed, gaze eventually trailing off to soar above the city.

Yes, nothing could stop these three if they willed it. With nothing but the sky as the limit, they would give it their everything to protect this Kingdom of theirs and she would assist them to the best of her capabilities. While extremely lacking in experience as well as other matters she wouldn't just idly stand by because she had promised herself as well as the people that she would protect them. For them, she would become strong. Strong enough to stand as an equal beside these persons she called her ‘friends.’

Taking a few steps forward she came to create a distance between herself and her company; smile wavering ever so slightly as she glanced at the tip of her white heels. A melancholy came to root in the blank reflection of the white leather and with its blues of 'what ifs' it gave rise to the sprouting of more unpleasant ideas which then conjoined and blossomed in her chest in a cacophony of fireworks.

Struggling to upkeep her tidy appearance Idun swallowed her words, clawing at her burning chest with the flowers in her hand. In the end, however, they slipped out anyway; her voice trembling ever so slightly under its restraints.

"Do we..really have to fight?" She began, eyebrows knitted and lips pursed as she turned around to face the two “Is there..really no other way?”.

I don’t want anyone to be hurt, echoed repeatedly throughout her mind as well as 'I don’t want to hurt anyone’.
⟡

Kloudy TPBx​

 

[SidTheSkid]

.

​

(Location: Kingdom of Clubs, Strebeshti Capital - ???)
(Mood: Worried )
(Interactions: )
(Mentions: Kynan Weis , Maxwell Jacob.)

Melodious chirrups of singing sparrows whistled their exquisite songs as they smoothly drifted aside the Strebeshti palace, an unlatched window consumed most of the whispers of their euphony as they scuttled through the narrow cranny of its sill and sprung vigorously within and throughout the boundaries of a lonesome-looking chamber. Portraits of various landmarks from the kingdom were aptly fixed to the surrounding walls that had embraced all sorts of furnishings, most of them comprised of nothing but stacks of squared away paperwork that had yet to be completely finished, most of which had involved numerous grievances pertaining to discrepancies with a few city businesses, regulation of taxes, and more importantly the recent intrusions of lavishly supplied caravans that were being assailed during in the course of their journey to and from the cities of Nebirum and Port New Dawn. Apparently, there'd been accounts of a notorious cluster of bandits that had been setting up encampments along the route and ambushing any weary travelers or traders that looked like they would be 'easy-pickings'. Fortunately, attacks like these weren't as common throughout the Kingdom of Clubs considering the Argossian Empire numbers had significantly dwindled down ever since the peace treaty between the four suits, fewer distractions had meant more soldiers could assist in guarding these supply wagons, still, it meant that the Jack of Clubs now had to convince the King to divide soldiers from other routes just to protect this one. "They sure don't like making this position easy for me." Lazarus woefully emitted a puff of hot air from his throat as he continued to lightly tag the surface of his desk with his fountain pen, a rhymic tap of the keen nib mimicked with the birds outside his creaked window as he tried distracting himself from his own stressful thoughts. It might've been only a year prior to accomplishing himself as the Jack of Clubs but he couldn't help but feel like an 'octopus' with all of the work he had to frantically juggle around just to prevent his Kingdom from falling into some sort of deep recession, if his Economy were personified as woman she'd undoubtedly be a strange and harsh mistress. A long pause followed as he turned to center his attention to an unsuspected knocking sound coming from his door, followed with a hushed rattling of the silver knob as a 'gravely' voice that had introduced itself behind it before tugging it open and revealing a hulking figure enveloped in full steel bodied plate armor from head to toe, his very tone even had been slightly muffled from the broad helmet encasing his head.

Spoiler: Loads of Filler

"Jack of Clubs, not to intrude but I believe you scheduled a meeting with these two?" Quietly stepping to his side, the Royal guard had firmly lowered his intimidating polearm to the entrance of his office, completely hindering anyone attempting to enter without permission as he revealed the two peasants that were dressed in rather filthy tattered rags behind him. One male and one woman, both of them appeared as if they're beginning to reach their mid-forties just by the looks of them, although that was just a guess as poverty would do a number on someone's appearance. Lazarus couldn't help but feel awful as he caught a glimpse at their emaciated physiques, their weakened bones nudging at their tightened skin as if they were living skeletons covered with thin barely opaque wraps of plastic. Visibly, they were suffering like most of those that were going through financial devastation and all because of that damned war that had happened years ago which had created a wake of economic ruination for those that had lost their relatives to the war, specifically those that had signed up to afford money for their families, because of their death there was no way that they could support their families and due to this they would go back to starving and scraping by just to survive! It was truly pitiful that people had to suffer but there was nothing that could be done, their Kingdom may've had unforetold funds but they could not support every single citizen otherwise it would result in a potential collapse that would threaten the livelihood of every citizen. "If only we become one again, a unified nation would help everyone now." His distressed voice quaked in his mind, it was discouraging knowing that full collaboration between Hearts, Clubs, Diamonds, and even Spades would be highly unlikely. Breaking away from his own thoughts, Lazarus was forced back into reality as his velvety ears twitched at the rugged guard's voice. "Sir, I believe they're here in regards to a business permit?" It took the Jack of Clubs a second to remember but he was previously informed about a letter that had requested an 'audience' with him, from what it read it stated that the peasants before him had been trying to make an effort towards creating a shop of their own, specifically one that revolved around selling glass ornaments. "Right, my sincerest apologies for making you all wait... Please come in and take a seat."

As concerned as he was with the health of the two, Lazarus was still able to give off a cheerful vibe as he presented the two with a welcoming smile after being allowed in by the guard. In spite of himself trying to strike a friendly impression it still felt like it had no effect on the married couple, even while they were seated their expressions contained only anxiousness as their hands instinctively jittered at being face to face with a member of Royalty not to mention the fate of their lives rested in his hands. "I-It's an h-honor to m-meet you." Nearly every initial word jittered the husband's teeth as he sat, were they really this scared of him? Rustling through the bangs of his hair, his whitened fingertips climbed through the streaks of snowy hair atop his head as they placed an intriguing looking file that had all of their case information that only needed his stamp of approval for them to start up a legitimate business. "Likewise! So, you're starting up a crafting business?" Lazare's buoyant voice skipped to the two as he brought the envelope closer to his side of the desk, it didn't take him long before looking through the contents of the pouch and skimming through nearly all of the fine print at a brisk pace making the peasants seem almost baffled at his level of skill when it came to reading. It was only expected for a Jack of Clubs to be proficient and brisk when it came to examining documentation, for this reason alone many scholars aspiring for the position of Jack are almost always in for a rude awakening once they undergo the five-year course that is required, this alone was one of the many reasons why most students had dropped out. "Y-yes sir, I used to create ornaments back in Erylon but most of our funding was to help with getting herbs for our daughter but..." His mouth clamped, his voice was taken by a shaking emotion that made the side of his eyes squint as tears had begun to form. His fearful demeanor had transitioned into a fit of uncontrollable sorrow as he gently clasped his eyes with the palms of his hands, the grimy dirt from his cheeks washing away as his the atmosphere of the room was flooded with a painful weeping that was enough to turn Lazare's grin into a sympathetic frown as his wife interjected with a similarly broken voice.

"The medicine had raised in price, it made us unable to support our business and because of that we lost everything, our daughter died only a few years ago..." Listening to them and hearing of the loss of their daughter was more than enough to reach his empathetic heart, almost immediately his hand lingered underneath his glossy oak desk and swung open one of the bottom desk drawers that had contained a peculiarly shaped stamp, its face pressed down firmly onto a resting ink-filled sponge until the Jack had reached for it. Droplets of black splashed against the sponge from the drips of ink flowing from the stamp, in a wordless motion the Jack had promptly pressed the face of stamp onto the piece of paper before returning the contraption to the drawer. "Congratulations, you now own a business." They didn't believe it, their eyes widened as they looked at the stamped document in front of them only to turn to the Jack of Clubs with their jaws unhinged at him holding out a clenched fist towards them, each finger curled up into his palm before unclenched and revealing not one but two Paladiums in the center of his hand. "You now can afford to purchase a household in Strebeshti, but firstly, make sure you take care of yourselves and acquire a set of different clothes and something to eat. I definitely do not want any complaints of our citizens going hungry and going around in ripped attire!" A hearty laugh pushed from his lungs as he placed both of the coins onto the desk in front of them, it was as if their lives had been saved by that of an Angel in disguise. Days of spending their lives inside of a withered down shack were no more, months of barely getting by on nothing but bread and rice were finished, and above all else they now finally able to earn a living for themselves! It came as a moment of surprise to both of them, mainly to Lazarus once his chuckling was interrupted by them enveloping him in a group hug before being assaulted with a barrage of "Thank yous!" and compliments, one of them calling him their savior. "Ack! Erm, ha it's uh nothing really! I-"

Suddenly a deafening 'boom' erupted as the door swung open with a Royal messenger panting for air as he held himself against the frame, his face painted with terror as tried catching his breath.
Honestly, Lazarus wasn't sure whether or not to praise the man for saving him from the unexpected hug or to scold him for nearly kicking his office door off the hinges! "Have you no decency?!" Outraged sparked through the palace guard's tone, his stone-like stature now broken from the corner of the room as he converged on the messenger, only to lay his heavy gauntlets onto his shoulder until the Jack had gestured him away. "Let him speak." He beckoned, his curiosity now making him remove himself from his seat to confront the winded courier, the man's exhausted legs quivering beneath him as he managed to use the last of his energy to deliver the haunting news. "Someone tried to assassinate the Queen!" For a minute, it felt like time itself was standing still around him. The harmonious chirping of the birds was nowhere to be heard, rejoining laughter from the two peasants were now ripped from the air, even the palace guard's posture was now standing still as if he too were trying to process the horrific information. "Queen Kynan, attacked?" Goosebumps decorated his skin while his bottom lip shuddered at the thought of a Royal being assassinated in their own Capital, it was unbelievable to think such a thing would be attempted! Nevertheless, the illusion of dread was broken as he casted his hand outward in a sudden jerk causing the wind to crackle against his motion. "You've earned your rest messenger, as for you!" Swiveling his attention to the palace guard, Lazarus spoke once more as he firmly adjusted the cloak hugging around his own shoulders. "Strebeshti is under full lockdown, nobody goes in or out of the capital unless pre-authorized by the King, Ace, or myself! I'll be departing to our Queen's personal estate, inform any competent rank 10 to meet me there... We will bring this person to justice!" As much as he wanted to go and look after the assassin himself, it was clear that Kynan was still in grave danger if she was still alive. By the time the guard could nod his head the Jack of Clubs had already disappeared in a trail of red mist that had zipped effortlessly through the crease in the window and out into the wind where it was carried away by the sweeping gusts that blew through the Capital, Lazarus could only hope that he would make it to the Queen's side in time.
Melon Bomb ChazGhost

.

 

[Coyote Hart]

"Guin?" Twig knocked on the door again, his voice slowly becoming more unmotivated, "Are you in there?"

Just as Twig was about to knock one final time, Guin's voice popped out from behind Twig, giving him a little unpleasant scare. It made Twig visibly jolt in surprise. He turned around to a smiling and slightly disheveled Guin, her crown slightly crooked, her eyes twinkling with mirth. Twig returned the smile with a small laugh, "Dang. You really scared me there."

After pulling himself together, he looked up at Guin and did his best to continue the conversation he unwittingly just had with a door, "I was wondering if you knew where Leo and Axto-- oh. Speak of the devil."

Before Twig could finish his sentence, Leo's whimsical voice floated from around the corner, calling for Guin to get off her "Guin-hind." His words didn't show the urgency that a short-notice multi-national meeting might bring. In fact, he seemed to be his usual cheery self, waltzing up to Twig and fixing some mistakes that Twig had left untended of himself before he had rushed off to the castle. Straightening his tie here, flicking off a stray bit of mint leaf, and running a finger over his lips to wipe away a stray drop of tea-- it would've been weird for anybody else to make such an action, but Leo was known as the Ace of Flirts, so the action didn't bother Twig any. Twig realized that he should have done better in taking care of his appearance.

"Thanks, Leo," Twig said once Leo had deemed that Twig looked better and had gone off to fix Guin's disheveledness. He remembered about the servant's message about a meeting-- obviously, there wasn't one yet, so Twig decided that the servant was passing misinformation. He didn't feel any ill will towards the servant, he had only been doing what he thought was right, and that was respectable. And he had allowed Twig to arrive just on time to try to glean a few answers.

"So what was this message from the Diamonds? What are we discussing?" Twig asked. He hoped it was regarding the more and more frequent attacks on the road, as they made to be an increasingly headache inducing issue. In all his greenness and his uncertainty of action, Twig had simply called on Axton for guards to escort each caravan on the road. But that made each trip much more costly as well as make them each take much longer to accomplish than without the guards, not to mention, it probably weakened the national security. Twig hoped the conference would help solve those issues.

. D O V E Goonfire

 

[Kisaki]

​

Jack Alistair ​

Jack strolled through the field of shifting grass and blooming flowers. He often walks these fields in the morning before his day of work. It was where he could relax and cool off after spending the previous day yelling at businessmen for their terrible plans. However, he was still somewhat irritated. He isn't exactly a person who's in the mood 24/7.​

Suddenly, Jack's ears twitched as his sensitive nose wrinkled at the familiar scent in the air. Not far ahead, the sight of Idun twirling in a white dress as William stood by was an odd sight. He didn't know William had the taste for the living rock. “What is this? A wedding?” Jack cocked his head in confusion, questioning the two taste in each other. “Ugh, If you two bastards get married I might just live on the moon for the rest of my life.” He said, crossing his arms in disapproval. Not to mention that they didn't invite him for the secret get together. ‘Not like I would go anyway.’ He thought with his ears taut.​

Kloudy​

Diphylleia grayi​

 

[SentinelSevn]

Ability:
- Sensory Manipulation
- Mind Control {WARNING}

Location:
- Ishveil : City within the Spades

Interactions:
- Sheila Ivoren VioletShadow
- Travis Arelius Balfnaught1

Quillon Downs
38 || Ace || Spades

Quillon initially said nothing, turning his gaze away from his captive to face the newest arrival to the room. He brought the cigarette in his hand back up to his lips, taking a final deep breath of the toxic narcotic. As he blew the puff of smoke back into the air, the apparent torment Rowan had been induced to seemed to fade just as quickly as the ashen cloud.

"Sorry is right. He was seconds away from telling me all he knew." The Ace rose from his seat, again turning his attention to his captive. He began walking across the table to stand beside the shackled male. Quillon rose the cigarette in his hand, and promptly snuffed the lit end of what remained of the wad just below Rowan's right collarbone.

Again, Rowan tensed as he felt the ash burn against his flesh. However at least the flame subsided quickly, and he was not subjected to the endless pain of the chair's sharp edges.

"But a summons, of all things? And from the Diamonds?" Quillon continued to ponder what finally drove the kingdom across the continent to finally have the gall to summon everyone. They had been the fighting against the Argossians for this long, what had changed? He soon let a small smirk run across his face, as the excitement in his chest grew ever so slightly. "Well it has been quite some time since I've seen that brat, William, anyway. I suppose I can join you."

Turning again to face the King, his gaze was met with a rough stare. It was a look he had long since become accustomed to, a glare of utter contempt, streaked with Travis's attempt of maintaining professionalism given their circumstance. It was a respectable effort, that Quillon often enjoyed peeling away at, and hear any angry curses thought in his direction. "Staring is rude, my king. You would think ten years on the throne would have taught you some proper noble manner."

In what appeared to be within a single moment, Quillon appeared walking away from behind the King. He waited and peered over his shoulder before turning the corner into the next hall, a brow raised in false curiosity towards Travis's unmoving figure. "Let's get a move on then, if the plan is to make it to the Diamond kingdom as soon as possible." And with that, he continued around the corner. Leaving the King alone in the room with their Joker captive. A captive who, for whatever reason, seemed to have no indication of a scorch mark along his barren chest..


Quillon exited the prison, and quickly noted that their Jack, Sheila, had already prepared the wagons in which they were to make the trip in. He made eye contact with the much younger royal, but gave her only a slight nod of his head in recognition. He turned away, and hastily made his way to the rear-most carriage. The carriage-driver, a man appearing to be in his older forties, greeted him kindly and with the utmost respect; only to have it returned with a wry smile and quiet thanks.

If he had his preference, a single horse would have sufficed. However the trip to the Diamonds kingdom was long, much too long for a single horse. He slumped into his empty carriage, already quite bored of himself, and began to wish this journey of theirs was already over.

 

[ChazGhost]

Maxwell Jacob
Jacob Manor - the streets of Strebeshti

...The castle before Glacia was a ruin, a burning rumble mess of its former glory as the capital city of Shiva. The fires that were spread across the ruins were ones of shadows flames, caused by the blackest form of fire magic. The only being capable of such magic was the accursed magma scaled dragon, Ifrit the inferno Ace of Black Hearts. Glacia took a deep breath as she steeled herself to face lord of the chaos the destroyed as...

Maxwell was in his study busy writing his next book entitled "The Black Fires of a Dark Ace". As he was writing he sipped from his cup of tea from time to time. The day was shaping up to be a calm one were Maxwell would be able to just relax and possibly finish his latest book. But that would not be the case for Maxwell. A knock on the front door inturpted Maxwell's train of thought. Maxwell gave a sigh as knew the knocking would stop shortly as the maid on duty, Ms.Goodberry, would most likely answer the door and take care of whoever was there...

...the fires grew hotter and the earth shook. This could only mean that...

Maxwell was interrupted as Ms.Goodberry knocked on the entrance way to Maxwell's office. Maxwell turned away from his desk and writings and looked at Ms.Goodberry. "Is this about the knock on the door? If it's a salesman we are not buying and if it's someone reporting about someone damaging our property again note it down and I'll deal with it later" Maxwell said taking off his glasses and putting them in his pocket.

"No Mr.Jacob, it's... Well, it's a palace guard. They said the Jack requested your presence as well as other tens at the Queen's estate. He said he'll take you there himself, to make sure you make it." Ms.Goodberry said nervously as she did not use dealing guards of any sort.

Maxwell gave a sigh as he got from his chair. "Tell my father that I will be out for a short while if you could Ms.Goodberry" Maxwell said walking past Ms.Goodberry heading downstairs and to the front door. Maxwell grabbed his jacket as well as his weapons in case this was all trick or worse, there was a problem he had a deal with. As Maxwell arrived at the front door, he saw the royal guard who looked surprised to see him.

"Oh, another member of the help. I can't believe Mr.Jacob would hire an orc to..." The guard said before Maxwell put his finger up signaled him to be quiet for a second.

"Before you go any further, I am not a butler but one of the masters of this house. I am Maxwell Jacob, the only ten in this house. I also have a short temper when it comes to this kind of thing, so let's move on from the subject and just take me to meet up with the Jack or whatever the matter is I am being taken to deal with." Maxwell said like he had to say the same thing many times before. The guard kept silent as he just nodded and took Maxwell to the estate...

SidTheSkid Melon Bomb

 

[Melon Bomb]

On a snowier peak, hundreds of little footprints decorated the ground outside and crumbling snow painted almost the entirety of a wall of a nearby cozy cottage - a telltale sign of a truly vicious snowball fight, one no doubt waged with magic at hand. The prints spiraled into a messy web of overlapping lines and circles that appeared to go nowhere until eventually they trailed off and stopped at two young boys on their backs, impressed upon the snowy hillside. Panting from their long battle, one turned to the other as the calm winds lifted their foggy breaths away.

"Boys!" A muffled voice rang out from inside the cabin walls. "Wrap it up, your dinner's almost ready!"

There was a moment of silence between the two, their chests rising and falling in mutual exhaustion until at length one silently jabbed the other in the arm with a toothy grin and pulled himself up out of the snow. Brushing off clumps from his tunic, he turned his head over his shoulder when his brother didn't follow. His gaze seemed fixed on something far away.

"Whatsa matter? Didn't brain you, did I?" he teased. The other boy shook his head.

"It's that shooting star again." He lifted a finger into the sky and pointed. Raising a curious brow in response, he looked upward and saw a small gleam of light tracing the sky.

"That's not a shooting star, idiot," he said, snagging his brother's arm and yanking him up. "Now hurry up, or mom's gonna yell at both of us again because of you."

"Well. . ." His brother averted his gaze sheepishly, absentmindedly massaging his strained shoulder. "I made a wish anyway."

"Yeah? Like what?"

"I wish. . ." His thoughts of his late father surfaced again, and for a moment, something tightened in his heart. Even on the fringes of the kingdom, this small family felt the rippling effects of their longstanding clashes with foreign powers. Why couldn't they just live alone, in peace? Why did they have to take him away? Their eyes met again, briefly.

". . . I wish you didn't have to go."

***

Not a single second wasted.

Goldia seized the reins with force, fierce winds surging through her hair and clothes. Beside her was a very nervous Vie, knuckles white as she gripped onto her harness for dear life. The 'shooting star' was an azure chariot of light, steered by a pair of spectral horses that rode gloriously through the sky. Faster than any carriage, she was upon the estate in minutes - the gallop of the horses slowed to a halt as their hooves gently began to grace solid ground, standing majestically at the gates with an air-sick Vie threatening to hurl over the side.

"Someone hasn't been wing training," is what Goldia would have said as she pulled her pupil out of the chariot, had the present circumstances not been so dire.

Attending the curb, Clover ushered them inside, suspiciously scanning streets as her gloved hands guided them toward the outer garden.

"Fast as usual," she commented, her eyes only catching Vie for barely a second. "Just you, miss Goldia. Your apprentice waits out here with me."

"What!? Why can't I see her?" the fairy pouted, leaning back and crossing her arms. "I'm a friend of the queen, too."

"You are like a fly that hovers too close to the plate, so keep your station before I swat you," Clover hissed. "I don't have time for your childish games, you did well to deliver the message but your service is over today so if you have nothing better to do, I advise you go home and stay there."

"Fine. I'll wait outside," she muttered, parking her behind on the glowing chariot's chassis. Before shortly losing balance and dropping onto the pavement like a fool.

The chariot and its horses fizzled out into a single wisp of light, making its way to Goldia's side where it hovered by her shoulder. Navigating the hedges, she was quick to make herself at home. Normally she'd doff her boots and mantle at the front door, but formality was going to have to wait. Hurrying up the stairs, she was surprised to find that she seemed to be the first one here - aside from the resident healer - though she expected company would arrive sooner or later. Hopefully word of this won't get out tomorrow morning, or at least not right away.

The queen was a sorry sight. Bedridden, and the sheets stained thick with blood. Sections of her clothes were carefully cut open and folded aside and underneath, several windings of bandages masked her recent wounds. Though by no means did she look well, she did not look so sickly for someone who had just brushed past death. Instead, she bore a calm yet intense gaze, quietly acknowledging her presence with a quiet nod.

"Fast as usual," Kynan said curtly.

"Your maid said the same thing," Goldia laughed, whizzing her head around to look for something to sit on. Finding nothing, she simply opted to seat herself on the carpet, cross-legged.
"How's it looking?"

"I'll live, obviously," she answered, almost insulted by the question. 'Obvious' was something of a stretch however, because it looked very much like she was dying. "Listen well. Goldia, I've summoned you here because you are my most trusted lieutenant and I expect you to perform just as well in my place--"

"In your place?" the mage cut in with wider eyes, pushing up the brim of her hat with her thumb. "What do you mean by that?"

"Let me finish," she snapped, jolting up in her bed before being pushed back down by the doctor's hand. "There is something very important coming up, and I need you stand in for me. I'll explain in a moment, but right now, all you need to know is that from this point forward, you are to be the acting queen. Understand? Here." She gestured wordlessly to the healer and he handed the confused Goldia a high quality roll of parchment from the desk, marked with the royal seal. "That will be your written proof."

"I understand." She bowed graciously accepting it with both hands. "But. . . the one who did this to you - did they get away?"

"He did. But I will find him. And I will find his family. And all of them will hang." There was a piercing intensity churning in her frigid eyes as she delivered her words, slowly and deliberately. At her bed frame, her fingers tensed and relaxed in a loop as through visualizing squeezing her assailant's throat over and over again, but at length she calmed herself. "But make no mistake, that assassin is dangerous. I do not know what his capabilities are, but to put me in this state. . . you'd best not lower your guard. Understand?"

"Of course," she nodded. "I will be careful."

For once, Kynan smiled. A rare sight. "Good. I value your safety - keep your eyes open, and perhaps we will be able to meet again another day on more comfortable terms. I'm sorry I could not make it to the ball."

"I'm sorry I couldn't make it here sooner," Goldia smiled back weakly. With a short sigh, she patted her own cheeks and hyped herself up. "Okay! I've got this under control, don't worry about a thing and rest up, okay?" Standing up to her full height, she held her hands at her waist. "What needs to be done?"

Clover stuck her head in through the doorway.

"More company."

Kynan gestured forward with her hand. "Invite them and you will hear it, as will they if they haven't already."

 

[VioletShadow]

Sheila Ivoren

Mood: Nostalgic
Location: Ishveil - Inside a carriage outside a prison
Mentions: SentinelSevn Balfnaught1

Within mere minutes, the wagons had been quickly arranged on the outskirts of the prison, their bold royal colours contrasting heavily against the gentle day-light stricken scenery surrounding them. At a brisk pace, Sheila proceeded to walk round and inspect each wagon, careful not to miss out any 'tampering' that may have occurred. Although they were in a slight rush to get to the conference in time, Sheila seemed as calm as ever, her unreadable state present as if nothing was wrong.

"Ida." She called out, as she gave a final glance to their transport vehicles, feeling no need to look in the direction of whom she had called.

"Yes m'lady?" A deep voice responded from the shadows, her steps silent as she approached her mistress.

"Do you have the documents?" She asked plainly, before slowly turning to face her loyal servant.

Her hair is thinning. Was the first thought that appeared in her mind. She hadn't seen her for a mere few days, and yet she looks to have aged by years. "Is... everything alright back in the capital?" She inquired with concern laced in her tone. This was not the time for internal troubles. She thought to herself quietly, realizing she would be away for at least two weeks.

"Yes, do not worry m'lady, everything is and will be fine." She replied astutely, handing over a small booklet of documents as she did so. She smiled her typical smile, but Sheila could see the uncertainty within her eyes. After quickly flicking through the papers, and skim reading the records she had written the morning before, she signed them on the spot, handing them back over to her trusted envoy and assistant. "I will be back as soon as possible." She gave a small smile. "Do take care of yourself Ida."

"I will." She responded in farewell. "You as well m'lady."

Silently, Sheila watched as her maid disappeared once more. The suddenness of this conference was a great hassle, particularly for their kingdom which was located so far away. They were in danger of being attacked whilst traversing through foreign territory, not to mention the length of time they would be gone. Too much could happen in two weeks. Sheila could only pray and hope that her assistant leaders of the economy, that she so painstakingly chose over her years of servitude, would be able to minimize any disturbances.

Out of the corner of her eye, she noticed their ace simply walk out of the building and briskly enter a wagon, seemingly with no information to share gathered from their captive. She assumed that he had not been given enough time to get anything of value, hence the lack of conversation. Although, they rarely conversed in the first place, which she preferred.

Following suit, she too entered a designated carriage. She generally quite enjoyed joyrides, simply watching the scenery and the gentle rocking of the wagon. Although, she rarely had time to do so. They were informative experiences too, as she could see how the working people go about their daily lives, sometimes viewing farmers busy in their fields or guards having friendly conversations whilst on patrol.

Occasionally, she'd wonder what it would be like if she wasn't the Jack, and her life was just like theirs. She may be used to it now, but the responsibility on her shoulders was a heavy burden, particularly for someone who was not born a noble.

​

 

[Spoiled Bread]

Remi, Ace of Clubs
Kingdom of Clubs, Streshbesti, Remi's residence
---------------------------------------​

The kitchen was filled with the delicious aroma of a steaming stew. A black haired girl stood in front of the small cauldron, carefully mixing herbs and spices into the stew. She was so focused on the task that she barely notice that a very old looking woman had entered the kitchen, she only noticed the old woman's presence when the wheelchair hit one of the table's leg, making a soft 'thud' noise.

"Ah, Madame Remi. I'm sorry I haven't been able to come to get you. I'm trying to make a pumpkin stew but it took more time than I expected." The black haired girl politely said while doing a slight bow to emphasize her intention.

"Don't mind that too much. I can wake up myself just fine." The old woman replied nonchalantly, she picked up a book that was left on the top of the kitchen's table and read the cover. "Never know you are a fan of Maxwell Jacob, Angelica."

"A-ah, that... I just thought his works is very insightful, so I bought a few of his books." Angelica blushed a bit as she replied the old woman's statement. She was never the type to share her hobby so she felts a bit shy when she admitted this one.

"I understand, he write good stuffs. Anyway, is the stew ready?"

"yes, it is." Angelica scooped the stew from the cauldron and served it inside a wooden bowl. Even though the old woman was rich enough to buy plenty of porcelain tablewares, she still prefer the wooden ones.

"Smells good." The old woman praised the stew's tasty aroma. Her thin hand shakily grabbed a spoon and slowly ate the stew. Angelica followed suit and ate her stew. They both ate in silence until Angelica decided to disclose the telephatic message that she received. She told the old woman about the diamond kingdom requesting the gathering of all royals and aces.

"Must be something to do with the recently rising thugs activity. Thanks for receiving the message." The old woman thanked the girl. Since she didn't want those telephatic mages trudging into her mind, any telephatic messages were usually transferred into Angelica instead.

They finished their meal and while Angelica was washing the dishes, the old woman read her agenda book to check for something that she must do today. The entry was blank though, that means she's free for today.

"Angelica, prepare me for today. I think I will visit the palace and see what the royals will do regarding the meeting request."

"As you wish Madame Remi." Angelica gently pushed the wheelchair to Remi's 'preparation room'. As the ace of the kingdom of clubs, Remi must always appear strong. That's why she hide her true appearance from the public, not even the Royals know about this little secret of her.

 

[SidTheSkid]

.

​

Lazarus Viticus
(Location: Kingdom of Clubs, Strebeshti Capital - Queen of Club's Estate)
(Mood: Flustered. )
(Interactions: Kynan. )
(Mentions: Maxwell Jacob. )

Shimmering streaks of glowing daylight stirred gracefully between the fissures left in the amassed speckles of scarlet portrayed 'swimming' through the blustery squalls of wind, assemblies of folks rambling about the compact cobblestone streets that'd been previously hauling the burdens of their routinely lives had before long stopped in their tracks, a plethora of dismayed faces sprouted from peddling merchants, nobleman, and civilians alike as they discovered themselves in a state of 'marvel' at the anomalous vermillion smog that'd dispersed through the billowy clouds high beyond their muddled heads. "By the Gods is that magic?" A 'chorus' of inquisitive comments sung through the beating heart of the crowd closely gathering beneath the murky swarm of red, none of them had the slightest idea of what mysterious force had veiled itself above their curious faces but nonetheless, they'd been startled by its foreboding presentation as it lingered onward through the atmosphere. Unbeknownst to those except for royalty, it was generally unsurprising that such a rare thing would enact such astonishment from those unfamiliar by the Jack of Club's sorcery! Understandably Lazarus believed keeping his magic a secret was paramount to sustaining a virtuous image in the visage of the people as if he were to continue to disclose his blood magic before everyone it would no doubt stir some disparaging rumors, probably ones accusing him of a beacon of sacrilege. "I'd best be swift, attracting such attention would do us no favors." Chattering befell Strebeshti as they saw the levitating mist, their voices becoming smitten with suppression after being startled at witnessing the ethereal Jack bolting himself through the skies, it'd appeared as if a cardinal arc of lightning had stripped through the air before disappearing into the distance leaving only a remaining sensation of shock to those that'd been abandoned in its wake. Strips of his beclouded self eventually wandered over the brilliantly wealthy estate of the Queen, at a moment's notice the bundle of red bulbs from the mist had conjoined together as they heavily descended to the surface of the grassy lawn before creating a poof of dissipating smoke that'd soon manifested a silhouette of a figure with its knee bent to the grimy mush that was the ground, in due course the outline 'gave birth' to a portrait of Lazarus bespattered with flecks of mud from the small pool of dirt that he'd, unfortunately, landed in.

He couldn't help but wonder what deity had cursed him with such infernal luck! His face writhed in revulsion at the sickening sight of his entire outfit becoming a canvas for the wet soil that had been lying dormant beneath him. "Such filth!" He felt his whole body almost seized up at the feeling of the bitter mud seeping its way through his fabric and onto his skin, his hands were now frantically trying to brush off the sludge that was sliding down the front of his body. Although he'd removed most of the mire, his situation had only grown far worse as he acknowledged that his clothes were absolutely ruined, from his magnificent cape that had its comfortable puffy collar tarnished by muck all the way down to his polished shoes that were now dripping with water and the unknown. Fortunately for his sake, his dim mood was lightened up like a candle, the darkness of his situation being brightened as he realized he'd made it to the Queen's humble abode. "Talk about extravagant." It was an understatement to say that her estate was impressive, beyond his view was a three-story Chateau that'd stretched from almost every end of the property! Its whole structure was composed of limestone bricks that'd matched the aligned gorgeous bay windows, all of them offering a captivating view of the flourishing garden that contained bountiful shrubs that were neatly arranged in rows, spaced out by the verdant blades of freshly trimmed grass that adorned the stripped pedals of their flowers, most of which had skimmed across a pond that had accompanied the property with a robust earful of creatures the frolicked around the water stream it had. "Color me surprised." To Lazare this was a new look into Kynan's personality, he'd never would have expected that someone with such an authoritative demeanor would have such a pleasing taste for nature, in a way, it felt like a contrast to that stalwart ideology that she had. Somehow he had sensed a pang of lurking guilt inside him, a certain coldness that was sinking to the bottom of his stomach had made him distinguish a trace of stigma for coming to conclusions about her as a person.

They'd only known one another for a year but it felt like they were always at each other's throat because of their separate beliefs, Kynan had embraced her ruling with the idea that "Might makes right" while Lazare wholeheartedly considered that her ways of upholding a kingdom with 'might' would lead to inevitable turmoil. Yet, beyond the squabble that the two of them shared, he never would've wished for such a tragic fate to befall the woman. Emotion hastily guided his feet to the front entrance of the manor, a deep exhale pressed through between his lips as he pushed the door open with slight concern, still suspicious that Assassin might still be lurking around the area, instead his thoughts of a potential murderer waiting to ambush him had soon been dismissed once he'd bumped into Kynan's personal assistant making him nearly jump out of his skin from sheer surprise. "Ack!" A girlish scream bustled out of him as he stumbled aside, his pulse still feeling like it was vibrating his nerves as he managed to somewhat calm himself in front of the Queen's personal maid. "Clover is it? Jack of Clubs, Lazarus at your acquaintance, I hope you pardon me for arriving without notice! There should be a backup of Rank 10s arriving here shortly to assist in looking after Kynan, speaking of which... Where exactly is she?" Soon after addressing himself to a crooked door just across from the two had caught his immediate attention, a slight glimpse from the aperture had revealed a familiar sight that had led him closer. By the time he'd inched his way to the door his whole being felt like it was shaking, he didn't know what to expect when opening the door in front of him until the concerned Jack had been brought with a sight that had made his pupils widen from a sheer alarm after presenting himself to the Queen.

"Kynan? It's Lazarus I came as quickly as I can to check if you w-w-w-ere.. Naked?!" His voice jittered across his tongue as the first thing he'd focused on was the Kynan's chest that'd been wrapped with a bandage, it didn't reveal anything too obscene but there was definitely a lot of skin around the area of her bosom in addition to her clothing that'd been torn apart from those previously operating on her. Lazare's pale skin complexion flushed with a pinkish-hue as he slinked himself away, his arms now acted as barriers that were now trying to conceal his sight in hopes that it would make her feel more decent. "S-sorry!" Profusely apologizing over and over again, Lazarus hurled himself to the outside of the room before slamming the door in a complete panic as he looked nervously back at Clover with his hand now placed behind his head, an embarrassed smirk pressed up against his cheeks as he spoke.

"Oopsies."

Melon Bomb , ChazGhost
.

 

[vielpotato]

Lillith
Damn overall peace. It’s annoying doing recon, sure, but nothing is worse than sitting still. Hearing words in the air, and the movement in the air shifting near the prison the ace was in, as she was curious about it because who wouldn’t be, Lillith got excited. Something was up. Running out of bar, after paying of course, Lillith flew the short distance between her and the royals. Seeing the ace royals get into each of their respective vehicles, Lillith was sad that she couldn’t talk to all of them. Whistling a little tune she remembered, she skipped over to the King's cart and tapped on the door. Jumping like a fool, obviously, backwards about two feet, Lillith put one knee down and bowed while she waited for the king to come out. Of course, if the other royals wished to talk she wouldn’t mind the company.
SentinelSevn VioletShadow Balfnaught1

 

[. D O V E]

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[div class=Guin][/div]

[div class=fontsize] Queen of Hearts [/div] Location: Heart's Castle
Tag/s: Coyote Hart Goonfire Quinlan63 ​

[div class=font] Guineverre let out a soft giggle at the younger monarch’s reaction who was just about to explain the reason behind the rare occasion when a very familiar and sing-song voice resonated throughout the hallway. The female’s smile immediately dropped to give way for a pout, “Lion, it’s not nice to jest about the queen’s behind.” she remarked with both arms on her hips. It was none other than their very own Ace approaching the duo with that unwavering smile of his.

“What news?” she questioned since the ace didn’t continue his sentence in favor of picking small pieces of herbs from Twig and fixing the placement of her crown to which she successfully suppressed an urge to jerk her head away. Even with his hands gloved, Guineverre still couldn’t stop herself from worrying that he may accidentally take a glimpse of her secret. After all, some things are better off unknown.

The queen of hearts flashed her childhood friend a warm smile, mouthing him a quick thank you as he tucked stray tresses of her blonde hair behind her ear. “- And you and your horrendous puns.” she countered with a grin. Guineverre’s playfulness was something reserved to only her closest of peers.

She observed, however, that something was amiss considering that the two men gathered in front of her door. Leo, she could understand since he was her (and quite possible everybody else’s) personal alarm clock but Twig lived out of the castle and it was rare for him to be knocking on her door during such early hours. “The Diamonds..? Why are they- Oh.” her smile fell when realization dawned upon her.

All Hands on Deck.

“Of course it would come to this.” she whispered to herself with a sigh before picking up her regal composure, “I reckon its something regarding the Empire.” she answered to the confused Jack with a somber tone. Noting the absence of a fellow royalty, Guineverre began to look around the hallway, "Where is Axton?" [/div]