Welcome to Gaia! ::

Athene watched the lusus poke her head out with some curiosity, unsure how to react. For the moment, she simply watched it warily then left it alone. It was probably best to not interfere, it looked a little too.. intimidating. Looking back at Odette, she listened to the troll quietly before replying "What a surprise, I'm from New Hemisect too. Although, it does somewhat show in my clothing, I'm tripping over everything. Such a big city it's hard to know everyone." That was a lie, one of the biggest Athene had ever told. She had seen Odette before, seen her preform out on the streets and had admired the little troll from the start, almost in a protective way. She had even given the little troll some money one time, after watching her performances for awhile. And secretly, in a fit of midnight insomnia and boredom, she had created a tutu for what she thought would fit the little troll. It was a care that bordered creepily on obsession, enough to where Athene had wanted to leave a care package for the troll, if she had known her address anyways. But pushing that aside, she said "I couldn't bring mine along, he's simply too big. But he's a dear, I miss him even though I haven't been gone from him long." If Athene wasn't so serious, she might have even cracked a smile here.

But before she could talk any further or look anywhere else, someone called Athene's name. Turning towards the source, her eyes searched, finally falling upon a familiar yellow blood. Vremea? She hadn't expected her to be here! Something close to joy light her face up a little brighter and she called out "Vremea? Is that you here?" hoping that it wasn't another troll she had confused. Unlikely, considering the outfit she was wearing looked rather familiar to Athene but it was possible after all.

Janzek's idle humming had since ceased as the chatter amongst the kids started to build up, causing a tense sigh to escape between his teeth. He wasn't a particularly big fan of pupas, finding them mostly annoying. Even when he was one himself, maturing never did seem to take place fast enough. Doesn't help that those closer to my gen. aren't too talkative... not that I'm an exclusion... pfeh.. He grumbled mentally, moving further away from the group while simultaneously listing off every known parasitic disease in alphabetical order as an attempt to further drown out the ongoing conversations. That didn't completely work as well as he had hoped as one tidbit brought enough of a revelation to even earn a quick, curious glance.

... So that's the kid who went toe-to-toe with the Condesce...? Hm... Case study... 'Champ' for easy reference. Yellow blood, male... Features unmarred, but slight traces of healing in progress... Stance strong, eyes bright. Overall status? Near prime condition. Holding his hands behind his back, his idle but ever alert gaze drifted from the pair of males and on towards the trio of females. Of them, one proved to be a rather interesting case study. 'Feather' for reference. Red blood, female... poor complexion... exhaustion and sinus irritation evident... Long history Wait. of inflammation and sickness easily readable... Figure? Frail, No. most likely terribly Stop.underweight... Plausible cause of symptoms? Combination STOP!of poor eating habits and poor living conditions... Overall stat-

"Stop it!" he growled at himself, finally tearing his gaze away, teeth clenched and brow furrowed into a snarl as he turned on his heel to face the surrounding brush.Turning his gaze skyward, he subconsciously ran his hands through his hair before latching onto the base of his stubbed horns. "You're nuh-nuhnot allowed to... do... that... any...more. That's not our job any-any-any-ni-nimore. We're not- I'M not... that... person..."

He could only be grateful his C.O. wasn't around to have seen this new relapse as he continued his mantra until he was able to say each sentence within the first person and without stuttering or hesitation. Once he felt he was back in control again, his hands slipped back to his sides, but his gaze never left the starry field above until a small cry of alarm sounded. Snapping his head around, he was just in time to see one of his fellow drones trip up over themselves and topple over near 'Champ' and his compatriot.

Idiot... He winced, shaking his head slightly but made no move to offer his aid. He didn't need to be drawing attention to himself just yet. Not until this whole ruse was given some explanation.

The group of bright eyed trolls outside the collapsing building began to fill out, the constant trickle of newcomers dwindling as time passed. Soon, they seemed to stop entirely and the kids were left to their own devices. A few hooded figures remained scattered around the immediate area to keep a watchful eye on the youths, but they seemed to come and go as they pleased. Or perhaps they were constantly switching places? Either way, it was hard to keep up with just how many rebel trolls there were. They kept their distance, and like the cloaked trolls that blindfolded and led you here they remained utterly silent. On the contrary, the group of newcomers hummed with excitement. They whispered among themselves in hushed tones, all wondering the same thing. What was going on? Why were they summoned? Their conversations were suddenly interrupted as the heavy wooden doors to the building flew open with an impressive bang.

Yet another hooded figure stepped out into the moonlight, hands on hips confidently. Aided by two guards at either side, the entrance was quickly sealed shut behind them as they stepped out before the small crowd. Like the rest of the rebels, the centered troll had their face and sign carefully concealed. However, this particular troll wore a teal sash around their waist in the first display of colour any of your mysterious hosts had displayed. All eyes were locked onto the apparent tealblood, and they began to speak once everyone's attention seemed to be up front.

"The mere fact that you are here, and not at the Queen's speech, shows me where your loyalties do not lie." The rebel leader's voice boomed out through the silence. "We as a race have been exploited for far too long. Lowbloods are slaughtered daily simply because they were born with a warmer blood colour, or happen to get on the wrong highblood's bad side. The injustice that goes on due to the hemospectrum is immeasurable." Their booming voice was determined, unwavering; despite not being able to really make out the face under their hood the words were powerful. "I, however, am here to offer you an alternative. For as long as there has been a hemospectrum, there have been those that oppose it."

"We are given rank over one another simply by the hue of our bodily fluids. I can't possibly be the only one to see how incredibly asinine that is- and it needs to stop." A few scoffs of agreement could be heard from the crowd, and not all came from the hoods of the separatists. You notice rebel trolls slinking out of their hiding spots to join the crowd, eager to listen to their leader speak. A brief glimmer of a smile could be seen from under their hood, but the figure otherwise remained still.

"That would obviously be us. We believe in forging a world where your actions are responsible for your place in society, not some silly birthright based on colour. A world where who you are means much more than the colour you happen to spew. Tonight, we are offering you the chance to help us achieve that goal." The mysterious speaker waved an arm in the air expressively, preaching to the primarily warmblooded audience- but their words stood true for all castes. An opportunity for change.


For people who haven't posted yet, trolls/drones are welcome to keep arriving until April 5.

This had seemed like the obvious choice to Edward. Why should he go and listen to the queen pitter on when he'd been given the choice of taking control of his life. Those words were the ultimate temptation for a troll like him, who had lost all the control he once had. It would be amazing to get just a sliver of it back.

He hung back at the outskirts of the crowd as trolls poured in. He heard snippets of conversations. Some had come here simply to avoid a crowd? He crossed his arms over his chest tightly and shifted his weight uncomfortably. Such news dwindled his hopes of this meeting actually going anywhere. If no one here was serious about whatever they were here to discuss, then this entire set up would be a waste of his time and theirs. He sighed and pulled his coat tighter around his shoulders. He should have gone to the royal address and not wasted his time.

But hope was renewed, in some, as a new troll spoke to the entire crowd. What she spoke was like fairy tale, but she seemed to serious. If there was a group that honestly wanted to change the way of life... could they do it? Was such a change even possible with so few numbers? He could only imagine the crowd around the royal hotel - almost all of which would fight. The odds didn't seem to be in this crowds favor, unless there were more somewhere. He stepped forward chin tilted upward, to ask a question. "Who is 'us'? How many?"

Oh, what a crowd this was. Such a mix of weariness, curiosity, adventure-seeking, and intense anticipation. Taquin's attention was caught by the small, meek redblood he had followed earlier through the woods who seemed very unlikely to have come to such an event, but she was speaking to someone she knew, so perhaps they had talked her into it. She was such a frail-looking troll, he imagined she had to be carefully protected by her lusus, especially as a redblood. Just as the thought entered his mind, a small white creature poked it's head from out of her garments. Ah, so she had even brought her lusus along with her. Taquin smiled slightly, as he was always happy to see a close bond such as this between a troll and their lusus, but it only made him think of his own back at his hive-unit. He hoped poodle-dad would remember where to hide if anyone broke in. But no, no one would want to do that. There was nothing worth stealing, and Taquin had made no recent ruckus that would incite a desire in anyone to sabotage him. He tried to put his mind off of poodle-dad. He had left on long excursions like this before, and returned to a perfectly healthy, safe, and patient lusus.

He decided to focus on something that had been teasing at his thinkpan since he'd arrived and noticed them: how the heck had drones ended up here? He was surprised that whoever was running this operation had escorted them through. Really, what other reason would they have followed the note if not to spy and get insider information for the queen? Maybe he was making the wrong assumptions as to the purpose of this gathering. Heck, the vagueness of their message left so many open ends, this could be an elaborate FLARP recruitment for all he knew. But the timing that just so deliberately conflicted with the speech of the queen made Taquin sure that this was something defiant. Perhaps these drones had come to defy those who had sentenced them to their life of servitude. Still, he thought suspiciously, lowering his eyes as they settled on one drone in particular, the chance of that was slim.

A loud noise quieted the hubbub surrounding Taquin and brought his attention to the doors of the ruins they at the edge of the crowd. Yes, things were finally moving along here. He would finally find out what he was in for. Three trolls stepped out of the darkness of the doorway, a clear air of authority surrounding the one the middle. He could not see their face, it was covered with a hood like all the rest. He couldn't tell anything besides that because the crowd blocked his veiw, and Taq just had to get a better look at this new arrival. He climbed up the nearest tree as inconspicuously as he could. Of course a few hooded trolls tracked his progress, but he ignored them. He only wanted to settle on the lowest branch. It was sufficient to get the view he wanted. And then the newcomer spoke.

Taquin's blood quickened as the troll went on. So this was a case of revolutionary ambition. An overturn of the hemospectrum! Oh, yes, this was the place to have come, there was no doubt. These people thought like him, wanted to create the same world that he dreamed of. And, yes, together they could make it happen! Oh, who was he kidding. As soon as the troll's words had ceased, doubt crept in through the pores of his think-pan. Organizations like this have happened before. Powerful trolls led a powerful army towards freedom of the hemospectrum, only to be squashed underneath an even more powerful force of the monarchy coupled by custom, tradition, and a society's unwillingness to change. No, this was just another futile attempt. Taquin thought it would be best to leave now, before they tried further to convince him that this was anything but pointless and on the road to the culling of all who gathered here.

But... there was always that "what if?" What if he was underestimating these people? He had just barely met them, and they could well have many more tricks up their sleeves. But how cunning and calculating could they be? They had allowed drones here, for gog's sake. Yet, what if he left now and lost his chance to be part of something really great? What if he was allowed to participate in and bring forth the Alternia of freedom and justice and rightness? Where the color of blood had no place to determine social standing...

Well, he thought he'd stick around. At least for now. Could be interesting in any case. He turned his eyes back to the crowd of trolls and judged their reactions. Many looked shocked, some doubtful, and some full of wary hope just as he was. He leaned against the trunk of the tree in which he knelt, a concerned frown forming on his mouth. He really did hope the trolls here didn't foolishly lead themselves into a future ending only in bloodbath.

The troll leader fell silent for a few moments, allowing their powerful, albeit obscure words to sink in.

"At this very moment, our Queen is addressing most of Alternia to inform them that our race is in grave danger. She isn't exactly wrong. The Mother Grub that laid us all is ill, her matriorb damaged; we need to take decisive action." Pulling one of Regina's fliers out from under her robe, the troll waved the familiar advertisement around for all to see.

"That's what this is all about- to recruit you into the Alternian army. To join the noble persuit of saving our race from yet another tragedy by serving her. That's what she wants of you. Of us. To join her ranks, and storm the brooding caverns in a wild chase in search of a new grub." There was obvious bitterness in the speaker's voice, but they pressed on. As they spoke, the paper was roughly shoved back into a pocket, carelessly crumpling it in the process. "However, our monarch is being somewhat... selective with the information she is providing her subjects with. There are rumors- credible rumors- of a jadeblood in the desert outside of Chittentown with a Mother Grub lusus. The stories you've probably heard about this aren't just make believe!" Very rarely did a grub give up brooding to raise a troll instead. "Not only that, but it seems like he somehow managed to save his own lusi from the early death that most tame grubs succumb to. We aren't sure how, but our intel reports show a definite improvement in her health. We believe that he can save the current Mother Grub."

The rebel leader's speech broke off momentarily, taking a biref moment to scan over the crowd of fresh faced eager trolls. Continuing, the troll's arms dropped loosely to their side and their voice suddenly went down a couple decibels.

"Signing up for this so-called temporary army is selling your very life over to Marian. I'm sure some of you already realize that. She cannot be trusted with the lives of what could be the last of our kind. For now, our top priority is to solve the Mother Grub dilemma by finding this jadeblood! We ask that you join us in our search, should you be so inclined." The troll spread their arms, gesturing to their fellow rebels and the general vicinity. "Do what you will; your life is yours and yours alone to live. But nothing will change without action. If you truly desire equality and justice for all, it's time to take matters into your own hands."

The troll crossed their arms, shifting their weight restlessly onto their other hip. The truth behind the mysterious letter was now revealed. An offer to join the rebel forces- or at least, a way to prove yourself. A promise of a revolution.

"Any questions?"

"Bless you." Vremea said to the redblood, noting how the only thing the girl was wearing was the jacket and the... shirt? Was she only wearing a shirt and ballet slippers? She pursed her lips with a slight frown. "Aren't you cold?" she asked with a small frown, gesturing toward her

"Odette Cygnet– your name is pretty as well. It's nice to m Vremea tilted her head to the side, then studied the girl a bit closer. "Are you, perhaps, a ballerina? she inquired, and then realized she was probably wearing a leotard if she was a ballerina. "Haven't I seen you somewhere before? You look familiar." She asked aloud to herself, when suddenly, a bang echoed throughout the whole place. The sound frightened her, instantly making her turn her head toward the troll on the balcony with a small gasp.

She was instantly analyzing the troll.

The troll, with the small bit that she could see the face of the other troll, looked like a girl. Her voice sounded femeale as well. She didn't seem old– actually, she seemed rather young, almost as old as they were, but she carried herself with a calmness in her voice that it was almost reassuring.

So these were rebels.

The words she spoke— Vremea had never really thought about the hemospectrum throughly, to be honest. She never liked it. Only a few times had she thought of opposing it, and that was when her friends were slaughtered by higherbloods when they were playing a simple FLARP game— it was a depressing time in Vremea's life. She would mope for a few hours a day, and often sink into her books and ignore the trolls who asked to borrow. She was sure the trolls who had killed her friends hadn't thought of them since— if it was Vremea, the thought of killing another troll would haunt her for the rest of her short life.

Oh so that's what the purpose of the other letter was.

This was pretty dire. The Mother Grub was basically what brought every troll here to life. Without her, none of them would be alive at this very minute.

"Excuse me, yes, a question over here," Vremea called out, trying to make her voice heard and not drown into the noise that was slowly growing. "What exactly is the point of this? Wouldn't we be doing the exact same thing they are, trying to find the Mother Grub? What would we do with the Mother Grub? Would we to resort to any method of violence toward the Queen's group if we were to join you?"