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 Posted: Thu Dec 16, 2021 1:13 pm
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Posted: Fri Jan 14, 2022 6:59 pm
Power Hungry “Meirella aim HIGHER!”
Lucretia watched from the sidelines as she cleaned the weapons her older sister struggle to hit a target at the far end of the field. Her older sister was not the best shot, but there was a competition coming up and their mother was looking to have Meirella married off. She needed her to be at her best for this if she was to find a proper suitor that would live up to the family’s standards. As it stood however, Meirella would not be inheriting their parent’s large estate and business even if their parents would make allusions to it.
“Oh for the sake of the gods,” Her mother threw her hands up and then turned to Lucretia. “Come show your sister how it’s done.”
Lucretia put down the weapon and stood, lifting her skirts as she moved to her sisters’ side and took the long-range weapon from her. She aimed, closing an eye and took a breath before releasing the trigger. She hit bullseye with ease. Meirella made a face and Lucretia handed her back the weapon while giving her a face. It was so easy for her, just like her older brother who was also vying for the family business.
“Now that’s innate talent. Honestly Meirella you’re really going to need to step up your social game if your aiming is going to be this horrid. Keep practicing. Lucretia come we also need to discuss the competition.”
“Of course, mother.” Together they headed back to the estate.
Lucretia never opposed her parents, and it wasn’t because she really wanted to inherit everything. Her parents were hard individuals who only sought out the best and culled the worst. They could get downright nasty, and Lucretia had seen it happen. One of her siblings had taken an interest in music and they’d told her to practice until her fingers were bloody.
“While you aren’t quite of age yet, you might want to scope out your potential future husband as well. There will be Earthlings from all over Tendaji, wealthy ones too, so you’ll need to keep an eye out.” Her mother side eyed her. “I shouldn’t have to tell you that we marry for wealth or power in this family. I expect the same if not better from you.”
“Of course not.” Lucretia certainly had no plans on marrying anyone who wasn’t up to her standards either. “I’m not the one you have to worry about.”
“I know but I am reminding you. You will be participating in that competition, try not to make your sister look too bad. Now off you go.”
“Of course mother.” Lucretia separated from her mother and headed to the study. She knew she was going to be an arcanist like every prominent family member of their household, so she often practiced her brews when she could. Her brother was already in the room when she got there also practicing for tomorrow.
“Look what the cat dragged in.” He barely glanced up at her from his potions.
“I’m happy to see you here. You definitely need the practice for tomorrow.” Lucretia shot back before she sat herself down on a stool and got to work.
“Meirella is the one who needs help.” He scoffed. “I doubt she’ll find any good takers. Her aim is bad and her potions even worst.”
Lucretia chuckled as she worked. He was right, but this was the way their parents got rid of children who weren’t useful to them. They sent them off to continue the family line and hopefully bring in more wealth to the family.
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The family really had pulled up all the stops for this competition. Massive tents had been erected in the field behind their home and many more from those who had come to compete as temporary homes. Food stalls had also been established on one side and many arenas for competition in various events were setup. It was grand, far too embellished, but screamed that her family was trying to show off. Lucretia wasn’t surprised at all, they’d made sure to bring in the best, wealthiest, and most powerful of all of Tendaji here. Surely her sister would find someone.
“Lucretia darling,” Her mother purred as she moved towards her with a few individuals following behind her. “This is my other eldest daughter. The pride of the family really. Luc, say hello.”
“It’s nice to meet you all.” Lucretia extended a hand to all of them to shake. There was a Geian, and then a Wind Earthling, Yaeli, Oban, and Alkidike in the group. “Mother I am up next so I must leave you.”
“Oh, how about we all join and see you perform? Hm?”
Lucretia only offered her a smile before she headed to the shooting range. There were four other competitors, two of which were Alkidike. She’d heard they were extremely disciplined individuals, warriors at heart. Luc was looking forward to the challenge. She lived and thrived on this kind of stuff. She knew this is what she was meant to do for the rest of her life, and she was going to prove it by blowing the whole competition out of the water. Or at least, in her division. She wasn’t competition in everything today, but she’d set herself a full schedule. Just as she enjoyed, and she knew none of her other siblings had taken on such a challenge either.
While setting up a few other competitors showed up, including her brother. She only glanced at him as he arrived. She’d make sure to sink him as well and embarrass him in front of the family.
“Alright everyone, we are starting at the 20-foot distance and it’ll increase 10 feet each time. Anything outside of a bullseye pulls you out. Everyone understand?” Everyone nodded. “Everyone get into position and shoot when ready.”
Taking a deep breath, Luc picked up her weapon and aimed. She breathed, once, twice before pulling the trigger. She hadn’t been the first, but it was close. At this distance it would be easy to see who shot last and know their skill would wane the further the target got.
“30 feet!” Workers came running and grabbed the targets before running them back another 10 feet. They removed any arrows or knives that had bene used before clearing the field.
“When you’re ready!” The announcer shouted. This time, Luc didn’t hesitate and shot, but an Alkidike got in first. She glanced at her who was now grinning right back at her.
The round continued for a long time with competitors beginning to fall away at the 50 feet mark. And by the 80 feet mark, there were only three people left. Lucretia, her brother and one of the Alkidikes. Her brother missed on this round and she grinned at him from ear to ear. The final round, Lucretia took all of her time as the Alk went first and missed her shot. If she missed too then they would have to begin this round again.
She breathed in and out deeply, checking the wind and the sun before adjusting her aim. When the tension was gone, when the crowd was as silent as could be, breaths held, she released the trigger and knew she’d hit her mark. A worker moved out from the crowd towards the target to call the shots, it was too far for anyone to see. When he turned, he cupped his hands and yelled out.
“Bullseye!”
The crowd erupted in a cacophony of yelling and excitement. Lucretia turned towards them; she’d never been so happy. The Alkidike came over and shook her hand to congratulate her. The announcer was speaking but no one was listening. Lucretia packed her things and left as the crowd finally settled back down for the next event. Meirella came over, smile on her face as she grabbed her hand.
“I’m getting married thanks to you!” She said and hooked her arm around Luc’s.
“What do you mean?” She hadn’t done anything so worthy.
“Well, there was this one gentleman who sells bows in Tendaji and he was so impressed with your performance I told him I had been your teacher for a few years. And guess what? Mother is allowing us to get married.”
Lucretia made a face. Meirella had taught her, but when she’d barely been a child and not for very long. Whatever, Luc wasn’t going to burst her happiness. She knew her sister wanted away from the family as much as the family wanted her out. If her mother had approved of the match it meant his family was worth something.
“Alright well, that’s good news. I’m going to go get ready for the next competition after this one. See you later.” She detached herself from her sister and moved on. Because Lucretia didn’t care about the politics of it all. She was here for the shooting and the power trip it gave her. Now it was time to go reap the rewards of her skills and show everyone she was ready to take up the arcanist family mental.
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Posted: Fri Jan 14, 2022 7:13 pm
Ascension Quote: Lucretia is promised the title of heir to the family business. She will now be training to become the head of the family.
Lucretia stopped and turned towards her. The office was never a good place to go, it was where her father and mother plotted out the family and the business. When you were called into that office, you never got good news. Still, her feet moved down the hall of their home towards her mother who waited for her with the door open. Once Luc was inside, her mother closed it behind her and took a seat across from her right next to Bastien. Luc took a seat as well.
“You did very well in the last competition. That Alkidike you beat out is apparently one of the best in her tribe. We’re very pleased with your performance.” Bastien clasped his hands in front of him and leaned on the desk. “Your mother and I have also been looking for a suitor that would fit your status and contribution to this family. Your brother will also soon be betrothed to a very wealthy Geian woman and we’re also considering a few for you.”
Luc tried not to make a face.
“As you know, we have for a while been trying to decide who would take up the family business. Meirella obviously couldn’t do it which left your brother up next as well as yourself. Even if he is older, we feel you have been and are a much greater asset than he has been. Which is why we’ve decided to also marry him and plan on giving you the position as the head of the family when the time is right.”
Shock, deep shock went through Lucretia and her mouth dropped open. She couldn’t believe that they’d finally chosen her! She wanted to leap out from the chair but settled for a smile instead, she clasped her hands together to stop them from shaking.
“With your brother out of the picture, we’ll announce you as the heir and that your mother is stepping down. She will train you for the next few years as you settle into the role before she officially retires of course, but her training will come first before you begin your training with me. Once you are truly settled and ready, I will also step down. This won’t be for a while yet, but” he waved his hand in the air. “We wanted to prepare you now. I know you won’t fail us.”
Luc heard the veiled threat in his words be continued to smile. “Of course not father.” Oh no, she was looking forward to this, to prove herself in this position.
“You’ll start tomorrow. You’ll still be training on your brews and such, but we’ll be adding to your curriculum. Any questions?”
“No, I’m ready.” Her voice dripped with confidence.
“Good, off you go.” He waved her off.
Lucretia exited and almost ran down the halls of their home. She needed to get out and yell at the excitement. Tomorrow she began her journey towards being the head of the house.
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Posted: Wed Mar 06, 2024 9:08 am
Inheritance Lucretia smoothed down the front of her gown, a beautiful sage green satin that shimmered under the candlelight of the grand dining hall. Her parents had called for a family dinner, not a rare occurrence in the sprawling estate of the wealthy family, but to do it on today of all days was out of place. Such things were usually left for the weekend. As she entered the room, her siblings were already seated around the ornate table, each with a haughty air about them. Luc wondered why all the theatrics, but when did her parents ever do something that wasn’t calculating? She’d gotten that from them after all.
In the grand dining hall of the estate, the air was thick with the scent of simmering delicacies and the clinking of fine silverware against porcelain plates. The room was adorned with opulent tapestries depicting scenes of the family's illustrious weapons history, while chandeliers bathed the space in a warm, golden candle glow. At the head of the table sat her parents, regal and imposing figures, presiding over the family dinner with an air of authority. Their faces stern and expectant. Lucretia could feel a sense of unease settling in her stomach as she took her seat, exchanging polite nods with her siblings.
Her siblings, six in total, were seated around the long mahogany table, each adorned in the finest attire befitting their status in society. Lucretia went to find her seat a few down from her parents as the second eldest daughter. She sat rigidly upright, her expression stoic yet tinged with anticipation. Beside her sat her brother’s wife, Lyra and next to her, the eldest child of the family Aldric. He exuded confidence, his posture relaxed as he engaged in casual conversation with her older sister Meirella and her husband Magnus who sat across from them. Attendants in the meantime took care of their young infant child in the bassinet behind them. The first grandchild of the family, Rylan. Her younger siblings, the twins Thaddeus and Darius, Callista, and Gideon spoke amongst themselves.
Their father cleared his throat, signalling the beginning of what would undoubtedly be a significant announcement. The chatter around the table died down as all eyes turned expectantly towards their patriarch."Thank you all for joining us tonight," he began, his voice carrying authority. "As you all know, the time has come for us to discuss the future of our family business."
Lucretia's heart skipped a beat, she’d worked hard for this very moment. The family business was the cornerstone of their wealth and status, and she had always assumed she would be the one to inherit it. After all, she had worked tirelessly to prove herself worthy of such a responsibility. For years, she had dedicated herself not only to the family legacy but also to make sure none of her siblings ever kept an eye on the position or coveted what was hers. She’s schemed and plotted against all of her siblings down to the youngest one, turning all the children against each other as often as she could. She’s purposefully caused chaos and discourse in the family just for this.
"I have made the final decision," her father continued, his gaze sweeping across the table, "that Aldric shall succeed me as the head of our esteemed company."
A ripple of murmurs spread across the table, but Lucretia remained silent, her mind racing with disbelief. Aldric, as the eldest of the siblings, had always been favoured by their parents, but Lucretia had never imagined he would be chosen over her. She had pitted him against Meirella so many times now she’d lost count. It was the reason Meirella had married her husband so quickly, before their older brother. Except she’d been unable to have a child and had remained barren for years now. Luc knew Rylan would prove to be an issue, her parents doted on their first grandchild after all, but she hadn’t except that it would cause this kind of problem.
Aldric beamed with pride, basking in the accolades bestowed upon him by his siblings and parents alike. Lyra beside him was equally beaming like the fool that she was, probably pleased with herself now that she’d given birth to who would surely inherit the family one day as well. Meirella looked just about as irritated as Luc expected and her husband didn’t look much pleased either. The younger siblings, who all had no inclination towards taking over the family business, seemed to be excited. But for her, the news was a bitter pill to swallow. She felt a surge of indignation rising within her, a simmering anger at the injustice of it all.
"What?" Lucretia said loud enough above the murmurs as she turned towards her parents, her voice steady despite the turmoil brewing inside her. All eyes turned to her and everyone quieted down. She couldn’t believe what she’d just heard! "What about your promise? I have dedicated my life to the family business to the family legacy, just as much as Aldric has."
"Lucretia," he began, his tone condescending as he cut her off, "the decision was not made lightly. However, Aldric has something that you do not—a son."
The words hit Lucretia like a blow to the face. She stared at her parents in disbelief, the weight of their words sinking in. In their eyes, her worth as a potential heir was diminished simply because she was unmarried and childless. Meirella sneered at her from across the table and Lucretia directed a glare her way. Of course Meirella was pleased Luc hadn’t been given the title, they’d been rivals.
"Father," she interjected, her voice sharp and tinged with resentment. "Surely you don't believe that Aldric is more capable than I am simply because he has an heir," she exclaimed, her voice rising with anger. "I have worked tirelessly for this family, taken all the extra work on and now you cast me aside because of something as arbitrary as marriage and children?"
Her father's brow furrowed in disapproval at his daughter's outburst, while her mother exchanged a pointed glance with her husband, silently urging him to maintain control over the situation.
"Lucretia," Bastien replied, his tone firm yet tinged with a hint of disappointment. "You know as well as I do that the succession of our family business requires careful consideration. Aldric has proven himself to be a capable and worthy candidate, he did not neglect any of his duties to this family. Your mother has presented you many potential husbands and you have not chosen one of them."
Her parents exchanged a look of disapproval, their expressions unyielding. "It is the way of our society, Lucretia," her mother replied coolly. "Bloodlines must be preserved, and Aldric is the one who can ensure the continuation of our family name. If Meirella had had a child before Aldric, she would be the one we celebrate today."
The words stung, a bitter reminder of the rigid expectations placed upon them by society. Lucretia clenched her fists beneath the table, her frustration boiling over.
"But what about my years of dedication and hard work?" Lucretia persisted, her frustration bubbling to the surface. "Are they to count for nothing simply because I am unmarried and childless? I’ve been busy!"
Her words hung heavy in the air, the tension palpable as the rest of the family exchanged uneasy glances. Lyra shifted uncomfortably in her seat, while Thaddeus and Darius avoided making eye contact with their sister, sensing the looming confrontation.
Her mother cleared her throat delicately, her voice cutting through the silence like a knife. "Dear," she began, her tone placating yet tinged with admonishment. "While we appreciate your contributions to the family, it is important to consider the traditions and expectations that have guided us for generations."
"But what if I never marry, or never have children?" she demanded, her voice trembling with emotion. "Will I always be denied?"
Her parents exchanged a silent glance before her father spoke, his voice firm. "If you were to marry and have a child, Lucretia, then we would certainly reconsider your position within the family business."
“But father...” Aldric began, but Luc wasn’t listening anymore.
The words hung in the air like a heavy fog, suffocating Lucretia with their implications. It wasn't fair that her worth as a potential leader was diminished simply because she lacked a husband and child to carry on the family name. She knew then what she had to do. She rose from the table, her heart heavy with disappointment and bitter anger. Where would she find a husband on such short notice? How would she even have a child on even shorter notice? Her mind whirled fast as she tried to put together a plan.
With a final glance at her parents, she left the dining hall furious, determined to find the fastest route to the family take over as possible. She had an idea though, it was a crazy idea that she didn’t know she could execute. All that was left now was finding someone who would be a willing partner in all of this.Word Count: 1526
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