He was surprised that when she drew closer, he did not jerk away in shock. Instead a part of him welcomed it, found it a comfort that she seemed to trust him already. She glanced at him and he felt again, that warm feeling, and his hand gripped the key tighter within his palm, the metal pressing into his pale skin.
Erebus was glad to see that Tomoko had finally summoned up the courage to take the key, grinning at the Gatekeeper as though this was some triumphant act. It was funny how Thackery could be so light hearted and encouraging when greeted with the face of battle, but Erebus did not think it strange. He might have been relatively new in this realm compared to the others like Remi or Henry, but he certainly had felt an understanding for their King he could not explain.
"We'll be there for each other. You won't be alone." He assured Tomoko. The king had others to attend, things to prepare, especially with the newcomers sudden arrival. And so, he offered a hand towards the maiden.
demon_pachabel
Nothing Yet
Quote:
Erebus, though relatively new in the kingdom as compared to the other denizens, has accepted his death quite easily and taken the circumstances in his stride. He remembers little of his former life but is ready to face his memories, no matter how painful they may be. There was a time when he wondered if he would be better off not knowing, but since then, he has cast aside his doubts and is resolved to see them through. He has an easy demeanor, friendly and devoted towards his allies and will protect anyone who needs protecting. Erebus is also unflinchingly dedicated towards his King despite not being too familiar with him, mostly respecting Thackery from afar. Some may notice that there is a passing resemblance between him and the Gatekeeper but it is often dismissed as a coincidence. After all, that's what it can only be, right...?
Posted: Tue Jan 22, 2013 8:35 pm
Joachim wasn’t sure at the king’s words, the idea of actually excelling at something seemed as if it was rather foreign idea. None the less he returned the bow to the king as he pressed his hand against the pocket. As he returned to his position of the back of the crowd he was rather reluctant to take the key out and actually look at it. It still felt sort of warm from the king’s touch, or maybe it was really just the thought in his mind that it was warm since everything belonged to the cold. He tucked it back into his pocket leaving the ribbon in his hair, it was probably safer there anyways.
He was surprised however to receive a hand on the shoulder and a voice talking to him. Other than the king he had rarely talked to anyone throughout his time in the violet world. No one really cared.
She was right however, there was little for the dead to fear on the battlefield. As he had told the king he had no fear, as far as he could remember in his own memories there was little left waiting elsewhere so what did he have to lose.
He merely gave her a nod and followed her and the other gentleman that she had greeted. As she stopped to talk to a smaller girl Joachim just stood in the background as if his presences meant little unless needed.
Kailey Koreco
DarkHeartedSorrow
hanging gallow
Rown
stella cinere
Ice-Cold Codger
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Bittiface
Sarcastic Hunter
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Posted: Tue Jan 22, 2013 9:13 pm
Upon further observation, keys were being given out like candy at a party. This was their custom, yes?
Popo wanted in on it.
The short spitfire stomped up to the King, tugging hesitantly on his pant leg and looking up with expectant eyes.
Her hand held out and waited.
Nothing Yet
Posted: Tue Jan 22, 2013 9:14 pm
The key was held with a delicate touch as if Tomoko feared it would suddenly burst into flames in her hold. Yet even if she'd been jostled, she wouldn't have lost that key she held, the grip somehow still vice-like. Still, it was easy to tell that she didn't exactly have confidence in her newfound 'position' of sorts by the way she held the still-empty (and unopened) box like it was a security blanket.
"If you're certain...." Tomoko almost seemed to whisper - not that she doubted their King. She never would, it was simply that - like the unopened box - Tomoko couldn't see what was inside of her that warranted the attention of such a unique looking key.
Erebus' reassurances garnered a small smile as Tomoko brushed a lock of hair back behind one ear, seeming to shrink into herself the smallest bit bashfully. "You barely even know me though... are you sure there isn't someone else you'd like to stand with?" she asked, giving Thackery another small look and a bow of her head before turning her full attention to Erebus instead.
The offered hand meant she needed to now find a free hand, carefully switching the key into the hand that cradled the box she held, before taking Erebus' extended hand, despite her questioning about it.
Melodine Cantus
Nothing Yet
Tomoko is a sheep in sheep's clothing. Maybe somewhere in there one may find a wolf yet. Yet there can be no doubt that this kitsune has an eye out for those who might need her, nor will she turn away anybody who really needs her assistance. Still, stepping up to the bat is going to be a bigger challenge than she herself may be prepared for. She's doing a lot of looking out for everybody else, but it would probably be wise to make sure someone is keeping an eye out on her....
demon_pachabel
Beloved Werewolf
Offline
Zoobey Artist
Magical Incubator
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Posted: Tue Jan 22, 2013 9:48 pm
Music was playing out of nowhere. A fanfare, trumpets, blasts of noise that seemed inappropriate and surreal at the same time.
And then silence. And then the scene around them shifted, darker still, until everything was stained a deep void of nothing. There was no them, they had no body, all they had was one thing calling to them. The Voice.
((OOC: Click on the image to view the cutscene! This is a NEW cutscene, the image just looks the same from the first page.))
"I am the Voice." The tone was both musical and clear at the same time, an interval that could not be reached through normal sound. It resonated in every core of their Miasma, and reminded them of their existence simply with its presence alone. Yes, they existed because of The Voice, the one who called them to fight in this world and promised everything.
"You have been chosen, Kings and Warriors." Images began flashing in their minds, too quick for them to truly comprehend. "This is my gift to you, and in return I demand Miasma." And then a glimpse of something else, something almost all kingdoms recognized. The Silver Kingdom, collapsed, in ruin, the tower crumbling, thick silver miasma curling from the base. The Kingdom had truly fallen. "To the north the fallen Tower of Silver, those few survivors who remain will fight for Kings or find themselves with the same fate." The Voice remained blank, apathetic as the image shifted to a thicker, lush setting. "To the center, the Great King's labyrinth. Miasma flowers, the King's prized possessions, lie in the center, cursed with a price."
Lastly, the image shifted to a war-ravaged area, familiar to almost all. The contamination zone. "To the East the desolate lands, corrupted by tainted Miasma, the earth itself treacherous."
With a poignant pause, everything shifted back to colourless still. Music again, odd, raucous, mocking. "The Voice calls forth the warriors, all for the glory of the true king. The Kingdom with the lowest price in Miasma will be the next to fall."
And even in the most abysmal setting, everything almost sighed in a burst of light. No, not light, existence, of their own Miasma. The Voice communicating directly to them, both chastising and commanding, encouraging and tantalizing demanded everything including who they were themselves. It was terrifying and it was absolute. Its message was entirely simple and complete. Several would turn to their King now, and their was no doubt the words in their eyes, in their expressions, in everything. They were scared, they were uncertain, and for some, they were ready. Warriors, Kings, measly peasants and shadows. It was the King's turn to decide who would fight in their Kingdom's glory.
OOC
THE KING'S GLORY:
gaia_crown[ CUTSCENE PART 2:] To view the new cutscene, please click this link, if you haven't viewed it already (see above image). The introduction image is the same, but keep on clicking it to view the whole cutscene for THIS CURRENT EVENT.
gaia_crown[ THE KING'S CHOICE:] Now, as citizens and warriors prepare themselves, Queens and Pawns and Wild Cards, the King must come to a choice. Where will they place their pieces? As the King decides, his voice carries the final authority. They are ready to fight. They have no choice but to fight.
OOC: - When a King QUOTES you, and directs your player to a location, you are now moving to that { EVENT } marked thread. You can only try in an { EVENT } thread until you pretty much die/ your HP goes to 0. When you escape or finish successfully, please mark all gained Miasma Points HERE for your team. - If you DIE in an event, you will LOSE ALL MIASMA POINTS GAINED. They cannot be transferred to another player. - These events DO have difficulty levels. If you feel like you cannot handle a high difficulty level event, make sure you contact your King, either through pms, AIM, or the OOC thread. Quote the King player if using the OOC thread. The King will try their BEST to accommodate, but please do not expect them to 100% assign you to everything you want. If they assign you to a more challenging thread, consider it a compliment that they trust your skills! - It is up to the King HOW they want to split their players. Each player in a Kingdom can only participate in one event pass or fail. They cannot return to an event pass or fail. Think CAREFULLY which ones you want to bring your characters to! - To recap: respond rp-wise to the Voice as you wish. Ultimately however, you cannot move until your King wishes for so. You can ICly express where you want to go or wait for your King's decision. You can OOCly also talk it amongst each other. Once your King is ready, they will post their choices as to where each player will go. That is when you will move to your event threads, to try and get as many MIASMA POINTS as possible. - At the end of OOC 48 hours from THIS POST ALL EVENT THREADS WILL CLOSE, complete or incomplete. I will then tally the Miasma Point thread. The Kingdom with the lowest Miasma points. WILL FALL and all its subjects fall to ruin. Once again, for the King and all the players, the options are:
gaia_crown[ The Silver Kingdom Remains ]Location: here. - Difficulty level: HARD. - Setting: A long series of twisting tunnels lie in wait in a climb to reach the top. For those who do reach the top, a puzzle awaits them, with a prize, a secret from the late Silver King that might uncover the reason as to why they died so suddenly, perhaps even about the Voice themselves....
gaia_crown[ The Old King's Labyrinth ]Location: here. - Difficulty level: NORMAL. - Setting: The old King's labyrinth lie home to Miasma flowers, considered blessed flowers by many. They are cursed by nature, but if one goes through the trials and succeeds in purifying them, the rewards are greater than the endurance itself.
gaia_crown[ The Valley of the Blighted Heart]Location: here. - Difficulty level: EASY. - Setting: The corrupted valley lie home to all sorts of terrible creatures, it is rumoured that this is where they send those to die. All take a terrible risk in entering the area, much less surviving it...
nothing yet
Posted: Tue Jan 22, 2013 9:50 pm
Something was tugging at his clothing. Something so tiny and uneffective that the Gatekeeper thought one of the little creatures had come to join the celebration with hopes of being held for a short while. He was so sure that this scenario was exactly what had happened, in fact, that he reached down to pick the creature up, jolting back upright with a start when he realized that this was definitely not an animal.
"Oh!" he squeaked, clearing his throat to regain his composure. "Hello there! You must be visiting." As opposed to, you know, 'you must be an animal'. "You can stay as long as you want! And I think you'll like to stay a while. Everyone is so perfect here."
Her extended hand had not gone ignored, and Thackery dug into his pockets as he spoke, finally producing the smallest gift of them all. The ribbon tied around each side completely dwarfed the little thing, and it was hard to tell whether or not there was a box beneath it at all.
But there was, and should she open it, she'd find a tiny little key, thin, flimsy, jagged in a way that implied it might be broken. Imperfect in a way that said stay, and you'll be whole, just like the others.
Bittiface
Nothing Yet Crew
Obsessive Stargazer
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Alicia Firestar
Fluffy Shapeshifter
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Posted: Tue Jan 22, 2013 10:23 pm
Millie just looked at the key her King had given her while he made his rounds to the others.
After a bit of thought, she picked up the key and set the gift box down. She wouldn't be needing that anymore and put the key in a small pouch in her waistband. Was this enough? She looked at her arm by pulling up her laced sleeve. Her key marking had not changed, but it was of no matter.
Somewhere, Millie heard music playing. As The Voice issued out its decree, Millie listened intently. Is this where I'm supposed to go? Why I'm so restless?
Surely it had to be. For Millie would not be the one to let her kingdom fall.
"I'm ready." She said quietly to herself and just listened to the hushed conversations murmuring around her.
Posted: Tue Jan 22, 2013 10:41 pm
Alastair went quiet with Harland's threat lowered his gaze. It was a silent defeat, but that didn't mean he was willing to submit. In a vulnerable state like this, it was easy to appear compliant.
The rest of his companions were clearly hesitant, but Alastair gave an indignant huff towards and carried on towards The King, whether or not they chose to follow. Bold, or just dismissive of mannerisms entirely, the man offered a toothy grin and a subtle wave to get his attention. The thoughts he was trying to put into words were disorganized and broken as he continued to fight back tears. "Our tower blew up." He made a dramatic motion with his claws as if to illustrate what happened. "Whatever happened, I don't know. We can't go back, uahm... Please help us? Can I make this kingdom my new home?"
Nothing Yet
DocStunfisk
Omnipresent Streaker
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Face your demons
Magnetic Detective
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Posted: Tue Jan 22, 2013 10:42 pm
Harland was breaking the rule. He was going to approach the one whom he realized was the King of this kingdom, and he was preparing to seek audience with him, of his own accord. Speaking, without being spoken to-- he had been upholding Silver rules, when he didn't even think they had a home to return to. He still had hope in him that there might be some chance of return, but... how could he be sure?
And he had promised the others that everything would be okay. He'd promised them. He was still mulling over this decision when Alas marched right up to the King and started to talk about being admitted. He covered Kitty's face with one hand, pushing him to the side as politely as it was even possible to do so.
"Your majesty," Harland began in his slow drawl, "May I introduce myself: I am Harland Leander Belle, of the Silver Kingdom, and..." Harland took a deep breath. He glanced over his shoulder, and looked very sad for a moment.
He looked at Crispin, and he looked at Kitty, and he looked at the two new acquaintances. "I am prepared to swear fealty to you."
In a split second, he looked over at Kitty, his hand still trying to push his mouth shut, and added: "You don't know what the hell you're asking for, kitten," his face briefly contorted with a mix of grief and anger. Grief at what they'd lost and the thought they could lose more, and anger that he could fail to protect Alas from it.
Harland paused, his head bowed momentarily, and he leaned in towards the King to speak quietly: "What will happen to me, now?"
Nothing Yet
Trundlebug
Quiftan
Posted: Tue Jan 22, 2013 11:33 pm
Still shivering from the ominous message of the Voice, Crispin stood to the side, shocked. He'd been idly looking around the citizens gathered, habitually trying to gather information, while trying to pull himself together.
And now this.
"Harland!" he hissed, unable to believe his ears. Alastair he could understand, though it might wound him to believe it. Alastair he still didn't fully trust. Harland, following him so blindly... ! The very thought made Crispin's hands ball into fists.
There was no mistaking that he was looking directly at the king of Violet Kingdom now. Feeling oddly betrayed by such hasty decisions, Crispin turned away, trying to contain his feelings.
He turned back to Remi, his lips pursed. While physical contact was not his forte, the keymaker had gotten used to the gentle ribbing Remi often provided a long, long time ago. "I know," he said, "but worrying is all I know."
Henry stumbled towards his King as he was nudged in that direction, To drown in regret would be a terrible fate, and so Henry gratefully accepted his key, warmth filling his centre. Time ticked onward, a nearly audible metronome in the background, an echo of a clock long gone silent.
Carefully, Henry added the key to his bracelet of keys, the softest jangle audible as they shifted against each other. He wanted to thank his King, but the Gatekeeper had so many more keys to give. He'd crafted them all, save for one, and had bound them with enchantments made by the King's greatest sorcerers.
The only one he had not crafted was his own, all sharp-edges and too vicious.
It brought back something warm to his heart, calm like death but so very dangerous.
But then the newcomers arrived, and Henry couldn't help but overhear. The blond inched forward, his bare toes quiet against the dirt, trying not to disrupt their discussion with the king. He stared, wide-eyed, at the news of a tower collapsing.
"Change," he murmured sadly, rubbing a thumb over his crude key tattoo and wishing he had more memories. That he was stronger. Perhaps, before he left, he would rest in the waters of the Kingdom. Perhaps he would find a memory or two or three. Perhaps it was finally time.
Lilwolfpard
Posted: Wed Jan 23, 2013 1:05 am
The Voice. It spoke in a way he'd never heard it before, gracing his ears and all the rest of the ears around him, if their expressions were any indication. He'd known The Voice could see the true potential each of the citizens of his kingdom held, and he'd been right, hadn't he?
There was no time to bask in the victory of his people, however, with the Lost to tend to.
"Blew up?!" he gasped, hand covering his heart, feigning injury from just the sound of such terrible news. He had seen the image of the kingdom, just as all of them had; the thought either conveniently slipped his mind in only a few short seconds, or the gestured depiction of the tragedy was much more shocking. Either way, this seemed to be a genuine reaction. Melodramatic, definitely, but not meant to mock their misfortune.
"You poor things. How terrible that must've been, losing everything like that. But I'll try to make it better! With your help and diligence, you can regain what you've lost." Or close enough. Mostly.
"As for what happens now...well. You're one of us!" He beamed at Harland, more than thrilled at the idea, like a child setting eyes on his very first new puppy.
When Thackery finally stepped back to address the group of Silver refugees all at once, there was a hint of possessiveness behind the spark in his eyes, the drive to cater to everything they might possibly need in the aftermath of these events.
"We'd be happy to have you here! I can already tell you're each so talented. You'd be invaluable additions to our kingdom. There's just one technicality, a little thing that needs to be worked out first. No big deal at all, really! If you could just follow them, they'll get it all straightened out." He jabbed a finger in a direction that seemed to indicate that 'them' meant two tall figures dressed in dark clothing, and smiled wistfully at the Lost.
He'd smother them with adoration, were they still breathing momentarily.
Quote:
Wild Cards, if this is your decision, you can go ahead and accompany the two nice men at any time. You have now died. The method is up to you, and you can opt to write a little solo or just mention that it happened. You can rejoin the others whenever you're ready!
Location assignments will be handled asap (aka after another nap so I don't send you guys into certain death)! If you have somewhere in mind and you catch me before that post, please let me know so I can accommodate you. <3
In the meantime, feel free to react to The Voice, the images you just saw, or anything you want to play with.
"I barely know anyone." Erebus confessed. He said this in a light easy tone with no shame or embarrassment evident, for it was the truth. Upon his arrival, he had been a recluse, mulling over his death and the loss of his memories. The simple key upon his arm; its head made out of three circles to resemble the suit of clubs of a card deck, was evidence enough. "And well, we're fighting together. That's all that matters to me." If anyone of the Violet Kingdom needed him to be there for them, he would willingly do so.
And Tomoko certainly looked like she needed someone to be by her side. Right now? He was absolutely certain that he was fine with this.
When she took his hand, he smiled brightly. The moment however, was interrupted by the sudden blaring of music and the Voice announced its presence. Erebus listened, squeezing Tomoko's hand lightly as though he needed something to remind him that this was the reality they were in right now.
The message was clear: Gather Miasma, or else their Kingdom would fall, just like how the Silver Kingdom had. That explained the presence of the strangers. Erebus took in a deep breath and let it out slowly, gaze trained on their King. Wherever Thackery sent them, he would go. For their Kingdom.
...A small part of him hoped that he would be sent along to the same place with Tomoko. But in the end, it was all up to his King to decide.
demon_pachabel
Posted: Wed Jan 23, 2013 4:17 am
Sherry watched, aware that something was coming. She would need to be strong when it arrived. Strong for her, for the others, and for the Gatekeeper. She was aware of this, but she tried not to dwell on it as she looked over the gathering. Dwelling on it would not lead her anywhere useful.
When the Voice spoke, Sherry gasped. She had never heard anything quite like it before. It spoke of gifts, just like the Gatekeeper. It also spoke of demands. So, that was it, then. Pay or fall.
Sherry eyes moved back to the Gatekeeper. She stood, quiet and reserved, but ready. She would go where her king needed her to, where she could be of the most use to her kingdom.
Nothing Yet
Bio: Sherry may be a bit quiet, but she's loyal to a fault. She is eager to help and protect not only her King, but her fellow citizens as well. Having faced some of the memories in her past life, she has learned that there are often lessons in such things. Some form of stubbornness drives her to learn from these lessons. She knows her strengths and she knows they can be made stronger. And she's willing to work for that, if it will help others.
Erintis looked up and around when the voice started speaking. It wanted something from them. She frowned wondering what exactly was going to be needed. Looking around she placed the key in to the box and slide the box in to a pocket of her robes. Rushing off to make sure all was in sorts at her humble home. Not to mention she needed to grab a few tings as well, if they were going to battle they were going to need help.
Nothing Yet
Erintis is quiet but perceptive. She is wary of everyone but once you gain her trust she is loyal and will make sure that what is needed will be done. She has faced many of her memories except for ones she believes might be too painful to relive. Her death is one of those. She is slightly adapt to healing.
