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 Posted: Fri Apr 18, 2025 11:09 am
Characters: Alastair + Atropia
Prompt: The night it happened, Atropia was never the same, and we see exactly how far Alastair will go for his sister.
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Posted: Mon Apr 28, 2025 8:35 pm
  
Alastair had been made to do a lot more training when it came to taking over the throne. He was always told that he's almost 18, so it's time to lock in and learn what was needed but he always put up a fight. This was nothing new and the past week he had relented because of what had been happening with his parents, but it didn't mean that he wanted to do it. Giving in was hard and after a long week of dealing with annoying tutors and listening to how the family business had to do with ruling the throne. He honestly just wanted to pass that part off because having to keep his cool when faced with arrogant nobles and other royals was not his strong suit enough as it was. He was sitting in the library, tapping his foot against the ground to the displeasure of the woman at the board as she lectured him on how he should react to some situation or another. He recalled that this woman was able to shake off his sister's charms even from when they were younger so part of him didn't even want to deal with fighting it. However, this day he was more annoyed than usual. His eyes taking on a slight glow he breathed out in annoyance and the woman talking seemed to be able to notice the green tint forming in the air. She waved her hand in front of him as it dissipated, and he widened his eyes out of surprise. Wait, when was he doing that? Shaking her head as she tapped the top of his head with the stick she was using to point at things with, his eyes narrowed up at her. " You're dismissed. Go work off some of that energy."
She didn't have to tell him twice.
He knew she'd have him back there probably within the day or two, so he pushed back from the chair and ran a hand through his hair as he shoved his other hand into his pocket and walked out of the library without another word. The prince wasn't interested in talking to anyone nor was he interested in dealing with anything political at the moment. So, he grabbed the nearest guard that he trained with before and pulled his coat off, hanging it on a nearby branch. Words weren't needed as this was one of the few people who he was able to go almost all out with, and he slid his foot back as he got into position. After roughly an hour of training Alastair had landed the man flat on his back, his foot pressed against his throat when another guard ran up. His eyes snapped up as he heard the words that were said, and they began to widen as he realized what they meant. Being outside in the courtyard he spun his head around and realized how late it was. " Go find her!" he snapped, although he did take a moment to help the man off the ground before he grabbed his coat and stalked off towards the throne room. Atropia wasn't home yet. He knew she had gone out, although he hadn't announced it to anyone because he would be a hypocrite if he did. Now? Now there was a problem. It was getting dark, and she wasn't back yet.
Throwing open the doors he pushed past the guards and up to his father who glared at him and as usual Alastair wasn't fazed. He had long since gotten used to being looked at like that because he wasn't fond of doing what he was told to do anyway. He didn't go up to the platform, but he stopped at the foot of it. " We have a problem." he said, getting an eyebrow raise out of his father who waved off the counsel he was with. " And what would that be?" was the reply, leaning back against the throne he sat in. His father didn't seem to be taking him seriously, but he was used to that. " Atropia left the grounds earlier and she's not back. I sent people off to find her but-" he cut himself off as his father slammed a hand down on the armrest and stood. Oh, now he looked mad. " And when were you going to tell me!? Why didn't you stop her?" Alastair rolled his eyes before crossing his arms and looking to the side. " Where was she going?" his tone was icy, although Alastair knew their father was worried the man had a funny way of showing it. " I don't know, I didn't ask. Just told her to be back by dark." he growled, before turning and waving one hand in exasperation. " It doesn't matter, I'm going to go look for her."
While part of him didn't want to tell their father, what if something serious happened? He didn't want to think about her being hurt when he should have gone out with her in the first place. If he wasn't choosing to be a good son this week this would never have happened! He was about to turn and walk back out when the door opened to the throne room and both he and his father looked to it. A guard was there, panting as if he had just run. " We found the princess, she's-" the other door pushed open as the guard that Alastair had been sparring with walked in with her. The prince's eyes widened, she had gotten herself fixed up, but it didn't take a genius to realize something had happened. He was frozen, what happened? Who dared? It was their father who spoke first, for once a hint of concern broke through for a split second before he defaulted back to his usual tone. " What happened?"
Alastair let his hands drop to his sides as his hands tightened into fists and he cursed himself in his head. He should never have let her go on her own! Pulling his jacket off he walked up to her and wrapped it around her shoulders. He kept a hand on the back of her shoulder, his eyes not leaving her as he waited to hear what she said.
WHO WITH: His Parents, Guards
x
FEELING: Furious
x
WHERE AT: Corthyr, Castle - Throne Room
x
WEARING: All Black, Minus the mask and gloves.
x
OUT of CHARACTER: ...
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Posted: Tue Apr 29, 2025 10:53 am
 
“Perfect.” Atropia smiled brightly, proud of what she had just created. The smaller, 12x10 canvas that was being held straight out in front of her showed a charcoal sketch of a woman smiling elegantly back to the viewer. The princess had been working on this piece for a few nights after her studies, and finally, it was completed and ready to be presented to the woman who inspired it. Pia leaned the canvas against the wall while she changed into a more casual look for the rest of the day-- since she was planning on staying on the palace grounds. Albeit casual to her was not casual for most. She still went out of her way to dress nicely, especially because she was meeting with her mother, the Queen.
The large wooden doors creaked open as the guards let Atropia into her mother’s living quarters. Lately, she had been of low energy, so Pia thought she might be able to cheer her up with a personal art piece. To her surprise, though, when she entered, she noticed two other people standing by her mother, who was sitting up in her bed. As soon as she wandered in, Phthisis turned her head with a graceful smile, waving away the others, “My sweet daughter, please… come in.” Atropia nodded slowly and gripped the canvas tightly, eyeing the two men as they left the room. The one who stood out to her was in a long white coat, holding a large briefcase. He wore small spectacles on his face that made his eyes look larger than they should be. To her, he looked like a doctor. But why would a doctor be in her mothers room?
Atropia sat on the edge of her mothers bed, continuing the hold her gaze on the door as the stranger disappeared into the hall. “Who were they?” She should have greeted her mother first, but the question slipped out before she could think. Phthisis’ gentle laughter filled the room, then Pia felt her hand against her face, eventually brushing her hair to the side just behind her ear. “Nothing for you to be concerned about, my dear.” Atropia shifted until she was looking back at her mother, who looked… tired. “What is that in your hand? Is that for me?” For a moment, the princess sat unmoving, just staring blankly at the other woman. She wanted to push her for more information. But instead, she lowered the canvas to show her mother the portrait, swallowing dryly like her mouth was filling with cotton. “It’s you.” Her eyes landed on the piece. “Do you like it?” Atropia was always seeking approval; this was nothing new. So when Phthisis responded with a gasp, her eyes shot open. Was that a happy gasp?
Thankfully. It was.
Her mother took the portrait into her hands and held it up to the warm light coming from the setting sun, “It is beautiful, Atropia. Just beautiful.” Phthisis had always been kind, but was still strict, and she rarely gave her approval. In fact, it was so rare that this reaction had Pia even more worried about why there may have been a doctor in a few moments ago. Atropia let out a long sigh, at least it was doing exactly what she had hoped it would do, which was cheering her mother up. At least, until Atropia watched her mothers smile fade, until it was no longer a happy smile. In its place was a tight lip and a worried brow. Then she felt her mothers hand on her arm, and with that, Atropia found out that she wouldn’t have to ask what the two men were doing. Phthisis would tell her.
She felt like the undead as she mindlessly walked through the halls until she made it outside later that evening, a few hours after her conversation with her mother. Out of it to the point she barely remembered telling Alastair she was going out. Atropia found herself sitting outside the palace on large stone steps that led to the front entrance of the building. Her gaze was distant as she stared out toward the walls that led to town. A guard stood nearby, keeping a close eye on her. It must have seemed as if she was planning on sneaking off.
Then, just like that, an idea made its way into her head. Maybe she should. Her green eyes fell onto the guard as she stood to make her way over to him, “Sir, I seem to have lost track of my maid. Do you mind finding her for me?” Her voice purred as she spoke to him; it was easy for her, manipulation, it always had been. He needed to be gone, and just as she expected, without any hesitation, the guard did as he was told and left to find the “missing maid.” As soon as he faded into the palace, Atropia went off, casually waving to the confused groundskeeper on her way.
The stableboys conversed loudly, which is how Pia learned of the tavern in town. It was old yet popular. By the end of the workday, the townsfolk would spend the whole night dancing and drinking. It was exactly what she needed. Right now, all she could think about was how cruel the world was for making her mother ill. Her prognosis was not great. Although it was not yet a death sentence, it was not out of the realm of possibility. It did not take long for the princess to find a seat at the bar, thanks to the many consumers who moved to give up their stools. There were eyes on her; she figured news of this would get back to her father eventually, but she really did not care.
By the end of the night, rosy-cheeked Pia finally noticed the pub had cleared out. Only herself, the bartender, and two men remained. The same two men who had been dancing with her and buying her liquor throughout the night. They had been kind to her, so when they offered to take her back to the palace, she smiled and accepted.
When she tasted stale cigarettes and ale, through blurred vision and sudden strength, Atropia pushed the man away from her. Where was she? What time was it? Her eyes snapped to the side as she heard someone else run off. Next came a burning smell that filled the space, one she knew she would never forget. Pia leaned over, disoriented and confused, and grabbed what she believed were her clothes and ran, as quickly as she could, back to the palace.
Before she knew it, she was grabbed by someone huge, so she struggled, pushing and kicking, and was about to scream until she realized he was wearing armor. She recognized him as the guard who would spar with her brother. He helped her get somewhat dressed into the clothes that were in her arms. Unfortunately, it was not all of them since the rest had been missing. He then looked at her intensely, “We have been looking all over for you.” By the time they made it to the throne room, Atropia had somewhat sobered up. However, now she felt all kinds of nauseous.
“ What happened?”
Her gaze lifted after a second, only when she felt Alastair wrap his jacket around her, “It was nothing.” She swallowed, “I went out, just to clear my head and fell.” Pia rolled her lips, avoiding her brothers gaze, knowing she could not lie to him, “I must have fallen or something… passed out.“ She shakily pressed her hand against her forehead and looked down; her head was throbbing. But it wasn’t from falling, it was the alcohol wearing off. She could feel her father staring down at her. “I’d just really like to go to bed now.” Now her voice was shaking, the reality of the situation sinking in. Had she killed that man? Her gaze shifted to her torn clothing, and she held her breath. Suddenly, the nausea that had once steadily sat in her stomach decided to come out. Pia shoved away from the guard quickly and found the nearest vase to throw up in. She stared into the dark abyss of the vase, doing her best to steady herself, then leaned on the wall, her eyes finally fixating on her brother. It was then she remembered the second man, who was still out there.
“Take your sister to her room, Alastair. We will talk in the morning.”
OOC: N/A Location: Company: Mother | Father | Guards | Alastair Outfit: Wearing
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Posted: Sun May 04, 2025 6:08 pm
Alastair could smell the alcohol rolling off her in waves. What had she been doing? He noted that she wouldn't even look up at him, although she didn't object to his touch when he draped his jacket over her shoulders. He narrowed his eyes; her movements were familiar with when he saw drunkards out in town. ' Oh Pia, what happened...?' he thought to himself, his grip on her shoulder tightening slightly. It was possible that she fell, he hadn't been there. But something was nagging at him that something else had happened. Something she didn't want their father to know. When she suddenly pushed off and threw it up it only solidified his concerns. His eyes flashed back up to their father as he issued his order and flexing his hands for a moment he decided to play obedient son, if not for the sake of his sister. " Of course, father." he couldn't help but throw a little dig in there, before he turned his back to their father and placed his hand on her upper back gently. Only when he was with his sister did the palace staff generally see him be gentle although in the moment the others in the room were tense. " Pia, come on. We'll get you laying down." he said softly before he wrapped his arm around her shoulders and pulled her against him. " Lean on me." he again spoke quietly, ignoring the pointed looks his father was giving him. His father wasn't the main concern right now, Atropia was.
The usually quick walk to her room took longer than he had imagined it would. He sent the guard on ahead to make sure the door was open for when they got there and directed him to stand outside the door afterwards. He kept an arm around his sister, making eye contact with her usual maid as she came out of a side door. The concern that flashed across her features overshadowed the usual fear that most of the staff had for him. " We need to get her a little cleaned up, can you do that?" he knew better than to come off abrasive when his sister was in this state although his eyes silently threatened the maid. Tell anyone and you're dead. After the woman scurried off to get what was needed, he got Atropia to sit on the side of her bed, pushing her hair back out of her face as he crouched in front of her. Worry seeped into his gaze as he gently made her look at him. " I'll let you get cleaned up, then we need to talk about what happened." he wouldn't make her spill everything, but her torn clothes and how she was when she arrived made his blood boil. He gave her a strained smile, despite being as angry as he was, he was glad she made it back to the castle in one piece. He stood, stepping back as the maid who usually took care of her came in and he stepped out of the room, closing the door behind him. He stood there, arms crossed and tapping his fingers on his arm, shooting the guard a look. " Was she alone?" he asked lowly, so that Atropia didn't hear him. The other man hesitated before looking down at him. " Yes but she was not in good shape."
That alone was enough to send him into a rage, and he gripped his arm tighter to keep himself maintained. He had to find out what happened first, and then what needed to be done. His eyes glowed slightly due to his high running emotions, and he closed them, focusing on calming down. He would not scare her even more after whatever she had been through.
He didn't know how long it had been, but he heard a voice, and the door creaked open. Turning he met the woman's eyes before she stepped aside for him to go back in. He walked up next to her bed, sitting on the very edge. " Pia, what happened? I knew I should have gone with you. If I did maybe this wouldn't have happened." tightening his hand against his pants, he pressed his other hand gently over one of hers. He wouldn't push her but he needed to know what happened to her.
WHO WITH: His Parents, Guards -- Atropia
x
FEELING: Furious
x
WHERE AT: Corthyr, Castle - Throne Room -- Atropia's room
x
WEARING: All Black, Minus the mask, jacket and gloves.
x
OUT of CHARACTER: ...
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Posted: Tue May 13, 2025 9:34 am
Her father's voice cut through the roar of blood in her ears, but she didn’t respond. She didn’t move. Frozen, lost in thought, her stomach churned with nausea. Then suddenly, a hand touched her back. She flinched instinctively, nearly knocking over the vase. Fear surged through her like a current. She reached out to shove the intruder away—only realizing it was her brother when her hand met his chest.
“Pia, come on. Let’s get you lying down.”
She turned her gaze to him, guilt instantly washing over her. She'd almost hit him. Her voice barely rose above a whisper. “Sorry.” Alastair didn’t seem to mind. He gently urged her to lean on him, and she did—too weak to resist. She couldn’t bring herself to look at their father, afraid of what she’d see. Disgust? Disappointment? Anger?
Probably all three.
Her green eyes followed the guard Alastair had called over—the same one who had found her. As she took in her appearance, shame wrapped around her like a second skin. Her clothes were torn, dirty, incomplete. The most important garments were missing. Her hand came up to her chest, now bare beneath the thin remains of her dress. She swallowed hard. Did the other man have her clothes? Was he bragging about it? …Or was he terrified?
She barely noticed her maid waiting by the door, though she caught a quick look exchanged between her and Alastair. Judgment, no doubt. That wouldn’t surprise her. Her bed felt wrong. Everything did. She stared blankly at the floor until Alastair gently pushed some of her hair back and lifted her chin. His eyes met hers, intense. It reminded her of the look he’d had years ago, when those men had tried to kidnap them—only this time, it was different. She couldn’t explain how. She gave a small, hesitant nod.
The maid—Charlotte, the one she trusted most—hurried to her side and took her hand. Later, Pia sat curled in a warm bath, knees pulled tightly to her chest. The water should’ve been soothing, but she felt nothing. Charlotte rose from her stool beside the tub, drawing Pia’s attention. “Where are you going?” The question came out desperate.
“I need to report to your brother. I’ll return soon.”
A younger maid stepped in as she left. Pia didn’t protest. Before she realized it, she was clean, dressed, and back in bed. Everything had become a blur. She remained in the same curled position she’d held in the tub. It was the only thing that felt safe. The alcohol had mostly worn off, though she’d feel the aftermath in the morning. Her head dropped between her knees, fists clenched in the bedsheets.
She was such an idiot.
When the door creaked open, her head snapped up, heart racing. Relief washed over her when she saw it was only Alastair. Still, she couldn’t meet his eyes. Shame weighed too heavily on her chest. “Alastair, this isn’t your fault.” She forced herself to look at him, her voice shaky but serious. “I messed up.” She hadn’t cried—not yet—but her words trembled. Her lips pressed into a thin line as she turned away again, stomach twisting. His hand found hers—warm, familiar, grounding. She didn’t know how to tell him. She could barely admit it to herself. Two voices warred in her mind: one begging her to stay silent, the other urging her to speak.
Finally, she chose.
“I went out,” she began. That much was obvious. “I met these two guys. They were buying drinks, and I guess… I just had too much.” Her voice shrank with every word. “I know. I know I’m stupid. I should’ve known better. But… mom is sick, I…” She gripped his hand tighter, unable to finish a sentence. A thin layer of tears began to form in her eyes. She let go of him and wiped them away before they could fall. “They offered to walk me home. It was dark—I don’t remember.” Her chest tightened. The air around her felt thin. She struggled to breathe.
Pia stared at the bedsheets. “I killed him.” Her hand flew to her mouth as the memory slithered back. The taste. The smell. It made her stomach lurch. “He… he was on me and—” The rest caught in her throat. “His mouth… his skin… it just melted. Dripped off his bones.” She turned ghostly pale as the image of his slow, liquefying death filled her mind. She didn’t yet understand her powers. This was the first time they had revealed themselves.
Eyes wide, she looked up at her brother. “The other one left. I don’t know where he went. I just… I just ran away.”
OOC: N/A Location: Throne room | Pia's room Company: Father - > Alastair | Maids | Guard Outfit: Torn clothing - > PJs
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