The great stallion had made a decision. Was it an easy one? No. Would it be one that would be painful to admit to, or to tell anyone else? Yes. Was it one that he regretted? Not really. As of late, the call for retirement was loud, incessant, unyielding. Aches and pains, despite the lack of aging on the stallion's part, sliced into him every day like knives, like arrows. It wasn't until now that he realized that Bucky had been right. Perhaps seeking out danger, seeking out fights, yearning for that leadership position was getting to be too much for them these days. Bucky had long since given up fighting, finding that all his fighting had been done ages ago. Retirement looked good on the dark stallion, and every night, Liam just stared at his boyfriend with amazement, love, and adoration. How he'd managed to snag someone as incredible as the taller stallion was incredible, and he was so thankful that Bucky was in his life the way that he was.
It was why, as Liam and Bucky stood in the Citadel, the copper-burnished stallion felt like he was making the right decision. He and Bucky had spent hours the night before, cuddled together as close as they possibly could get, talking and edging closer and closer to heavier topics as the night wore on. Finally, they got to the topic of Sovereign, of how the position was weighing on the copper-coated stallion and how it was tearing down the strong mental walls that he'd built throughout his life. It was in the wee hours of the morning that the pair came to the conclusion that the title of Sovereign would reside solely on Uzuri's shoulders.
Guilt still bubbled in Liam's stomach as he looked at his Co-Sovereign, worry and heartache in his eyes as he looked at her. "Uzi, I—" Liam's voice broke as he tried to speak, his ears flicking back against his skull. What could he even say? Clearing his throat, he tried again, inhaling shakily. "I'm so sorry to do this to you. I know you said it was okay, but I still feel bad, and this isn't something that was an easy decision. Bucky and I were up all night trying to come up with a solution that didn't involve me stepping down and leaving Novus as a whole, but—" He cuts himself off, looking away from Uzuri so that she wouldn't be able to see the pain in his expression, and so that she couldn't see all the hurt he was carrying inside of him. "All I ask from you, dear Uzi, is that you keep Aeon around; he's a good kid and he'll do wonders for Dusk Court as a soldier if you allow him. Asta— she'll drive you crazy with her antics, but she's a sweetheart. Don't let her parents kill that beautiful soul inside of her. Elain—"
Once more, he cuts himself off at the mention of Elain. One of the most recent citizens he'd taken in as his children, the albino mare was one of the sweetest equines he'd ever met. She was sensitive, and he worried what his disappearance would do to her, what it would do to her children. Not that they'd been introduced to him. He'd never even met the father of the foals. None of that mattered now. Inhaling shakily again, he watched as citizens started setting foot into the Citadel, a sight that he would most likely never see again. "My citizens, thank you for joining us today. I know the weather is a little warm, but trust me when I say that this meeting is incredibly important."
Liam could hear the whispers, wondering if he was finally taking a significant other, or debating between each other what the announcement would be. The great captain knew that none of them were expecting what he was about to tell them. "It is with great sadness that I am here to tell you that I am stepping down as Sovereign, and our great court looks to Uzuri to lead us to greatness once again. It's been my pleasure to lead you for the short time that I have; I would do it again in a heartbeat. That said, I am retiring from leading, and I am going to go live a life with this guy," he announces, nudging Bucky's neck tenderly with his muzzle. "Whether me retiring from serving leads me away from Novus or has me stay here has yet to be seen, but I will miss helping each and every one of you. It's been my absolute pleasure to be your Sovereign."
"Liam Speaks."
Notes;; Some things have happened in my life, and as a result, I need to step back a bit from Novus entirely. If Staff has any questions about any of what has happened, they're more than welcome to reach out to me.
Tag;;
Voice claim;; Chris Evans
Word count;; 778
He had retreated for a short while—taken a couple of months to withdraw from the bustle and attention of civilian life. He had detached himself from the population of Denocte, leaving the city walls behind in favor of the wilds, readily allowing himself to be swallowed by the solitude of the thick trees and various fauna. The boy had needed it, needed time to heal…again.
Requiem is…
lost.
(Simply lost, he tells himself, because his fragile mind and bleeding heart cannot handle considering the alternative). First Vasanta, then their home, then Adira, and now Requiem. If the gods had died in cinders and ruins, then Who or What is it that continues to assault him this way? His life is but a lowly tapestry, and Someone has taken their hallowed needle to deliberately rip each thread from the next, until he is left frayed and wounded and broken. Irreparable, perhaps? There are days he thinks so, when the grief is too heavy and the heartache is too raw, that he fears he is too, too far gone.
Fortunately, this is a day he doesn’t feel like he is foundering quite as deep as he has been. There is some relief from the weight that hangs over his shoulders, and his lungs feel mildly less tight in his chest. Taking advantage of this respite, however brief it might be, the boy finds himself soaring just over the surface of Denocte’s glassy lake. Occasionally one of his hooves droops to skim the polished surface, but he hardly notices—his attention is drawn to the wooden structure resting on the lakeshore.
Angling his broad wings, he veers around to what he assumes to be the entrance, his large frame landing heavily among the dewy grasses before he wanders up the steps. “Hello?” The boy murmurs, his voice quiet and not entirely meant to be heard. Aromas of various herbs and spices suddenly wash over him, and he smiles softly, his thoughts wandering to spontaneous flowers and delicate fluttering wings.
Posted by: Liseli - 04-21-2022, 12:27 AM - Forum: The Library
- No Replies
Liseli
Perhaps… Liseli thought, Perhaps this is the place I have heard so much about. Liseli had never directly been to the Dawn Courts official zones other than the forest. That was, as far as he’d known since his first morning, his true home. It wasn’t that he disliked the more orderly places of buildings and markets and such, in fact he would admit that they often appealed to his secret fancy of creature comforts. Regardless of how he felt about about the structures of it all, he was looking for someone. A doe he’d heard so much about through his ventures through the lands of Novus. Cally… something.
He’d never gotten her full name and in all honestly Liseli saw little use for the court systems in this land. To him all things come and go, but he supposed if it brought peace to the land in some way then maybe it was worth it for then. It would be useful for his observations. Regardless, he knew within himself that he was now within these lands and it would be disrespectful to now partake in some facets of this new life. Though he preferred the fly on the wall as his spirit animal, Liseli had also heard of the medics in this particular kingdom as well. This is truly what had brought him in to this circle.
Liseli was full of thoughts about the here and there as he approached the large building in front of him. It was the largest he’d ever seen, could’ve been a palace as far as he was concerned. No one to beat around the bush and under the assumption that this was the rulers home he approached the doors. Using one iridescent purple hoof he knocked gently upon the dark-stained wood. It was surprising then, when the large door creaked open on its hinged with a low rumble. From his position Liseli could see slightly inside but there was little detail as the fog and light rain falling around his obscured his view.
He knew it would’ve been politer to remain outside but the rush of warm air from inside appealed to him. That, and his curiosity consumed him most of the time. Pushing his pink muzzle against the door he lightly stepped inside before closing the door with a metallic clop behind him. Now he could see the vast array of books all around him. The scent of the room was comforting as the pages released their intoxicating aroma. He took a few steps more in to the building, the cases seemed to extend forever, silhouetted in the distance from the orange colored candled room.
After a quick look around Liseli figured he was alone in the silent room, the only noise coming from the soft patter of the rain on the room outside. If this was indeed the place, he thought, then perhaps this ruler wasn’t going to be so bad. Educated at the least. This apprehensive nature was unlike Liseli, he’d seen before the ways that power could corrupt and meeting this figure could trap him in a way he couldn’t be bothered with. Still quietly Liseli took to browsing the titles around him, might as well take advantage of some of the comfort her while he could. As he browsed in strong contemplation the warmth on his skin relaxed his nerves a bit. No reason to jump to conclusions…
The tasks that came with taking the mantel of leadership were never ending. There was a part of the multi-hued mare that wanted nothing more than to retreat to her forge and lose herself in the craft, yet she knew that it was not an option at this point. She had no idea about so many things in regards to her court and she hated it. She wanted to know how the standings were between her court and the others, wanted to get to know her subjects and become friendly with them.
It was this drive that had her leaving her home in the citadel early and flying toward the court of the sun. Day court was one that she was curious of, as she hadnt been there yet. The warrior within her heart wanted to know how they trained their fighters, to take notes that she could take back to Dusk to help her own court grow stronger.
Setting down just outside of the court, Uzi stretched and then closed her wings and let her hooves bring her closer to the heart. She was unsure of who was leading this court at the moment, who she would be meeting in just a short time. Yet she would not let any unease show on her features as she moved closer.
”I seek the sovereign of Day court. I am one of the sovereigns for Dusk." She said warmly to one of the faces that she came across, hoping for help to find the leader and speak to them.
"Uzuri"
@Leviathan Notes: Just a quick thread for Uzi to introduce herself <3
Credit: Character by Chaosy, Art by LizzArtStudios
So much had happened in the last few weeks. So many new responsibilities and things that she wanted to do with the new changes. Uzuri was anxious to meet the others, to figure things out and understand where her court stood with the rest. She was fairly certain that she and Cally would be able to work together and make a strong alliance between their courts, but that came down to the fact that they were officially related thanks to the bonehead between them. The thought made her snort with amusement as she left the citadel and took to the skies.
Neema was staying behind, sleeping in the bed that she had commandeered in Uzi’s bedroom. On one hand, she missed the reassuring presence of her bonded. On the other, it made traveling easier because she could take to the skies and make it faster. As she left her home, she watched the landscape change to that of the night court.
Landing in the heart of the court, she dipped her head to one of the guards and smiled. "I seek an audience with the sovereigns of Night Court." She murmured softly, though her resolve was strong as she followed the stallion to where she could wait for the ladies that ruled Night.
"Uzuri"
@Israfel @Luvena Notes: Just figured i would throw out a thread so that Uzi could meet and start to figure out the standings with the courts <3
Credit: Character by Chaosy, Art by LizzArtStudios
Dawn court… Last time the multi-hued mare had been in the court, she had been attending the union reception for her beloved brother. He and Callynite were as perfect for each other as any she had witnessed. The idea of her roguish brother actually settling down was hilarious, but yet fit so perfectly to the stallion. Or stag as things had changed for him. It was still so odd to say she was sibling to the Queen of Dawn’s mate… Particularly with the changes.
Heck, last time she had been here, she had been a mere blacksmith. Now she was a queen and making decisions for an entire court. A small sigh escaped her lips and caught her bonded’s attention. The maned wolf was subdued, but happy, as she strode beside the mare.
"Is all well, my lady?" Neema asked softly, touching her muzzle to the mare’s shoulder. Uzi laughed and shook her head. "I am fine… just thinking as we walk. The changes that have happened since I was last here is rather shocking to really think about." She answered as they neared the seat of Cally’s power.
Seeing the guards, she dipped her head respectfully and stopped. "I am here to speak with Callynite." She said simply, her head raising as she reminded herself that she was a queen as well.
"Uzuri"
"Neema"
@Callynite Notes: Just a quick thread so that they can chat as actual equals <3
Credit: Character by Chaosy, Art by LizzArtStudios
NOMINATIONS WILL BE OPEN UNTIL 11:59P EST ON 06/07/22!
Spotlight Nominations for Year 508 Summer are now open! We're looking at YOU guys to give us the nominations on who you think would be the best for the following categories:
MEMBER of the Season
@Dyzzie, who won Player OTS for Year 508 Spring, isn't available for nomination!
She shouldn't have pushed like she did this life time. She should have followed her rules. Should have gone with the flow. Behaved. Been the ideal daughter that she was expected to be. Just went with it. Make it through the life, and start over again when she died and restarted.
Isn't that what the mind-reader-fortune-teller mare had said? She'd called it right, hadn't she? That's all Asta had, was a life on repeat while the rest of the world moved on by, forgetting her as the world spins, and those she loved, comes to pass; gone to the next place . . . and she starts over.
Prizes
Spotlight WINNERS will receive 250 signos, +5EXP and be highlighted in our Spotlight section! Member otS Winner can choose any (1) of their characters to apply their +5 EXP prize to, or save it for a future character.
First person who nominated a Spotlight winner will also receive an extra 250 signos and +2EXP to any (1) of their characters.
Anyone who submits a nomination will receive 50 signos and +1EXP to any (1) of their characters, up to a max of 250 signos/5EXP.
Rules
Post the below form in a reply to this thread, or message staff directly if you'd like to stay anonymous.
You may nominate for 1, 2, 3, or all categories - and may make multiple nominations per category!
You can nominate those already listed under current nominations, but be aware that multiple votes won't increase their chances of winning! Please try and suggest someone different, if you're able to.
We know it's tempting but unfortunately, you cannot nominate yourself or threads that you've participated in!
Inactive/pending characters or members are not eligible to win Spotlights, including if they were active when nominated by deactivated before the winners were determined.
Players/Characters who won the previous season's Spotlights cannot be nominated this time around. This doesn't apply to those who were nominated last time but not chosen. They may be nominated again!
<b>Which OTS</b>: CHARACTER, PAIR, THREAD, OR MEMBER OF THE SEASON
<b>Show us</b>: TAG THE CHARACTER(s) OR MEMBER VIA @NAME, or <a href="LINK">TO THE THREAD</a>
<b>Reason:</b> TELL US WHY YOU CHOSE WHO/WHAT YOU CHOSE!
<b>Send signos/exp to:</b> @CHARACTER. MUST BE THE SAME FOR BOTH SIGNOS & EXP. WHICH OF YOUR CHARACTERS WOULD YOU LIKE TO RECEIVE EXP/SIGNOS REWARDS? YOU CAN ALSO CHOOSE TO SAVE FOR LATER
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Solterra is sorely lacking in every position except Soldiers . Of the 17 members that reside here in this great sea of sand and sun , 7 of them are soldiers . So the following in this post is a call for any and all to join the ranks of Solterra , as they desperately need people . A Court is not a Court without its varying citizens , and Leviathan has become well aware of how dire the situation is . Solterra is the smallest Court by head count .
— § —
Solterra needs
MEDICS . With the many , many , soldiers within the Court , there is no one to heal them should they be gravely injured in any sort of accident . Be it sparring or a run in with a Teryr . There will be a 200 signos incentive to the first three medics to join the ranks of Solterra and ensure that their people are under good care .
Merchants . A Court needs a thriving system , and Cordelia cannot be the only merchant in the sands . 100 signos to the first three merchants to join .
Scholars . There is a sore lacking of scholars and those that are well versed in educations . 100 signos to the first three Scholars .
Any other rank . As stated , Solterra is lacking in many things , namely a thriving populace . There will be 50 signos each to the first 5 members to join that aren't one of the above .
DAWN COURT JOINING INCENTIVES
As Based On Current Ranks
♢ These incentives are private from site wide incentives for joining characters ; and as such, are part of the sovereign stipends! For this reason, to help conserve our stipend amount, we will only be rewarding the FIRST HANDFUL CHARACTERS to join under one of our incentives, see section for the particular number. Our Incentive is dependant on position - see below.
♢ Soldiers, OF ANY RANK -- Dawn Court has officially declared @Sebastian of Night Court as an enemy to the Court; and with his daughter; and one of his obsessions living in Dawn Court; Cally has a desperate need to build up the Military to help defend the nation should he come for a visit. -- 200 signos for the first 5 soldiers to join.
♢ Merchants, OF ANY RANK -- Dawn Court has no merchants, and Cally is aware that a thriving court needs producers to make the goods for the consumers; and as such is advocating that all of Dawn Court be looking out for merchants willing to come to Dawn Court to further their crafting knowledge in our libraries, and sell their wares in our streets. -- 300 signos for the first 7 merchants to join.
♢ Entertainers, OF ANY RANK -- Dawn Court has limited number of entertainers, and as Cally has been working hard to make Dawn the current event capital of Novus, she feels more entertainers to show off their abilities and make the events more fun would be delightful. However; it's not as pressing of a need as the other positions. -- 100 signos for the first 5 entertainers to join..
♢ While Dawn will certainly not turn away any members; it should be noted that we have an abnormally large amount of medics; and our scholar count is fairly high. These incentives are meant to help even our numbers out and encourage those who are looking to join as medics or scholars to turn their interest to some of the other courts on site that could use their abilities and talents a little more! This is by no means a restriction on these types of characters; we just want to help even out the dispersement as much as possible!
♢ If you have any questions, please message @Dyzzie directly! I'm always willing to help discuss character development in plans to bringing any of those delightful kids into Dawn! Thank you!
The first set of eyes are stygian; they blinked, soft and starry while a pale whiskered nose seeks out the perfume of information tangled in the wind. The rat lifts himself, sitting erect, while pink ears twitch and shiver in the cold. Once Beech has determined the coast is clear, he turns to his chosen brothers and gestures with his paw.
“Quickly – she’s close.”
“But what if this is a trap, Beech?” Breadnut asks – he is similar in size, but his eyes are a bright red that is akin to fresh spilt blood. His wooly curls are dancing in the night breeze, while wry whiskers curl around his face in whimsical shapes. “I’d rather go back home.”
Beech lowers himself. “We must follow the magic, Breadnut. It’s calling to us. It’s calling to you.”
“We should get this over with,” a yawn deafens their conversation as a third rat appears. Barley is scratching his ear vigorously, his fat peachy tail curled around him as he squeaks in satisfaction at a well scratched itch. “I’m hungry.”
“Curse you, Barley. I don’t wish to go.” Breadnut insists he is to stay in their temporary hide, shaking his head at the seal-point rat – for a moment, their eyes meet; Barley’s eyes are similar, but instead of bright, they are a rich burgundy.
“Enough. We were made for this.”
The boys sit together in silence for a moment. Their little noses quiver as they exchange glances.
Barley finally sighs, “Breadnut, Beech is right. You can do this. We can do this.”
The curly one nods, and while he’d still prefer to stay home, he would join his brethren. “You’re right, she is our home now.”
And with that, all three rats would climb down from their burrow and advance into the night. It wouldn’t take them long, brushing through the thicket hastily, though all three harbored their own apprehensions, they couldn’t deny the pull towards their new home, their new leader.
And alas, with their feet tender from the journey and their bodies quaking as they try to grasp at oxygen, they see her.
She was swathed in shades of night violet and orchid fuchsia, with a long lion’s tail and four attentive ears. A mother of the cosmos, maybe, Breadnut thought to himself, for her eyes were bright like his, reminding him of distant red planets. Even though they had yet to make the connection, the first bond, they could all feel a soft pain in her heart.
Perhaps she longs for family, thought Beech as he grimaced, two folded hands over his chest as if he could relate.
Through an act of leadership, Beech would have approached her first. He couldn’t speak to her yet, but he knew as soon as she would open her heart and reach down to touch him – well he didn’t know, but he had a gut feeling that they’d be able to understand each other better.
Following his courageous act, Barley would follow in suit, and eventually Breadnut was convinced to meet her: Rivane.
Their journey together was to begin marvelously. And not a single rat, not even Breadnut, would ever regret finally finding their home.
Barley, Beech, and Breadnut feel a distinct pull towards the Markets.. towards something, someone. They descend from their home and hide to advance into the night - and upon venturing into the market, they see her. Their bonded, @Rivane.
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