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Welcome to the world of Fortuna, a land of fantastic proportions. This is an original fantasy roleplay that takes place in a world developed over nearly a decade of work and collaboration. We aim to encourage all participants to have a hand in the stories of the characters here, and the world around them. Your choices are key - so make them with pride. You decide who wins the wars, you decide who becomes King, the world is ours, and together we will bring it to life!
Post by Thomas Dunn on Feb 10, 2017 18:44:15 GMT -7
The 9th of The Winter Storm Evening at the Abandoned Hospital
When Violet had brought Green back - Green who had been more than late; his perfect Green who had never disobeyed an order; Green who had been absent for hours longer than he'd anticipated - he had been thankful to her. So thankful, in fact, that he'd planned on offering her what she usually wanted (and that which he occasionally wanted). She refused. Refused him. She acted almost cagey, out of character, and yet that smirk was so firmly her and it infuriated him.
And then she suggested that they meet on the 9th. She'd come by again - ("It's really not a problem darling... It's a fun little trek, isn't it? Makes good use of my shadow-walking anywho. You know that I haven't done that in years - and just in the last couple of months I've done it what? Twice! Three times! Downright silly.") and they'd have a meeting. He relented, curious what she wanted the time for.
His first assumption was that she had information on White. A location, lead, anything. If she could accomplish it, he'd be finished with her, and he could toss her away like all the others. Clean up the evidence. He supposed he could turn her into an Acacia - but Violet was old. He doubted her brain would so readily accept such a large change. It certainly wouldn't develop around the thing.
His second assumption was that she did in fact want him (she'd been gone quite a while, hadn't she?) but was too busy. So she'd set aside time to visit later and devote the time necessary for both of them to leave relaxed.
Finally he wondered if perhaps she wanted to tell him about Green, about what had happened - but thought perhaps Green would listen. His precious Green was not so stupid of course, she was likely already fearful of what punishment was going to come of her actions to take another risk like that... But Violet thought of Green merely as his ward. A young girl whom he watched over out of pure kindness. She was an idiot, of course.
Certainly none of his expectations would have had him imagine what really happened. She arrived just past noon with arms full of groceries, and insisted - insisted - on them having a 'family' meal. The whole family. How she knew about the 'whole' family, he couldn't imagine. How could she have known Black was back, that her information had been good? She certainly wouldn't have known about Red2.
Here he had expected a relaxing day spent utilizing Violet's better talents, and here she was insisting on a family mealtime. Here he had been wanting to prepare for his trip to Submiere in just a couple of days, and here she was wasting his time.
He relented again, against his better judgement. And he did it for only one reason. He wanted to know what Green had been up to. She seemed to speak around the issue when he spoke with her, and while he considered perhaps she was jealous of Red2 and Black, and the time Tom gave them, he also needed to remember that she could have very well been told something, or done something... Unpleasant. So he wore a smile, pretended to be downright jolly, and pretended that he and Violet were something more than a physical partnership he had begun to keep her off of his trail.
They cooked together - "Green, return to your studies," He'd told her when she began to insist on taking over, "Miss Violet and I are doing this tonight." - though it was quickly evident that the two of them were inept cooks. Violet was also an inept shopper, having purchased several pounds of potatoes and hardly enough of everything else.
The meal didn't smell particularly appetizing as they set it upon the table and Tom went to retrieve his 'wards'. Green, who still seemed to be somewhat out of sorts. The fact provided yet another reason for Tom to be bothered. He could have spent this day working on her implant, and instead he had been wasting his time with Violet's inane ideas of 'family' and (a far worse thought) 'motherhood'. Black, who had been assigned Green's normal duties for the day, and was certainly not as attuned to them. And then... Red2. Scarlett. Though he knew quite well that she was not his child - that none of them were - he would have called her his Perfect Child.
The group of them returned to the dining area, and Violet looked surprised as she counted the heads, and then the plates. She'd obviously not been aware of three wards. Though she'd set the table for four. He'd need to speak with Green about keeping secrets he supposed.
"Miss Violet, I suppose I should offer you some introductions. This is Mr. Vanros--" Tom hated the name, but knew Violet would recognize it, and wouldn't question it the way she would question 'Black', "Here to work at the hospital, much in thanks to your intrepid investigating. And this beautiful young lady is Scarlett."
It was true that even the simplest of events thoroughly elated the bright redhead, and the loud voice (she hadn’t even needed to read a thought) announcing a family dinner had thrown her into a right tizzy.
She’d get to meet her sister, who she spent endless lonely hours imagining.
She’d get to meet her brother, who she already knew would want to beat up any boy who asked her out.
This was a big deal.
Red rushed first to her closet: what to wear? She didn’t want to be too dressy, but... well, perhaps not her silk dress from the wedding, but a sundress would do, right? She didn’t want to underdress, either!
Then a quick jig over to the bathroom, flinging small hands through disobedient waves; but after a toss or too, anxiety overcoming her, she decided that this was her family, and they’d have to love her as she was, frizzy bits of red curls and all.
But, of course, she couldn’t just go up there, so, feet fidgeting dangerously, the only outlet for her nervous energy, Red waited.
What would she say to them?
Should she curtsy, like she practiced? Should she shake their hands?
She wondered what they would smell like. Would they all smell like Papa, perfectly clean, with just a hint of citrus? She imagined her sister would smell like the ocean, since she was a mermaid.
She listened for them, last-minute memorizing the way they spoke, their own individual mental ticks.
She wondered if they’d accidentally match outfits, like she thought family probably did.
She obsessed over the little things.
She counted the minutes.
She heard the click of a door.
Red was off the bed, in her shoes, and bouncing from foot to foot by the time Papa was through the door, and she beamed at him, cheeks red and shiny with nerves.
The girl tried her best to take really looooong breaths on the way up to the kitchen, so that she wouldn’t seem absolutely nutty when she met her family, but the moment she lifted bright sapphire eyes to see the form of her Kina brother and Mermaid sister, all careful planning tossed quickly out the door, and she dashed to her siblings, pulling them together into a swift hug, nuzzling affectionately at her new family.
“I’m so excited to meet you!”
Mind moving too quickly, buzzing with the potent worry that they might not like her, she feared the hug was perhaps too long, and released the two, cheeks pink for an entirely different reason now, one toe trying desperately to dig little circles in the floor.
“I’m Red,” She introduced, haltingly, ““and I’m your little sister.”
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Post by Acacia-Black on Feb 24, 2017 11:02:07 GMT -7
Among the many benefits to Zota desperately pretending to be nobility was that he expected a properly prepared dining table. Black arranged the forks, knives, and napkins precisely, although meticulously. In a way, he was still trying to prepare for a Vanros family dinner, but he was with his other family now. His real family. Who knew if the master would want subtle differences in how to prepare? It would not do well if Black was still acting upon Zechariah's own habits.
After laying a set down for everyone, he withdrew the silverware from his intended seat. The master could give him charms, so he had no need for eating as the others would. However, Zechariah had tried to hurt- no, kill the master when he had used the charms before. Black needed to earn the privilege to take power from the charms. His power was not one that could be so easily trusted, and the master was taking great care to not put himself at risk.
Before Black could take his seat at the table, a young girl pulled Black towards Green, and the girl hugged both of them. His little sister. Red was so young, so of course she would be so enthusiastic. It would take some time for her to understand proper manners, especially in front of a guest. Black returned a smile to her, and led her towards the table. As the master came forward, his guest followed him. She seemed like a pleasant woman, and it was unlikely that this dinner was simply for a matter of business. This was someone the master wanted to look good for, and Black could not humiliate him.
When the master introduced Black as "Mr. Vanros", Black's mouth twitched. The name was almost… insulting, but the master must not have meant anything by it. No, his meaning was clear. This woman was not to know of the master's work. It made sense to have to play the role of Zechariah when dealing with the Vanros family, but this was a stranger. The name "Zechariah Vanros" would need to live on for much longer, then. It could still be useful as a disguise. However, the master's mention of her "intrepid investigating" was curious. Had she been the one who prepared that file? Black wanted to ask her what she had known. How she could have known about him. If she was the one who led the master back to him, she deserved every ounce of gratitude for that.
This information was meant to be a reward, but this was an opportunity. The master could indulge Black's curiosity for a moment, could he not? Once the master introduced Scarlett - Red - Black waited for Green's turn. After introductions were over, Black raised his hand, asking for permission to speak. He could keep Black silent, but he was less likely to do the same with Violet. The master would not take kindly to Black behaving in such an underhand fashion, but what harm was there in asking Violet a question or two?
Last Edit: Feb 24, 2017 11:03:15 GMT -7 by Acacia-Black
Post by Violet Macar on Mar 7, 2017 14:25:04 GMT -7
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Tom went off to retrieve the 'family' - Green, and the other one she didn't know enough about - and Violet went about helping Zechariah the table. She set the plates out carefully, trying to remember the proper way everything went. It was likely Tom had no real idea how these things went, either - but Mr. Vanros did. He might care. She tried to tell precisely what his face was saying, but it seemed to not say much at all. She cautiously laid out a fork on the right, a knife on the left, and then looked back at the silverware and wondered why in the world there were so many spoons, a few more forks, and two more knives. She switched the knives and forks around, but some of the knives seemed not pointy enough, and the forks got so tiny -- and who in the world needed spoons? Had they never heard of sporks?
She was interrupted in her cutlery swapping by Tom returning with two - not one - two more young people. And one was a child. There was Green, who looked as pretty as always, and then... Scarlett. The young girl was small, a child, and pretty - in that way that children are always so pretty. Big eyes, no reason to hide their emotions. The young Scarlett hugged her two... Siblings? She said sister. Green was Tom's ward, a girl he took care of because she had nothing else. Vanros was an assistant. Was Scarlett--? Tom didn't have a daughter. Another ward? Did Tom really have that kind of time? Was he really that kind of person?
She silenced the huh that wanted to come out of her mouth, and instead shut the box of silverware and bowed in an exaggerated fashion, "Always an honour to meet such fine young people! Scarlett, that dress is just to die for! Where oh where did daddy get it?" She hummed and went to grab another plate, forcing it to fit between Mr. Vanros, and Green's seats, and then unceremoniously found her own. She noted Black raising his hand and her brows raised. Tom ran a tight ship, didn't he? It was as if Green was being explained to her with every interaction.
"The chair recognizes Mr. Vanros! Oh, and you look just lovely Greenie! Doesn't she look just lovely Mr. Vanros?" She piped happily, pouring herself a glass of wine as she ignored the sharp looks Tom was giving her.
Post by Acacia-Black on Mar 28, 2017 8:53:45 GMT -7
Violet was certainly… enthusiastic, as if this was a formal banquet. Black was certainly prepared to behave as though he were attending one - the master would expect no less from him - but it was almost pitiful how little this woman clearly did not know. "Yes, Green does look rather lovely. Miss Violet, if I may, I would like to ask you some questions." Black kept his eyes on Violet to show her that he was giving her his full attention, though he took the occasional glance towards the master, as the master would need only to look back. Black would understand if he was stepping out of line.
"As the master just said, I am here now because of you. I… I wish to thank you, but simply saying that is not enough for me." No, Black was not a long lost student. a servant reunited with his master. Black would ask the questions, not leave Violet with her own. "My family has a fair bit of a reputation in Dirys, so I'm sure you were already aware of them, but I'd like to know a little bit more of what exactly your investigations entailed."
Zota had been plainly unhappy that the master had known more about the Vanros family than even any reputation would have implied, and Violet had been the one to offer that information. As an informant, she would either leap at the chance to run her mouth about whatever she had to say, or play around with how she had her secrets. Black hoped she was proud enough to choose the former.
Post by Acacia-Green on Nov 16, 2017 3:17:35 GMT -7
After the... incident at the market, Violet had brought her home and Father had been very, very unhappy. He hadn't said quite as much to Violet of course, but she had known without him even looking at her that she had stepped out of line in a way that he wasn't going to easily forgive. She didn't quite know it, but he had done a bit of tinkering around with her implant after that though he hadn't had nearly enough time to fully examine it. Just enough to casually erase a few memories and reiterate to her how absolutely, positively imperative it was that she followed his orders and never diverged from the plan again as she had. She had of course dutifully agreed, and had not been sent to the market again since as punishment and to make sure she really was back up to snuff.
Then, Violet had come over. Her arrival was not a surprise as she had told Father about her intention to meet on this day and he had likewise told Green and Black about it, but as it turned out her plans for the night were a complete surprise. She arrived with bags of food and announced her intention to have them all eat a family dinner. This confused Green a bit, as she was always tasked with preparing a meal for Father, Black and herself where they spoke about their days and what they had learned. Where Father told them things they needed to improve. Sometimes Father didn't talk at these dinners as he had important work to do, but it was only very rarely that they didn't eat at least some of their dinners together.
Green had attempted to help prepare this meal as she always did, but Father had denied her. He told her to return to her studies and without a second thought or hesitation she had done just that. It was some time later when Father called for them all to meet once more. She entered the room but before she could sit she was swept up in a hug that included Black, initiated not by Father or Violet but rather a small girl who introduced herself as Red and said she was their little sister. Green stared at her blankly, not sure how to respond to such a thing when she was not yet even used to Black being around. Now this was a potential third person to take even more of Father's attention away? She smiled faintly then, not because she was happy but because it would be expected of her and she didn't want to disappoint Father in any way. She had to be the perfect daughter, now more than ever. "Hello Red," she replied before taking her seat at the table.
Black had his hand up and Violet, not Father, gave him permission to speak which he used to ask a question. Green looked to Violet and then to Father, wondering if he had allowed her to make such decisions or if this was another instance where he was going to be angry afterward. Green also vaguely wondered, not for the first time, why Black called Father 'The Master'. He was her brother, should he not also call him Father? Or perhaps Father had requested he be called something different by Black. If he had, should she feel better that he allowed her to call him Father? Violet, after giving Black permission to speak, then complimented her and called her Greenie, a name which she had heard before but whose memory was foggy. She wasn't sure she liked the nickname, but she simply smiled in return and responded with a quick "Thank you, Violet," before Black was speaking. Black who asked about Violet's investigation into himself. Green looked to Father again, wondering if this was an acceptable topic of conversation and what Father would do if it was not.
Post by Thomas Dunn on Nov 20, 2017 12:48:12 GMT -7
Tom was angry. This entire situation was out of his control, and he regretted not having just killed Violet when she showed up with all of those groceries. How easy would it have been? Lead her somewhere private, slit her throat, take out the body with the other medical waste later that evening. Green's adjustments have not set, He reminded himself. If she noticed anything, the trauma could have severely damaged the brain's interpretation of the Acacia solution. She would be permanently ruined. No, he needed to control this situation with more grace. He could deal with Violet later.
"Zechariah," Tom's voice was chiding, but he wore a smile as he avoided eating the tripe they'd created, "Perhaps we can save this talk for later." In truth, Tom wanted the answer as well, and it hurt him to steer Black away from it. If Violet were to give Black her secrets, perhaps he wouldn't need her to get to White and Blue. He also knew, however, that she was more likely to give those secrets to Black in private, or perhaps... He glanced over to Scarlett, who was in her seat and staring up at Green with such immense joy and respect, yes... Scarlett could read Violet. Scarlett could solve his problem. Scarlett was a perfect tool, a perfect child.
Post by Violet Macar on Nov 20, 2017 12:52:55 GMT -7
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'Little Sister', that's what Scarlett had called herself to Green. Strange. Tom didn't have kids, she was pretty sure, so was this another ward, like Green? It seemed odd for a man so consumed by his work to take up fostering, and stranger still that anyone allowed him to when he lived way out here in the old Mutant Fields. He could be lying about his address, she supposed, and Green had obviously turned out fine, despite her sheltered-ness. Part of Violet wanted to worry about such a young child being as shuttered in as Green, but then she supposed it wasn't as if Tom never traveled. Plus, he was smart, so she wouldn't be raised a dummy hick. One and a half points to Tom. She decided to file Scarlett's presence into a 'Ask later' file in her mind, there was much there for her to find out when she had a chance.
That brought her to Green, who was acting... Different than the other day. Violet might have assumed she was trying to act "perfect" for daddio, after what had happened when Violet had brought Green back, buuuuuut by the tails it didn't seem like an act. And Violet supposed, by the heads, Green had done almost nothing and Violet was just being paranoid because she thought Green should act like her as a teenager. After one taste of excitement like Kikuriku Gouken, Violet would have cut her hair short, gotten a piercing, and started called her father by his first name. Green was... Green was Green.
And that just left the ridiculously polite and softly spoken Zechariah Vanros, who Violet wanted to grab by the cheeks and go 'weeble-neeble-eeble' because he was too darn adorable. She had no idea why Tom wanted Zechariah so much, nor why Zechariah wanted to be here so much, but darn-doodly it was such a nice feeling to be the subject of such gratitude when both were just so happy with her. If Violet had the capacity to blush or be in any way embarrassed, she might have done so. Instead, she opened her mouth to respond--
And Tom interrupted her. She stopped mid-syllable, closed her mouth abruptly with a hum, and tapped her nose as she smiled at Zechariah. "Oh Tommy, Tommy, always the party pooper. Then what shall we talk about?" Violet hmmed in thought as she took a bite of one of the many potato varieties they had cooked. It was still a little hard, and cold in the middle. Could a raw potato kill you? She didn't know, and since she was a veritable expert on eating potatoes (she did it like, every day) she assumed the answer was no and kept chewing.
Swallowing it in a large lump (it wouldn't get any smaller, she had to shapeshift her throat a bit to make it fit), Violet pointed her fork at Green, "Any ideas, dear Greenie?"
Reported on Location by Violet Macar | Acacia-Green
Post by Acacia-Green on Nov 20, 2017 16:18:29 GMT -7
Green would have no reservations about eating the poorly-cooked meal, if Father told her to do it. She was perhaps a bit disappointed that she hadn't been able to help prepare it, because she knew exactly how Father preferred his meals to be cooked and she knew he would never have tolerated such a meal from her. Was it different because it was Violet? Violet who seemed to break all of Father's rules effortlessly, without any repercussions. It made Green nervous.
Father spoke up then and told Black - Zechariah - that not was not the time to speak about that and Green was glad for it. She felt most comfortable when Father was in control and things had order. Violet was disrupting the order. This new child, Red, was also disrupting the order. Green didn't like it, but she slowly ate her food without comment until Violet looked her way and asked if she had any ideas of what to talk about. The question was actually welcome, in a way, because it was something she knew she would not disappoint Father with. "I read a new book today," she said proudly, turning to look at Father to make sure he approved of the topic. His head inclined just so and she took it as approval and looked back to Violet. "Do you like reading, Violet?"
Post by Violet Macar on Nov 21, 2017 12:34:44 GMT -7
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Books. She was in her twenties and she wanted to talk about books! Violet found it almost as depressing as the grey sauce she had made which was intended to be tomato sauce (she had no tomatoes, so she used mushrooms and transmuted their flavour as best she could). She could be talking about adventure, or her future career, or boys, or something, but books? And not even a book in particular, there was no excitement about romance or adventure or mystery or, Violet didn't know, learning? It was just a book. She could have been reading a list of ingredients, for goodness sake.
This family needed work, Violet concluded. They needed a little zest, a little volume. Or maybe just a little emotional investment. "Me? Like reading? Hm, it's a necessary evil, I suppose. I'd much prefer to hold the quill with my hand than the ink with my eyes! But Zechie, Zechery, Zechariah-- He must have an affinity for books, hm? Didn't you work in a library, honey?"
Reported on Location by Violet Macar / Acacia-Black
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