♕ The Reign ~ [The Roleplay Thread] ♕

Despite Arcana’s cynicism,  Denva did not seem dissuaded.  The younger woman picked her chin up. "For one thing: you have resources we don't. And if one of us gets knocked out of the competition, we can help the others in the alliance get on the throne. I bring connections within the city through my parent's business for instance: Malik brings sailing skills along with his crew on his current ship and Dimitre works in the library so we have access to records that otherwise we wouldn't have access to," Denva paused, seemingly to contemplate Arcana's usefulness which the circus ringmaster found rather amusing. 

"As for your part in the alliance, your circus has resources we otherwise wouldn't get: mounts, for example if we need them. And your performers are experts at slight of hand. If we need to learn about any possible trouble, they can alert us and we'd be ready for anything. You also know how to play diplomat, on top of being someone who knows how to get attention." 

Arcana stifled a laugh behind a closed fist. Her crew brought so much more to the table then Denva could ever know. Anyone who looked too closely at her circus might be able to discern a concerning pattern of disappearances in the same places they visited. Of course,  Arcana ensured that their alibis were ironclad. "I'll admit it. I've underestimated you. And for that, I apologize."

Before Arcana could get another word out, Denva's attention seemed to be fixated on another matter entirely. "Hold on, you're a Beast Tamer, right? Isn't that a Quetza tattoo?" Denva asked, her eyes trained just on the cusp of Arcana's shoulder where the sleeveless nature of her dress allowed for a bit of the feathered pattern to poke through. 

Arcana visibly tensed, her typical suave nature vanishing for a short while as she processed. How much did the girl know about Quetzas? Did she know they could turn themselves into a tattoo? Likely not. Not even the Ashreapers, masters of all beasts, knew that. There was no mention of it in the legends. It had been an utter shock to Arcana when it happened to her. 

All these thoughts occurred to Arcana in a matter of milliseconds as she relaxed, offering Denva a lackadaisical smile. 

"What a keen eye you have there," Arcana cooed. "You are correct. I fought one such beast during my initiation trial. In order for a Beast Master to claim their title and place, they must prove their merit. I was young and prideful. Naive enough to believe that I could challenge such a monster. Obvious, I failed. Nearly destroyed my whole city in the process. I ran from my family in shame. This tattoo immortalizes my greatest failure."

Good, none of what she said was a lie. And she gave reason as to why she would have initially appeared uncomfortable upon Denva's mention of it. 

"I remember hearing rumors about that. Quetzas are considered one of the most dangerous predators of the South." Denva seemed absolutely mesmerized. "Even Master Beast Tamers from the Ashreapers are hesitant to try to tame them. Quetzalcoatl, the Father of the species, is considered a god among them. He's famous among the Ridgestriders because of the legends of the magic jewels in his horde. Legends of these sorts of creatures were always my favorite stories growing up." Denva gushed passionately.

Arcana chuckled softly. "Yes, I am familiar with such legends. Luckily, they are just that. Legends. At least, I have never had the misfortune to encounter such a being." She gazed at Denva with a good-humoured smile. "And you should consider yourself lucky to have never crossed paths with even a Quetza. Believe me when I tell you, they are a creature that cannot be tamed." 

At that word, coils of pain ran along the length of Arcana's tattooed arm, causing her to jerk back slightly.  It felt as though an invisible serpent had wrapped itself along her arm, constricting itself so tightly that the blood flow ceased entirely.  Of course, her arm appeared physically undamaged. 

((I just joined yesterday and this will be my first post, please feel free to correct me if I mess anything up or get anything wrong))

Claude had now been attending the banquet but by the time he got there it had already begun, that was alright though as he didn't mind being fashionably late. For the time being he kept to himself, not interacting with anyone. He wasn't really expecting anyone to interact with him either, no one in his faction interacted with him to much due to his mysterious origins so he didn't expect things to be any different here. 

Meanwhile Rosie had been at the banquet for quite a bit, she just didn't want to let her presence be known. She preferred to lurk in the shadows and observe everyone from afar, so that she'd know about them but not vice versa. She wasn't even really open to the idea to compete for the throne, she was perfectly content with her life beforehand. It was her husband that forced her into this, he told her he would've competed but thought she'd do much better. Needless to say she was still holding a bit of a grudge against him for doing that.

Claude noticed the rooms level of attention was mostly focused on Arcana, so any newcomers would get some to know attention. When he entered a few eyes turned his direction, quick whispers occurred but soon enough the attention would be turned back away from him. He didn't mind though, as he mostly kept to himself and observed. He recognized a few, he saw one he noticed was the librarian he often saw while visiting the library due to his many visits to learn of this countries culture. He never really took the time to interact with him though... 

((hope it's alright they he might recognize him as well, if not I can change my post))

Denva nodded in understanding, glancing at Phoenix as he returned with water for Arcana. She nodded to him in greeting before giving him a recap. 

"We were discussing the possibility of forming an alliance for the competition. We all bring different skills to the table and if one of us fails in the competition, we can help to get one of the other members of the alliance onto the throne. I figure Arcana can bring more than what we can with the circus and your resources: I can bring in funding from my family's jewelry stores, for instance and local contacts. Malik has sailing skills and Demitri knows the library better than anyone and can help find any information we need. And nobody notices the librarian unless they make a point of being friendly or need to check something out. We can use that to our advantage. You'd be surprised at how much gossip you can hear in the library when people think they can't be overheard." Denva explaiend, recalling how many times she'd done just that while doing schoolwork to learn gossip at school. It's how she learned of the potential for gold to be replaced by platinum in popularity for jewlery for instance and was able to tell her father, or how she learned from those noblewomen about Baron So-and-So dumped his mistress, that sort of thing. 

Denva nodded, considering Dimitri and Marik's suggestions. She could see other clusters of people forming alliances and some keeping to themselves. 

"What class ship do you have? Depending on the size, I could ask my parents if we can borrow some of our horses or even Hoseki, my Wingless Griffin, for riding lessons. I'm pretty good at performance riding like dressage and hunter jumper stuff on both horseback and griffin back. And we even have a few flying creatures, including a giant eagle for deliveries to other cities." Denva suggested, figuring she can at least contribute a few animals. If needed, they could borrow animals from the circus for riding animals since Althea had purchased their two retiring Manticore bonded pair. 

Denva nodded, glancing at the other two members of their alliance. 

"My parents were already planing on sponsoring the circus anyways. So that shouldn't be too hard. Especially since Althea was able to get Kitty and Purry. They're settling in well at her family's stables by the way." She told the circus performer, glad that she was willing to join them. With the resources that her family and Arcana's circus could bring to the table, at least one member of their alliance would get themselves on the Throne. 

Denva nodded, glancing between Arcana and the other two members of the Alliance they were forming. Thanks to her family, and her ties to the royals, she had some protection to keep from others attempting to come after her. 

"I think we should meet at the ship. It would afford us the most privacy for the moment. There are still quite a few shows at the circus even if the main one is over. If memories serve, you typically go until Monday when you typically pack up to go to the next town." Denva replied, glancing at Arcana for confirmation

Denva nodded, understanding where Arcana was going with this. At the ship, it would be a little unusual for strangers who weren't part of the crew to be coming and going regularly unless they were doing business. Denva could easily use that excuse if she was going by herself, but not if she was going to be with a larger alliance. 

"As a bonus, we'd have extra security. We can work on basic circus skills and make sure we know how to handle the various animals. I'm sure Althea will loan us Kitty and Purry for work with the Chimera. They are hers now after all." Denva agreed, gesturing to the small group. She glanced at Dimitri. 

"You wouldn't be allergic to anything furry, would you?" She teased, knowing some librarians kept cats since they were allergic to dogs or whatever silly reason. 

Terri Marigold, the young stuck up head of the royal guard prodigy was last seen and heard of going to 'sulking' in his room after he haphazzardly giving order to the next in command to carry on his work for him. His potential role in the fight for the throne are highly anticipete with the role he's already gotten in the castle and how loud and proud he made himself known

Unfortunately, he never left his room the next day. or rather, no one seen him leaving it.

There was a clear struggle and the fight's likely taking place, there're bloo.d. Not enough to confirm it being a fatel wound but the fact that he's nowhere to be seen leave his fate in the dark. The fact too that he's the head royal guard and let someone get to him make the case an unnerving mystery that has yet to be solve.

Ishmael Dawn, the seamstress, also disappeared.

In contrast, his quater remained clean and neat with no sign of struggle. The truth that the Seamstress is link to the high k,ill count assasin is not public nor well known but isn't too hard to look into and as such, he would be the big suspicious figure. Alas, there're no much to track him nor Terri down. and with that the two candidate for the throne are naturally disqualified.

As for Wallace Seaward the Young ambassador of Tideseeker who got dare into taking this challenge by his 'friends'...is still around, remain in the background. He'd either fail the first challenge with no one noticing or if fate((cough other rper)) really want to, he'd go through each challenge, still in the background and who knows, young Wallace might raise up to be the next to throne without anyone noticing. But that's the story that has yet to happened...as did the discovery of Ishmael and Terri's fate.

Arcana graciously moved towards her seat. She politely sat down, eyeing the banquet of food laid before her. The sharp click of the door caught her attention as she turned to see a dark-haired man enter, slipping discretely into the crowd. Not to long after Phoenix slipped back inside, standing poise by the doorway. As their eyes met, Arcana knew instantly that it meant that the uniforms had sucessfully been hidden within the castle.

Nodding softly she turned back towards her meet, reaching out daintily to grab a slice of bread when the doors sprang open and a collection of servants rushed through.

Arcana paused in her motion to eye the frantic look on their faces. A smile crept on to her lips as she observed them. Sitting back, Arcana neatly folded her hands into her lap, poised patiently. 

A few minutes later, the servants returned, whispering something into Rodell's ear which reuslted in visible distress. The elder rose from his chair. ""Everyone! The elder declared. "It seems there's been terrible news. One of the contestants in this competition has suddenly disappeared, and not a trace of him has been found throughout the castle or grounds. None other than Terri Marigold, the acclaimed Ashreaper and head of the royal guard. He'd been last seen in his living quarters earlier in the evening but had never been seen leaving. He didn't appear to take any of his usual attire and items, as well as didn't leave anything such as a note behind. The primary issue for alarm is that some of his items had been disturbed as if there was a struggle, and some things have traces of what is presumed to be his own blood."

Arcana covered her smirk by lifting the bread to her mouth, taking a small nibbling bite. She was grateful that she kept her relation to the passed Queen a secrect given that her largest threat and half brother had conveniently vanished along with the guard. Yes, she was well aware of Ishmael's disapperance and it would not be too long of a shot to assume she orchestrated at least some of it. He was the ideal scapegoat, afterall. And a deep dive into the research regarding his hazy history informed her that his ties to the underworld would pin him as a prime suspect. After revealing his identity, Arcana ordered her two snakes to look into him. He was quite efficient, and left little evidence. But he was definitely into something dark. Which meant he knew how to make himself disappear and could do so effectively at the drop of a hat.

Really, Arcana did not believe that it was Ishmael. While he had plenty of motive to off as large of a player as the captain of the guard, why would he vanish after doing so and forefit his claim to the crown? Unless he was caught, in which case, this wouldn't be much of a mystery. The only other option was that he somehow new the guard and they had some kind of beef. So Ishmael's motive for joining the competition was to get close enough to kill Terri. But Arcana was completely unaware of Ishmael's work as an assassin and brushed off that theory because the two did not seem to display any kind of magligence towards each other.

Besides, her circus was no stranger to covering up such disapperances. 

Leaning back in her chair, Arcana schooled her features into an expression of suspicion and curosity. Yes, she rumours would fly. And she might even perpetuate a few herself to target her greatest enemies. Now... who had the most motive and posed the greatest threat to her crown?

The room had settled down affter the disturbing news of a murder. Arcana knew that the implications were heavy. Someone was targeting competitors and anyone who seemed to be in a position to win was a target. Understandably, a lot of the food left untouched after that, much to Arcana's disappointment.

Her stomach protested quite loudly, stirred by a ravenous hunger Arcana was sure was not her own. Resisting it, she turnd away, keeping her eyes away from the temptation.

"We were planning to announce the topic of the first test at the end of this dinner, and those of you who showed to this banquet would be the first to hear of it, giving you a slight lead on those that declined. However, while our event has been cut prematurely short, as it were, we will still end this night with the news of the first test's topic." Rodell spoke up again, providing a much welcomed distraction for Arcana.

The elder continued, "anyone not here will receive a letter in their rooms later. A queen or king must know how to ride a mount adequately and eloquently, specifically horsemanship. You will be tested on various riding forms and a selection of commands that any fitting king or queen would know."

Riding... like horseback riding? Arcana did not even bother to attempt to conceal her emotions. She wanted everybody to see the wicked grin that spread across her features. As an Ashreaper, she had recieved formal training in not only riding but combat on horseback. And as a circus performer, she was taught to perform tricks whilst bareback. To stand on her hands as the horse ran across the ring and to hang off the side of the saddle in a split. While Alpha was much better at it than her, Arcana was more of an aerialist, she knew the basics. And Alpha was just the perfect one to teach everyone how to ride.

Of course, only Denva could use one of the circus' mounts during the actual trial. The others would have to procure their own. But for the time being, they could practice on her well-trained and disciplined steeds.

Arcana's grin widened further. She was going to give her audience quite the show!

"Because this is a basic staple for a royal, you will be tested the day after tomorrow. If you do not already have one, a horse will be provided for you at the stables starting tomorrow morn, so you may get used to your steed and prepare in whatever you believe necessary prior to the next day's examination." Rodell finished his announcement and regained his seat.

Arcana slowly turned back around which quickly proved to be a mistake.

The inhuman hunger she had been fighting siezed control over her limbs. Arcana had just enough control to duck head as her eyes breifly turned to slits. She grabbed fistfuls of the wasted dishes, pushing them into mouth as though she were a starved animal. 

The commotion brought Ashton's attention to Rodell, his announcement raising the Ashreaper's eyebrow. Trying to think of the face that matched the name the Elder mentioned, vaguely remembering the tempermental knight that found everyone unworthy for the throne. Sighing away the thought, and carrying on with his food like nothing happened. Shortly after, the same Elder spoke once more, bringing back the bored man's attention to listen.

"We were planning to announce the topic of the first test at the end of this dinner-"

'Perfect, exactly what I was hoping for' his expression softened as he continued to listen, letting a smirk pull at his features as he mentioned horsemanship. Generally one of the first things Ashreapers need to learn, after the basics, is riding. Be it winged or wingless, or even slithery. His faction would definitely have a leg up in this test over the others. Thankfully for him, his vegabound lifestyle required mostly riding, so he had no doubts he'd pass this test with ease. He began thinking to himself about meeting with his old mentor, who he was sure still worked in the stables. Fairly certain that he'd help him look for a compatible horse. Some small commotion brought him from his thoughts, peering over to the firery dress, whose wearer was currently gorging on the leftover food like an animal. Ashton looked on the scene with confusion, his eyes floating into a long roll before he stood and started passing by.

"Perhaps Terri was right... Lot of unsavoury people trying for the throne" He spoke to no one in particular, but loud enough for the ringleader to hear. Now curious what kind of reaction that would come from her.

Denva also heard that guy Ashton's comment about unsavory folk aimed at Arcana to provoke her. She narrowed her eyes. She focused on a small gem in her bracelet, the gem flying and smacking him in the nose before flying back to her bracelet before he could determine it's source. 

"Honsetly Mr Bál, the only "unsavory" sort around here, is you. A royal is supposed to encourage others! Not throw shade their way!" Denva scolded, winking at Arcana as she fiddled with the gems in her bracelet, using her power to shift their order or just spin them in the air for fun 

(figured Denva should have a little fun messing with Ashton on Arcana's behalf :P)

Denva rolled her eyes at Ashton's obvious fake politeness. She got up soon after he left, knowing she had to swing by the public restrooms to get her janitor disguise. 

"Mom, I'm going to go to the restrooms then go back to our quarters. I better turn in early so I have time to get Lemonice ready in the morning." Denva told her parents, Olivia nodding.

"See you tomorrow if we don't see you tonight sweetie. Go get some rest. And take Burraku with you." Olivia instructed, Andre nodding in agreement as the nekomata in question perched on Denva's head with a happy yowl. The two of them left together.

After doing her busienss, Denva found the clothes that one of the circus performers left for her to find cleverly hidden under the sink in waterproof packaging. Go figure, the circus would hide things in plain sight like with the ghost tricks. 

"And my size too. Go figure. Those circus people think of everything." Denva mused, tucking the clothes under her skirt and making sure it lay flat. She knew the tricks of sneaking around and smuggling gems. Sometimes she had to transport gems from sketchy parts of the city home for her father. So she was able to hide things in plain sight herself and get home without a problem. Burraku mewled, the two tailed cat, now perched on her shoulder as he tilted his black and white head at her. 

"Don't worry, it's just so it's not so obvious where I'm going when I go see our new friends tomorrow." She assured the cat, scratching under his chin. She was glad she was able to make sure that Althea got the Chimera she wanted and that Kitty and Purry were going to be spoiled rotten by her cousin now that they were retired to the life of carriage animals. 

Denva was up bright and early. Lemonice was ready as she requested. If anyone asked, she was going to go for a ride in town to get the feel of the saddle and maybe visit a few friends. She had the city saddle ready and thanked the stable hands for getting the palomino Akhal Teke ready for her. 

"Have fun Lady Denva!" One of the hands called as she swung up onto her horse, a rather stylish Ridgestrider copper colored jacket hiding the top of what she was wearing. Well, she often wore tight fitting pants to ride so those weren't unusual for her. Lemon nickered happily but Hoseki looked at Denva like she was a betrayed birdy. 

"Oh hush, I'll take you tomorrow." She told the wingless griffin as she passed her stall, Burraku riding in her saddlebag as she rode out for the circus tents. She took a roundabout way to get there - subterfuge 101, never let anyone figure out where you're going. The Akhal Teke just seemed to enjoy the fact she was being ridden. 

Sure enough, they reached the tent without incident, Burraku poking his head out of the saddlebag with a mewel. 

"Hey! Is Arcana up yet?" Denva asked the person on guard duty outside the tent as she came up, swinging off the Akhal Teke with practiced ease. Burrakku meowed, jumping out of the saddlebag to perch on her shoulder as she slid out of her jacket, folding it neatly to put it in the saddlebag 

(btw, this is what Lemonice looks like: <-- this is a palomino Akhal Teke, one of my favorite horse breeds in terms of asthetics) 

Denva led Lemonice inside when Alpha pulled aside the curtain for her. Her gaze was immedaitely drawn to the massive black and white animal currently in the ring. 

"Oh sweet gods above! I've never seen a Shire horse up close! They really are gorgeous animals!" Denva told Alpha, gesturing to the horse in the ring as Lemon nickered her own approval of the beautiful black and white animal before her and her owner. Even Burraku seemed awed by the animal as the cat dropped down to explore his new surroundings. 

"Don't get into trouble with the larger animals Burraku!" She warned her Nekomata, earning a "merow!" of confirmation in response from the cat. She knew Burraku wouldn't go too far from her side when he was on guard duty. She saw Arcana was riding the horse when she did the hand stand. It was clear she had major trust in the animal. It was amazing - one minute the woman was handling diplomacy as well as any bureaucrat, the next, she was riding something as large as a Shire like it was no bigger than a pony! She glanced at Lemonice and the horse lookd at her with her gorgeous brown. 

"You think any of our skills can own up to that?" She asked the horse, earning a snort in response as if to say "Doubt it! We got style sure, but, they got the flare to back up their style," in horse. Denva had to agree with the horse on that one. That shire was a gorgeous animal. 

"You wouldn't happen to know the Shire's name, would you, Alpha? I swear I've seen it before and I don't think it was in last night's show...And I think Lemonice here is a little intimidated by the size of him." She asked the circus second in command as she gave her horse a pat on her golden side as the horse gave her a "seriously?" look in response, making the girl giggle.

Ashton to chuckle at the continued exchange between the man and the horse.

"Yeah, generally take him out everytime I'm here" Ashton mused, grabbing a handful of oats from a nearby bag and holding it up to his own horse, letting it eat from his hand. He then picked up the bag of food and placed in Malik's arms without a word.

"Might help if they know they can get something from you, be it oats or... Your shirt" He smiled, then nodded down to his torn sleeve.

"You wouldn't happen to know the Shire's name, would you, Alpha? I swear I've seen it before and I don't think it was in last night's show...And I think Lemonice here is a little intimidated by the size of him." Denva gushed.

Alpha chuckled. "His name is Titan. He's the biggest horse in our troupe. Arcana thought that using him as a mount would make her look regal, even though he is technically my horse. But I can't disagree with her on that one. He will definitely make her out shine the rest of the competition and intimidate the other competitors."

Arcana brang her legs down, doing an inverted split in her handstand as Titan rounded another bend. Her legs came together, bending in a way that created an optical illusion. Then suddenly she fell forward.

Grabbing on to the handles, she rolled to the side of the saddle, doing a split across the horse's side. It was a move she commonly did on the lyra and had brought it over.

"She's been practicing horse vaulting all morning." Alpha sighed a bit.

As soon as Angel noticed Denva, she immediately fell quietly, ceasing in her song and looking away