-Arietis-

Tarava's past was quite similar to her own, Arietis realized. Both were born to high-ranking Nobyls, both had been orphaned far too young, both had been left to manage their family's estate. Both were using their status to spy on Catastrophe.

"I'm sorry, Tarava," Arietis said softly, because she didn't know what else she should say. "About your parents."

Then, Tarava held out her cloak to Arietis. "Please, take it," she said.

"I – thank you," Arietis said, accepting it and draping it over her shoulders. She was at once touched and stunned by the gesture. She wasn't used to being cared for like that.

Something in Tarava's eyes made Arietis think that this gesture wasn't as simple as it looked. She wasn't just offering her cloak, she was offering to be her friend.

"Thank you," Arietis said again, even though those simple words couldn't convey the gratitude she felt for Tarava.

Arietis fiddled with her ring, before blurting out, "Look – you're older than me, you've been working for the Resistance longer than I have. I have no idea what I'm doing. I – I'm sure I've made a lot of mistakes tonight and I – it's just – I'll do whatever you need me to do. To help the Resistance. To overthrow Catastrophe. Just say what needs to be done, and I'll do it."

Arietis wasn't used to working with others. She'd been on her own ever since her father died – and, to be honest, long before that. But she was willing to do whatever it took to bring Catastrophe down. Besides…Tarava was her friend now. That was worth something.

^Tarava^

Arietis took the cloak with a soft "I – thank you," and slipped it on. Tarava saw a hesitant warmth light in her eyes, and Tarava saw with sudden clearness why: a girl left to manage an estate at thirteen, orphaned, and born into high society where there was basically no community and sense of We all look out for each other, would have been struggling on her own for almost her entire life. With no one there to look after her, or even to sympathize and be her friend. She needed someone to at least be there for her sometimes.

"Thank you," Arietis repeated, looking straight at Tarava with a sudden gratefulness in her gaze. She knew what Tarava was offering. She hesitated a second, then added quickly, "Look – you're older than me, you've been working for the Resistance longer than I have. I have no idea what I'm doing. I – I'm sure I've made a lot of mistakes tonight and I – it's just – I'll do whatever you need me to do. To help the Resistance. To overthrow Catastrophe. Just say what needs to be done, and I'll do it."

Tarava's natural instinct to help whoever was in trouble was overtaking her; and besides, she knew that Arietis needed her and perhaps she needed Arietis, as a true friend and someone who knew her real life among all the chattering Nobyls and allies of Catastrophe. She smiled softly. "Thank you, Arietis," she said. Before the question Why? could even spring into the girl's eyes, she shrugged and added, "For choosing to be my friend. We all need friends sometimes…" She sighed, her eyes sliding towards the distant door where a faint noise of laughter and music could still be heard, forcing the thought of a handsome, attractive, very nice supporter of Catastrophe from her mind. "Someone we can trust. I know I can trust you, Arietis; and I want to trust you. Don't worry, you've made few mistakes tonight, aside from mentioning Ms. Astaret – " She laughed. "Yes, perhaps that wasn't the best course of action, but nothing bad came of it." Suddenly she became serious, her laughter fading, feeling the familiar resolve tighten in her: the resolve that had caused her to risk her fortune and her life to fight Catastrophe. "We have to work together, Arietis. The Resistance – once you really join it, you can't back out, but I truly believe that it's a cause worth giving all you have for, and I think you also feel that way? We have to be more than friends; we have to be allies. I'm happy to give you advice, but we're both fighting Catastrophe together – we're so much stronger with each other than alone." She turned. "For now, I think we should be getting back inside. Unless you want to know anything else in particular?"

@Poinsettia, (I am not sure if this bothers you), I am doing a story that includes Morrows (my RP) in this RP and Aurelius is a Nobyl… But I am sort of mixed feelings here about Aurelia being a Nobyl without knowing it, and Aurelius knowing that he is a Nobyl and where should I place them in RP-wise. Any suggestions on how to fix this in someway?

-Arietis-

Tarava smiled and said, "Thank you, Arietis. For choosing to be my friend. We all need friends sometimes…" Tarava trailed off, her gaze drifting towards the palace, where golden light spilled out onto the drifts of snow and illuminating the falling snowflakes. Arietis could tell that Tarava was thinking of someone — but it was also clear that it was a private matter, and Arietis wasn’t one to stick her nose where she hadn’t been invited. But Tarava continued, “Someone we can trust. I know I can trust you, Arietis; and I want to trust you. Don't worry, you've made few mistakes tonight, aside from mentioning Ms. Astaret -” Tarava laughed, and Arietis offered a lopsided smile. Maybe mentioning Ms. Astaret wasn’t the smartest thing to do, but look at what had happened! She likely would never have learned Tarava was a member of the Resistance – much less befriended her – if she hadn’t mentioned the dressmaker. “Yes, perhaps that wasn't the best course of action, but nothing bad came of it,” Tarava added, and then her tone became serious. “We have to work together, Arietis. The Resistance – once you really join it, you can't back out, but I truly believe that it's a cause worth giving all you have for, and I think you also feel that way?” Yes, of course she felt that way, and she said as much.  “We have to be more than friends; we have to be allies. I'm happy to give you advice, but we're both fighting Catastrophe together – we're so much stronger with each other than alone. For now, I think we should be getting back inside. Unless you want to know anything else in particular?" 

“Well…there is something,” Arietis began, hesitantly. “Lord Helion — well, he’s Catastrophe’s general, so if we could take him down somehow — or at least take back this palace — it would give the Resistance an advantage over Catastrophe, right?” Arietis was well aware that it would be risky; the Resistance was nowhere near as strong as Catastrophe’s army — but if enough Nobyls were invested in the cause, it might be possible. “Besides, this palace rightfully belongs to the pur al-Maris. They deserve to be the ones throwing balls here, not Helion.” Arietis looked at Tarava. “Do you think that would be possible, somehow?” 

~~~

So I think that reclaiming Lord Helion/the pur al-Maris’ palace would advance the story (and be fun to RP), but obviously we can’t do anything that drastically involves Poinsettia’s charries without her permission. I’m not sure how active she is on Kyngdom anymore, though? 

But yeah I thought it’d be a good discussion for Arietis and Tarava even if it doesn’t necessarily go anywhere 🙂

^Tarava^

"There is something," Arietis responded. "Lord Helion – well, he's Catastrophe's general, so if we could take him down somehow – or at least take back this palace – it would give the Resistance an advantage over Catastrophe, right? Besides, this palace rightfully belongs to the pur al-Maris. They deserve to be the ones throwing balls here, not Helion." She paused. "Do you think that would be possible, somehow?"

Tarava hesitated. The idea had seized her imagination; but she had stopped trusting her imagination a long time ago, though often the last thing she wanted to do was look at the mere facts. "It might be possible," she said slowly. "This probably isn't Helion's only palace, but having it in the power of the Resistance would certainly be an advantage." She stopped, trying to think it out before she said anything else. "Especially since he's one of Catastrophe's most powerful generals. It might be feasible, if we were careful. Palaces are never that closely guarded, and especially since both of us can actually enter – it could happen." She smiled, excitement starting to override her caution. "To put the palace back in the hands of the pur al-Maris would be a wonderful thing."

She tilted her head back slightly, casting a glance at the palace itself – its battlements, its cunningly concealed defences, but mostly just its ornate extravagance. It was made for a place of leisure, for a home where its owners could host balls and relax and not worry about attacks or battles or anything like that. A swift attack, taking Helion completely by surprise, had a good chance of succeeding. And what secrets about Catastrophe might Helion have hidden inside that glowing palace, right now one endless swirl of festivity? "If we were to attack in the nighttime," Tarava said aloud, "with a considerable force, and while there was a party going on – Arietis, it might succeed – it truly might.  Or we could always attack in the middle of the day, through the grounds…"

~

Yes reclaiming Lord Helion's palace would be great!! (If Poinsettia agrees) And btw, I just wanted to say that I'm enjoying this so much 🙂

`Estrelle`

Estrelle looked around at all the Nobyls who were attending the ball. Many of them were gossiping among each other and laughing. It was quite crowded, which she didn't particularly like. She preferred privacy. 

Estrelle glanced behind her briefly to see Kalisse following behind her. She then decided to make her way to the gardens, where it was less crowded and perhaps she and Kalisse could talk a little more. But as she started towards it, she paused, noticing two Nobyls talking to each other there in low voices. It would be best to avoid them, since she could hear some things she didn't want to.

She went back, and spotted Caius, who was part of the pur Ethya, a branch of the Nobyls who were less well known and rather mysterious, but Estrelle knew that the Ethya branch were secretly supporting the Resistance as well. Caius was chatting with Sereline, another Nobyl from the pur Ethyas. The two looked up as Estrelle went over to them.

"Ah, Estrelle! Wonderful to see you at Lord Helion's ball!" Sereline said in a merry voice.

"Likewise for me," Estrelle replied in a similarly merry voice. She was more relaxed with members of the Ethya branch, as they were close to her branch of the pur Kays.

"How has it been for the two of you? Any matters you've been…dealing with recently?" Estrelle asked. In particular she was asking about any matters with the Resistance or Catastrophe, but she didn't say it aloud.

"Nothing important," Caius answered. Sereline nodded in agreement. They both knew what Estrelle was really asking.

"And who's this newcomer?" Sereline asked, turning to Kalisse.

As Kalisse hesitated, Estrelle answered for her. "Her name's Kalisse, and she's a distant cousin of mine."

"Distant blood of the pur Kays, I see," Caius said, though something in his voice told Estrelle that he didn't quite trust what she said.

"Well, don't you think we should enjoy this ball?" Sereline said, breaking the silence that had followed.

"Of course." Estrelle nodded.

~~

Caius and Sereline are two new charries, but I probably will only keep them as side characters to help Estrelle with the Resistance support. I won't be giving them a perspective, if that's alright.

I'm so sorry for the late response! I haven't had time to be on the CB much lately :/

-Arietis-

"It might be possible," said Tarava. Arietis could see the beginnings of a plan forming in her mind as she began to talk faster, working through the logistics. "This probably isn't Helion's
only palace, but having it in the power of the Resistance would
certainly be an advantage. Especially since he's one of Catastrophe's most
powerful generals. It might be feasible, if we were careful. Palaces
are never that closely guarded, and especially since both of us can
actually enter – it could happen. To put the palace back in the hands of the pur
al-Maris would be a wonderful thing." After a moment, she added, "If we were to attack in the nighttime, with a
considerable force, and while there was a party going on – Arietis, it
might succeed – it truly might. Or we could always attack in the middle
of the day, through the grounds…"

Arietis looked at the palace, lost in thought. If they coudl reclaim it, it would be a great asset in the Resistance's favor – but they would need Nobyls to attack it, because Nobyls were the only ones who could get that close without rousing suspicion. But attacking the Lord Helion's palace – that would be publically declaring their loyalty to the Resistance.

But Arietis had made her choice when she decided to join the Resistance, and she wasn't about to back out. 

"If we were to attempt to reclaim the palace, we'd need to recruit the Nobyls who are against Catastrophe," Arietis mused. "We could send someone to deliver the message to those we know are with the Resistance, as well as those who may want to join. It might rouse suspicions if one of us were to do it – is there anyone else you would trust enough for that? Or is there another way to rally the Nobyls against Catastrophe?"

~~~

So, since Poinsettia's alright with us reclaiming the palace, I think we should do it! Anyone else have any Nobyl charries who would be interested in the cause?

I'm enjoying this so much too! 🙂 And sorry again for the late reply :/

^Tarava^

Aritietis was silent for a moment, her dark eyes fixed on the palace. "If we were to attempt to reclaim the palace, we'd need to recruit the Nobyls who are against Catastrophe," she said thoughtfully. "We could send someone to deliver the message to those we know are with the Resistance, as well as those who may want to join. It might rouse suspicions if one of us were to do it – is there anyone else you would trust enough for that? Or is there another way to rally the Nobyls against Catastrophe?"

Tarava sighed; she could think of millions of Nobyls who were part of the Resistance, but most of them were all too well-known as having joined the rebellion. "There are some Nobyls who could approach the palace without causing suspicion," she said. "And yes, there's someone who could get the Nobyls fighting Catastrophe together: Kalam, an old friend of mine but not a Nobyl. He's away at the moment, but he should be back tomorrow. I'll ask him to gather all the Nobyls sympathetic to the cause, and some other Resistance members to help if they're needed." She hesitated. "There's another thing. Do we – you and I – mind openly being seen as Resistance members? Because we might be able to help attack the palace, but without anyone except the Resistance knowing. Of course we're both ready to give up everything we have, but it might be more helpful if we could continue to go among the Nobyls as supporters of Catastrophe. Or if we are actually going to participate in the action, can you fight at all? There'll be at least some fighting going on if we're going to reclaim an entire palace…"

~

Yes, great! I have a couple of Nobyl charries who can probably help 🙂

-Kalisse-

Kalisse listened carefully to Estrelle's conversation with…Caius and Sereline pur Ethya, if she heard correctly. Honestly, all Kalisse really heard was polite conversation, but she was certain there was much more meaning to each word, each pause. 

When Caius and Sereline drifted away, the two ventured into the gardens, where Kalisse finally took this chance to ask Estrelle, "So, who were they exactly?"

In a hushed tone, she replied, "Friends of mine who…know and support the matters I support."

"By matters you mean…?" Kalisse trailed off, understanding that she meant the Resistance. "Are they…open about it?"

"Not really," Estrelle said. "The pur Ethyas are quite mysterious, and all that is known about them is that they are rather wealthy. They're close to the pur Kays, and I know we can trust them, unless they betray us, or whatever. But I know them well."

"I see," Kalisse said, still feeling a little uneasy, but surely they were reliable if Estrelle trusted them. 

"And they are helpful for bringing news about…all matters, but to be precise…." Estrelle lowered her voice to the quietest whisper, so that Kalisse had to strain her ears a lot to hear. "…The Resistance and Catastrophe," she finished.

"So if we are to gain any news, we will hear through them?" Kalisse asked in a low whisper.

"Yes. You might think that I could, but I cannot, while maintaining my status," Estrelle said. "But because the pur Ethyas are so mysterious and little known, they can get away with snooping around the Nobyls quite easily."

"And…there hasn't been much news recently, has there?" Kalisse said, thinking back to the conversation.

"No," Estrelle answered, sounding a little dejected. "But," she continued. "There could be soon. Lord Helion's ball would be the perfect place to enact plans and events of the Resistance…You never know. That's partly why Sereline and Caius left. It's to 'have a polite conversation' while overhearing others."

"Then…what can we do now?" Kalisse asked hesitantly.

"We look for anything that can help, and just wait," Estrelle replied. 

-Arietis-

Tarava spoke of her friend Kalam, who could help recruit Nobyls and Resistance members. Then she said, hesitantly, "There's another thing. Do we – you and I – mind openly being seen as Resistance members? Because we might be able to help attack the palace, but without anyone except the Resistance knowing. Of course we're both ready to give up everything we have, but it might be more helpful if we could continue to go among the Nobyls as supporters of Catastrophe. Or if we are actually going to participate in the action, can you fight at all? There'll be at least some fighting going on if we're going to reclaim an entire palace…" 

Arietis thought this over for a moment – she was already risking so much for this cause, and was willing to do anything to support it. But Tarava did have a point: staying under cover among the Nobyls would give them the advantage of being inside Catastrophe's inner circle, and could give the Resistance an advanage. Eventually, she said, "I'll do anything the Resistance requires me to. I – I'm willing to give my life for this cause, if necessary." Arietis hoped it wouldn't come to that, though. "And yes, I can fight to an extent, I suppose. My father taught me basic hand-to-hand combat, but as I said, it's very basic." Arfon pur Venori had been hesitant to join the Resistance himself, and he didn't want to encourage his only daughter – only family, really – to join by teaching her to fight. But he didn't want to leave her completely defenseless, either. He'd been trying to protect her, Arietis supposed, but look, here she was, willing to give everything she had to the Resistance. "But perhaps – if you're any better at fighting – you could give me some pointers sometime?" 

~~~

That's great! I might make another Nobyl or a Resistance charrie who can help as well, and I'm planning a charrie who could be a lieutenant in Catastrophe's army – second in command to Lord Helion, if Poinsettia's alright with that? Just so that, in case Poinsettia isn't playing Lord Helion, we can have an antagonist at the palace. Again, if that's okay with Poinsettia (and everyone else)? 🙂