The Price of Privilege

In the land of Cephyron, an era of war is coming to an end between two kingdoms. The kingdom of Damas, its heritage deeply rooted in the fertile earth and bountiful rivers, had been waging war against the kingdom of Syrus, its heritage rooted within the riches of gems and metals beneath the earth and year-round ports out to sea. The real reason for the war has been forgotten, for it has been raging for centuries, but there are those that claim it was to obtain resources that were otherwise unattainable in their own lands. Other claim it was because of an unsuccessful assassination attempt done by Damas or Syrus, depending on who you ask.

Whatever the case may be, the war is coming to a close, but not out of the good will of the two kingdoms or because another triumphed over the other. No, the reason is much more primal; there is a danger that is going to march onto the two, now weakened, kingdoms. The kingdom of Graar, known for its ruthless royal family, has been amassing its power for years. Like the kingdom of Syrus, the people of Graar have the affinity for elements, their own homeland surrounded by mountains. Now ruled by the Crown Prince, spies from both kingdoms are warning that he is preparing his forces to march down on the kingdoms of Damas and Syrus. He plans to take over the two kingdoms and solidify his power by killing the other royal families. Perhaps he may let one of them live to become his queen.

The two royal families have decided that they must band their forces together in order to prevail against this. However, there is a great distrust between the people of Damas and Syrus, stemming from cultural differences and propaganda. You see, the people of Damas are born with the ability to shapeshift into an animal. The people of Syrus do not have the ability to shapeshift, but they do have the awesome ability of control over an element. Being so close to the powers that shape and mold which are the gems and metals has allowed them to wield power over Earth, Air, Water, or Fire. Both are extremely reverent to the lands of Cephyron, but that is not enough to cause good will. To the royal family, it seems their only solution is to marry their offspring off to one another.

The offspring in question are not happy about this situation, but they don't have a choice in the matter. Tension is thick in the air and anything could cause it to snap and make the two kingdom wage war again. One thing the siblings of Damas and Syrus have in common is that they do not want their kingdoms to fall under the rule of Graar. Being the future rulers of their respective kingdoms, which seem to becoming one large kingdom, this is the price they pay for such a priviledge.

So who are you? Are you one of the princes or princesses that are finding themselves forced to wed one who only a moonspan before was an enemy, the Crown Prince who is planning for complete dominion, an assassin sent to cause panic and destroy the treaty about to be sealed through ceremony, or perhaps a guard or servant privy to the confidences of one of the royal siblings? How will this all play out? The choice is up to you.

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Rules

*NOTE: I will try to keep up with this as much as I can, but I will probably only be able to post on the weekends. I might be able to post one or two times during the rest of the week

1. Follow all Menewsha Rules
2. You are allowed as many characters as you choose, but make sure you can keep up with all of them.
3. Girls can play boys and boys can play girls.
4. Try to post at least once a week. I know we all have lives (or no-lives that take up a lot of time...which is me...), so don't get mad if someone doesn't reply within fifteen minutes of your post.
5. Speaking of which, make sure you are LITERATE! I cannot stress this enough.
6. Don't even think of just doing an OOC post. Make OOC within the thread minimum.
7. Your characters can not get along, but that doesn't mean the users are allowed! Any fighting, and depending on the severity, I will kick one or both (or more, eep!) out!
8. Keep it interesting! Don't have your character immediately fall in love someone and have them go off into their own little world. Interact, have love triangles, have rivalries!
9. I know what I just said in #8, but avoid useless drama. Your character doesn't always have to be the center of attention. Sometimes it's just as fun to be the sidekick; they're allowed to do stuff the hero otherwise can't. Mwa ha ha~!
10. Above all, have fun!
11. I reserve the right to change the rules as I see fit.

12. Please send all questions to me via PM
13. You can reserve spots.

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Profile Application

Please PM the profile(s) to me.

Username: Self-Explanatory
Character Name: Self-Explanatory
Appearance: Put link here
Role: Are they prince/princess? Crown Prince? Assassin? Guard? Servant?
Kingdom: Damas, Syrus, or Graar?
Shifter: If Damas native (animal-human cross and full animal links). Otherwise, delete.
Element: If Syrus or Graar native. Otherwise, delete. You should have a main element. I will allow a secondary element, but it better be very weak. Don't abuse!
Age: Make it reasonable. I don't want a nine-year-old assassin running around.
Personality: Doesn't have to be a novel. Just give us a general description of how your character normally behaves.
Biography: Again, doesn't have to be a novel.
Romantic Interest: Just message me when this changes. It doesn't have to be reciprocated.

Username: Self-Explanatory
Character Name: Self-Explanatory
Appearance: Put link here
Role: Are they prince/princess? Crown Prince? Assassin? Guard? Servant?
Kingdom: Damas, Syrus, or Graar?
Shifter: If Damas native (animal-human cross and full animal links). Otherwise, delete.
Element: If Syrus or Graar native. Otherwise, delete.
Age: Make it reasonable. I don't want a nine-year-old assassin running around.
Personality: Doesn't have to be a novel. Just give us a general description of how your character normally behaves.
Biography: Again, doesn't have to be a novel.
Romantic Interest: Just message me when this changes. It doesn't have to be reciprocated

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Roles Needed

Damas
Crown Princess (taken)
Prince
Princess (pending)

Syrus
Crown Prince (taken)
Prince
Princess (taken)

Graar
Crown Prince

Always need assassins, guards, servants, and whatever else you can think of for all sides!

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Profiles

Username: PhantasmicAnomaly
Character Name: Liora Xenith Damas
Appearance: Liora
Role: Crown Princess of Damas
Kingdom: Damas
Shifter: Leopard Cross and Full Leopard
Age: Twenty-two
Personality: Getting into an arguement can be like crossing swords; Liora is extremely stubborn and refuses to back down on things she feels strongly about. At an early age, she learned the tricks of the trade when it came to masking her true feelings in front of diplomats or opposing factions. She does it so well that only her family and very astute individuals can tell when something has irked or annoyed her. She loves her family with her whole heart, and although she disagrees with this method of maintaining their kingdom, she is trying to be optimistic about it. After all, she is a princess and as such is expected to do what is good for her people. Still, she wants nothing more than to stamp her feet and scream at the unfairness of it all. Let's just hope her husband-to-be is ready to deal with her fiery temper!
Biography: Liora was born the first of the three children that would be blessed to the current King and Queen of Damas. Although not the son her father had wanted, he nevertheless made sure that she was educated and knew how to defend herself. When it was found that her animal was the snow leopard, her parents were able to breathe even more a sigh of relief. If the sword couldn't dispatch her enemies, the sudden appearance of a fang-mouthed, sharp-clawed large cat would certainly do the job. The appearance of her two younger siblings meant that Liora found it her duty to protect them, though not overly so that they couldn't protect themselves, especially her younger brother. She loves them dearly, and even though she hates that they have also been used as pieces in the game, is happy that they are with her. She doesn't know how well she could cope in Syrus amid a sea of strangers without them.
Romantic Interest: Should be the Crown Prince of Syrus...but we'll just have to see.

Username: 0ri0n83
Character Name: Kai Behruz Syrus
Appearance: Kai
Role: Crown Prince of Syrus
Kingdom: Syrus
Element: Water, slight control over Wind. (Not an awful lot)
Age: 24
Personality: Cold and calculating, Kai likes to spend long hours in the library where he reads countless tomes and novels. He doesn't really like politics which leads him to seem uncaring about the current state of afairs with his nation.
Biography: Kai was the first born son to the current King and Queen of Syrus. As the first born son it is his "sole duty" to be the one to take the throne when his father passes. However, Kai could care less about that, and prefers to read rather than study for his courtly duties. He has very few friends, but the friends that he does have he is feircely devoted to them. He is also an avid baker, and love to cook. With the war coming to an end for there to be a mutual agreement between nations he is being forced to get married to the Crown Princess of Damas, which is something that he doesn't particulary want to do. However, as the crown prince he must fulfill his royal duties.
Romantic Interest: Crown Princess of Damas...at least that's what it is supposed to be. However, since tensions are high there is some animosity.

Username: DarkAngel562415
Character Name: Kiona Aimi Syrus
Appearance: Kiona
Role: Princess
Kingdom: Syrus
Element: Fire
Age: 19
Personality: Kiona is probably the sweetest girl you'll ever meet. But she also has a sour side. She's a good fight just like her fighters but she really doesnt like to fight. If she isn't training she's in the royal study reading, or cooking up some sweets.
Biography: Kiona is the youngest of her brothers. She always wanted to be the crown princess but they gave it to her brother. She was mad about that for years but she thought it was stupid to be mad over something so small, so she gave it up. She loves hanging out with her oldest brother, he would always help her with ideas for new sweets if she got stuck on something or give her a book that he was done reading. They would normally train together but now he's become really busy because of the war.

((do we pm you the profiles))

(can I the princess please in the Damas please :))

The sky was overcast, threatening to let loose a downpour at any given time. It seemed to fit the mood of the entourage well; the horses' hooves did not ring against the cobblestoned walkway, the wheels did not rattle joyfully with its cargo, and the people certainly were in a rather somber mood. Even the flags that held the insignia of the royal family of Damas did not flap defiantly in the wind and merely did half-hearted tugs whenever a stray wind passed by.

A small group of three seemed to be the most somber out of all of them, despite the looks of determination etched into their faces. Two women and a man comprised the group, one of the women going slightly ahead of the others as if shielding them from unforseen dangers. Brilliant turquoise eyes peered out from a tan face, her full lips set into a thin line, and had long tresses of golden-brown hair falling loose every which way. She sat straight in her saddle, her only movement being to fall in time with that of her horse's. She was the Crown Princess of Damas and she was on the way, with her two siblings, to meet their bethrothed. There had been no declarations of love, nor any sort of courtship between the six individuals. No, the only reason why the six of them were meeting together and becoming bonded in matrimony was all for politics. For the longest time, for centuries, the two kingdoms of Damas and Syrus had been waging war against one another. No one was really sure what had caused the war anymore, but they certainly were ready to have their princes and princesses end it. All because there was a power that was threatening to crush them all...

A light sigh escaped the young woman's lips before she could stop herself, causing Liora to stir from her daydream. Looking around, she saw that only her siblings had noticed, and gave what she hoped was an encouraging smile. It could have been worse if only one of them had been sent to Syrus. At least they had each other to fall back on when the customs of this foreign people became too much to handle. Her eyes then drifted towards the large castle that loomed before them; inside, their fate would be sealed. They were to meet their bethrothed within the courtyard, exchange formalities, and then be prepared to have their weddings within a week's time. There had been those who had wanted the wedding to take place straight away, but wiser heads had prevailed, saying that the preparations would be no where near ready for such a momentous occassion. Quite honestly, Liora thought that some had done it for much more insidious reasons, such as trying to kill off one of the royal members and throw them back into war again. Then again, perhaps it was a way to make people understand that this was going to happen and they should begin to make peace with those they had been enemies with only a moonspan before.

Whatever the case, her groom-to-be apparently was named Kai, the Crown Prince of Syrus. By all accounts, she had been told he was aloof and not at all interested in politics. It did not bode well with Liora; how was she suppose to get along with this Syrusian prince that would rather be behind locked doors and left alone? It was extremely frustrated to the princess, but she would try her best to get along with him. She had to, seeing as how she was going to be stuck with him for the rest of her life. With both being the heirs to the throne for their respective kingdoms, they were expected to solidify the union not only through marriage, but through...

Her hand moved slightly to touch her flat stomach, wondering how long it would take before that second condition would be met. The thought of lying with the enemy-now-turned-ally was a chilling one. She only hoped that she wouldn't be utterly revolted at being touched by him or vice versa.

The sound of trumpets startled her from her newest thought process and onto the scene in front of them. They were now passing through the gates and entering into the courtyard. Flags featuring the Syrus royal family insignia flapped in the wind around a small welcoming group. Making sure her posture only spoke of confidence and good-will, Liora dismounted from her horse and curtsied to the group when her introduction was made, though her eyes never left the group for a moment. Each introduction that was made for the welcoming party had her observing them intently, her eyes locking onto theirs as she tried to assess them. When they came to Crown Prince Kai's introduction, she held her gaze longer, even when the introduction began to go onto the next in line. After, he was the one she would have to be the most knowledgable about.

Slowly crawling out of bed, Kiona places her feet on the cool hardwood floor. Walking over to her vanity and brushes out her long brown her so it would curl at the end. Hearing a knock at the door, she looks over and sees her house maid come in with a box. Guessing it was the dress she was going to wear to meet the Damas. "My Lady, your father told me to bring this to you. It's the same dress that your mother wore when she make your father" her maid says softly "Thank you" Kiona says putting her hand on the box.

The maid pull out the dress of the family royal colors and Kiona smiles softly. Her maid helps her put on the dress and helps her but her hair up before placing her crown on her head. Looking into the mirror Kiona sighs, this was going to be the last time she was going to be know as Syrus. In about a weeks time she was going to be married to a prince of Damas. Slowly standing up, she walks out of her room while her maid held the train of her dress.

Going down the stairs she sees her brothers at the bottom with the same look as hers. "Brothers, everything is going to be ok" She says softly taking her oldest brother Kai by the hand. All three of them walk out into the courtyard and the servants bowed and curtsied. Kiona sits down at the table where the Damas and Syrus were going to have tea and looks at the gate waiting for them to arrive. Thanking her maid for being her her book she starts to read.

Jumping slightly when she heard the trumpets sound, she looks up and notices that the Damas were here. Putting her book down she stands beside her brothers with her hands infront of her. She curtsied to the crowned princess of Damas when she walks by. She looks at the prince that was her betrothed and blushes slightly. Curtsying to him she bows her head and blushes more when he kisses her hand softly. Soon they were lead to the table where they were going to have tea and discuss about the weddings.

Kai rolled over as he let out a groan. He was tired. He had stayed up the night before researching about various kinds of water spells, some being more advanced than others. Glancing over at the rising sun he cursed to the high heavens as he leaped out of his bed. Running to the double doors that led to the dressing room he was greeted by 3 maids. "How much time do I have?" asked Kai. "Enough, sire," said one of the maids as she and another maid hastily disrobed him. Grabbing a towel to wrap around his waist, since it was indecent to expose oneself to anyone, let alone a lady, for prolonged periods of time. He walked into another room where there was a shower and various soaps and shampoos. He hastily took his shower as he made sure to wash his long black hair twice. It was a bit narcissistic, but his hair was his pride and joy. Getting out of the shower he towel dried himself with the towels that were in the bathroom as he wrapped a bathrobe around his slim form.

Walking out of the bathroom a finely tailored suit of silver, white, and blue with the family crest on it, and a cape were laying on the table and the back of a chair. He hated wearing such stiff looking clothing. It chaffed his skin, however, he was royalty, and with that came all the wonderous 'perks' of having to wear tight, terrible fitting clothing which felt horrible on the skin. After he was dressed he went out of his room, down the stairs, and waited for his sister to come down. He met his younger brother who was already there waiting for him. Kai was nervous. For God's sake he shouldn't have been nervous though he was the crown prince of Syrus. He saw his sister, Kiona, at the top of the stairs. She was wearing the same dress that their mother wore when she met their father. It was bittersweet indeed. On the one hand she looked lovely in it, and it reminded Kai of his mother. On the other hand, it was sad because it did remind him of his mother. His mother that had died recently from unknown causes. Kiona came down the stairs and took Kai's hand in her own as she said," Brothers, everything is going to be ok." "Of course it is," replied Kai with a smile. "Now let’s place some smiles on and meet our guests."

Walking out the front doors of the castle they both sat down, with their brother, who was already out there. They conversed amongst themselves when they heard the sound of trumpets, which signaled the arrival of the royal entourage from Damas. As the royal court came in he saw her sister greet her soon to be husband. He smiled a little, they looked happy together. Hopefully, they would be happy together. Kai could only hope for the best for the two of them. As the procession continued another, a few years younger than Kai, walked in front of him. “This must be Crown Princess Liora.” He looked at her when she stood before him and bowed to her as he said,” Crown Princess Liora of Damas, welcome to our humble home. Please let me take you for a tour of the castle.” He paused. “That is if you would like to.”