Prepare for the #LodanRespawn2024 Existing characters may choose to be displace from/have memories of different timelines, thereby allowing returning members the option to retcon their whole character. These changes are the result of the "Unnatural Fog" plot device that is running between now and the Respawn. The plot is simple: no matter where your character is, that place is shrouded in a thick fog that suspends time, but not thoughts or memories, so even if they're repeating the same day over and over again, they continue to remember, so each time feels like a new day. For those retconning OCs; this is where new versions of themselves have the opportunity to replace the old versions. Official lore and tree updates will be announced asap
Lefiruc rubbed his chin in thought as George cleared away the table of the empty soup bowls after hearing how much schooling Caitlin had given Ikuze. The two women's words had almost swayed his mind to them, when Mr Leland spoke up and gave him an interesting idea. "Perhaps this one might." he said with a small chuckle as he looked in Stephen's direction. "One can only assume you're already scarred from meeting my grand-daughter, and along with Lady Cockfoster, if she chooses to continue that is of course, can help her along in her education in the process." suggested the old man, keeping his limbs far away from the reach of his gob-smacked descendent who just stared at him before the penny dropped and her eyes began to flit between the two men.
He held up a hand before she could protest. "I understand my dear... Honestly, I would enjoy nothing more than giving you more time to become accustomed to the new life that has been thrust onto you... Sadly, time is not a luxury I have left long to me." he said with a weary sigh before George returned with the main course, that being a succulent roast pig with all the trimmings and garnishes. The manservant began to divy up the meal onto plates at each persons behest, before heading back to the kitchen to prepare dessert.
Post by Stephen Leland on Jul 11, 2014 12:37:37 GMT
When Lefirus got a thoughtful look on his face, the noble some-what regretted opening his mouth. So he was being asked to train her to be a noble. "Alright, I accept." For a price though- always a price. His assistance was never free. "When would you like me to start and what exactly would you want me to teach her?" he asked as the food was being served. Just to rub it in Ikuze's face again, he picked up the large dinner fork on his left and twirled it between his fingers, giving the girl a pompous look before starting on his food.
Ikuze looked at Stephen, sheer increduality spread across her face. Lefiruc in turn just blinked at how calmly the lad was taking this. "WHAT DO YOU MEAN YOU ACCEPT?! JUST LIKE THAT?!" yelled Ikuze, not caring right now for the proper pomp and form for the occasion. "You blithering idiot! You just said yes to marrying me!" she explained since he was clearly not getting the meaning of her grand-fathers words. The blue haired girl covered her face with her hands as she fumed at the boy's blasé attitude. "You idiot... that's what he was going on about! Did your father drop you on your head or something?! Even Deadbrain Sally down on Fish Street could see that was what he was getting on at!" fumed the thief noble before she looked at Caitlin for any sort of help.
Post by Stephen Leland on Jul 11, 2014 13:20:07 GMT
When Ikuze suddenly blew up at him he realized what he had done. He actually had the decency to blush "W-what?! I did not- LEFIRUC! What is the meaning of this!" he snapped, turning on the man with an accusing glare. As Ikuze went on he turned to her with an insulted look "Queens woman, you act like you were told to dive into a pool of lava instead of marriage! I do not know what you problem is! If I were you I would be flattered at the very prospect of having me as a husband- not that the role of being your husband has crossed my mind of late" he shot back, turning to Lefirus at the last sentence. "And I am sorry that these mundane matters do not occupy my head- which in your case seem to be true" When he noticed her turn to Ikuze he frowned even deeper, pointing at her with his fork "Oh no- This is your fight. You stated it and you will finish it on your own" he hissed, accentuating his words by making jabs with his fork in her direction.
Post by Caitlin Cockfoster on Jul 12, 2014 0:44:00 GMT
Caitlin put down her fork and just watched as everything came verbally crashing down around them. She struggled to hide a smile behind her hand in a feigned yawn. Not that she found this conversation boring, it was the opposite of that and finally she understood how other people at the barons ball could have found her previous engagement so entertaining. Caitlin wondered if mr. Storm would actually go through with it, with talking to Mr. Leland, and so to she wondered to what heights the two younger noble would climb in order to avoid actually marrying each other.
She sat her glass down next to the decanter and leaned back. This was nice... like falling into a vat of marshmallow fluff. Calm, muffled, the rest of the world blocked out by the closed door to his cabin, and here they were safe inside. Safe from reality, safe from their own complicated lives. Safe from duty. Safe from context. Just. Safe. --Caitlin
Ikuze looked at Stephen for a moment, her eyes seeming to burn before she answered him. "Want to know what my problem is? Then fine. Here it is. All I've seen of marriage is pain, misery, and abandonment. And no, it does not occupy my mind as you seem to suggest it does. That's your problem, you keep putting up these damned assumptions of yours onto people because you are oh so smart." she said, standing up and leaning on the table so she could get a better height on the scene. "News flash for you here Sourpuss, you're not. You've maybe read a helluva lot more books than Ah ever 'ave or could, and ye've noo doubt got 'alf a million little experiments runnin' aroond that heid o' yers, but 'ere's the thing Silverspoon Gob, Ah ain't like ye, or even Caitlin." said the thief, tears slowly forming in her eyes.
"Ye 'ave no idea, the hell Ah've been through, sleepin' with one eye open in case some arsehole with a cock decided he felt stickin' me with it! Ye wanna know aboot marriage? Doon in the slums, marriage ain't nothin' more than a prison sentence, with no parole. A guy knocks ye up doon there, ye 'ave tae marry them... or else yer branded dollymop the rest o' yer life." Ikuze snarled, using her sleeve to wipe away the tears clouding her vision.
"That's no the end o' it neither. Once married, the bastard 'as free reign over 'er. She cannae say a word 'gainst 'im... even when he's beatin' 'er half tae death! Sae dinnae flatter yerself in thinkin' that Ah'd be in any way "flattered" to consider 'aving ye fer a husband... The only good thing outta that, is that Ah know Ah can kick yer arse from 'ere to the Queen's front door, and all the way doon to the docks if'n ye tried to lay a hand on me!"
Ikuze stood there, glaring down at Stephen before turning her gaze at Lefiruc, who did seem to wilt a little under her stare. "Ah ain't mah mother..." was all she said towards him before she suddenly began to run for her room, the door slamming echoing throughout the house. Linda stood there blinking for a moment before she rushed after her charge, George poking his head out from the kitchen for a moment before sighing. "I suppose that means that dessert is off the menu?" he asked.
Post by Stephen Leland on Jul 12, 2014 16:22:26 GMT
Stephen stared at her in shock as she yelled at him, silent the whole time. When he noticed the tears a doleful expression crossed his face. Great, he felt absolutely terrible. Now that she was a noble it was easy to forget that she use to live on the streets most her life. So her views of the world and his were very different. When she turned to run away he abruptly stood up to go after her but paused for a moment. It was rude to run around someone's house and it was not very acceptable to chase a girl to her room- which where he supposed she was going. Glancing at Lefiruc for a moment he shook his head, letting out an exasperated noise as he took off after her. To hell with it, he needed to apologize for what he did. If old man Lefiruc was going to dislike him from now on because of this then so be it.
Following a ways away behind the maid he spotted her room. Slowing down he took a deep breath, processing what he would say. Stopping in front of her closed door he knocked lightly on it lightly, taking a step back to nervously adjust his outfit.
Lefiruc watched as the two of them raced off and sighed, kneading his brow a little as he played back the last few minutes. "Well..." he began to say before sighing. "That could have gone better I suppose..." mused the old man before he recalled that Caitlin was still sitting there. "I apologise for my grand-daughter... Although I suppose in your lessons together you've experienced your fair share of... blow-ups." Lefiruc offered before he sighed and leaned back in his chair, gazing up at the ceiling. "I truly do wish to see her happy and content... and, judging by the lads reaction, I'd like to think that he'd be able to do just that for her. Not many would chase after a girl after a scene like that..." he said before looking at Caitlin. "Tell me honestly here Lady Cockfoster... I'm an old man and sometimes a second opinion from a younger set of eyes is very much welcomed... do you think it'd be right to pursue this course? Assuming of course we don't wind up with a murder tonight." he said with a rueful glance towards the stairs.
Post by Caitlin Cockfoster on Jul 13, 2014 8:17:34 GMT
Caitlin sat down her fork, not even pretending that things hadn't just erupted around them. She listened politely to mr. Storm. "Honestly... I am in the same boat as Ikuze myself... and I'm getting up there in years, soon they'll put me on the 'shelf' as the saying goes and consider me unmarketable. My father is wracking his brain for a solution because to be frank, I haven't made it easy on him. My youthful recommendation," she said with a smile, pleased he'd even bothered to ask, "would be to pursue marriage for her, but only to choose from suitors she approves of - even if its just begrudgingly." It was a sight better than being forced into marriage with someone she didn't approve of, and marriage for the titled was unavoidable, as she was coming to terms with herself... and as Stephen seemed to already grasp.
She sat her glass down next to the decanter and leaned back. This was nice... like falling into a vat of marshmallow fluff. Calm, muffled, the rest of the world blocked out by the closed door to his cabin, and here they were safe inside. Safe from reality, safe from their own complicated lives. Safe from duty. Safe from context. Just. Safe. --Caitlin
Instead of Ikuze, it was Linda who answered the door, her feline eyes narrowing into slits at the sight of Stephen standing there. "Don't you think you've upset her enough?" she hissed quietly, beginning to close the door before the thief called out. "Wait... who's there?" The maid scowled before replying. "Mr Leland milady." There was a slight sniffling before she spoke again. "Alright... let him in." The maid blinked before looking back inside. "Milady, are you-"
"Yes. I am... And please, go see to my grand-father... This recent... excitement may have put some strain on him." she said, the maid frowning before sighing and opening the door wide for Stephen to step through and for herself to exit. As they would pass the maid would softly hiss, "If you hurt her...", her eyes glaring at him before she curtsied at the door and closed it behind her to give the two some privacy.
The room itself was... actually a lot tidier than a distressed woman's should really look. The only things out of place were a few thrown pillows and Ikuze sitting in front of the vanity in a state of undressing, her once neat bun was now undone, her hair falling over her head like a cascade of water. She looked as though she had been half-way through removing the gown, but only the top half had succeeded before Stephen's arrival. Her back was turned to him, but she was looking straight at him via the mirror on the vanity. Her face was a mess from the smeared make-up, her hand wiping at it before she spoke. "So... what do we do now?"
Post by Stephen Leland on Jul 17, 2014 2:38:18 GMT
Stephen glared back at the maid as she left. What did that woman think he was going to do? Stab the poor girl. Shaking his head, he turned back to go into the room, drawing up his courage to apologize for being, well, his usual self. When his eyes landed on Ikuze he froze, half in, half out of the door. His eyes widened taking in her messy and not completely covered appearance. Quickly he focused on something else in the room, blushing profusely. It was not like she was naked but still, not all of her clothes were on and it was highly inappropriate for him to walk into the room with a girl like that and if his father found out.... Queens, he did not even wish to think of it. Reaching into his coat pocket as he walked into the room, being sure to keep his eyes still on the discarded pillow, he pulled out a starched handkerchief, offering it to Ikuze from his peripheral vision. Seeing her so distraught left a bad taste in his mouth. It made him angry at himself and the world for having put this girl through so much.
After clearing his throat for a moment he went on, trying not to sure just how nervous and extremely uncomfortable this situation was for him. To be frank he had never been in any woman's room before so this was new and strange and just a little too much to handle. "First, I would like to apologize for being rude before. I am sorry to have upset and overwhelm you. But the fact still remains that this marriage issue will be a problem you will have to face in the near future. I wish I could tell you it is a wonderful, magical time in which you find true love but the unfortunate truth is that most marriages are arranged for nobles. It is not always terrible but it is not always pleasant." He glanced at her out of the corner of his eye, the blush still present on his face. "If you ever have any questions about how us silly nobles do things you can always ask. I will try my best to answer politely... but I can not guarantee that I will not tease you some for it" he added with a small smirk, turning his eyes back to the pillow. This was his sad attempt at trying to cheer her up. Hopefully it might work. Then again, she might just light his clothes on fire too. He supposed that would be somewhat alright; he certainly deserved it.
Ikuze collected the handkerchief and wiped at her face with it before setting it down on the vanity table. "It's alright... I just..." the thief sighed before she looked straight at Stephen, perking an eyebrow at his attempts to not look directly at her, along with the blush on his face. She picked up a nearby pillow and threw it towards him. "I'm still wearing this undergarment nonsense you know. Honestly, nobles are so daft when it comes to flesh..." she said with an exaggerated sigh. "Besides... let's face it. My grand-father is no doubt going to talk with your father about this idea, and well, from what little I saw and heard of him? Looks like we're stuck. So you may wanna just look at me straight on, cus you're gonna be seeing me a lot in the future. Clothes on and off." said Ikuze with a teasing smirk, seeming to enjoy the discomfort she was providing him, just being half-way out of a gown. She idly wondered how he'd react upon seeing her naked, the imagined reaction making her giggle.
The thief sighed before she stood up and turned around so her back was facing Stephen. "I suppose I'd best apologise as well for my... display earlier I suppose I should call it since I'm now a lady." she said with an eyeroll. "It's just... yes Caitlin's been teaching me stuff... But what I know at the moment is just enough to pass me off as her maid should the need arise. I'm still trying to figure out how and why she had a uniform in my size though..." mused Ikuze. "The prat King's visit if you'll recall." she explained in case he needed a reminder. "...But it does feel... overwhelming sometimes... One day I was just a thief in the gutter, the next... well, I'm this... It's like being a kid and being thrown into the deep end of the docks and being able to swim to safety after having only watched people swim..." she said softly before shaking her head and tapping the back of her gown.
"Are you going to just stand there blushing like a virgin in a brothel, or are you going to help a lady get herself dressed? I believe we still have a dinner to finish." asked Ikuze with a smirk. "And don't even think about calling for Linda to do it... this is your mess after all. And if we're to be married, I'd at least expect you to know how to put your wife's gown on." she smirked before frowning then shrugging. "And yes, I'll be completely fine with you having Danielle as your mistress."
Post by Stephen Leland on Jul 18, 2014 3:37:04 GMT
The pillow bopped him on the head, causing him to stagger to the side a little in surprise. With a huff he crossed his arms, frowning at the floor "Undergarment or not, it is still indecent..." he muttered. He listened to her quietly until she got to the part about "clothes on and off." Turning he looked at her in shock, his face the color of a tomato "D-don't say such things so nonchalant!" he stuttered out in a hurry. Her giggling only made it worse "Stop laughing! Argh!" He hid his face in his hands, embarrassed to no end.
Once he thought his face was less red, he looked back up at her, dropping his hands to his sides once again. Her back was to him now so he took this moment to silently scream and flip out over his present situation. After he got that out of his system, he cleared his throat and "Maybe Miss. Cockfoster has one of those odd fetishes with maid uniforms. I could be wrong, you know her better than I." Hopefully her life as a noble would become easier and she would be able to enjoy herself in the end.
So he was being forced to dress her. He was not sure how he felt about that... Might as well get started. Knowing Ikuze, she would not let him weasel his way out of this. He began to search among the pillows on the floor for her disposed garments. At her last remark he shot up, banging his head against her bed, causing him to swear. "W-what is this about a mistress?!!? What ate you talking about!? It's not like- I mean it's- DON'T SAY THINGS LIKE THAT!" he sputtered furiously "You act like you were ordering cup of tea for the Queens sake!" he chastised, beyond the point of just embarrassment now. Most likely his face was a maroon color now. Wicked women, always messing with his emotions.
In a huff he grabbed what looked like a piece that went around her waist ((Basic under bust corset)). Holding it up he looked at it in confusion, trying to distract himself from the mistress thought again. "How do you..? What is this?! A some of lady vest?" he asked, attempting to wrap the item around his own midsection. "Queens, how could you breath in this thing?!" he asked, straining to make the ends meet. Giving up with a breathy huff, he set it on her head so that it draped on the sides "There, that thing makes a better hat anyways" Now what. Spotting a neatly folded blanket he grabbed that and wrapped it around her shoulders. Stepping back he examined his work so far. An exasperated frown settled on his face "You look like a disheveled kitten..."
Ikuze chuckled at his reaction concerning the mistress thing. "Oh please... don't tell me you don't like her after all the time you two have spent together. Besides, it's only natural for the husband to have a Mistress on the side." she said with a shrug before she peeked at what he was trying to figure out. "No. That's a corset, or what I call a torture device." Ikuze simply nodded at the breathing comment. "With some difficulty. Welcome to the world of women in nobility." she said, frowning as he just plops it onto her head... then wrapped a blanket around her shoulders.
The thief sighed and removed the items before holding the corset around her waist correctly. "Fasten it please... not too tight though, I would still like some ability to breathe... unless you're into that sort of thing. My, Danielle's going to have some interesting times if you are..." she teased lightly. Once the corset was eventually fastened she pointed towards the rest of her gown. "Could you please bring that over here? One other small disadvantage to this thing on my waist... I can't exactly bend over." admitted Ikuze, holding out her arms for him to get the idea and slip the sleeves through, and then get him to fasten at the back. "Guess whilst you and Caitlin teach me about nobility, I get to teach you about women and stuff... assuming Danielle hasn't already been giving you lessons of her own." she said with an evil smirk before she set her face into contemplation. "Hmm... now that I think about it... you do strike me as the type who'd enjoy a few spankings from the school marm for being naughty in class..." teased the thief.
Caitlin sat down her fork, not even pretending that things hadn't just erupted around them. She listened politely to mr. Storm. "Honestly... I am in the same boat as Ikuze myself... and I'm getting up there in years, soon they'll put me on the 'shelf' as the saying goes and consider me unmarketable. My father is wracking his brain for a solution because to be frank, I haven't made it easy on him. My youthful recommendation," she said with a smile, pleased he'd even bothered to ask, "would be to pursue marriage for her, but only to choose from suitors she approves of - even if its just begrudgingly." It was a sight better than being forced into marriage with someone she didn't approve of, and marriage for the titled was unavoidable, as she was coming to terms with herself... and as Stephen seemed to already grasp.
Lefiruc listened carefully to Caitlins words before nodding. "I see... my thanks milady... I'm afraid there is one thing we are both over-looking however..." he said with a rueful sigh. "I presume you are more aware of potential male suitors in this neck of the world given your father's... insistances on the matter... could you think of any of them that she'd approve of? I certainly can't." said the elder before tilting his head upwards as a dull thud sounding from upstairs (Stephen bumping his head on the bed) came through the ceiling. "...I certainly hope that's not what I think it is... otherwise I'm going to have to explain to Charles how exactly his eldest son came to be slain in my house by my grand-daughter after suggesting the two get married... I'm sat right here and even I don't believe a word of it." the old gentleman said as he placed his head into both hands with a weary groan.
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