Field Mission 7: The Queen of Hearts, Part 1

[balancemod]

Once upon a time... NAVIGATION Click here for the RNG thread! The day is met the way all others begin: the sun rises from the eastern stretch of land facing the sea, as the citizens of Emberwharf awaken to a fish market brimming with life and splendor. The same sun is seen in Ok'talar, where its warchief watches, as is tradition for its leader to be meditating under the warmth of its warm embrace. The clans of the Highlands pick up where they left off just yesterday, squabbling over minor infractions of land, marriage, or deals that have fell through. And in the cold clutches of Orrenvia to the north, people are bundling up and preparing to visit the mines at the base of the Spine of the World. The general news throughout the Kingdom of Fanelia is that today is a day of celebration. It marks the 110th anniversary of the coronation of its ruler, the Queen of Hearts. While some people around the outskirts of the citadel proper consider this as a day of mourning, many are called forth to partake in festivities, dining, and the accompaniment of the finest musicians from the far-reaching town of Peppelfen. For the last 110 years, the Queen has kept order and, somehow, relative peace throughout the kingdom she rules. Although open defiance and protest is met with swift justice and sentencing, no one can overlook how crafty and careful she is. Her manipulations resonate throughout the annals of the history of Fanelia, present in every major brokered deal throughout its vast land mass and diverse population. Her benevolent guidance is felt by all... as is her tyranny. She is a monarch of paradoxes: obsessed with control, but only acting for the betterment of the realm's self-preservation. Every passionate declaration of "OFF WITH HIS HEAD!" had been necessary up to this point; who else can steer and guide this world into prosperity than she herself? The horizon in the far off distance swirls with its usual tumultuous temper. A dark cloud surrounds the continent where Fanelia is located, known to all as "The Expanse." Every year, the border closes a little bit more inward, narrowing the lands and threatening the civilizations that reside on the fringes. Its presence encroaches, and with it, a general looming sense of fear that one day only the capital city will be left standing, protected by a magical bubble of pure radiant light that allows only those permitted by decree to enter. But none of you can remember your life before this illusion took hold. As far as you're concerned, you've been here your entire life. You don't notice that this farce, this world created by the usage of a Grand Relic, has only existed for a year. One whole year has passed since magic was cut loose from Faerun's fabric, and no one is any wiser that it's been gone at all. You look down to your wrist, noticing the same three clouded, empty colored crystals that have always been there since the day you were born. Each one bears the shape of a heart, and it makes sense to you why Lucretia is known as... The Queen of Hearts. 1. THE COURT OF HEARTS A. ANOTHER MORNING, HOWEVER YOU SLICE IT Good morning! Where are you right now? Another day is creeping over the horizon, and your life as you know it is continuing down the path it always has. Wherever you are. However you're feeling. The crystals on your wrist, though you've managed to sort out at least one purpose for them by now, remain as dull and lifeless as they've always been. Maybe you've long since figured out that not everyone has them — and maybe today is the morning that you finally heed a call to figure out why. The harder you think about it, the more questions you seem to have. It's a wide world out there, and there are people you just might be dying to remember. Where will you go? Who will you run into? B. NETWORK Speaking of that one purpose you've stumbled upon: A series of messages that, if you choose to access them, dance across your mind as if they were your own thoughts. Over the years, the messages have ranged from confused — people on the other end wondering what this is, without really finding any answers — to just straight up sales pitches. One day, though, a message under the name of Avalon appears: Wandering fortune teller and adviser offering services. Have a burning question you want answered? Do you wish for a quick peek into the void, to light a match into the unknown? Giving out free samples now! Just message me ;) [ooc: If you'd like a randomized way for a memory to begin unraveling, feel free to hit up the RNG thread for a fortune! Note: A low roll doesn't necessarily mean a failure to nudge your character in the right direction, it will just dictate how cryptic and/or troll-y the fortune actually is. Or, feel free to come up with an unrelated fortune for a prompt.] C. AROUND THE CAPITAL One way or another, you may make your way to the capital city, the seat of the Court of Hearts. Whether you're here for answers, or whether you're here just to see the sights, here are a few ideas to get you started. ○ Chaotic croquet: Indeed, you will be discovering how the capital city plays the queen's favorite game. You and a fellow crystal-bearer/Reclaimer will near immediately be roped into a round and pitted against each other, with a rather stern reminder to follow the rules. If only the rules made sense! Each path to the next wicket is more treacherous than the last — you may find yourself quite literally navigating the ball over a bottomless pit, or bumping it up stairs that threaten to send the ball right back, careening toward your face. There is also the Stone Golem guarding the final wicket to contend with. It's a bit strange, actually. It's almost as if this match of the Queen of Hearts' imagining would prefer that the two of you worked together, rather than against each other. ○ We mentioned earlier that the castle, should you wander past the common areas, gets a little ... strange. It's labyrinthine in nature, with staircases, doors and hallways that lead to no where, or straight into the ceiling. The neat line of roses planted along the hallways begin to wither the farther you walk — almost as if nobody dared getting lost just to water some plants. And then, you wander into an empty room, that quite literally transforms before your eyes. It's the place you call home. Or ... is it? This is most certainly not your bedroom back in whatever corner of Fanelia you hail from. In fact, you don't think you've ever set foot in there before — it might be a bedroom with views into outer space itself. It might be a place from another world entirely, one that you definitely don't recognize. But as time passes, and as you stand there, your sense of longing grows stronger. You should probably get out of there, before the guards find you. ○ The Queen of Hearts, in a recent twist (not unusual for her), has a keen interest in the relationships her subjects have with one another, whether it's romantic or platonic. And she'd like to see to it that the people of Fanelia are able to find those important people in their lives. Enter: THE FANELIA FRIENDSHIP (OR SOMETHING MORE?) EXTRAVAGANZA Yeah, it's pretty much a dating show, for both the amusement of onlookers and for your benefit! Or friendship show, as it were. Sign up, answer a brief survey, and showrunners will pair you with a fellow crystal-bearer/Reclaimer that they think you may be compatible with. Let the dating begin! You may: - Slay a monster together - Take a nice long walk around the capital city together - Be given a series of embarrassing questions to ask each other - Cook a meal together - The list goes on Is the right person, or your new best friend, waiting for you in plain sight? Sign up and find out! D. EXPANDED WILDCARD As we mentioned in the OOC post, we highly encourage worldbuilding and creating your own scenarios to recover your character's lost memories! Outside of the capital city, the entire setting is yours to alter, and play in, as you see fit. Want to haunt the Enchanted Forest, or hunt wild boars? Want to follow your character's fairy tale story and have them work their way to leader of a clan, or of a settlement in Kingstown? Go for it! This is your story to write. If you have any questions, feel free to hit us up on the OOC post. blurb code by photosynthesis

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The Evil Queen

[myliteratureclub]

((OOC note: please read about Monika’s AU before tagging!))

Audience with your Queen

[ Once upon a time, there was a beautiful queendom by the name of Uta ruled by a beautiful queen. By her law, artists and the like are hailed as heroes for helping to provide such a wonderful place to live. Though none deserve praise so much as their queen who made it all possible.

But she isn’t the superior queen… is she? That title goes to the Queen of Hearts in the neighboring kingdom. And it drives the Evil Queen mad. She’s good at keeping it to herself, but some of her closest court members may have caught her sour musings about the red queen. The Evil Queen even wears long gloves to cover the hearts on her wrist as they remind her too much of her enemy.

Enough of that, though. The Evil Queen isn’t so obsessed that she doesn’t have time for her own queendom. On this day, there’s open court in the Queendom of Uta if you wish to speak to Her Majesty. She sits on a high throne as members of her court watch in hush as the common folk and even political allies and enemies come to speak to her. Keep in mind of the guards that also stand nearby...

While looking down on you, a smile spreads on the Queen’s face. There’s just something slightly off about it though. ]

And what brings you to my court today?

Unfortunate Fortune

[ Her Majesty may have traveled to the neighboring kingdom with a political agenda… but that doesn’t mean she can’t have a little fun. And ooo a mysterious fortune teller? That does sound fascinating, doesn’t it? However, it doesn’t end up being the fun she had hoped for.

After receiving her fortune, the Evil Queen storms out of the tent. Her guards try to quickly follow after her, but she tells them they are dismissed and should leave her alone. They look very conflicted in the order, but before they get the chance to really decide what to do, their queen is gone.

The Evil Queen can be found hiding in the gardens if you go looking. It would be easy to write off her display as her temper getting the better of her. However, looking carefully at her here… she does not seem okay.

She stares with wide eyes at her hands as they shake. She even pulls her gloves off, sweat visibly dripping down her skin. One of the hearts embedded into her wrist seems to have a faint glow to it. ]

What… is this feeling?

The Wrong Fairytale

[ Rumors of a “magic room” in the Queen of Hearts’s palace most definitely catches the Evil Queen’s interest. How could she not be curious about such a supposedly magical thing? When there’s a quiet, she manages to sneak away from the court and her guards to explore the palace on her own. It’s rare for her to do something so naughty… but she has to see it for herself. If something the Queen of Hearts has, she wants it too.

After almost getting completely lost in the palace, she manages to find the fabled room. The Evil Queen opens the door eagerly but is almost overwhelmed instantly. A warmth washes over her as she quietly steps into a kotatsu filled room. It’s been covered in blankets and pillows for some reason, but she doesn’t question that.

Rather she questions why this room is even here. This is not her queendom… yet it makes her feel a familiar warmth. Without thinking, she kicks her shoes off and walks in to sit at one of the tables. Nearby there’s a tv screen playing static, yet every once and awhile an almost too on point song cuts in and out. It makes her head hurt even more.

She’s wide eyed as she hears the door open again, but the blanket of the kotasu almost keeps in her place. ]

I… [ Her expression hardens a little. ] You shouldn’t be here.

Wildcard

((None of these prompts work for you? Let’s plot it out here! before tagging!))

[myliteratureclub]

(( Please do not reply to this in case future prompts are needed! ))

audience;

[parfaitgirl]

[ Well, after Natsuki's fateful encounter with Sayori, she had mentioned that Queen Monika also had a bracelet that was mysteriously similar to the one that the two of them shared.

And so, after some discussion (well, as much as Natsuki could discuss, not having a proper human voice and all), the two of them headed to the castle to obtain an audience with the Queen. Perhaps she might be able to shed some light on where the bracelets had come from!

Natsuki waits ... somewhat patiently for her turn, flitting about curiously as she examines the decor of the castle. She's never been in a place like this before! ]

[hxppythxughts]

[Sayori is a bit less restless, given that she's made her home in this court and considers Queen Monika a friend. She's content to watch as Natsuki explores, a fond, amused smile on her face. She'd be doing the same thing anywhere else, probably. The castle really is beautiful.

As they're signalled to approach, Sayori waves Natsuki back over excitedly. She approaches Monika with...perhaps less than the usual court-mandated amount of deference, her wide grin far too eager and familiar, but the respectful bow she gives after stopping just short of the throne is deep and flourishing.] Your Majesty!

[A small giggle. She straightens up and indicates Natsuki.] My friend and I have come to ask after one of your possessions, if you don't mind telling us the story!

[myliteratureclub]

[ Her tight smile actually softens to a genuine when she sees Sayori approach. Although she's with a stranger, the queen is pleased to see her friend. Though what an odd request! ]

Oh? And what are you looking for exactly? [ She gestures to the pixie. ] And who is this?

[ They may be friends but mind your manners! ]

[parfaitgirl]

[ Natsuki also seems to lack the usual amount of court-mandated deference, but she has seen enough people come in to know that she's supposed to curtsy.

So, she does a mid-air curtsy for Queen Monika, jingling a little as she does. ]

[hxppythxughts]

[Manners whomst?

At least Monika and the guards are probably used to Sayori's particular missteps by now.] This is Natsuki! We met on our travels and realized...

[She holds up her hand in indication, pulling her sleeve back slightly to ensure that the bracelet with the blue quill charm is visible from the throne.] She has a bracelet like this too, Your Majesty!

[myliteratureclub]

[ Her eyes widen when Sayori shows her charm bracelet. When they originally had realized they had matching bracelets, they wrote it off as a funny coincidence! But now, looking at the pixie, she sees another. How is that possible?

The queen stands from her throne, addressing the entire room now. ]

I'm afraid open court will have to be cut short for the day.

[ There are murmurs from the court members as Her Majesty steps down from her throne. She motions for the two to follow her, leaving her guards in the dust as she hurries ahead. She takes them to her private study where they can speak without peering eyes.

Monika sits in a chair and slides her own bracelet that had been carefully hidden up her sleeve down her arm. It does in fact match the other two.

She addresses Natsuki now. ]

Where did you get that?

Wrong Fairytale

[seasaltkeys]

[It's almost, uncharacteristic for someone like Hercules to be wandering around a castle. He follows the rules most of the time after all. But it's like there's something driving him forward down these hallways. A weird calling and a strange sense that he's pushed too far before, but doesn't have a reason for knowing why.

But eventually he stumbles across the same room, and it flickers a bit. For a brief moment it's a plain, white bedroom with a bed and not much else, then a boy's messy bedroom with the morning sun drifting through a large window before it settles on the room with Monika in it. It takes Roxas a moment to respond, to process what just happened before he's finally able to respond.]

Should you? Something tells me we both might be breaking the rules.

[myliteratureclub]

Ah... well...

[ She frowns glancing away. Normally she wouldn't tolerate being spoken to that way... but Her Highness isn't really herself today. She feels all out of sorts. ]

Why don't you just come join me instead...?

[seasaltkeys]

[In for a penny, in for a pound, as they say.]

A-alright then.

[He'll come in and take a seat across from her.]

So, what sort of room is this anyway?

Unfortunate Fortune

[menarefrom]

Your mrrrowjesty.

[Cuts a clear voice after a rustle in the bushes. The huntsman's faithful puss-in-boots creeps out from the leaves, stretching one leg after the other in one long lean before he gets back up onto his back feet.]

You're looking well this evening.

[The sarcasm is good-natured despite being ill-timed; he is concerned despite his loyalties. Cats do so hate seeing a lady in distress. He analyzes her trembling hands from the corner of his eye as he walks closer.]

What's the matter?

[myliteratureclub]

[ Ah familiar face. She's glad it's him and not a stranger. But she's smart enough to know his loyalty isn't really with her. That doesn't necessarily mean he'd hurt her now though. ]

I just... I heard something alarming. I'm trying to process it.

Audience

[achillea]

[The Big Bad Wolf doesn't come down into society from the mountains and woods in the north very often. But he recognizes the importance of anniversaries, or rather the power implicity in someone who has reigned that long. So he thought to come pay his respects.

The problems is that he may have gotten rather lost. Rather absurdly lost. Case in point;]

You the Queen of Hearts?
[Who let this fucking mountain man and his wolf pelt into the audience chamber, honestly.]

[myliteratureclub]

[ ...Oh.

The room felt pretty tense until he says that. Her Highness deflates a little on her throne and pouts her lips. ]

You're a whole kingdom off. I believe you're looking for her somewhere else.

[achillea]

[???? Well heck!!! He looks somehow only vaguely annoyed despite learning he is catastrophically lost.]

Really? Who are you supposed to be, then. Ain't this a throne room?
[He only knows of the one queen.]

[myliteratureclub]

Yes, it's a throne room. You realize there are many royals in these lands, yes?

[ Much to her distaste... ]

I'm the Evil Queen. Who are you anyway?

poor unfortunate fortune

[protegge]

[Mista's own fortune was perplexing, but not nearly so existentially fucked up. Admittedly he didn't see the Queen's, as she'd never let someone close enough in such a personal situation to see her business — but he was standing outside on guard, as usual, and saw the way she stormed off.]

[He knows her well enough to know the difference between temper and something worse. Although he gives her a head start . . . of course he follows her. Of course he does.]

[In a move straight out of Thomas O'Malley's playbook, he comes up beside-behind her where she stands frozen in the courtyard and sprinkles some flower petals on the crown of her head. There. Fairest of them all, right?]

[. . . His expression sobers, though.]

You okay? Your Majesty. [As though the passing formality will excuse the excessive familiarity. He knows it won't.]

[myliteratureclub]

[ Monika blinks quickly, picking a petal off her head and then glancing up. It figures he'd find her so quickly. Mista's almost too good at his job... but that's why she's glad to have him around.

Still her anxiety is pretty bad, but she is glad to see him. ]

I... I'm not sure. I suppose it depends on how true fortuning telling really is.

[protegge]

Man. I dunno. I believe in that kinda stuff, but I believe in pretty much everything.

[That’s true enough. Witches, wizards, true love . . . Mista’s remarkably credulous. He doesn’t allow Monika to see how concerned he is, though, humming faintly and shoving his hands in his pockets.]

Magi-Mari gave you something nasty, huh? I can kick her ass for you if you want.

audience;

[philoxenia]

[ What brings her here...? ]

Well, Your Highness...

[ She can't tell her there's a warmth blossoming in her chest, that she feels like they were always fated to meet. She can't tell her that she was drawn here for reasons she can't explain, for reasons she's not sure about. She can't tell her that she feels as if she's supposed to protect her, this queen, because surely that would be weird, right? Too forward. ]

I kind of feel like I'm supposed to be here.

[ ... well, alright, let's go with that. ]

[myliteratureclub]

[ The Evil Queen's eyes light up when she sees this girl. She's pretty sure it's the first time they've met but... there's something about her. Her heart seems to be beating a little faster for some reason. ]

I... see. [ She tries her best to not so her nerves. ] And why do you think that is?

[ Because she would love to know! ]

[philoxenia]

[ Truth be told, she hasn't really... thought that far ahead. But it's fine! She can wing it, probably. Nevermind that she's kind of bad at winging it, but if she's honest, then things will work out.

Right? ]

To be honest... I'm really not sure. [ She lifts her hand to put it over her heart, and the three hearts on her wrist are visible. ] It's just a feeling I have.

[myliteratureclub]

A... feeling.

[ Aaah... what is this feeling? It's so odd. Her Highness has never felt like this before today. Her hands are clammy, and her heart is pounding so hard. Did this girl put a spell on her? ]

Who... are you?

[philoxenia]

[ Ahh... why can she feel something that's not quite her own? Her own heart is racing, and she feels kind of...

floaty. ]

I'm Mira. Just a regular girl, aside from being a princess, I guess. [ A pause. ] I'm sorry, am I-- Are you uncomfortable? I can go...