Post by Nathalia on Jan 15, 2010 13:59:48 GMT -5
A thin, pale looking Morganberry was finishing dusting down some of the shelves in the late King's office. It had taken nearly a year to get Bernard's belongings packed away and taken either to her Highness Heilyn's room or to the late King's study. Granted, they hadn't been able to start until about three months after Bernard's death due to the same Coyote barring anyone from going inside, but that was besides the point.
Dymphna smiled as she reached up to the base of a shelf and pushed at it gently, her large ears twitching at the soft "click" and shaking her head in mild amusement as a tiny roll of paper fell out into her hand.
She had hoped...
After reading over it briefly, she took the extra note attached, that had been addressed to herself, and tucked it into her shirt pocket, before moving over to the heavy desk and locating another panel with a large bag of money hidden behind it. She also removed another note addressed to Temmin and tucked it away to deliver...no one else needed to know about these.
After a few moments of simply standing in the empty office, staring out the far window, she moved out of the room to alert the Queen.
Xiven: As the current Queen, I think it stands protocol that you be mentioned first, Xiven. I know we haven’t gotten along splendidly, but I will tell you this. Your father would have been proud. I knew enough of him, through my nephew and not, to know that he loved you more than he would allow himself to admit.
Meaning best of all of his children.
Even I, with my bias toward my nephew, will admit that. You’ve done well for yourself, and you are worth far more than you give yourself credit for. Please enjoy your life while you’re still young.
Stone Amulet: Once a month, this amulet will cause a strong feeling of affection for the caster to be forced upon one person for a full ten minutes. If they actually care for them, then once the spell wears off, the feelings will continue until anger or the current argument is brought up again.
Sascha: My boy, I love you. Please remember that, if nothing else. I miss you and I’m delighted that you and your siblings are out making something of yourselves. Thanks for visiting your old dad on occasion and...thanks for taking the time to cheer me up, Sascha. You’re going to be an amazing man, and I know you’ll do me proud. Be smart, be aware, and realize this: I never doubted you.
I know magic was never your thing, but I am still so proud of you I could burst. You’ll accomplish a good deal with your outlook, your charm, and your goals. Keep your friends and enemies close and remember to roll with the times.
Good luck, son.
I love you.
Visceral Bird: This spell is so named because summoning it brings to mind an invisible bird of prey. Once a week, the caster can summon an invisible eagle for a full thirty seconds. This bird is not truly real and can only be damaged by a summoned weapon, and then only if they manage to hit that which cannot be seen. The eagle will exist on this plane for a full thirty seconds once summoned.
Andrei: Andrei, I can’t believe how much you’ve grown. You’re incredibly astute and I know you’ll take your knowledge and charm to amazing heights. My boy, I regret that we never had much time for one another, what with my work and your adventures, but everything you ever brought to me to show or tell has been amazing. (Except for that one “sword” that turned out to be an exceptionally angry fire newt in disguise. While that was entertaining...I will not forget the burns. Don’t worry though...I fixed it!) Keep an eye on your siblings, (I only asked Raina to keep an eye on you), try to help them if they’re in trouble...and try to keep in touch with them. I love you, son. Never forget that, even if I was a bit of a dull person, and an inattentive father.
Fire Newt: This strange little creature is about the size of a human palm and brilliantly orange. Once a week, the owner of the creature can whisper ”burn” to it and it will change into a rather brilliant broadsword...
Whereupon it will ignite.
The holder feels no pain from the fire and will only suffer minor burns, but it blazes an incredibly white-hot agony onto whomever else it touches. The creature and sword are one being and are not sentient, simply an animal. The sword will change back into a newt and hide if confronted by a Jack, King, or Queen of Clubs though...
Raina: My beautiful girl, I’m sorry we didn’t get much of a chance to know each other. Both of us were quite busy, even though that’s no excuse on my part, I want you to know how incredibly proud I am of you. A King to the Queen of Spades; that is an amazing feat, one your old dad only managed because he made the Queen at the time laugh when he walked in. I know it must have taken a lot of work, and I wish I could have been there for you.
I can only offer you the advice to keep the Queen happy and advise them to only let the public push them as far as they can take it for a day. I hear the new Queen is highly effective, if a bit frightening...Ms. Donalda, heh, be careful and stay smart.
I love you, Raina. Please take care and help your brothers when they need it (not “want” it, need it, I know Sascha, don’t worry.)
Do well, my beautiful girl. Fly for me, will you?
Shield Spell: After reading the words printed on the page (written in Solandrian and meaning “protect me”), this SD will be able to, once a day, cast a large magical barrier around herself and anyone touching her. This will stop any attacks, unless they are from Jokers or Rabbits, from getting through to her unless they were specifically designed to thwart shield spells. The shield will last for a full three minutes before slowly becoming weaker and vanishing. It takes the shape of a large white eagle, with those inside encased in its wings.
Nik: I wish I had been able to find you, my poor son. If I had not neglected you, perhaps you would still be with us today. I regret not being able to know you beyond the age of four...I was a miserable parent, and I hope that in whatever lies after our lives, you are able to find it within yourself to forgive me my transgressions.
I leave you my love, my best wishes if you still live, and my sincerest apologies.
My son, I wish I could have told you to your face that I loved you.
I would have if I had been given the chance to get over myself.
I’m sorry.
Heilyn: Heilyn, I never gave you enough credit.
You’re right and you’ll find the gold I owe you under the mantelpiece in my room.
You have managed to mean more to me than almost anyone else in my lifetime, and for that I can never thank you enough. I wish I could remain with you, especially with life turning out the way it is, but life has its own intentions, and age is catching up to me.
I have something for you that I feel you’ll make the best use of; please make sure it is used well. (And a little something I’ve been working on for Hadrian...tell him I’ll miss him, sugar rushes regardless.)
Goodbye, love.
Light Spell: Once a week, this SD is now able to summon up a column of green light. This column will stretch about 15 feet or will simply end at the ceiling should they be inside. This column is able to trap a person inside if they are ranked King or lower or if they are a child of any rank. The person trapped inside will still be able to speak, listen, and think clearly, but they will be unable to move until either the caster lets them go, or an hour goes by. A Diamonds flight ability will shatter this spell...but no one really knows that...do they?
Elemental Brooch: This small, green brooch is made from twisted old copper and what appear to be vines. It tingles when held and will fuse with whoever puts it on. Once equipped it will find out what an SD’s elemental power would/should have been or what is their strongest. It will then zero in on this foundation and build on it for them, bringing it to the surface or making it stronger.
Seth: You may or may not out-live me, you bastard, but I hope you do.
If so, then consider what I’ve left you yours. If not...I hope one of your children...or maybe one of ours, will find it useful.
Granted, be careful with it...this is the spell that you so eloquently dubbed “the leg-fucker”. I’ve left instructions with it, but still...I know how you like to “encourage” objects to work better by kicking them.
Seth...Take care.
No matter what happens, please take care.
You and I said what we were going to say when we were working on these together, so, I’ll just reiterate that I’ll miss you.
And I thank you.
You’re the only person to ever tell me to my face that they would miss me. You’re a good man Seth, I’m proud to have been considered a part of your family, and I want you to know that your mother was wrong. More wrong than anyone I’ve ever heard to be.
Botched Teleportation Spell: Once a week, the caster is able to think desperately hard about where they wish to be and take themselves there. However, in doing so there is a 60% chance of injury, and then a 30% chance of rather grievous injury due to the instability of the spell...
Peaches: We’ve had our disagreements, Peaches, I know.
But, we’ve had our share of laughs as well.
Take care of the ones left behind, I know you can and do. I know you and Xiven have been having...problems, but please let me tell you that...they can leave you so quickly.
Especially with Xiven being the Queen. I’m not so worried about Eldy, she’s capable of taking care of herself...
Please show Xiven that you care, it sounds dim but...I promise you...you’ll never forgive yourself if they go without knowing you loved them.
Please take care, Peaches.
Stay safe; keep the Court as whole as can be expected.
Shell Powder: This powder was made from Serafino’s eggshell. Lin gave it to Bernard as a good luck charm...and he worked for three years to turn it into a real one. Once a month, this powder can cast a shield that will ward off all 2-7 based spells from Clubs, Spades, and Diamonds.
Apocalypse: You may have disagreed with my poking around with you at first, Apocalypse...but I may have been onto something. What I’m leaving you is very important, and I ask you to find help to finish it someday.
I believe you to be a good man, Apocalypse. Please don’t make a late fool out of me by proving me wrong, you know how to control yourself, and I know you have people you care enough about to be wary of the consequences.
You’re a good nephew. Take care of your loved ones and protect this Court.
Stay safe, it goes the other way too...I have had proven to me on numerous occasions that you are very highly cared for, whether you want to see it or not.
Summoned Weapon Research: This research is incomplete and needs translation and continuation help...it seems to be leaning toward how to unbind a weapon from a summoning, and how to change a weapon mortal...or vice versa...
Beowulf, Jarvis, and Alaster: Our loyal guards.
You three stand out most in my mind when I think of the bedlam our home would be if you weren’t present. Please be careful, the Courts are still in good standing with one another, but I’ve heard rumors about the Spades and Diamonds being iffy with one another...and the Clubs will not take so kindly to us with the passing of Rai. Keep your eyes open and your ears pricked. You’re all quite accomplished and I thank you for all you have done. I would ask that you take from the three items I leave you what you think is fitting for you.
1. Reverse spell: Once a month, whispering focus will cause an opponent’s spell to be reversed back on them. This only works on spells for the ranks King and below.
2. Invert Spell: Once a month, whispering the word never will cause an opponent’s weapon to refuse to comply with attacking the caster for a full five minutes. This spell works on magical, normal, and sentient weapons.
3. Numbing Spell: This spell can be cast once a month by whispering the word instill. This will cause an opponent to forget who they are or what they’re doing for an entire hour. Be careful though...if the caster was to injure, or encourage the injury of the victim after the spell has been cast...the caster could be in for one hell of a rebound.
Dymphna smiled as she reached up to the base of a shelf and pushed at it gently, her large ears twitching at the soft "click" and shaking her head in mild amusement as a tiny roll of paper fell out into her hand.
She had hoped...
After reading over it briefly, she took the extra note attached, that had been addressed to herself, and tucked it into her shirt pocket, before moving over to the heavy desk and locating another panel with a large bag of money hidden behind it. She also removed another note addressed to Temmin and tucked it away to deliver...no one else needed to know about these.
After a few moments of simply standing in the empty office, staring out the far window, she moved out of the room to alert the Queen.
To those I’ve traveled with, taught, loved, and befriended.
I beg all of you to please take care of what I’ve left you. Please do your best to take into consideration those around you. Learn from my errors; there is a world out there, explore it; there are friends out there, embrace them; there is love out there, take it.
I was unable to force my hand into many of these things until it was far too late, and it left me, despite my achievements, dissatisfied with life.
Even if it comes to that point for you as well, consider those around you.
Let them in.
It’s the only reason I survived as long as I did.
This Court has surprised me, and moved in ways I wouldn’t have been able to fathom when I arrived here.
Please, take care.
Love from,
Bernard, King of Hearts.
I beg all of you to please take care of what I’ve left you. Please do your best to take into consideration those around you. Learn from my errors; there is a world out there, explore it; there are friends out there, embrace them; there is love out there, take it.
I was unable to force my hand into many of these things until it was far too late, and it left me, despite my achievements, dissatisfied with life.
Even if it comes to that point for you as well, consider those around you.
Let them in.
It’s the only reason I survived as long as I did.
This Court has surprised me, and moved in ways I wouldn’t have been able to fathom when I arrived here.
Please, take care.
Love from,
Bernard, King of Hearts.
Xiven: As the current Queen, I think it stands protocol that you be mentioned first, Xiven. I know we haven’t gotten along splendidly, but I will tell you this. Your father would have been proud. I knew enough of him, through my nephew and not, to know that he loved you more than he would allow himself to admit.
Meaning best of all of his children.
Even I, with my bias toward my nephew, will admit that. You’ve done well for yourself, and you are worth far more than you give yourself credit for. Please enjoy your life while you’re still young.
Stone Amulet: Once a month, this amulet will cause a strong feeling of affection for the caster to be forced upon one person for a full ten minutes. If they actually care for them, then once the spell wears off, the feelings will continue until anger or the current argument is brought up again.
Sascha: My boy, I love you. Please remember that, if nothing else. I miss you and I’m delighted that you and your siblings are out making something of yourselves. Thanks for visiting your old dad on occasion and...thanks for taking the time to cheer me up, Sascha. You’re going to be an amazing man, and I know you’ll do me proud. Be smart, be aware, and realize this: I never doubted you.
I know magic was never your thing, but I am still so proud of you I could burst. You’ll accomplish a good deal with your outlook, your charm, and your goals. Keep your friends and enemies close and remember to roll with the times.
Good luck, son.
I love you.
Visceral Bird: This spell is so named because summoning it brings to mind an invisible bird of prey. Once a week, the caster can summon an invisible eagle for a full thirty seconds. This bird is not truly real and can only be damaged by a summoned weapon, and then only if they manage to hit that which cannot be seen. The eagle will exist on this plane for a full thirty seconds once summoned.
Andrei: Andrei, I can’t believe how much you’ve grown. You’re incredibly astute and I know you’ll take your knowledge and charm to amazing heights. My boy, I regret that we never had much time for one another, what with my work and your adventures, but everything you ever brought to me to show or tell has been amazing. (Except for that one “sword” that turned out to be an exceptionally angry fire newt in disguise. While that was entertaining...I will not forget the burns. Don’t worry though...I fixed it!) Keep an eye on your siblings, (I only asked Raina to keep an eye on you), try to help them if they’re in trouble...and try to keep in touch with them. I love you, son. Never forget that, even if I was a bit of a dull person, and an inattentive father.
Fire Newt: This strange little creature is about the size of a human palm and brilliantly orange. Once a week, the owner of the creature can whisper ”burn” to it and it will change into a rather brilliant broadsword...
Whereupon it will ignite.
The holder feels no pain from the fire and will only suffer minor burns, but it blazes an incredibly white-hot agony onto whomever else it touches. The creature and sword are one being and are not sentient, simply an animal. The sword will change back into a newt and hide if confronted by a Jack, King, or Queen of Clubs though...
Raina: My beautiful girl, I’m sorry we didn’t get much of a chance to know each other. Both of us were quite busy, even though that’s no excuse on my part, I want you to know how incredibly proud I am of you. A King to the Queen of Spades; that is an amazing feat, one your old dad only managed because he made the Queen at the time laugh when he walked in. I know it must have taken a lot of work, and I wish I could have been there for you.
I can only offer you the advice to keep the Queen happy and advise them to only let the public push them as far as they can take it for a day. I hear the new Queen is highly effective, if a bit frightening...Ms. Donalda, heh, be careful and stay smart.
I love you, Raina. Please take care and help your brothers when they need it (not “want” it, need it, I know Sascha, don’t worry.)
Do well, my beautiful girl. Fly for me, will you?
Shield Spell: After reading the words printed on the page (written in Solandrian and meaning “protect me”), this SD will be able to, once a day, cast a large magical barrier around herself and anyone touching her. This will stop any attacks, unless they are from Jokers or Rabbits, from getting through to her unless they were specifically designed to thwart shield spells. The shield will last for a full three minutes before slowly becoming weaker and vanishing. It takes the shape of a large white eagle, with those inside encased in its wings.
Nik: I wish I had been able to find you, my poor son. If I had not neglected you, perhaps you would still be with us today. I regret not being able to know you beyond the age of four...I was a miserable parent, and I hope that in whatever lies after our lives, you are able to find it within yourself to forgive me my transgressions.
I leave you my love, my best wishes if you still live, and my sincerest apologies.
My son, I wish I could have told you to your face that I loved you.
I would have if I had been given the chance to get over myself.
I’m sorry.
Heilyn: Heilyn, I never gave you enough credit.
You’re right and you’ll find the gold I owe you under the mantelpiece in my room.
You have managed to mean more to me than almost anyone else in my lifetime, and for that I can never thank you enough. I wish I could remain with you, especially with life turning out the way it is, but life has its own intentions, and age is catching up to me.
I have something for you that I feel you’ll make the best use of; please make sure it is used well. (And a little something I’ve been working on for Hadrian...tell him I’ll miss him, sugar rushes regardless.)
Goodbye, love.
Light Spell: Once a week, this SD is now able to summon up a column of green light. This column will stretch about 15 feet or will simply end at the ceiling should they be inside. This column is able to trap a person inside if they are ranked King or lower or if they are a child of any rank. The person trapped inside will still be able to speak, listen, and think clearly, but they will be unable to move until either the caster lets them go, or an hour goes by. A Diamonds flight ability will shatter this spell...but no one really knows that...do they?
Elemental Brooch: This small, green brooch is made from twisted old copper and what appear to be vines. It tingles when held and will fuse with whoever puts it on. Once equipped it will find out what an SD’s elemental power would/should have been or what is their strongest. It will then zero in on this foundation and build on it for them, bringing it to the surface or making it stronger.
Seth: You may or may not out-live me, you bastard, but I hope you do.
If so, then consider what I’ve left you yours. If not...I hope one of your children...or maybe one of ours, will find it useful.
Granted, be careful with it...this is the spell that you so eloquently dubbed “the leg-fucker”. I’ve left instructions with it, but still...I know how you like to “encourage” objects to work better by kicking them.
Seth...Take care.
No matter what happens, please take care.
You and I said what we were going to say when we were working on these together, so, I’ll just reiterate that I’ll miss you.
And I thank you.
You’re the only person to ever tell me to my face that they would miss me. You’re a good man Seth, I’m proud to have been considered a part of your family, and I want you to know that your mother was wrong. More wrong than anyone I’ve ever heard to be.
Botched Teleportation Spell: Once a week, the caster is able to think desperately hard about where they wish to be and take themselves there. However, in doing so there is a 60% chance of injury, and then a 30% chance of rather grievous injury due to the instability of the spell...
Peaches: We’ve had our disagreements, Peaches, I know.
But, we’ve had our share of laughs as well.
Take care of the ones left behind, I know you can and do. I know you and Xiven have been having...problems, but please let me tell you that...they can leave you so quickly.
Especially with Xiven being the Queen. I’m not so worried about Eldy, she’s capable of taking care of herself...
Please show Xiven that you care, it sounds dim but...I promise you...you’ll never forgive yourself if they go without knowing you loved them.
Please take care, Peaches.
Stay safe; keep the Court as whole as can be expected.
Shell Powder: This powder was made from Serafino’s eggshell. Lin gave it to Bernard as a good luck charm...and he worked for three years to turn it into a real one. Once a month, this powder can cast a shield that will ward off all 2-7 based spells from Clubs, Spades, and Diamonds.
Apocalypse: You may have disagreed with my poking around with you at first, Apocalypse...but I may have been onto something. What I’m leaving you is very important, and I ask you to find help to finish it someday.
I believe you to be a good man, Apocalypse. Please don’t make a late fool out of me by proving me wrong, you know how to control yourself, and I know you have people you care enough about to be wary of the consequences.
You’re a good nephew. Take care of your loved ones and protect this Court.
Stay safe, it goes the other way too...I have had proven to me on numerous occasions that you are very highly cared for, whether you want to see it or not.
Summoned Weapon Research: This research is incomplete and needs translation and continuation help...it seems to be leaning toward how to unbind a weapon from a summoning, and how to change a weapon mortal...or vice versa...
Beowulf, Jarvis, and Alaster: Our loyal guards.
You three stand out most in my mind when I think of the bedlam our home would be if you weren’t present. Please be careful, the Courts are still in good standing with one another, but I’ve heard rumors about the Spades and Diamonds being iffy with one another...and the Clubs will not take so kindly to us with the passing of Rai. Keep your eyes open and your ears pricked. You’re all quite accomplished and I thank you for all you have done. I would ask that you take from the three items I leave you what you think is fitting for you.
1. Reverse spell: Once a month, whispering focus will cause an opponent’s spell to be reversed back on them. This only works on spells for the ranks King and below.
2. Invert Spell: Once a month, whispering the word never will cause an opponent’s weapon to refuse to comply with attacking the caster for a full five minutes. This spell works on magical, normal, and sentient weapons.
3. Numbing Spell: This spell can be cast once a month by whispering the word instill. This will cause an opponent to forget who they are or what they’re doing for an entire hour. Be careful though...if the caster was to injure, or encourage the injury of the victim after the spell has been cast...the caster could be in for one hell of a rebound.
I loved the writing of this. Made me smile. Bernard, we will miss you. Dearly, you lovably and completely humpable old man.
Yet he is also honoured to be thought of fondly by the man, and will keep the memory of the King with him. Right now he's putting up a stoic front, trying to serve as a pillar of support for the rest of the mourners, but if you look closely, there might be a slight glint of dampness near his eyes.
