[IC] Planet Nero: A New Beginning

[Jenny]

Planet Nero is a planet that has two extreme climates and kingdoms. The kingdom to the South is called Fotia and is mainly desert. It has blistering heat. The kingdom to the North is called Pagos and is full of snow and ice. It has freezing temperatures. The citizens of both kingdoms have long since gotten used to the climates. For much of Nero's history the kingdoms of Fotia and Pagos would go to war. This ended 25 years ago because of the Great War. Fotia and Pagos had a war so horrible and bloody it almost destroyed the planet. Children were orphaned and it was hard to find someone who had not lost a least one loved one because of it. Queen Ember of Fotia and King Lars of Pagos called a truce. Both had lost their families and almost their own lives in a war they couldn't even remember why it started. In the Mountains of Mesos, they built the City of Eirini. Built perfectly halfway between both kingdoms, it serves as a peaceful meeting point for the rulers and a place of trade between the kingdoms. Over time the wounds of the past have slowly healed the kingdoms live peacefully with each other until recently.

Rise of the Gods:

The First awakened from their slumber and a new king and queen were crowned who wanted peace for Nero. Unfortunately a traitor appeared who wants to send the world into a another bloody war.

A World in Turmoil:

Grim became angry being used by the traitor to harm innocent people and decided to try to fix his mistake. He sent Mercy and Mikey to Fotia to help those people while he traveled to Pagos. On the way he stopped at the Orphanage in Eirini and enlisted Angel and Milson's help. Because Grim's actions sent ice to Fotia and fire to Pagos, the gods could no longer keep themselves a secret to the people. The unnatural weather effected Gwynn's powers. Barrett provided fire to his people so they would not freeze. Once Selene learned what happened in Pagos, she went back to aid them although Niles had just overthrown her as queen. When Gwynn was able, she and Barrett also went. Although Barrett's own powers weren't much use for a city that had caught on fire, he stayed to protect Selene. In the City of Airee Gale was awakened and seemed to throw Priestess Ceelia to her death. He then went to Pagos where he first became infatuated with Selene which angered Barrett. After Selene turned down his affections, he turned his attention to Angel. Misinterpreting her natural motherly nature as something more, which didn't make Milson thrilled either. Although Gale's viewpoint of the world is a little "different", since he thought Lizard Dog is also Gwynn's lover. During the recovery in Pagos, Barrett was able to earn the trust of one of Pagos' most respected generals, General Bridgar. He and Selene also formed an uneasy alliance with Grim, who wants to learn more about the gods and offered some information about the man who hired him. He also confused Gwynn by talks of virgins...Jared and Luca wondered if the woman who enlisted them to awaken Barrett and Selene was also involved with the traitor since her wants were similar to the man's who Mercy told them about. Nevek was reunited with his former girlfriend Bree, who is a high priestess. Gwynn ended up getting some new friends and worshippers around Pagos. Angel and Mercy both got very tired because of their desire to help as many people as they could. Angel was essentially babysitting Gale but he got upset when she wouldn't pay attention to him because she was healing other people. Because of that, he threw a temper tantrum but in his own way, also helped Pagos. He created a tornado and got rid of the soot and ashes. The people of Airee started a search party for Ceelia. Barrett and Selene came clean to the people of Pagos about the ruse and everything else going on in Nero. Some were angry but most were relieved there would be no war and excited that Barrett had asked Selene to marry him. They decided that General Bridgar would be temporary ruler until Lord Kenter returned and Niles ran for it because people want his head for overthrowing Selene. Selene and Barrett expressed their thanks to Grim and Mercy for what she did in Fotia. Barrett tried to give them money as a payment but it was left behind. Lord Kenter wants to have an audience with the king and queen about the wedding they announced to the people. Lord Riddarith also wants to speak them as well and has a plan...Given Barrett's dislike of the lord, it is probably good he made Gwynn the new Royal Ambassador.

Selene and Barrett are getting married in the City of Eirini. One reason for the wedding is because they love each other but also because they want to see if the traitor will come out of hiding and attack the wedding.

[Jenny]

Selene



News traveled fast in Nero. A majority of the citizens seemed to be thrilled about the upcoming wedding of Selene and Barrett, although Selene knew there were people who weren't. Some thought it was a power play. It wasn't, she would still want to marry Barrett if they were mortals and poor. They were trying to plan the wedding in between dealing with lords and ladies who had concerns. Most were satisfied once they realized Barrett and Selene weren't trying to take over the world, they just loved each other and marriage seemed the next natural step for them to take. Today was going to be an annoying day she felt. Lord Riddarith was coming, he just had to speak to Barrett. Selene remembered well that Barrett would have set that man on fire if she hadn't be there. It was a good thing Gwynn was given the job of Royal Ambassador, she would probably be needed to keep the peace between Barrett and Riddarith. Selene was welcome back in Pagos since Niles had run for the mountains but she was finding she preferred staying in Fotia. Barrett was king and she wanted to stay with him. She wasn't even sure if she wanted the crown back in Pagos, she would always help them but maybe it was best for only one kingdom to have gods ruling it. When she and Barrett married then she would become the Queen of Fotia after all. She wasn't sure what she should do about Pagos, if she felt she could trust Geoffers and Kenter she'd be more willing to allow a new royal line to start there.

After this meeting we'll have to go to the dress shop in Pagos with Gwynn for the final fittings.

Luca reminded her queen who nodded her head. There was so many things to do with for the wedding in such a short amount of time. It was good that she had Luca helping her with the details, Selene couldn't remember ever going to wedding before. So she had no idea what had to be done. But she and Barrett wanted it to be grand affair, they had to lure that traitor out...

That'll give me something to look forward to while I keep an eye on Barrett's temper.

He doesn't care for Lord Riddarith much, does he?

That Luca is the understatement of the year.

Selene told Luca with a laugh.

[Corey]

Barrett



Barrett helped with the wedding planning as much as he could but he also told Selene she could have whatever she wanted. He was glad that Luca was there to help with the details because he and Jared were sadly lost in what all they should do for the wedding. All they knew was that it should be big and grand so that the traitor would want to attack it. The days were ticking down quickly for the wedding and it seemed they had a million things to do. Not just for the wedding but also because of meetings. It actually drove Barrett a little crazy. People and their "concerns", why did everything have to be some power play? Couldn't two people just get married because they loved each other? Although he supposed if one of them hadn't been a ruler that person would have been accused of being a gold digger for marrying the other. Sometimes you just couldn't win. Barrett wasn't looking forward to seeing Lord Riddarith, he didn't like the man and made no secret about.

I'm glad I made Gwynn the Royal Ambassador.

He told Jared as they headed to Gwynn's room to get her. Jared snickered a little as he replied.

I bet, since she can deal with people you don't like.

Exactly. Plus she's perfect for the job, she's much nicer then me.

Barrett replied with a wink and Jared just nodded his head. He wasn't sure what to say in case he said something that got Barrett angry with him after that comment. Barrett knocked on Gwynn's door to see if she was prepared to deal with their guest when he arrived.

[Monkey Kitty]

Gwynn

Ever since the wedding announcement, Gwynn had been in a state of excitement, pausing only for occasional sleep before flying back into the whirlwind of preparations. Her dress was almost ready, and Lizard Dog would have a suitably large matching bow. She had practiced her Flower Thrower routine many times, and was sure she could do it without injuring any guests with her enthusiasm.

Now there was little more left to prepare... but today was the most exciting of all, because it was her first job as Royal Ambassador. She was neatly dressed for the occasion, and Lizard Dog was brushed till he was shiny. All morning, she'd been practicing witty and wise things to say.

"I'm ready!" Gwynn announced when she opened the door, with a huge grin on her face and Lizard Dog at her heels as usual.

[Monkey Kitty]

Garnet

Garnet was starting to question the wisdom of coming to the palace. It hadn't been hard to get in - from a distance she looked like Gwynn, although when the guard asked her where something called a "Lizard Dog" was, she'd had to pretend not to hear him, because she didn't know how Gwynn talked and she had no idea what that was, anyway.

The hard part was avoiding Gwynn's friends. Garnet had simply assumed that she could stay among the serving classes, and not catch the attention of anyone Gwynn knew personally. As it turned out, though, Gwynn knew everyone. It seemed that Garnet's counterpart was on not only a first-name but a conversational basis with everyone in the palace, from the royals themselves to the lowest maids and stable hands. Garnet had to avoid the gaze of every single eye as much as she could.

Still, this was the only place in the world where Pembrooke wouldn't think to look for her, and that was the only way for her to keep him from cutting her heart from her chest. It was valuable, the only one in the world, and Garnet herself was expendable... he would hunt her down mercilessly to get it. Of course, Gwynn very well might want to take it also, once she found out, and that possibility made Garnet shudder.

The second flaw in the impostor's plan became clear when she heard talk of a wedding, and she had to restrain herself from groaning aloud. An important state occasion - of course Pembrooke would be invited. He was of the highest social standing, and to leave him out would be a huge slight for no reason. She couldn't count on that. Garnet would just have to try to hide until she could sneak out undetected.

She made her way quietly along the corridor, then stumbled, fell, and cursed softly when her left knee suddenly stopped bearing weight. She hated this inadequate body! Maybe Pembrooke was right to take her life. Maybe she didn't deserve it, such a failed creature after all...

Garnet shook her head. She couldn't think like that. Not if she wanted to stay alive, and she did, even in these moments of weakness. Clinging to a tapestry, she began hauling herself to her feet, hoping she could get her knee working again. If not, she'd be trapped in this castle with not just one but two people who would want her dead for the talisman inside her.

[Corey]

Barrett



Barrett laughed when Gwynn announced she was ready before he even had to ask. He was glad that he had given her a home, she was a great friend and fun to be around. Barrett and Selene both loved how she viewed the world and saw her a little sister. Everyone who met Gwynn liked her. The servants loved her and the palace often had children visiting to see Gwynn and Lizard Dog. The children in Pagos were always excited if Gwynn went with them there as well. He had no doubt Angel's orphans were going to adore Gwynn just as much once she got to spend time with them.

Good. I have to warn you that Lord Riddarith is a big pain in the ass.

He told her as the went to find Selene. Although knowing Gwynn, she would probably still be able to handle that annoying lord who made him so tempted to either set him on fire or give him the damn throne to shut him up. Barrett would possibly step down from the throne if he thought a better king or queen could be found. He wanted was best for the people even if it meant he was no longer king. However, he didn't think Lord Riddarith was a worthy replacement and he had the feeling that the lord wanted to accuse Barrett of being some sort of a dictator again.

[Jenny]

Luca



After they shared a good laugh about Barrett's poor relationship with Lord Riddarith, Selene headed off to find her fiance. She wanted to be present for the meeting but given that her temper could be very similar to Barrett's, she'd let Gwynn do most of the talking if the lord became difficult. Luca was going to head into the city to the bakery Jared had used for Barrett's birthday cake. The king and queen both liked the cake and it had been popular with the guests, so Luca thought it would be good to use them for the wedding cake. Well actually cakes, since pretty much the entire world had been invited to the wedding she had to make there was tons of food. The royal couple's only request was that the cakes be made of chocolate. She was heading down the same hallway Garnet was in. Luca frowned when she saw her clinging to a tapestry.

Gwynn, are you okay?

It looked to her there was something wrong with Gwynn's leg. Luca rushed to her side to help her to her feet. She was so preoccupied with having to get to the bakery, that she didn't even notice that Lizard Dog was not with her. Which if she had been paying attention, she would find very odd. Lizard Dog was Gwynn's constant companion.

[Monkey Kitty]

Gwynn

"Oh dear!" Gwynn said with obvious concern. "That sounds uncomfortable."

She glanced briefly over her shoulder and tilted so she could see her backside. Her trousers - and for that matter, Lizard Dog's fur - wouldn't offer much protection from a pain in the ass, which she imagined would feel like many tiny pinpricks.

Then having come to a decision, she added in her previous chipper tone, "We should get there before him. It will give us time to find some cushions to sit on."

Gwynn beamed, pleased to have solved the first problem that she had faced as Royal Ambassador. Riddarith might prove annoying, but at least their buttocks would be spared from harm.

[Monkey Kitty]

Garnet

Garnet froze, still clinging to the tapestry. Her first instinct was to ignore Luca and pretend she hadn't heard, like she had with the guard. That had been different, though; she'd been walking through the gate, and plausibly could have moved out of earshot by the point he called out. This time she was being addressed by someone only a few feet away and closing in, and if she didn't respond, the woman would just repeat the question - and probably get suspicious.

She winced involuntarily when Luca touched her. Pembrooke's tinkering usually hurt, and other than that she'd experienced very little physical contact.

Unfortunately, Garnet still hadn't managed to figure out how Gwynn sounded. She had been built with a similar voice, but she'd never heard Gwynn's usual intonation, volume, diction, or word choice. Garnet just tried to keep her voice as neutral as possible, and her answer brief.

"Fine. Thanks." Not addressing her by name, because Garnet didn't know it, even if Gwynn should. "I tripped."

Garnet got to her feet with Luca's help, only to have her currently-disobedient knee start to shake and then give out again. She took another spill, this time only falling as far as a kneeling position, but now having an audience to her failure. Garnet reached to grab the heavy fabric of the tapestry again to haul herself up, but her fingers suddenly couldn't move at all, and she sat on her hand to try to hide it.

"It's fine," she said, forcing a smile and looked downward so her lashes shadowed her gemstone eyes.

[Honor's Angel]

Angel



::After getting some much needed sleep after the night of the weather attacks, Angel was fine. She showed no ill effects from using her powers once she got sleep. She was quickly learning that her healing gift drained her energy. She needed to stop and rest to essentially "recharge" herself. She hadn't seen Gale since that night and hoped he was all right. Although she knew he had misinterpreted her actions and words as something romantic, it hadn't been the reason. She was motherly and nurturing by nature and she did care about him. She didn't he should be left alone and hoped he would come around in his own time. Milson was a quick learner of the mirror trick and thankfully had no bad news to report to either Pagos or Fotia. It made them relieved in a way but both he and Angel also believed that perhaps the traitor was planning something really big then. You'd have to be living under a rock to not heard of the upcoming wedding between King Barrett and Queen Selene. It seemed 99% of the world was excited about it and the children of her orphanage were no exception. The younger ones had made a paper chain to count down the days to the wedding. Of course Angel had to answer many, many questions about the wedding. Like why was it taking so long and would there be dancing and lots of food. Milson was on a food run (something that was always needed with so many growing children) while the kids were helping Angel clean their home. One of the little girls asked.::

You and Milson are still getting married, right?

Yes of course. Why do you ask?

Well...Didn't he ask you before the king and queen announced their wedding?

::Angel nodded her head and got the feeling she knew where this line of questioning was going.::

People get married at different times. Some decide they want a long engagement and others decide not to wait.

::Angel didn't add that King Barrett and Queen Selene weren't waiting that long because they hoped their wedding would lure out the traitor. She didn't think the kids needed to worry about that. Angel assured her young charge that there was nothing wrong waiting or not waiting for the ceremony after announcing an engagement. It was up to each couple to decide what was best for them. That seemed to satisfy the little girl. Besides she and Milson hadn't really discussed what they wanted for a wedding, they just decided to get married and hadn't discussed any details. Not even when it would take place. Angel didn't mind, she knew they would get married and with Milson living with her now, she felt married already. The wedding itself would seem just a formality. Angel didn't realize though that all the talk of the wedding was making Milson think he and Angel should be official. It wasn't like all the kids thought people had to be married to live together or have kids but he saw Eirini preparing for the royal wedding ceremony, he was wondering so why wait? He thought about suggesting it to her and then thought maybe it would be funner to surprise her. The anniversary of when they first meet was tomorrow and wouldn't a good gift be getting married? He wasn't planning anything big or fancy. Just a simple ceremony at the orphanage with a party there afterwards. He was able to get a high priest to agree to perform it. He had also sent a letter a few days ago to see if Nevek and Bree could make a trip to Eirini to visit him and Angel. He wrote that it was for a party, he was good friends with them and would like there even if he wasn't inviting a ton of people. He also sent messages to Barrett, Selene, and Gwynn although he made sure they knew his surprise for Angel wouldn't be as grand as the royal couple was planning. Angel wouldn't want people making a big fuss over her and he was planning a wedding that would make his bride happy. If a couple of good friends and the kids were there and had a good time, then he knew she would be happy. In fact, on his food run he was ordering a cake for everyone to eat from the local bakery and getting lots more food then they needed for the week. He told the owner of the bakery he'd back for the cake first thing tomorrow morning. He had to enlist the help of the teenagers at the orphanage to help him hide the extra food and drinks in the cellar before Angel saw. When he told them he was throwing Angel a surprise party tomorrow, they were excited and said they wouldn't let her know. He almost told them it was actually a wedding but he figured that that news would travel too fast. Not all children could keep secrets, especially when they were excited. So he figured everyone would be surprised tomorrow and hopefully Angel would be very happy..::