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QuinnTalon
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For those who fight for it, life has a flavor the sheltered will never know.
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Post by QuinnTalon on May 9, 2018 5:01:52 GMT -5
River Nerita; A Proper District 4 Victor "If you stand for nothing, you'll fall for anything." Whenever he came to this place, he always felt--oddly enough--like a tropical bird in the midst of sparrows. Not to say he was anymore lovely than others here. While River knew he stood out in a crowd--even back at The Sea--here in The Quarry it felt even more pronounced. Things here were extremely practical. Extremely utilitarian. Extremely spartan. Clothing was functional, boots were necessary, and any ornamentation was looked down upon. Unless, of course, one spoke of The Quarry's 'Living Dead'. Excuse him: Their Glorious Victors. Even his subdued jacket--dark-blue with silver accents--was looked at with raised eyebrows. Everything beneath it was quite plain: A black tunic, black pants, and black boots. Between his jacket, the braid in his otherwise short hair, and the tattooing on his wrists and neck that teased at much more beneath it, the people of The Quarry had never known exactly what to do with him. On one hand, he was obviously Other. From the way River spoke, to his name, to his wardrobe, and even his accent, it was obvious that while he may live a here a few weeks a year he was quite obviously 'From District 4'. District 4, who were known for their non-conformity and rebellious natures and strange at-peace way they approached most things in their lives. The frightening way they turned from Priests to Warriors at the drop of a hat. The strange, musical language and calmness they exuded at all times. On the other: He was the husband of a Victor. Of Druscilla Rorke, no less. Even if the marriage itself was the biggest farce in Panem. And marriage wasn't a word often used in his home anyway. Still, he wasn't going to stay holed up in the Victors' Village here. He did have things he needed to handle before he went home to The Sea for this year's Choosing. Little gifts to buy his sister, who wanted an Onyx if he could find it. Why, he'd never know, but she said something to him about it's effects on the Aura and how she was making something lovely for a boy she liked. Which was why he was in their miniscule market, searching. And being stared at. Apparently. How fun.
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Post by Seryna on May 9, 2018 14:10:10 GMT -5
“All I’m saying, is that if you are going to volunteer, you need to seriously consider being more approachable.” A pretty sixteen-year-old says to a teenage boy looking at merchandise at the next table over. “I’m not sure, Eirene.” The male shook his head. “That’s sort of what defines our district, don’t you think?” “Why should it, Alekos? What should define our District – and give us the right to the superiority – is actual excellence in the field. Of late, we hadn’t demonstrated that.” She pauses to take a drink. She had been doing a lot of arguing. “There is Drusilla.” Alekos pointed out, hoping fervently that Eirene hadn’t insulted the mentor. “Drusilla’s actions leave no room for arguing. It is text book excellence in the field.” Eirene agreed with Alekos. “The Hunger Games has seen some significant upsets and new alliances and behavior that nearly change the Games.” Eirene continues. “Look at District 7. They had one mentor for ages. Then the son of the Victor wins. Then the Quarter Quell. Then we have Skye and Chase Goldman. Not to mention, Sassinak and Felix so impressed the sponsors that they bought expensive state of the art prosthetic limbs and seeing eye technology. There is something there that the people are interested in. If we become the exact opposite of Seven in our behavior in front of the cameras, we clearly alienate whoever is attracted to the Seven spirit. Now, we must be genuine. We must be sincere in our intentions, as Careers. Yet elimination of the lower Districts outright in past Games has birthed these determined outliers who snatched victory. We must become more approachable. We must entertain alliances and be seen as people, not monsters.” “These past alliances haven’t included Careers,” Alekos pointed out. “Except for a Four. Does that make Four the enemy that ought to be eliminated first?” Eirene pursed her lips. She opened her mouth to argue. The sixteen-year-old definitely seemed to have strong opinions on the Hunger Games. Was it possible that the trainers had given these two the impression that they were the chosen Volunteers for their District?
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CuteLikeMurder
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Post by CuteLikeMurder on May 9, 2018 16:19:40 GMT -5
Dru Rorke; The Dark Knight of District 2 “Assassins take no pride in fighting fairly. We take pride in winning.” Ten years ago. It was hard to believe that ten years ago almost to the day, Drusilla had got on the train a tribute, only to return home a Victor. To the Capitol and most here in District 2 it was a tale for the ages. The blood of the First Victor flowed through her veins. She even looked a little like the famed First Victor. They had the same eyes. The coloring was similar. But there was a softness to Dru's features that spoke to the beauty that had been her mother; or the beauty she would have been had she not died in childbirth at the age of 15. Looking back on it, it was a small wonder that no one knew who she was before she came to the Academy. Because even walking side by side with her grandfather it was hard to mistake these two for anything other than kin. “The Reaping is soon,” the First Victor said. “I'm aware,” Dru replied, as they walked around the courtyard in the Victors' Village. “We haven't won since...”“Alex Glass,” Dru completed his thought with a nod. “Reginald and myself chose her. I'd say she didn't do half bad.”“Disgraceful.”Dru shrugged. “She played the game, Grandfather. You can't fault her for that. She came back with a crown and that's all that matters.”“Perhaps,” Silver said. “Or perhaps this is the beginning of the end.”“I would say that the beginning of the end was 15 years ago, wouldn't you?” Dru asked. Only those that knew her would know she was teasing the older man. “Our problem has been our tributes are playing by rules that no longer apply. You want to make a showing, Grandfather, think outside of the box.”Dru nodded towards the two children that hadn't stopped staring at her since they came out of their homes earlier this morning. “You can't be serious. They aren't even 18 yet.”Again Dru shrugged. “There have been many Victors that are far younger who have won. You want a Victor, Grandfather, you're going to have to start playing by the new rules.” The Dark Knight of District 2 waved to the children. “Come then, don't be shy. It's not everyday you get a chance to meet the First Victor.” Her eyes drifted to the Blond man with sun kissed skin that stepped out of her home. She smiled. “Husband.”
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QuinnTalon
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Post by QuinnTalon on May 10, 2018 9:40:26 GMT -5
River Nerita; A Proper District 4 Victor "If you stand for nothing, you'll fall for anything." "Janus Colton was sixteen. Chase Goldman was fifteen. The twins from from The 35th Battle--Billie and Hadley--they were only fifteen themselves." Even if only one of them had made it home. There were more. A good deal more Living Dead who Survived The Battles far too young. To him, most notably, was the man everyone back home considered to be his Fallen cousin's widower. The one Hyperion had taken a vested interest in. Many didn't understand that friendship, but River did. Hyperion had been fond of Lallek, and so had Jace. Of course, upon meeting him it was impossible to not be fond of Jace Colton. Even as one of the Living Dead, he was down to earth and hard-working. He was completely himself and didn't have a dishonest bone in his body. And wise. He was wise in a way that spoke of many lives well lived, much the way Zale was wise. He just wasn't a warrior in the strictest sense. Not a 'born' warrior. One made and honed by circumstance. ...River was a bit enamoured of him and had been since the Quarter Quell, and had never seen fit to hide it. "Some of the most notable of the Living Dead were painfully young. It is known." River hadn't been one of them. Obviously. "Wife. First Victor." He nodded to them both, and the smile was a bright one. River offered the man his arm. "Good morning, sir."
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Post by Seryna on May 11, 2018 16:27:02 GMT -5
Agape led her two children down the market. Led wasn't quite the word, perhaps proceeded was more accurate. Her children were grown to the age of Volunteers by the standard of the District. It was a great honor, and while theyw ere not orphans of the Academy, each had trained long and possessed natural talent. They had heard what the victors and potential Volunteers had been speaking of. "Greetings, Silver." She gave a respectful nod. "Greetings, Drusilla and River. I hope that you are well this fine day."
She was a handsome woman, with a broad face and a strength to her body. She was not classically beautiful in the way many of the Career districts could afford to be. Jet black hair, close cropped to her ears. Minimal make up and no jewelry. She wore a tunic in a jewel aquamarine color and beige pants, the sort that were easy to work and run in. She had a dignity in her stature and a pride in her children that shone as she introduced them. "My daughter, Aris."
"How do you do." The girl nods respectfully to the Victors in turn and offers a firm hand shake. The teen then offers a hand shake to Eirene and Alekos.
"My son, Daniil." "You think we should change our ways?" She addresses the female, Eirene.
Her children were of age with Eerine and Alekos. While Alekos was eighteen, Aris could be the same age. She was certainly the same height and was muscular and trim. She wore a white tunic and grey capri pants cropped at her knee. She wore a wide belt with a pouch upon it.
Daniil was shorter than his sister, but solid. There was a reservation to him, he studied all carefully. He gave the same respectful nods and greetings to the Victors. He also extends his hand to all for a respectful greeting, but does not speak. He watches.
"Respectfully, I think we do." Eirene looked to the First Victor, Silver. "You did quite well, Sir. Quite well. Yet times, and the traditions, of the Games are changing. With customs like the Natural Alliance becoming more traditional than actions of skilled outliers, and with other non - traditional alliances having success, we should address it. Lets discuss a specific thing. The honor duels."
"Oh these duels." Alekos sounds put upon, some one returning to a tired argument. "You do go on about these duels."
"I don't think that you can dismiss them." Eirene persisted. She addresses the adults, and Aris and Daniil. "They have a favorable reception now. It is not only the Honorable of District Four." She nods respectfully to River.
"Many alliances discuss the duels and have set thier own rules upon them. House rules, that change Game to game perhaps. Like the suggestion that since Gareth was wounded defending Grace from an opportunistic attack by a Career, that he deserved to live if his alliance was victorious in the duels. He wasn't summarily dispatched, although he was vulnerable and his alliance outnumbered. Likely," she spoke confidently. "Because honor has come to the Games. Honor in facing an armed combatant and besting him or her truly."
"Yet are you saying that the nature of the Games are changed? No longer can one pick off a tribute from afar with a bow, without declaring oneself? It worked for Jasmine of the Natural Alliance, and she won her Games. I wouldn't think of her as dishonorable. Just competent and skilled." Alekos pointed out.
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CuteLikeMurder
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Post by CuteLikeMurder on May 12, 2018 14:19:27 GMT -5
Dru Rorke; Victor of the 30th Annual Hunger Games: The Dark Knight of District Two “Assassins take no pride in fighting fairly. We take pride in winning.”
“Of course there was also the Victors of the Quarter Quell,” Dru added, pointedly. Her grandfather's face crinkled in a hard frown and she almost laughed. It was so easy to get under his skin. And Dru just couldn't help herself most days.
“If the Quarter Quell had been played as it should have been, Jace and Aurora wouldn't be here today,” Silver said, darkly.
Dru, unlike the First Victor was indifferent about the first Natural Alliance. They won. It wasn't how she played the game. But it had worked for them. She had to respect that. Besides, Aurora killed one of her grandfather's picks and that was just never not hilarious to Dru. It also endeared Aurora to her. Anyone that could stick it to the old bastard by their very existence was ok in Dru's book.
“There are no rules in the Arena,” Dru replied. “That was the first lesson you ever taught me.”
Of course that lesson came with an arm broken in two places. But it had been an important lesson nonetheless.
She watched as her grandfather took River in. He always looked at the man as if it was the first time he ever saw him. Perhaps he was looking for hints for the same "degeneracy" Dru supposedly suffered from. She tried to explain that she in the few decades she had been alive that not once had she suffered with her affliction. Nor had the women who she often took to bed. She prided herself on leaving all parties involved complete satisfied.
“Victor River, well-met,” Silver greeted wearily. He took his arm as River's people would have greeted him. In District Two a handshake was firm bordering on painful as it was the first test of dominance. But for the Victors of Four, it was a sign of respect and it was the one thing that Silver understood from them.
Her grandfather's demeanor changed when the children approached and he greeted them warmly. “Greetings, Citizens. We are doing well, thank you for asking. I hope you and your children are fairing just as well.”
Yes, there was Silver pretending like his family tree was rotting at the roots. Dru was 28. Too old to be childless by their District's standards. And she knew it was only a matter but he started in with that talk. Besides a father whom she had never met, Silver only had two other children. A son, Dru's uncle who was too weak to bear children of his own. And a daughter, who was perhaps too unstable to have children. Dru was Silver's last chance to continue the family line. And she wanted no part of it. For obvious reasons.
Dru listened to the young people as they went on about the Games, she grinned as they spoke which was in contrast to her grandfather who just listened on with a stoic expressionless face.
“Honor duels have been looked upon favorably. But I was loved for how I played the Game. As was the Reaper of Four, Morgan. It's hard to say what will be well-received and what won't. It changes from year to year,” Dru explained. “But I do like where your mind is taking you, little one.”
“You may have spoken truth, Eirene. As has my granddaughter. However, call me old fashioned but I believe a true victor meets death with a smile and sends the other 23 tributes in his place,” Silver explained.
Dru cut in. “That's one rule of thought, Grandfather. Another is doing what you have to to win.”
Silver frowned. “Some victories are hollow, Granddaughter.”
Dru shrugged. “They're still victories.”
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QuinnTalon
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Post by QuinnTalon on May 12, 2018 18:27:33 GMT -5
River Nerita; A Proper District 4 Victor "If you stand for nothing, you'll fall for anything." River frowned. One person, truly, knew how he felt about Jace Colton. For a good long while, he'd kept it to himself. It was unseemly, he thought, to pursue someone who had once been beloved by his own cousin. Even if Lallek had only loved Jace for a few days, hours, even minutes, it was there for everyone to see. River would not be accused of taking advantage of someone in the throes of grief. But after a conversation with his fellow-Living Dead--Zale, not Dru--and words of wisdom from said young man had stuck with him. How Lallek would not want either of them to spend their lives alone if it were possible for them to find comfort in each other. The One would not wish this either. That said: Jace was not the one to make the first move--if, in fact, he even had an inkling of how deeply River admired him--so it would be up to him to make the first move. And he would. As soon as this conversation was over, and as soon as he was on the train later today. It was why he frowned so hard, and Dru knew it. She knew how he felt about Jace Colton, and to hear The First Victor disparage him grated on his nerves more than a little. Still, it would be unseemly to lose his temper and put the old man on his ass. As much as he deserved it. "The One gives us all weapons, Victor Rorke. Some of our weapons are physical--like mine, or yours'--and some are given weapons that help us survive on painfully little. Some of us have charm and grace. Others are fearsome and intimidating. It matters not. We are all gifted with the weapons we need. It is in how we utilize those weapons that sets us apart. It is how we fail, or how we succeed. How we rise, or how we fall.
"Every one of of The Living Dead fought in The Battles with the weapons The One and His Consort gifted us with. Those who survived merely utilized their weapons more effectively than those who did not.
"So...while Jace Colton and Aurora Noland may not have had the same weapons as you, or I, or even my wife...they utilized what they had more effectively than the others in The Battle. As such, they deserved their Survival as much as we did." Because it was never a 'win'. No one won The Battle. One merely survived. "It is Known." River stated. Firmly. "As for the duels, I find them to be an interesting turn of fashion...depending on the Warriors. Some are suite--like myself. Others are not--like Dru. Where I stand is quite simple: Use the weapons you have, and survive as well as you can. There is no shame in that."
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CuteLikeMurder
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Post by CuteLikeMurder on May 13, 2018 13:09:45 GMT -5
Dru Rorke; Victor of the 30th Annual Hunger Games: The Dark Knight of District Two “Assassins take no pride in fighting fairly. We take pride in winning.”
The First Victor scoffed and this time Dru did roll her eyes. Silver Rorke was a dinosaur. A relic from a time soon forgotten. He expected the Games to be played the same way every year. And that was why they lose. It was only when he relied on the input of the other victors of his district that they even came close to winning. And this hatred of the Natural Alliance... it would do more harm than good in the long run. And as much fun as it was watching her "husband" read her grandfather, this constant parts-measuring contest Silver insisted on was growing tedious.
And apparently the First Victor felt the same way.
“Perhaps a demonstration, then?” he asked, River. “Show an old man how it's done.”
“Grandfather... First Victor, that's not necessary,” Dru said.
“No, I want to see what the Victors of District Four have to offer.”
Dru sighed, mumbling to herself. “It's your funeral.”
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QuinnTalon
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Post by QuinnTalon on May 13, 2018 14:35:03 GMT -5
River Nerita; A Proper District 4 Victor "If you stand for nothing, you'll fall for anything." Dru rolled her eyes, which told River exactly all he needed to know. He had his beliefs, and the First-Victor had his. No amount of beating him with a stick was going to make him bend. That may work for raw and untested children in their Academies, but that was not how those Of the Sea were built. Knock them down, and they rose again. Harder. Stronger. Wiser. But there were ways to approach such things. Ways to handle bluster and 'might makes right' faith-systems without rising to their challenge. River had absolutely nothing to prove, and Jace could defend his own honor if he needed to. River wouldn't want him if he were incapable of taking care of himself, and it would be unseemly and improper to do so without Jace's permission as things stood between them at this time. Soon, perhaps. But not yet. Besides, River was well aware that those lessons Jace took with Hyperion weren't only 'language' and 'customs'. They were turning him into a warrior. Giving him weapons to fight the coming war. "This One is honored by the challenge, First Victor," He answered, eyes flickering to his wife as he continued. "But as it stands, The Living Dead of The Sea are quite comfortable with the magnitude and strength of their...Honor."
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CuteLikeMurder
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Post by CuteLikeMurder on May 14, 2018 21:09:28 GMT -5
Dru Rorke; Victor of the 30th Annual Hunger Games: The Dark Knight of District Two “Assassins take no pride in fighting fairly. We take pride in winning.”
Most people believed that District 4 had no sense of humor. But that wasn't true. The Fishermen had a dry wit about them -- no pun intended. It was the people of the District 2 that didn't have a funny bone. They were a hard people. Humor was consider an art and therefore useless. And sarcasm was seen as dishonesty. It was the reason Victors like Reginald, Alex, and herself were treated differently. At least with Reggie had won his games "honorably." Alex and Dru were seen as disgraces. Doubly ostracized, first for their dispositions, and again before they had won the game in dishonorable ways.
And if Dru was sullied victor, she'd enjoy it. River had just made a **** joke and she had been within earshot for it. It was a glorious morning.
The First Victor straightened him. “I heard a rumor that the Victors may demonstrate their skills. Perhaps we will meet in the field, boy.”
“Grandfather... if you wish for a sparring partner, why not ask me? I have no measurable-- sense of honor that I'm aware of,” Dru told him, flashing a pleasant smile.
Silver scoffed. “That won't be necessary, Drusilla. But if you'll excuse me, I have a few things that I must see too. Good day to you all. And you children, may the odds be ever in your favor.”
And then he was gone. And Dru didn't keep the elation from her face. “I suppose that is our cue as well. Walk with me, husband?”
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QuinnTalon
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Post by QuinnTalon on May 15, 2018 12:52:24 GMT -5
River Nerita; A Proper District 4 Victor "If you stand for nothing, you'll fall for anything." River nodded, and smiled. That charming smile that the Capitol had loved. How he'd escaped the fate of Jan Colton and others like him was mind-boggling, though it could be because he didn't make waves and tended to keep himself to seeing his younger sister and her little store. Smile, and wave, and be the polite one that distracted the Capitol from what the other Living Dead were up to, because their work was the important work. "If fate favors us, First-Victor, it will certainly be a day to remember," He stated, bowing just a touch as the First Victor walked (stormed?) off. One thing River had realized: Men such as him were not properly dealt with aggressively. Being polite and respectful? That drove them utterly mad. "Of course, wife." He could see that Dru was amused. It wasn't a thing that most in the Quarry appreciated. His sense of humor often fell on untrained ears, and was taken literally. Or the person was insulted beyond belief and stormed of in a huff. Either way, River liked to think his goal was met. He was not a fan of the First-Victor either. "Zarya was looking for an onyx. Sardonyx, notably. Something about vitality and grounding." His little sister was a budding priestess, but had no problem taking advantage of her brother's access to places and people to demand tribute. And of course being the doting and ridiculously rich big brother, and does what she asks. "So if we can keep an eye out for one of those, I would happily walk with you."
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Post by Seryna on May 15, 2018 13:20:06 GMT -5
The citizens watch as the Victors speak with one another. It seems like they are done with the conversation. As Silver departs, all present bow respectfully to him. "Good day, Silver." The mother bids as he departs.
"Do you think you upset him, Eirene?" Alekos asked her quietly. "I doubt it." The teen replied. "It can't be the first time that he has debated tactics. Especially with Victors. That is, like, their job."
"I think they were speaking to one another." Daniil offers. The four teens move apart from where the Victors were talking, picking up their conversation. "You certainly have an interesting opinion, Eirene. Have you been training for the duels?" The teenager gives Daniil a sharp look.
"Are you checking on my specialty, Daniil?" "Just curious." Daniil says blandly. "Maybe I should practice as well." "Maybe you should." Eirene replies, not answering Daniil's question. Daniil is much more talkative away from the Victors as the teens continue to walk apart.
"You are training, Daniil?" Alekos ask. "And you?" He asked the fourth member of the group of teens. "I am." Daniil replied. "Have you heard anything from the Victors? A word that they are speaking to the trainers on your behalf?"
"You should still train." Alekos replied. "I think it is open to anyone, at this point." "Happy Hunger Games." Aris smiles.
"Yes, Alekos. I am also in training, may the trainer choose me. It will be as the One chooses." "Whoever is the best will be chosen." Eirene disagrees. "Perhaps we could have a race." Aris suggests politely. "I heard that the Stones loved foot races."
"Did you hear how Obsidean turned his ankle before the Games?" Eirene said pointedly. "He was supposed to be his choice for his year. He was too injured to compete." The girl eyes Aris with suspicion.
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