Fandom 𝖳𝗁𝖾 𝖩𝖾𝗐𝖾𝗅 𝖡𝗈𝗑 | 𝙊𝙗𝙨𝙞𝙙𝙞𝙖𝙣 𝘽𝙧𝙞𝙙𝙚 | THE INVITATION

The sound of a piano accompanied by chatter and laughter echoed in a ballroom. Calming, light and classy, the piano's music reflected the bright interior it was situated in. Seated in front of the black and white keys of the grand instrument was Atticus. Their red hair tied in a half ponytail and smiling ear to ear, enjoying the music that they'd written last week.

"Excuse me sir?" A middle aged male approached them, his cane tapping the floor to gain Atticus' attention, which it did. "You must be young Atticus Bellamy, son of Lady Sylvia. It is a pleasure to meet you," tipping his bowl hat at the young man, "Your mother and I are good friends." Atticus' eyes lit up with joy when they heard the words. Jumping off of their seat, they immediately grabbed his hands and shook it violently. "Ah, hello there Mom's friend! I'm Atticus Bellamy, as you'd said and I will be the ball's court musician until my mom says so. I'm so so so excited to see you!"

Light laughter came out from their conversation before going into different ways. Grumbling from behind the piano, Atticus hung their head lazily and tiredly. "Can't I just bring more instruments here that I could play? Just having a piano is sooo boring," Atticus complained, their old habits ringing in their head that they decided to repress to the back of their mind.

Just after Atticus slumped their chin on the rest stand, clearly bored from playing the same genre of songs, their mom approached them, giving them a light tap on the back. "Atticus, dear. I brought you a little gift!" She cooed as Atticus slowly looked at her direction. A box wrapped in the same red as their hair with a light, blue ribbon. "A gift!" Atticus immediately perked up, snatching the gift from her hands and excitedly, yet delicately, opened the box. A strong aroma of cinnamon and apple blue in their face as a plain paid pie top greeted their eyes. "Food!" They giggled, twirling it around in joy before looking back at her, a semi concerned and unusual deadpan expression, "Are you sure I can eat this?" Amused by their reaction, Atticus' mom nodded and signaled them to run off, "You may as long as you keep your clothes clean. Now come back in an hour, we'll be fine without music for now."

Huffy by her last statement, Atticus pouted at their mom before running off, singing praise for the pie they'd received. Running off as far away from the ball as possible, Atticus stole some utensils from the kitchen and hastily gobbled up the pie, dirtying their clothes in the process. With no plans for his next move, Atticus sped his way around the halls once more, leaving the utensils in the hallway with no time to waste until they reached the balcony.

Feeling the breeze always calmed them down, especially when locked up in some social event. Enjoying the breeze and moonlight, Atticus twirls around the floor, humming a sweet tune as they dance freely. As they fling themself against the balcony, the wings of a bird flapped towards them with a letter in its beak. “A cute little owl!” Atticus cooed as they made way for the owl to land and present the letter to them. “Oh! Is this for me? I wonder who it could be? A secret admirer, perhaps!?” Atticus wandered freely, taking the letter and opening it with a childlike curiosity.

"Atticus Angèle Bellamy. You were meant to be one of the brightest Jewels. Our box shows you a destiny you cannot fulfill without joining. Will you bother becoming a gemstone, and possibly the star of our shows?" Eyes glimmered with wonder and curiosity as they read it. “Really!? Yahoo!” Atticus cheered as they circled yes on the paper with a pen that they managed to find in one of their pockets before his body began promptly morphing into a new form. Ginger hair paired with green eyes and an even more cheeky expression than what they had before, Atticus had transformed into a new form and outfit before they were surrounded by bright light, a magic circle surrounding them as they were transported.

Being lured into another location by mysterious forces, Atticus imagined themself slipping into unconsciousness before they noticed that they weren’t tired one bit. Instead, they were in a glistening new room. “Welcome, Sunny Sunstone,” the deep voice of Moon Owl reached the ginger, who was looking around with a child-like curiosity and excitement. They greeted who took his hand out of nowhere and shook it wildly, as usual. When they were about to speak, the Moon Owl hushed his words as he continued, “You have decided to take part in the Jewel Box. Before you step foot in the most seeked out experiences of your life, I have one thing I have to mention.” Their eyes glimmered in curiosity as they smiled cheekily.

After their chat, Sunstone skipped away, smiling radiantly and spirits lifted. Their confident and gleeful spirits certainly emitted around them as they admired the well decorated area. They’ve just finished a conversation about their current status, coming to a shared conclusion that Sunstone would present as a male participant to preserve their family dignity. After looking around, he saw a veiled female. Walking up to her, Sunstone offered her their hand eagerly. "Hello there! Are you a participant too? I'm Sunstone. And tet me guess, your gem stone is... um... Amethyst! Am I right?"

Scratching along a piece of paper was obvious as soft humming echoed around the dark room, a figure sitting at a desk. As the sun rose softly, the sound of waves crashing against the cliffside under her balcony window, the room lit up with the soft light. Her desk was littered with notebooks and albums from her work as WINTER, the popular singer from her kingdom - oak wood and floral carved patterns gleaming. Her bed was queen-sized, covered in navy blue silk. Ashryn, the crown princess of Sionia, stood up, stretching languidly as she sighed quietly. She heard the harsh echo of her mother's voice calling up the winding staircase to her room. "Ashryn! Get down here for breakfast. NOW!" Her voice cut through the still air of the castle as Ashryn groaned quietly. There would never be a dull day in her shoes if you ask her. Her nose wrinkled slightly before she descended the staircase, silver, and navy heels clicking with every step.

The young heir entered the dining room of her castle, her eyes easily finding her mother and her brother - the pang of loss and hurt hitting her hard as his ice-cold blue eyes met her own. Kerym and Ashryn hadn't been on good terms for ages now. Her mother sat at the head of the large table, her pink dress sparkling lightly as she studied her daughter, lacing her hands together before speaking. "As you know, before you turn 26, you need to marry - and if not then Sionia will turn to Kerym as king." She gestured to her youngest, raising an eyebrow as Ryn gave a heavy sigh and nodded her head slightly. Cerridwen tended a hand, a letter held in her fingers delicately. "This came for you last night."

Ashryn opened the letter, fancy handwriting greeting her eyes. As she quietly left the room, her mother watched her leave with narrowed eyes. The girl carefully sat down on her bed, a breeze playing with her hair as she studied the letter. A voice, mystical and mysterious, echoed around the room as a gorgeous owl appeared on her balcony, deep ebony-colored orbs resting on her as she studied the handwriting. "Ashryn Aella Dyrena. You were meant to be one of the brightest Jewels. Our box shows you a destiny you cannot fulfill without joining. Will you bother becoming a gemstone, and possibly the star of our shows? Two words stared up at her from the page, YES and NO. Taking a pencil, she carefully circled Yes, knowing she had no say in the whole thing given the time limit her mother had set up for her. Her kingdom came first.

A brilliant flash of light seared through the room, and when she opened her eyes her body was different. Silken strands fell over her shoulder in tones of light teal fading into light blue tips and as she stood up, the silk dress pooled around her feet gently. As she turned to stare at a mirror, her lips parted slightly in awe - her hair was braided into a half-up,half-down style, and her eyes had shifted from their usual turquoise tone to a sea green color and as she stared at the mirror she could also see light blue flecks dancing through them. A hand rested on her shoulder, turning her to face a mysterious man, his face covered by an elegant mask and she took an involuntary breath. His voice was the same as the owl as he introduced himself as Moon Owl and told her that she should venture down to the dining hall, where the other Jewels awaited. She knew which jewel she represented after discussing things with Moon Owl. Instead of Ashryn she represented Apatite, an accurate representation of the outfit she wore plus her personality combined.

Her feet were covered in deep navy, almost black, heeled boots as she strode into the hallway elegantly, the dress brushing the floor as she walked. The ombre light blue to navy blue overlay (with hints of violet) and the deep navy-colored dress. Finding a seat a bit more away from the two other participants, Apatite carefully sat down, long ringlets brushing the floor as she studied the other two carefully before she turned her attention to studying the room curiously. It was going to be a long, and hard, path to walk for this game. Apatite wasn't one to trust easily, especially considering her past and what she had to deal with.

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The tunnel walls were shadowed with dimmed light, oil spilling out of the cracks occasional. Heavy footsteps caused by horses followed, and Valentin's feet gently kicked at the stirrup. After watching the outside the whole day, he decided to actually take something in his own hands. There were no traces of anxiety left for him to dwell about on, yet he was surely hiding it. The sight of a birthday cake at least four tiers tall, a room filled of all genders awaiting him...dangerous this year.

Up ahead, the general of the army; a lonesome female who stayed besides Valentin for many years, had paused. Her horse was hauled back, and a few sniffing sounds echoed about. "Your highness, we've found footprints." The black haired royal's frown deepened, and he quietly slid off the side of his ride. His hand extended out, and a looking was whipped into his palm with ease. Letting the glass reflect onto the dirtied floor, he could clearly see a faint powdery trail. Gunpowder, maybe? His fingers withdrew. "It's certainly not one of our guards, they all have armor. This one must've been worn by a villagers' shoe. I'm not sure what kind of commonfolk would decide to stoop this low."

Agnes recoiled at the sight, turning to face the many, many more soldiers right behind. "Their will be a change of plans. We will stay the night, and I'll have Prince Valentin escorted later depending on his wishes. Royd and his patrol can tell the other shift not to come. Leaving the site unprotected is a bad idea. We can all settle down for a drinks in the meantime, I'll be here searching the area with a few others." Valentin gave a questioning look to her, I don't want to leave, but she shrugged it off. Of course Agnes was anything but lenient.

The dark caverns, only illuminated by the lanterns all else held, was turned into a bustling hall in seconds. He shuffled his feet on the cobbled floors, gathering the threads before leading the horses out. Drinks clinked together, swords swept back into their scabbards. Fresh air met him, blowing his hair out of his face. The outfit that was forced upon him whenever he worked with the battlers hung a red hat over his head. One that symbolized both love and the blood lost. Three markings stained one cheek, not a tattoo but an unnatural birthmark he was given since the first age.

Agnes busied herself with tying the horses to the poles, but then two shiny bottles glimmered. He scoffed. "I'm not in the mood for alcohol. It's improper, especially when on duty. Try it yourself." The red-headed raised a brow. "Okay, okay. You're always like this, so why should I care. Just come inside before it's too late. I need you to inspect the clues anyways." Valentin gave a small nod, and soon she was off. He let go a breath he didn't know he had held in. Today was too rough, too filled with things to do. He had given up on trying to do what he was tasked with as well and bored himself.

Up above, wings flashed, nearly crashing into him if it weren't for his keen senses that told him to duck down. Valentin's lips parted in a grunt, but he adjusted himself in a kneel. Louder flaps of air sprayed over him, until eyes relocated on black beady eyes. He inhaled sharply, eyes wide for only a split second. A moonlit owl was waiting for his approach, a grand letter in it's beak. A voice also echoed in his mind, and he couldn't help but flinch on the inside. "Valentin Knight Lockehart. Every diamond does not go without polishing. Will you adorn the many fanciful jewels at our party? Destined to find a love you couldn't seek before? A new awakening awaits you, and with that, comes a star burning bright. A wish to be made true..."

With each passing word, the paper in hand unraveled with shining letters. Valentin didn't no what to think of it all, his heart was beating, and he couldn't help but glance back. A once in a moment chance, given to all royals. Other gemstones would be there, and even if he hated the noises one could make, it would be fascinating to take part in something he thought was only a dream. A slow sliding croak met the wrapping winds, steel against worn over leather. His on-hand blade cut a small sliver on his finger, and blood was pressed onto the "YES" sign. In seconds light blasted from the animal and note, and his body was grappled forward.

Chimes and bells entered his ears, and his pupils dilated for a split second. Valentin shuddered. Something was wrong. He had gone blind in a fleeting moment, and when he had opened and looked around he could've sworn he didn't see black hair anymore. A layer of white-blonde flooded over his shoulders, and clothes rippled with a new life. Contorted in muted hues, he was forced onto his feet once more. He lifted up one arm, wrist covered in neat ruffles that indicated the precise measurements all around.

"Picture Jasper," Valentin turned around to see a raven haired man well dressed in a fine shirt and slacks. An eye patch also wore over the other's eye, and he couldn't help but ponder over it. "The Jewel Box greets you in a spectacular way, in hopes you find what you were looking for. You are one of the last people to arrive, so may you step with a grand entrance." Moon Owl's hand-the name coming in his head within a heartbeat-pointed towards a hall of mirrors. Contestant's names were all filled out, with an elegant pose standing strong. He winced. He'd never look like that, but here he was.

One mirror was blackened, but lit up as soon as he touched it. His face glimmered to life, a dazzling beauty of both turquoise orbs and latte colors mixing together. In bolded letters was his jewled name. Jasper? What kind of stone reflected off of him? To be one with harmony, and one who shows others the right past. His own future is forged, grown from the islandic lands and soil itself. A wave of nausea filled him when his vision was warped. Jasper's hand spooned through his new hair. A formal braid curved some of it upwards in a ice fashion as well. When he looked up, he could see several other well-dressed people.

At thrones. Literal, over-priced chairs that carried an aura of the rich. He carried himself to the front, sitting down in between a few ladies and a few gentlemen. He wasn't so worried of who he was by, but much less being touched instead. The only thing he interacted with was the white glove that brightened his overall appearance.

A little disappointment from Ametrine's answer wasn't a let-down for Sunstone's excitement as he continued to bounce guesses off of her. "Oooh, a jewel with two colors? You must be a very pretty- no, alluring jewel to have grace us! Is it Tanzanite? Ametrine? Tourmaline, even??" Bouncing their heals on the ground, their eyes glittering with excitement, wonder and curiosity before jumping into a throne next to her, "I like you, Ms. Mystery Jewel! May I accompany you for a bit longer! I'd love the chance to know you!"

They'd noticed a few other jewels entering the area when he finished throwing whichever guess that came to mind. A lady with the most gorgeous teal hair an an equally charming blond lord who sat next to her, a nervous blue haired with the most dazzling eyes he'd ever saw, a dazzling white haired lay an finally a gentleman with the most striking hair he'd ever seen. The intrigue of other people began to spike in their system, waving at those who walked in and a friendly greeting and toothy grin. "Hey everyone! Welcome welcome!"

Turning back to the purple decorated lay next to them, Sunstone pushed his back against the throne, kicking their feet in the air carelessly and a curious expression on them. "Oh, and by the way, I'm Sunstone!" they said whist offering a hand to her, "The gem of the joy and the sun! Nice to meet you!"

The sound of soft clicks clacking on the smooth surface of the floor echoed around the room, Anastasia's leg shifting up and down every now and then. Her heels made lots of noise, but she was hiding her true feelings of this Jewel Box with patience. Her partner, Nikola, however didn't seem to care enough to hide his interest. The two of them matched in light blue pieces of clothing, each cuff decorated with thin lace of gold. Their job was simple, and even if the contestants didn't know, she and the blonde man was supposed to give off free entertainment and first-hand converse about what was happening.

The magic crystal settled in front of the duo shuttered on, a screen flickering to existence. Anastasia and Nikola have already checked out how all the Jewel looked like, but when the participants made their way to the watchers' eyes, they still drew in small gasps. Nikola's face wore a smile. "It's quite interesting how there seems to be small dynamics already forming between all of them, isn't it?" She chuckled slightly, brushing her hair to one shoulder.

"Maybe it's due to the works of Moon Owl's designing skills. He turned our beautiful gemstones into master pieces. It's kind of enticing to note we'll be counted on trying to find out which Royal is who." Anastasia pointed out. Nikola rolled his eyes, leaning back comfortably on the lavish green couches. "I'll be the first to crack the code, even if it has to come to 'ladies first'." Anastasia ignored his taunting argument, seeing the video play out. The familiar chairs always used in every Jewel Box were lines up together, each one filled with a fantasy.

Her gaze followed Nikola's own one, a purple lady currently being flattered by a bright ornament. "Here comes the first signs of interest coming from...Sunstone! It appears he might've went for the only one in the room at first, but is also enjoying his time." Nikola gave a wolfish grin. "But it seems Ametrine is amused by his antics. I couldn't really digest the fact orange and purple mixed well together until now, but if Halloween was a thing, I'd support it." She herself couldn't help but agree internally.

The next two people who arrived was a turquoise stone, followed by Golden Pearl. Small talk was happening between them, nothing more, and so the camera whizzed on to Black Onyx. Though he held such a dark glare, Nikolai's pride wasn't shrugged off. Anastasia raised a brow, curious. White Diamond, with a casual demeanor, pranced right over to the stoic man-dropping any formalities. "Our princess here must be a rebel!" She mused to Nikola, who gave a look of agreement, though light hearted.

Soon the last clip buzzed over Picture Jasper, and a very frightened Labradorite. Maybe not scared, but flustered. The beige haired, nearly something that came out of a romance novel, male gave only a little bit of a reaction. Time had paused there, like action was in wait. "You know, it's been a while since I've seen a rejection. All these contestants choose to just go with the flow from the very beginning." Anastasia was surprised at Nikola's statement.

"I fear that you actually want that to happen. I'm pretty sure everyone here has the courtesy to not do that. You know how their 'highnesses' are." The both of them shared a humorous but dagger-filled glare. Nikola and Anastasia had only been recently hired, and this was the first Jewel Box they would be reporting on. All other times came from viewing as an actual citizen.

Jasper didn't really expect to be approached, yet here he was sitting in his overly-decorate clothes, looking at a girl who was like the ocean waters. However, she was a bit different. Drifting off to more seaweed than the liquid itself. She was nervous, trembling a bit, but he himself was sure his appearance changed enough that his usual piercing glare was wiped off with something more...casual. He got to his feet as well, bowing.

The Jewel Box expected acting, and some acting would the audience get. Valentin was in no right mind to be here in such vastly clean place. He was a man looking forward to the upcoming battles that might be faced in his kingdom. But here? As Jasper? He was able to pretend to be a different royal. He disliked most of the other high status who were bordered by their own knights, but the time had come to get along. Jasper tilted his head.

"Agate? Well, that comes in different shades. I doubt the system would pick a gemstone for me that wasn't specified. You can call me Jasper, short for Picture Jasper." The turquoise female seemed to have gotten a bit embarrassed, and he couldn't help but wonder why. "There's no need to apologize for something you didn't need to excuse yourself for. I'm not quite sure of what you are." My days in the mines were...not explicitly attached to jewels!

Jasper motioned back to the chair. "If you care to tell me your name as well, I don't mind sharing the seats with such an amusing lass."

Piercing orbs swiveled as a voice spoke near her, her gaze taking in the golden hair to his easy-going demeanor. Her head tilted slightly, orbs dazzling as blue flecks danced throughout the oceanic gaze. She waved a hand at the seat next to her "Help yourself." Her tone was cool, collected, and calm. Her voice was silky and light as she rested her cheek against one of her hands, eyes moving away from the new participant and venturing out the window carefully. The girl couldn't help the flash of curiosity go through her mind as she noted other jewels appearing in the room.

Her attention returned to the blonde-haired male who decided to sit next to her and she studied him curiously. Her long ringlets of turquoise brushed her back gently as she hummed softly before deciding to speak. "I'm Apatite." Her soft voice was barely audible - the cool tone still there but just a hint warmer than before. "And you are?" The manners her mother had drilled into her mind came through as she returned her gaze to the windows and awaited a response. Her fingers played along the hem of the dress she wore - fingers gliding across the glittering silk material.

A pang of sadness hit her heart as she watched other jewels begin to murmur and chat amongst themselves. The memory of her little brother playing across her mind. She remembered how close the duo had been - when her mother had not gotten in the way and destroyed what little good thing in her life that she had. The blue gemstone shook herself free from memory lane - chips of ice dancing throughout her orbs as she focused on her fingers. Feeling so out of place amongst such civil and talkative royals. As WINTER, Apatite was used to speaking in her informal, more laid-back persona, whereas as the heiress and princess of her kingdom, she was serious, collected, and cold as ice itself.

Code By Nano