Fandom 𝖳𝗁𝖾 𝖩𝖾𝗐𝖾𝗅 𝖡𝗈𝗑 | 𝙊𝙗𝙨𝙞𝙙𝙞𝙖𝙣 𝘽𝙧𝙞𝙙𝙚 | THE INVITATION

[CHUUYAS_HAT]

The Jewel Box
code by summerwine​

the owl comes to see you, proposal?

When the moon rises, glinting it's appearance down on the lands of every kingdom, your eyes are wide awake. You're up, for some reason, a fear of foreboding. Like something awaits you. On this special night, something life-changing does occur. Just by the soft flutters of wings, you're surprised to see an owl trying to meet up with you. It's wings are pelted in it's own color, specifically different from the rest to describe your personality. A letter drops down-an invitation. An invitation to the Jewel Box. Unmarried, and in need of having someone besides you take the thrown, you accept. Your body changes, and so does your identity. You are a Jewel, planning to do whatever it costed to find out who your true love is. Even if it meant manipulating, deceiving, lying, and framing others. This is a game of competition, but true bonding that has secrets eventually come to light. All across the rooms you enter, it is recorded for the civilians to see. And each corner, you can't help but notice a different gemstone smiling back at you. From gowns that cross into complimentary, and then activities that can come with penalties, you are risking your reputation for the thing you desired most. How will your story play out? You don't know anyone, until something slips, but before that? What cards will you put down, to become the mastermind of the gran Jewel Box? There are all sorts of crystals...each slightly representing you in many ways. You have a title. And honor that you cling dearly onto.

 

[CHUUYAS_HAT]

• 1
• 2

• .
• Location

  Seaside, Jewel Box
  

  Outfit

  Beginning Dress
  

  Tags

  Blurb

code by opaline

Synové Astraeus Silver

❛ Ace Ametrine ❜

The waters around churned in the distance, a soft song playing for her as Synove projected her emotions through her movements. Her toes curled in the sand, sweeping across discarded shells, and arms splayed out with wonder. Her eyes had shut tight, the green sparkly ring on her finger gleaming from the moonlight. Having safe, night walks calmed her. She couldn't sleep, in general, even after the lavish festivals the Kingdom of Xeraphyne held out.

The hint of responsibility was soon pouring over Synove's shoulders, and she was currently being forced to find a man or woman, or anything else, that could take the throne besides her. She was supposed to be Queen of Xeraphyne, not any other kingdom, which made finding marriage proposals hard on her part. No one really wanted to marry their child off to a kingdom, right? Well, she didn't have a choice. As an only child, it was her job to continue the legacy of the Silver family. Without her, it would die out much quicker than wanted. She had to find someone.

And as if Synove's wishes came true, a screeching call made her eyes flutter wide. A beast mid-air was soaring for her, wings such a metallic white it nearly blinded her. There was glimmers exuding from the owl's body, as it flew down to finally meet her. "What's...this?" She whispered softly. But instead of hearing words spoken or more animal language, a tone appeared in her mind. "Synove Astraeus Silver. 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?"

Her foot took a step back, but her body lodged in the same place. The Jewelry box was known to take a hand out for the nobles, but she hadn't realized she'd be asked so soon. But it was at the best time...her chest heaved. A note dropped into her hand, sealed down, and yet she gently opened it. Words flooded her head, and then her eyes met two final terms. YES or NO. Synove looked up at the owl, that was innocently waiting for her answer.

She briskly leaned forward, knowing she had nothing to write with at the time, and kissed the note on YES. In an instant was her world turned bright. Lights encapsulated her, like she was transforming, and the owl vanish as she was left inside a realm of fantasy. Ribbons and robes, brushes and powder, heels and shoes-all kinds of things flew around her. Synove's body was wrapped around with what felt like heaven, a glorious moment for her to experience. Her clothes changed to a growing dark purple dress, one that strapped over her shoulders.

Her hair glistened, red strands turning more frail like snow. Synove's eye lids droop, sudden sleep filling her. Then, she felt her feet stumble. She softly let out a gasp when she was now standing in a room. It looked like some sort of hall of fame. Her body felt different, like she was reduced to the size of a minion. A veil wrapped around her head, matching the color of her new dress, and her fingers ran through the new locks that greeted her. "Amazing..."

While in awe, a voice behind her made her turn around with caution. A man with one black eye patch, almost as if he was familiar, was looking at her. "You arrived, Ace Ametrine." A shiver ran down Synove's spine. Ametrine? As if reading her thoughts, the man responded. "You have decided to take part in the Jewel Box games, seeking the most best thing anyone would want. You have been morphed into someone knew, to be learned as who you are-glamoured so appearances didn't matter here."

Realization spiked into her, and soon the Moon Owl turned her around by the shoulders. Her reflection marked by a shadow became real-and only then did she get to see herself. She was a completely different person. Even her eye color strayed away from anything similar as before. She reached for the glass pane, only to stop when more panes lit up. 5 other shadowy mirrors appeared, showcasing empty slots for the rest of the part takers. Synove figured they would all be part of the rest of the left over royals.

"Now that you have adjusted, it is time to take matters into your own hands. You will be sent to the main hall shortly, where the Jewel Box resort takes place. There, you'll get to see everyone else, and how they seem to take an appearance as. Good luck, and good love." The last bit caught her off guard, and yet, Moon Owl vanished. Fondling with her finger tips, she recomposed herself. "I can do this." Her feet once again fell from underneath her, and she took a stand on a very detailed floor. Six chairs were arranged, and she made a step forward.

Her body skills did not change, but thankfully she knew how to walk well in heels. Synove, now known as Ametrine she supposed, took a seat near the middle, wondering who would bother to come next. She was curious to see what other gemstones there would be, as everything seemed so pretty in her eyes. Nervousness also filled her, a warning that she'd have to be ready to not fall for lies that were bound to come and attract.

 

[Daylight Fantasy]

atticus bellamy

• aaaaaa
• aaaa

• .
• 
  

  incoming message!

  
  
  

  
  

  Mood Omg, I'm so excited for this yippiiiiiiiiie
  
  Location Seaside, Jewel Box.
  
  Click the 'x' at the top to close all this!
  
  
  
  tag

  
  

  Ace Ametrine ( CHUUYAS_HAT )
  
  
  
  outfit

  
  
  
  

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?"

/* ------ credit -- do not remove ------ */

© weldherwings.

 

[Talathel]

mood

Cautious, Unsure, and a bit Wary

location

Dining Hall as Apatite

outfit

Current Outfit

mentions

Ametrine CHUUYAS_HAT , Sunstone Daylight Fantasy

Trust is a Two-way Street.

APATITE

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.

/* ------ credit -- do not remove ------ */

© weldherwings.

 

[Stitches and Patchwork]

The Bastard Prince of Ora

Golden Pearl

“Out of all faces… why his?”

It was just meant to be another night of busy work. Just Alessandro, paperwork, and a bottle of wine should he feel tempted. Which after the hell that was handling some of the affairs of a kingdom whose royal court hated him… yes he had a feeling he’d be tasting the bottle’s contents pretty soon.

But before he could muse on whether its contents would be sweeter or more bitter it appeared. Upon hearing a sudden thump sound beside him that nearly startled him out of his seat, Alessandro swiftly turned to see a metallic owl adorned with golden wings at his windowsill, a letter in its beak. Alessandro blinked, gazing at the owl with wide startled eyes. What was this? Some attempt to test out some new invention? He was aware of strides being made in robotics in the kingdom recently so perhaps just testing out to see how well the owl works and it was sent to his window for the fun of it. This could also be an assassination attempt for all he knew. Which he would not be surprised by but hm. What a way to go. Killed by a robot owl.

Fortunately, the latter did not occur as the owl just stood there. However, the owl did seem to come here with a purpose as Alessandro suddenly heard a voice echoing in his head.

“Alessandro Leopoldo Carafa. You were meant to be one of our 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?”

Alessandro blinked, eyes widening as he finally connected the dots on what was going on. He was being invited to the Jewel Box. A program he was very familiar with, all too used to it being broadcasted through Ora. A way to entertain and bring together its various citizens while broadcasting the kingdom’s advancements in broadcasting technology. And here he was. With the opportunity to be part of that very program.

He supposed it made sense. He was supposed to be king and well… here he was with no potential spouses. Yet still… it was hard to believe as he sat there, having no clue on how to respond. Only for the owl to hop onto his desk, dropping a note right on his work.

Alessandro flinched, quick to try and shoo away the owl from his things only to pause when noticed the contents of the note.

“Yes or No”

The choice he had to make. Alessandro stared at it, brow furrowing in thought. The choice was obvious. Likely a spouse would help him make a better impression in court and what better than a spouse that can strengthen an alliance. But truly… was there any chance he could just charm someone? He was informed time and time again that he was far from it throughout his life.

Alessandro shook his head, shooing away such doubts. Either way, he could play the role. So taking his quill, he quickly circled the “Yes” option.

And it seemed like the Jewel Box truly was intending him to play the part as after a brief conversation with the Moon Owl where he was named “Golden Pearl”, Alessandro was shown his reflection. Only to feel his stomach twist at the sight.

He looked too similar to him.

Too similar for comfort at least. There were differences. He was buffer, had broader shoulders, and his new appearance’s eyes were more like his own original green eyes but brighter rather than the bright amber his eyes were. To any other eye, the two of them would look different. Perhaps they may believe them to be family. Would be a first. But Alessandro found his eyes drawn to every single similarity between his reflection and his memories of Vincenzo.

And it felt like being spit in the face.

“Is this a joke?” Alessandro asked, turning to face the man with an eyepatch. Only to find he had vanished. Leaving Alessandro alone with this damned reflection he now had to call his face. Thankfully he was not left with it for long as in a blink of an eye, he was suddenly in some sort of main hall with detailed floors, chairs, and people already occupying them. The other contestants.

Alessandro took a deep breath, his expression unreadable as a declaration echoed in his head.

Fine. If it’s a Prince Charming you want, it’s a Prince Charming I can play.

With that, he observed everyone, consciously making a curious but slightly nervous expression. Only to notice a woman with sea green hair that brushed the floor as she sat in one of the chairs. Not interacting with anyone. Leaving the perfect opportunity for him to make a good first impression.

“Pardon,” Alessandro spoke up in a gentle but deep voice, his voice almost as soft as a lullaby. As he spoke, he gazed at the woman before making a sheepish smile as he gestured to the chair next to her. “Mind if I sit there?”

---

Location: Main Hall
Outfit: Here
Interactions: Apatite ( Talathel )
Mentions: N/A​

Code By Nano

 

[skuraa.nexi]

mood

❝ Slightly Anxious but Determined ❞

location

Seaside | Jewel Box

outfit

(https://i.pinimg.com/474x/e7/4e/79/e74e79a4c3d5c0551fcfbb7cd670becf.jpg)

tags

Fandom

Labradorite

"True Love.. or Luck..?"

Clack! Clack! Clack! The footsteps of a feminine figure echoed through the halls of a manor when it stopped, the blonde figure knocked on a door


“Mother..? I have ..something.” She spoke with grace


“You may enter” a voice spoke from the inside, the blonde’s lips curved upwards, before entering the room. A taller figure with bright lavender hair was sitting in front of her desk, looking still into the book she was writing on.


“The maids could have delivered it to me you know, you did not need to have troubled yourself Lavinia” The woman spoke without averting her gaze.


“…But uhm.. I couldn’t.. this.. it is kind of important... would you take a look?” Lavinia awkwardly glances to the floor.


The woman, turned her gaze to Lavinia, then to her hands behind her. She quietly observed Lavinia’s awkward smile..


“Did you accept it?” She inquired, a slight smile formed on her lips, which took Lavinia by surprise.


“Mother— you know? This invitation— an owl had delivered it to me!.” She eagerly spoke. Her mother chuckled.


“Naturally, your expression says otherwise.. “ She stood up from her chair.


“You slightly remind me of myself when I first received the invitation” the woman started to walk towards the younger figure. She was silent for a few seconds, before she finally picked out the words she wanted to say.
“Time passes by so quickly huh, at one moment I had that same invitation in my hands, and now I’m standing here watching my daughter, go through the same path I once entered” the younger one was about to speak, she hesitated for a moment..


“Well? Aren’t you going to read it?” her mother prompted, she then handed her an inked feather..

“Mother..I.. I was about to ask you if..” she took a deep breath.. and gladly accepted the feather “I’m ready.. yes..” She claimed, staring at the unopened invitation.

She opened the letter and read it.



“Lavinia de Montford 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?"


Her eyes sparkled as she absorbed the words; although, she was aware of the invitation's contents, reading it herself was exhilarating. She looked back at her mother, then at the letter


“Here goes nothing..” She spoke to herself.. before encircling “YES” on the letter. Just seconds after that, a large flash of light engulfed her surroundings. Her hair and eye color transformed into a striking dark teal-green color with a vibrant turqoise undersides, faded with purple/yellow hues. and her attire shifted to a white evening gown adorned with gold accents, complemented by a jewel that matched the hue of her eyes.
Her shoes morphed into a dramatic gold and green design, featuring a silver lining on the soles. The lady who was once a noble figure, is now representing a jewel.

Lavinia lightly stepped onto the floor and noticed the glimmering reflection of herself below.
"Astounding.." she thought to herself, observing her unfamiliarly new appearance on the cold marble glass floor. The Dark teal hair met with the bright color of viridian that suited her eyes, and flowing dark cyan dress that followed, she quietly swept her hair to her left.

"You look like you took your time" The sound of a man walking towards her startled her a bit. A man wearing a white mask stopped in front of her.
"Lady Lavina.. de Montford.." His voice kind of surprised her, she was expecting a man who was older than her, perhaps even older than her parents were. Or is he?
'perhaps it's just a fake appearance'.. she thought to herself.

"I hope you've mentally prepared yourself, you'll be joining the other jewels in the dining area soon" The masked man then picked up an item from the floor. "Miss, Labradorite" he reached his hand out to give her the feather that she unkowingly dropped, the same feather her mother gave to her and brought along with.. was now a piece of accessory, not knowing what to do with it, she held onto it gently.

"Oh thank you! Mr..?"

"My name is Moon Owl, the host of the Jewel Box, but you probably knew that already.." he spoke out loud.

"Hn, If you don't have any more questions, you may join the others" and with a snap of a finger, a white magic circle filled her surroundings with bright light thus she covered her eyes...Upon opening her eyes, she found herself standing on rock solid floor. Impulsively, began to strut in high heels full of self-confidence.. until She then noticed four other figures across from her, and thus became flustered.
She hurriedly walked towards the platform where the others and found a seat a bit further from the elegant sea green. Oddly enough the semblance in their color themes was slightly comforting for her. She then observed the guy with the bright blonde hair striking a conversation with her so comfortably, at least to her that's what it looked like.

She then noticed the man in orange and the other lady adorned in purple, she thought to herself how stunning everyone was.. and as nervous as she was, she felt excited to meet the others. She wanted to start a conversation with someone.. but just kept her thoughts to herself.. After she broke up with her fiancé, she isolated herself in her home, for two to three years.. thus she slightly forgot how to socialize again.

'They're all so.. astoundingly charming.. ' She thought, her eyes fixated upon the latter two. She clutched her skirt. 'Then.. I'll gave to try my best! I'll fall in love, marry , and be a successful lady! Whether if it's true love.. or just luck.. bring it on.

Mentions:
Moon Owl/Ace Ametrine ( CHUUYAS_HAT )
Sunny Sunstone ( Daylight Fantasy )
Apatite ( Talathel )
Golden Pearl ( Stitches and Patchwork )​

coded by reveriee.

​

 

[Klown]

BLACK ONYX
Ares Du'Faine Algard

location: main hall
outfit: x
interaction: n/a
mentions: CHUUYAS_HAT Daylight Fantasy
Talathel Stitches and Patchwork skuraa.nexi

He entered like an omen. Clad in matte shades of charcoal sundered by splintered silver along the lapels of his vest. A blackened sky with streaks of lightning scorching roiling clouds assumed into a stylish ensemble. In his eyes, the same storm reflected. Somber, rumbling. There was no threat of rainfall, rather, the anticipation.

Silence was a dangerous tool for someone of his stature, and he wielded it with an uncanny grace. Long strides, none with a single squeak or tap of polished shoes. It wasn’t his first time wearing garments of such luxurious quality, but it was his first time feeling so…decorated. Not with badges that proved his rank and prowess in battle, but how a seamstress might dote on a mannequin.

Entering the main hall, Onyx’s hand reached for his hip so his fingers could wrap around the comfort of a sword hilt. Unfortunately, there was nothing there. Instead, he stuffed his hand into his pocket. Casual—uncaring. A stark contrast to the burgeoning anxiety swelling from the spaces between his ribs.

He’d promised himself not to become so fraught with nerves that it hindered his sociability, but how quickly that promise met a swift end. Though there’s a regal, almost distant mold to his face—expression caught in a deadpan passiveness—Onyx counted each Gem in the room. They were all gorgeous—men and women alike. Shimmering jewels straight from a pile of riches. Onyx felt lusterless by comparison.

A respectful bow is offered in greeting. His un-pocketed hand sincerely cupped over his chest where his heart squeezed, then he ambled over to an empty seat where he adjusted the cuff of his sleeve—not because it needed fixing, but because he needed his hands to have something to do.