Ask Echoes

[Periclades Sikyon]

Location: Juvex​

---

"Periclades! You useless fool -" Haeclades Sikyon, known as 'Haeclades the Conqueror' sneered, as bouts of tittering echoed around the throne room "- hundreds dead because of your incompetence! You call yourself my son?" his father was a commanding presence in any room, let alone the throne room of an entire system. He was no taller than Periclades, yet in every other way he towered above the young man, who dropped to his knees at the foot of the throne "Father, ple -" he was silenced as Haeclades stuck him across the cheek, the taste of blood rose in his mouth.

"You are an embarrassment boy; you bring nothing but shame to your house." he father leaned down, ever so slightly dropping his voice as he whispered in his son's ears, his words reserved for the boy alone, not for his court "- you will amount to nothing." Haeclades spat, his face melting away into smoke, as the final word echoed in his sons ears. Nothing.

---

He shot upright in his bed, his heart racing.

Periclades could have sworn his cheek still was sore from a strike that had not occurred, and he turned, his feet hitting the cold stone floor of his bed-chamber. He was alone; his wife, Queen Electra, was again absent from his room; it had become such a common occurrence that both of them had simply stopped discussing it. Standing up, he grabbed a nearby robe, cut in the royal colours of purple, with a gold hem, and walked toward the door of his chamber, which was thrown open by a guard from outside of the room as he approached.

Another servant placed a golden circlet on his head, and a sword was affixed about his waste as he continued down the corridor. The palace was modest, surrounded by lands that the family had owned for millennia, but he hated every square inch of it. It stank of decadence and excess, the sort of things his irksome spouse and, increasingly, his annoying children valued above everything else. And. of course, it was littered (much like the rest of the planet) with reminders of his father, his father's triumphs, patronage, glories on the field of war - near constant reminders of the man's intrepid need to be better than everyone else who came before, or after him.

He kept his temper in check.

Walking down the corridor leading to the courtyard, where his family expected him to dote on them each morning for breakfast, he paused to stare at a particularly garish statue. Haeclades stood, cast in stone, a vast spear in one hand, a miniature star system in the other. It had been his father's pride and joy, and he had gifted it to Periclades on his eighteenth birthday so he could 'look on it and see the man he would never become'. By force of habit, he swept his hand of the right foot of the statue and walked on.

The best revenge is to be unlike him who performed the injury.

Periclades chuckled to himself, the lessons of one of his numerous tutors coming back to him as he walked into the courtyard to meet the rest of his family, hoping that today would pass with as little drama or injury as possible.

OOC - @LadyRen @HoneyMagpie @LouJoVi @Tom @Issachar @Xorism @Exhilian @WowbaggerTheInfinitelyProlonged

 

[Electra Juvexia]

What a wonderful morning...

No.

There were no wonderful mornings, but this one was at least acceptable. Like always, she had spent the night in her own quarters and of course her favorite member of the Queen's guard, Marcus (@Exhilian), had been the one in charge of the night's watch. Well, to be honest, even if he hadn't been, she would have simply called him into her own quarters as always, and he would have listened to her command, as always.

Electra had no idea where her sister was now, but she was pretty sure she couldn't be too far. She had sent her handmaidens away once she had pulled the Queen's guard inside her private quarters and had ordered them to get some sleep as she was taking what she needed, before she had drifted into a deep, dreamers sleep.

She hadn't cared whether Marcus had stayed or whether he had fallen asleep too, but as she woke up she knew that she was still completely naked and the slightly fresher morning air lightly caressed her skin. She immediately got up, knowing that her presence was expected my the rest of this wonderful family, but she couldn't help but to let out a deep sigh as she was in no mood to deal with them now. Perhaps some wine would help...it usually did.

Once dressed in a golden dress and outside, she ordered a batch of servants to feed her Nexu pride, knowing perfectly well that if anyone else but her tried to feed them, things didn't usually end well, but she coldly answered their concerns with a shrug before she walked off with a smirk. Her Nexu were usually quite content if they could hunt some living prey, so why not.

Like always, she wasn't aware where her lovely children were, but she knew that she would see them sooner or later. She hated those shared breakfast, yet she knew they were somehow necessary to ensure that she would stay in control of what they were doing. After all, even stupid children could ruin...stuff. With another sigh she rounded a corner.

@Nor'baal @Xorism @Tom @LouJoVi @HoneyMagpie @Issachar

 

[Galateia Sappho]

Galateia was there and waiting. She made it a habit of hers, slinking out of the shadows as and when it suited her.

Despite being the elder of the pair, she gave her sister a customary bow, a ghost of a smile playing on her painted lips. "My Queen..."

For the most part, their ruse had been rather successful. None knew the truth and the arrangement suited Galateia just fine. Garbed in usual attire, with her hood drawn, the blonde doppelgänger appeared as any other servant. Dutiful and attentive. To many, she was the Queen's most senior appointed handmaiden; with such status, she could walk with impunity throughout most of the palace. It certainly had its advantages - so many whispers, so many secrets. And all uttered within her presence, a faceless retainer of House Juvexia. People should really watch their words, lest they come back to bite them. Not even a trace of treachery would not be tolerated, it would be snuffed out long before it could manifest into anything else. Galateia would see to that personally. The twins had fought tooth and nail for this kingdom - death to anyone who would even think to unseat them.

Falling in step behind her sister-queen, Galateia mentally prepared herself for the mayhem that was to come. These morning meals were such a tiresome ordeal. If anything, they were just a painful formality and (on more than one occasion) ended in petty quarrelling. Electra's trio of spawn were the usual instigators - a triumvirate of terror and tantrums. Their father was just as bad and from what she gathered, the King was in yet another one of his moods.

It matters not...

The family was Electra's burden to bear, not hers.

@Nor'baal @Xorism @Tom @LouJoVi @Issachar @LadyRen

 

[Oedipus Menelaus]

Oedipus awoke with purpose on yet another glorious morning in the sun kissed Juvexian palace he called home. The young prince walked through the marble archway that led to an adjourning balcony outside his room to enjoy the view. In the distance, he could see the servants frantically moving about attempting to maintain the vast network of gardens, fountains and magnificent statues.

The sky was clear, which he took to be a good omen for the day. Clicking his fingers to summon his personal servants, he stood bare to the world with arms outstretched to allow them to begin his daily beauty routine, which included massaging of lavish amounts of oil into his skin and a full body wax. A cool, fresh bolt of cloth was draped across his muscular chest and clasped around his waist for a minimum amount of modesty. Now, he felt, he was ready to face his family.

Entering the courtyard, he spotted his father, who seemed to be the first to wake. His smile and demeanour disappeared abruptly when he realised that he wouldn't get to spend alone time with his mother this morning. Whatever, he thought, trying to hide the disappointment.

"Father, you live." he paused, pondering the meaning for dramatic effect. "May your life continue, as your breath brings prosperity to the land."

He waited quietly for a response before nonchalantly asking, "Have you seen mother?"

@Nor'baal @Tom @LouJoVi @Issachar @LadyRen @HoneyMagpie @Teammum

 

[Orestes of Juvexia]

Orestes groaned, while turning on his bed. It was another morning in the palace of House Juvexia. His servants were already waiting for the boy to help him dress up, but he was procrastinating to do it. The Juvexian had no desire to go and face his family. They were so boring.

His servants were probably wanting to call him, but they avoided doing that. Last time that they tried to take him out of the bed by force, they ended up being stunned by his energy bow. They weren’t going to risk being hunted like animals by him. While his father forbade him from killing them, Orestes was still allowed to traumatize them.

With a loud and dramatic sigh, Orestes got up from his bed. He walked to the bathroom, where his servants had already prepared his bath. After finishing the bath, the boy was dressed by them. Soon he was prepared for another day with his dear family. He wondered if today would be the day that one of his parents killed the other.

He arrived at the dining room in time to hear his dear middle brother talking with their father. “Already planning father’s death, Oedie? You must remember that before grabbing the throne with your baby hands, you must deal with me.” Orestes said, while walking toward his brother. “Before you have this chance, I’ll have you going with the cow to the Rancor’s pits.” if it was a joke or a real threat, the other Juvexian would need to discover.

"Good morning, father. I hope that you slept well.” then he turned to look around, noticing that his family wasn’t complete. “It seems that the woman wasn’t here. I wonder if she finally bit her tongue while sleeping and died from her own venom.”

@Nor'baal @LadyRen @Xorism @Tom @Issachar @HoneyMagpie

 

[Electra Juvexia]

The moment Electra had stepped out, she was reunited with her dear twin sister and naturally some other, rather annoying, not necessarily helpful handmaiden like always. As she went past them, not even showing them any hints of appreciation or warmth, she rolled her eyes in quite an annoyed manner. She hated that she was always surrounded by someone. She could barely stand her sister's presence...shared meals with the family were eating her from the inside and yet there was nothing she could do about it. The morning had barely began and she was already in her best mood, yet she knew that precious family time was necessary. She couldn't risk losing control over her own, beloved children...or her crazy husband. Someone had to ensure their prosperity could be maintained...someone just had to do it. It was a task she reluctantly accepted. Someone just had to.

She tried to stop scowling, but as she spotted a handful of clumsy servants that bowed to her like they had never bowed before she was already about to lose her temper. It was unbelievable how she always found herself surrounded by idiots. Perhaps it was about time someone accidentally left the Nexu cage open again . The sheer thought managed to lighten her mood and a slight smirk crossed her lips as she quickly glanced back to her sister. "Morning Sunshine...", she sarcastically greeted her, not concerned about her way of addressing her. The other handmaiden knew that she was always coming up with some rather creative way to greet them and it seemed like the sun was indeed a severe pain in the ass today as it already unrelentlessly shone through each and every window.

With a deep sigh she rounded the last corner, passing some more guards before she entered the dining room. Oh great...the devil's spawn was already there as well. Oh, wait. That was unfortunately her own devious spawn...but well how did the saying go? 'You don't have any saying in choosing your family'. What a sad tragedy though..."Morning family. Where is the rest?" she asked, her voice ice cold. It annoyed her that they were not complete, as this only meant that she would had to spend more time here. She gracefully slid into her designated seat, right next to her husband, quickly glancing at him before she reached for the flask of wine in front of her. She poured herself a whole glass before she started sipping, her slightly annoyed gace now wandering over to Oedipus, and lastly to Orestes. "Let's already sit down and start" she shrugged while she almost commanded them to sit with her demanding gaze.

@Nor'baal @HoneyMagpie @Xorism @Exhilian @LouJoVi @Tom @Olwin

 

[Marcus Octavius Varus]

Marcus Varus would already be up and gone long before the queen would awake naked in her chambers. All to often the Queens guard was dragged in there to preform a certain service she desired before getting her fill and casting him back off to his guard duties. Marcus was already donned in full armor as usual and his typical grimace on his face of what seemed to be annoyance but obedience like a good hound. The sun was cresting across the palace when Marcus was up and on the go long before it as the other queens guards were scattered throughout the hallway outside her room. His vibroblade sheathed on his hip and a armor weave lay cape lay strung across his back down to the back of his knees. As he stood watching the queen and her maidens from a distance as his ice blue eyes would watch like a hawk but his face seemed stoic. Waiting for them to move as Marcus quietly followed the Queen as she made her way to greet the other members of the family like the usual morning routine. The morning greetings were all but strange as this usually was something most were use to.

"Here we go..".


As Marcus continued to walk down the hallway and follow the Queen, servants would be bustling about as the daily duties had began. Normal guards were posted along certain doors and hallways as only the Queens guard would follow her at a distance unless she stated otherwise. Marcus would stop and turn to look out the bright open windows as the sun gleamed on his chiseled jaw and beard for a second as his eyes scanned flags in the distance waving from the wind on tower peaks. His head would flick back for a moment as he continued to walk until they rounded the dining hall. Knowing very well his place and the families privacy, Marcus would stay out in the hallway as servants continued to pass by him with the door wide open. He merely stood at attention as he would let out a soft gruff when a servant would look at him for a moment. All of those in the Queens guard were much the same in their quietness. Considered the Queens royal pets by those who observed they would be unwillingly loyal to her.

@Nor'baal @HoneyMagpie @Xorism @LadyRen @LouJoVi @Tom @Olwin

 

[Periclades Sikyon]

No sooner had the family entered the room had the snide remarks commenced. Periclades ignored them as best as he could, merely nodding in recognition of his children's greetings as he waited for breakfast to be served. As his wife took her seat, the staff sprang into action, a long line of them appearing from the side rooms to bring plates to the table, one per family member. Periclades already knew what they would be eating, for they ate the same thing as their predecessors had, the same dish, on the same day of the year.

It was a family tradition he was determined to keep alive.

Each member of the House Juvexia ate the same rota of meals on an annual basis as their familial progenitor had. He had lived to be over one hundred and had founded an empire following that routine, and therefore it was pretty logical, in Periclades eyes (and his late fathers), to do precisely the same. The Chromium dome atop each plate was lifted, and their identical meals were revealed, a small bowl of grains, fruit and then some odd-looking flowering plant which, so he was told, was meant to be eaten whole.

"You heard your mother," he looked over at the attending children "- did you misplace your sibling?" he demanded, his voice calm as he stared at his children.

 

[Oedipus Menelaus]

Oedipus shook his head at his brother's remarks. "Don't be ridiculous, his death has been coming since the day he was born, as is ours. You would do well to trust in the gods." He tapped his brother on the shoulder, "I have no interest in the throne, I leave that all to you, dear brother. I only look to protect the family I love." Emphasis on love.

The boy's eyes lit up, as the room itself surely did once Queen Electra entered the banquet hall. He held no doubt that her beauty was unmatched across the entire galaxy, further illuminated by the very expensive jewellery that she would customarily wear. His father, of course, was in his own league when it came to such matters. His golden skin and appearance, toned by years of combat, training and weathered by the sun, was still somehow only marginally degraded from his prime.

Did their morning tradition add value to their lives? He didn't know, but he dared not challenge his father's wishes in public on the merits of if it's not broke, why fix it?. Alas, it did cut into his morning routine.

"Father, we have not seen Servius, perhaps he slew the one who was to wake him?" The tall brute had a bit of a temper, Oedipus had borne some of that rage in the past, and he would certainly try to avoid it in the future.

@HappyFamily