Welcome to The Duality of Man, an original animanga role-play that features numerous supernatural creatures. Unfortunately, these various species have distanced themselves because of the war that occurred thousands of years ago, plaguing some with eyes that only see their dualism. While others meddle themself with their differences, two groups fight, each attempting to eliminate the other in for their definition of worldly peace. These two groups of the Terror Response Syndicate (TRS) and the Assembly of Phantoms (AP). With individuals fighting merely over their differences, it brings uncertainty to the outcome of this war.
We happily accept all role-players as long as they obey the rules and are capable of meeting our word count of 50. This does include those who are unfamiliar with this style of role-playing. The staff of The Duality of Man are willing to happily help those who are new to the role-playing world so they feel comfortable on site. Feel free to message the staff if you need help, they can be found here or in the site Discord and will gladly answer questions alongside calm concerns. If you have any suggestions we would love to hear them; guests may use the support board as a suggestion area as well. Should you decide to join, may I say welcome to the site and we all hope you enjoy your time here.
Yours Truely,
The Staff
season
Summer 2024
Heat has broken through into a glorious summer. The snow has entirely dried through the spring, leaving to the brilliance of the warmer months. Terror activity has risen as people are brought out of their homes, leaving the TRS in a position of consistent work. Each are attempting to maintain victory in the endless struggle for power.
Since the wonderful members of TDOM enjoy the site enough to play around on it, this thread is to assist with the site's tidying! Functionality is important and we want to make the site functional even if its activity will be minimal at best!
The kitchen was busy in preparation for dinner time, the staff had just finished up the lunch menu, which was often quite simple. All that was for lunch today was a simple grilled cheese, with steamed cauliflower. This made things easy to clean and prep for dinner time. Sima wearing a white chef's hat, with his hair rolled up into a bun under the hat, and an apron on, made his way to the back of the kitchen. He was letting the line-cooks clean up the messy pans from searing the grilled cheese's, and pots, and sifters from the cauliflower. This time was Sima's break time, so taking a minute to eat lunch was essential. He grabbed a plate he pulled aside which carried 2 grilled cheese, and a healthy portion of steamed cauliflower. Sima sat down and ate his meal, it was a rather large lunch but the rush of preparing everything for dinner would certainly exhaust Sima again, this was the time where he could relax and enjoy a small break.
After finishing up the lunch meal Sima made his way back into the kitchen, and everything was looking quite clean. Some of the line-cooks were scrubbing down the stoves from spilled messes. "Good work everyone, are we ready to prepare for dinner?" The line cooks responded. "Yes Chef" And Sima made his way into the back of the kitchen where shipments of food were received. The staff of the kitchen were bringing in a large load of lamb meat, which was already cut. They were also bringing in obrajine, and couscous, as well as onions, chick peas, chocolate biscuits, chocolate, and various other food ingredients. Sima had to sign off and check the quantities of food to make sure they had enough to feed 50-60 people.
After bringing in the rest of the materials it was already beginning to get later in the day, around 4:30pm. It was a logistics challenge to bring in the right amount of food into the kitchen. After checking all the materials Sima was sure they had enough to feed the castle with the ingredients they had on hand, and for the dish he already had prepared ahead of time. Sima walked to the far left of the kitchen where he had stoves lined up. "Meat section, olive oil in, pans hot. I want it crispy. About 3-4 minute on each side" The line cooks readied into place, grabbing pans and setting up the stoves. They turned the stoves on high, pouring in olive oil. Sima grabbed a few spices to show them how he wanted the lamb seasoned, and after about 30 seconds they started seasoning strips of lamb. "Yes chef!" They called out to his commands.
The meat section consisted of a cook, and a garnisher. Sima walked to the middle section of the kitchen. "Obrajines here, I want them the roughly the size of chickpeas, season it well with salt and pepper!" Sima grabbed three more spices for the section of the kitchen. "Season with these as well," It was tumerig, paprika, and some cinnamon. "I want you to put the pot on hot, with a dash of olive oil. Add in your diced obrajine, add tomato puree, and tomato sauce" Sima was lucky this was an experienced kitchen, and this was a recipe they had done before. "Add the chickpeas after it's all mixed up" Sima went to leave but then realized he forgot one thing. "Add some water and lamb-stock to it as well" "Yes Chef!" Another line cooked jumped in making the preparations for what Sima wanted.
Sima went to the last section of kitchen which would hold the couscous salad. "Prunes, and red onions. I want the prunes cut into thirds, and red onions cut nice and fine.""Add couscous, and an equal amount of boiling water" "Yes chef!" They called out in response. Sima headed into the desert section, his favorite section where he began directing someone in order to make chocolate cake for dessert. This was in the very back of the kitchen near the last empty oven/stoves were available. The kitchen was now bustling at this time with cooks all preparing their portions of tonight's Lamb Stew with couscous salad.
Holden had taken a bit to become his self again, having been injured by an intruder shortly after the ceremony. The good news is that he was able to keep Noah safe, bad news is that Noah found out that he planned to continue training and refused to allow him to do so until he was properly better. It had taken a bit but as soon as his shoulder no longer was bothering him, he was back to training. Today was the day, he could just feel it in his bones. The chance to sneak into the kitchen to try and out his baking skills. He had always imagined what it would be like baking goods but never got the chance to do so because it wasn't allowed for one not living in the castle but after he became head guard, he imagined it to become okay. Shortly after guarding Noah, they parted ways so that he could have lunch. He got in line for his grilled cheese sandwich and some cauliflower. As soon as he was finished, he returned the tray and had gone about his day. Between training and watching over Noah, life was bliss for him.
Of course it was shortly after dinner time that he was determined to test his theory once and for all. Dinner was being made and he had managed to part ways with Noah early so that he could go into the cafeteria before sneaking into the kitchen. He heard Sima giving orders in the kitchen and he had moved in the back where ovens weren't in use. Everybody was busy going about their business and he found himself able to grab the ingredients without any trouble at all. He was in the middle of preparing some brownies when he heard footsteps headed in his direction. He quickly finished the preparation before shoving his tray of brownies in the oven. If Sima and the other chef hadn't noticed him before, they surely would notice him being there and the noise of the oven being closed. He stood right in front of it, attempting to act innocent because he wasn't supposed to be in here.
As Sima began directing the baker about the chocolate cake the sound of an oven door closing echoed nearby. It was far too early for anyone to be using an oven door, what was going on? He peaked up towards the sound of the oven door that had closed. He laid eyes upon a young man, he was certain he had seen him around the castle before. What was he doing in the kitchen? And with no apron or hair-net to speak of either. That certainly wouldn't be allowed. Sima scratched his head in confusion. What was he going to do with this kid? He was in the middle of the kitchen at its peak operating time. Luckily he was out of the way, so it wasn't as if Sima was just going to jump in and kick him out, as long as he stayed out of the way that is. However, something must be done about his attire if he's to stay in the kitchen. Sima walked up to the young troublemaker.
"What are you doing in here?" Sima asked curiously, bending down to look into the oven where he had placed what appeared to be brownies. "I hope you are making enough to feed me as well. I love brownies." Sima smiled at the brownies with a lustful look in his eyes. He rarely got the chance to try someone else's baking, unless he went out of his way to look for a bakery. It would be a nice little treat anyways, Holden was in the kitchen, and hopefully he knew most of the rules, like washing your hands, keeping the oven doors shut, etc. Sima stood up from looking at the brownies. "What was your name again?" Sima awaited a response before leaving.
Sima rushed into the back of the kitchen grabbing an apron, and a hair net, and then quickly he returned to Holden's side. "Here, don't let me catch you again without them, or I will have to kick you out!" He tossed the items at Holden quickly. Sima wasn't being harsh, in fact he was being quite lenient, it was a health & safety requirement. Sima had a hair net on under his hat, and he wore an apron, and no open toed shoes were allowed either, in case any knives or heavy metal object fell onto toes. Sima took a minute to glance down at Holden's shoes to make sure they were not open-toed, if they were it was a immediate boot from the kitchen, Sima was far too busy to have to deal with injuries because someone didn't have the proper shoes.
"I have set you up to stay in the kitchen, stay back here, don't get in my staff's way, and keep all the drawers, and doors, closed, and we won't have any problems." Keeping the doors closed was an important safety precaution as well, leaving a low hanging oven door open was a tripping hazard for example. Sima wasn't sure if the young kid already understood these safety hazards, but it was his responsibility to make sure everyone stayed safe so he had to be sure the newcomer was following all the safety rules. Sima was far too busy to stop for too long on Holden's section of the kitchen, he had to go check up on the food being prepared. Sima walked back to the meat section checking on the meat, making sure each lamb was grilled properly, and then putting the lambs in a big tray, and then setting the tray out on the line. He than checked the obrajine stew, grabbing a large pot of it and setting it too out on the line.
It was now that people started filing in for dinner, and Sima had to rush to get the couscous salad out on the line to meet the rush of people coming in for dinner. As Sima placed the pot of couscous salad he set out the big utensils for people to grab their food. Tongs for the meat, a big ladel for the stew, and a big spoon for the couscous salad. "What are we having today!" An employee of the castle asked Sima as he placed the utensils out. "A Lamb Obrajine stew, with couscous salad" Sima responded with a smile. "There's plenty so dig in!" Sima moved back into the meat section, which would need to be renewed as they all took lamb from the tray. "Keep cooking, we'll need to replenish each pot at least once before dinner's done." The staff went onto working on the second round of the lamb, stew, and couscous salad. Sima walked back to Holden to check on his brownies, and to make sure the cake was prepped enough to start baking. It was a 2 layer chocolate cake, they would be making a few of them, so the baker was prepping large amounts of cake batter, and icing. He was putting in the cakes now, and would begin prepping them in time for the people to come back for desert. Sima stepped in to help the baker by mixing the icing, which was just butter and icing sugar, old fashioned style. mixed with a bit of chocolate syrup to make it chocolate icing. Sima put the butter and icing sugar to beat on high in a mixer, it would take a bit for the icing to be made.
Sima headed over to Holden now that the cake section was on-track. "So how's it coming along?""Are you going to grab some dinner? I can watch your brownies if they're not done already." Sima didn't want the kid missing dinner, especially with how hard the kitchen worked to make it. It would just be another thing for Sima to manage, but Sima was probably putting a little too much on his plate.
Holden noticed Sima looking over at him, he continued acting innocent as if he weren't in the kitchen without permission baking some brownies. "Nothing much..." He answered in reply, hoping that Sima wouldn't be too upset with him being in the kitchen, especially at this hour. Sima bent over to look into the oven to see his brownies. Oh great, now what? He thought to himself, surprised when he heard Sima's comment. "You do?" He asked in return, unsure on if Sima would like his brownies or not. To his surprise Sima asked what his name was, "Holden Pérez, head guard to our King." He answered, wanting to make sure Sima was aware of who he was. He watched as Sima had rushed into the back of the kitchen, returning with an apron and hair net. He should have figured he'd be required to wear those since he was in a kitchen after all. Sima tossed them to him and he quickly put the apron on before attempting to put the hair net over his head. "Understood." He answered in reply, having not been aware of where Sima had those hidden.
"Where'd you get these from again?" He asked, knowing he for one planned on returning in here in the near future, not that Sima needed a confirmation or anything like that, it just seemed fitting to have a general idea so that he wouldn't be kicked out of the kitchen is all. Sima was looking at his shoes, he watched, only wearing boots because it was easiest to fight in. "Alright." He answered in return, figuring he'd have to if he required something but didn't plan to at the moment since his brownies only needed to be baked at this point. He watched as Sima wandered away, having to handle the preparations for dinner. A line started to form and he knew it wouldn't be long before Noah likely took notice that he wasn't among the crowd. He continued checking on his brownies, having managed to finish a batch before sticking some more in the oven. It had been his goal to feed all the staff too, not that he wanted to replace the chef's or anything like that, just that he knew if he got them to enjoy his baking, perhaps they'd cease the flings with Noah. And if worse came to worse, maybe Noah would cease the flings because he managed to fatten them up a bit.
"It is almost done, had time to put a few in." He explained, having prepared for a few trays so that he could hopefully get enough for everybody to try. "So feel free to tell me what you think." He answered, pointing towards the brownies that were complete that had time to cool off a bit. "Yes, I was planning on it." He answered, smiling when Sima offered to watch his brownies. "I'm going to stick around here a little bit longer, just to watch it finish up." He answered, not minding that Sima offered to watch it but he planned on finishing his project instead of pausing for a break. It wasn't like dinner was going anywhere anytime soon, with any luck he'd finish before Noah found out what he was doing.
"The apron, and hairnets are in the back. They are in the clearly marked drawers that say "Apron" and "Hair-nets" It should be pretty easy to spot" Sima responded to his question about where the hair-nets, and aprons, were. Sima looked at the brownies, washing his hands in a nearby sink before attempting to grab a brownie. After Sima had thoroughly washed his hands, he dried them off with a clean hand-towel and walked back to where Holden and his brownies were. Sima grabbed a brownie after Holden asked him what he thought of them. He took the brownie and plopped it into his mouth. He let the brownies melt a little bit before chewing it. He enjoyed it, it was quite good for what he assumed to be a novice baker. "I like them, you are making quite a lot. Do you plan on feeding more people?" Sima asked him curiously, with a grin, and awaited his answer before taking off once again to take care of the rest of the dinner preparations.
Sima rounded the corner to where the next batch of lamb was being cooked. Sima once again checked the lamb, making sure each strip was properly cooked before setting the new tray out on the line. He then replaced the couscous salad. The people were coming in rather quickly. Sima then checked on the cake section where the baker had made significant progress and even finished up the home-made icing Sima was preparing. Sima did the final touches on the cake, putting the two cakes together with a filling inside, and than icing the cakes. He did this for 3 large chocolate cakes so their was enough for the whole castle.
After the cakes were finished Sima began cutting the cakes, and than setting the cakes out onto the line for the people that were finishing up their dinner. There was plenty enough left for people to grab seconds if they so desired, and it was time for the kitchen to start ramping down, and begin the cleaning, and finishing up phases of the night. Sima delegated to the kitchen staff about who got what clean up duty. By now all of the equipment had been turned off, and they were all washing dishes inside the kitchen, sweeping, mopping, and doing other various cleaning tasks that were required to maintain the kitchen. Sima liked keeping the kitchen nice and tidy. From the outside the kitchen looked extremely busy still even though they were ramping down so the staff could take their breaks. Sima let a few of the staff go early to get their dinner, and Sima delegated a few to doing inventory checks at the end of the shift before going out to take their dinners.
Sima once again returned to Holden. "I thought your brownie was quite delicious, I am happy to see someone take an interest in baking. It can be tedious and difficult but I think the happiness a sweet treat brings to someone's face is worth it every time." Sima looked at all the brownies that were available still but decided to hold back on trying another one because he would spoil his dinner. "Your welcome to eat with me, and the kitchen staff, if you'd like Holden." Sima wasn't quite sure where he was on his baking but Sima was hoping he would be on the process of finishing up, or at least preparing for dinner. Sima took a moment to assess the kids station and see how well he managed on organizing his ingredients, or if he was in the stages of cleaning everything up.
Holden listened as Sima explained where he'd be able to find the apron and hair nets in the near future. He thought to ask because it hadn't crossed his mind to even bother, partly because it just seemed like an innocent baking spree to him. Though he did take caution when preparing the brownies, just because it was logical for him to do so. Holden allowed Sima to try one of his brownies, not at all bothered since he had planned on sharing them in the first place. He felt quite pleased when he heard Sima said that he liked them. "Yes I do." He answered him in return, hoping to give out brownies to all that wanted one. He stood in front of the oven, refusing to move from his spot as he waited for the next batch to finish. Sima was going back and forth in the kitchen. His batch was just finishing up as he listened to the chefs cleaning up the kitchen. Sima came back just as he was about to open up the oven to pull his other batch out.
"I just find it as a fun hobby is all." He answered, quite pleased that Sima liked his cooking. "Thank you, but I think I'll finish up here then eat at one of the tables over there." He answered, normally doing that unless Noah was around then he normally sat next to him. Not really for the sake of Noah babysitting him but because he was his headguard after all. Earlier he had put the ingredients away, having organized it the way he had found it. Of course he had to clean up because he hadn't done it in the middle of baking his brownies. Since they were done, he turned the oven off before moving towards the sink to clean his station, wanting it all ready to go for the next person planning on using it.
Sima looked at Holden curiously. He could smell the brownies now that the rest of the kitchen was being cleaned up. They really smelled delicious and it made Sima want another one. He however held off, knowing that he had cake as well to try. Sima had a sweet tooth, but he wasn't going to go hog wild on the sweets. "Well if you change your mind and want to eat with us there will be a spot open!" Sima wanted to see how Holden liked the food, after all the staff worked hard on this recipe. Sima knew it was going to be tasty and thus couldn't wait for a chance to eat up as much of the dinner that he could, especially knowing he would need the proteins, and energy, for the training he did himself. Sima was after all a war veteran, and most of the wars he fought were with swords, not guns, which made things much more up close and personal, and the training still very rigorous.
Sima went back over to where the staff were lining up for their plates. They walked the line like everyone else, and they all began ladling their plates with the food. When Sima got up to his turn he was sure to put a large amount on his plate. three lamb cuts, covered in the obrajine stew, and with a large amount of couscous salad on the side. Sima was eating a much larger amount than the other staff were grabbing. "It looks so good guys, dig in!" Sima was happy with the work of the kitchen staff, and was happy to enjoy the fruits of their labor. "Don't forget to grab some brownies after your done, Holden made some." Sima pointed the staff to where the brownies were. "Unless you'd prefer cake" Sima was going to grab some more brownies after his dinner, and he was sure some of the kitchen staff would grab some brownies as well, probably meaning their would be some cake leftover.
After getting his large plate filled Sima headed over to a table with the kitchen staff. The guys started talking about what they wanted to serve, and Sima chimed in. "You guys know we are eventually going to make curry, it's on the bucket list!" Sima loved making different kinds of curry, especially with rice, and some chicken. The differing amount of spice levels were always a treat with curries. Sima made sure that there was an empty seat beside himself in case Holden did in fact want to come sit with the kitchen staff. Sima began shoveling his food into his mouth while also eyeing the room for Holden, he was going to call him over despite him saying he was going to sit somewhere else. The guy shouldn't eat alone he thought. Sima definitely stood out compared to the rest of the staff with his large plate of food.
Holden nodded his head when Sima mentioned his comment should he change his mind about eating with them. He started cleaning up the work section, as soon as it was finished he moved the dessert near the area the cake had been placed before placing the hair net and apron before proceeding to exit the kitchen. He would then head in the line to get some food for himself, knowing Noah would be upset, should he skip out on his meals. As soon as he had his tray of food and drink, he headed towards another of the tables, knowing that there were empty ones because other guards had finished eating. At least this way, my King has a spot, should he come searching for me. He thought to himself, having planned on taking a seat, unaware that Sima was eyeing the room for him.
Now lets see, as soon as I'm done here, I should head back out and train some more. Then of course tomorrow I can prepare the drills for the guards. He thought to himself, not really paying attention to his surroundings as he came across an empty table and set his tray down. He then proceeded to pull the chair out and take a seat, thoughts on his mind, making him unaware of those around him.
Sima was eating his food. It tasted great to Sima. He felt as though cooking was an artful creation. A mix of some science, and artistry mixed in. You couldn't entirely go off the recipe if you wanted something unique to be created each time. You needed a confidence with cooking, which you don't really need in art, although it sure helped in art. You needed a large knowledge base, and confidence in the kitchen to boot, as well as understanding safety regulations. Sima forked up his food, glancing around the less crowded area, then distracted by one of the kitchen staff. "So Sima, would you add vegetables to the curry?" Sima looked away giving Holden just enough time to sit down and find a table without him finding him across the room. "Well I would just leave that to my fine staff right? Curries aren't my specialty so I'll have to look at a few different variations before I truly decide what I want, but I like the idea of a simple yellow rice and chicken curry."
Sima answered taking breaks in between his bites for talking. He finished the couscous salad first and then finished up with the obrajine stew, saving what he considered the best for last which was the lamb. Sima ate his large portions considerably fast, finishing at the same time as the rest of the kitchen staff. He found Holden sitting at one of the empty tables. "Leave out the food for a bit longer for stragglers, I'm going to see how the head guard likes the meal."
"Alright Sima, we"ll do one last check for cleaning and shut the place down after that." Sima made his way to Holden who seemed to be still eating his food at the empty table.
approaching quietly Sima tapped his finger on the back of Holden's shoulder lightly to get his attention. "So Holden, now that you've had the chance to try the food what did you think?" Sima's blue eyes were full of curiosity and wonder. He had a big grin on his face as he waited for an answer from Holden. Sima secretly hoped that he loved the food, he hoped that this food brought a smile to his face when he ate it. He had a smile on his face thinking about the possible chance that this food brought joy to someone, it was always a surprise to see that it had, and Sima was sure to smile even harder upon hearing that he enjoyed the food, if he enjoyed the food.
Holden was in his thoughts when suddenly he felt a tap on his shoulder. Startled that Sima was standing right behind him, he found himself quickly attempting to calm himself down. "Apologies, I've yet to try it." He admitted, slowly taking a bit for the sake of showing Sima that he had ever intention on finishing his food. It wasn't the first time he tried his cooking and it wouldn't be the last either. "It is delicious as always." He answered after swallowing his food, desiring for Sima to know that he may have been injured but he still ate his food even if he was surrounded by guards and not noticed in the crowd prior. He wanted nothing more than for Sima to be proud of his cooking, though it was weird eating while Sima was standing right there.
"I was just stuck in my thoughts... I mean with what I'm required to do and all..." He admitted, not that Sima needed to hear his excuse or anything like that, he just felt a need to explain why he was slow to eat. Though it took effort, he ate in front of Sima, as to ensure that if he chose to stick around, he'd see the food being eaten instead of becoming cold. I wonder what my King is doing... He thought to himself, imagining Noah likely with a fling. It wouldn't be the first time or last, he was sure of that.
Sima looked at Holden curiously. With what he was required to do? Was this guy having a hard time with his work? He was rather young, and perhaps all the training had gotten to him, maybe he injured himself. Sima smiled lightly remembering when he had been in similar situations. "Are you struggling with your training or work?" Sima spoke softly to keep others from hearing and with a kind tone. He kept a nice warm hearted smile on his face as he spoke, noticing that Holden was taking bites of his food. "You know training can be quite tough, but it relaxes you too. If your feeling broken from what your required to do just remember that you do always have a choice in the matter, even if it seems like you don't. I respect you for making your choices, and training hard. I can usually tell when I see a slacker, and you don't really look like one." Sima wasn't sure what he could say to help Holden in what appeared to be a down state because of some sort of pain.
"If this is something that can be healed by rest than maybe you should take some time. I'm not the best person for advice but I at least let my body rest. I'm not young anymore like you though, as I used to run myself ragged in training." Sima still ran himself ragged in training but he was leaving that part out for Holden. "Sometimes we are required to do things by others, but what would you do if you weren't required to do those things Holden? Would you be happier or worse off? It all depends on the person, so you'll have to make a choice on your own. It does however give you purpose doesn't it?" Sima sighed lightly almost as if Holden's down demeanor had gotten to him for a second. He was quite young, but it seemed he was required to do much.
"I'm probably totally off the mark. but, whatever you have to face if you face it head on I know you'll be a better man for it." Sima had no idea if what he was saying even related to what Holden was going through but Sima felt like he had to try at least.
Holden listened to Sima's question, pondering it before coming up with his answer. "A little bit of both, but mostly work. I have to earn the respect from the other guards after all. I mean seeing as I'm in charge over them now." He admitted, unsure if Sima knew about that small fact or not. As Sima spoke, he slowly ate his food, figuring it would be best to do so to avoid allowing it to risk becoming cold, every once in a while nodding his head to prove he was listening to what Sima was saying to him. "I've rested long enough." He answered, before setting the empty dishes in front of him. "All I want to do now is train and become stronger, stronger and gain the respect of my fellow guards so that they believe in me as I'll believe in them. One might argue that I'm too young for this but I made the choice a long time ago." He'd answer in return, listening as Sima spoke once more, asking his question.
"Worse off." He answered, seeing no other path than defending Noah with his life. "Thank you for your words." He answered, clearly grateful before standing from the table, pausing when he heard Sima once more. "Will do." He grabbed the dishes to head into the kitchen to place them in the required spot for cleaning, since he wasn't on staff duty it wouldn't be his responsibility. "I best head off, more training is in order." He admitted as he exited the kitchen, knowing Noah would disapprove of such an action, especially when he was only recently allowed to start his duties up again.
[attr="class","aodimgtext"]556 words for @sima & @holden
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❝
cleanse me with those shadows, take me into the dark where I belong, show me my vile black heart.
[attr="class","aodmain"] Work required accomplishing inside the Dark King's Castle, the type which needed a face-tof-face discussion with the current head guard, Holden Pérez. Time was invested into searching for the infamous guard, yet, Noah failed to discovered the long-haired familiar's location. The radio was a viable option for hasty communications, alas, the navy-haired king craved a stroll through his castle. Yet, his lack of Holden sightings was an oddity considering he recently checked the training grounds and courtyard.
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Regularly, Noah would observe Holden pour hours of precious training into his skills, but the location was Holden-less. Quietly, the wraith strolled, occasionally stopping a guard to inquire about him. There was confirmation of the familiar being on castle grounds, alas, the relay frequently resulted in Noah lagging behind the head guard. A gentle sigh was exhaled through his lips as Noah closed the door to Holden's private quarters. No answers after a knock and more silence as he peeked his head through the threshold.
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Plans were created to repair any damages to the infamous Dark King's Castle and potentially accomplish some renovations of the location. Walls needed some repairs after previous battles and some lights ceased to function while other locations required some up to date technology. There were plenty of plans for the wraith's home, however, he wanted information from the man tasked with defending the large location. If anybody was aware of damaged locations or spots that required defence improvement, it would be the head guard.
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Gradually, the king moved through the corridors, silver eyes searching for the young head guard. Only recently had the duel for the position of head guard and familiar ended. Alas, there was plenty of work that required accomplishing for the castle's defence. As another guard passed, Noah's gaze locked onto him as the man left the cafeteria. The guard straightened upon seeing his king, going rigid and giving a nervous salute.
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"M-my king!" He narrowed managed to shout out.
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The wraith ceased movement, nodding at the young, stout blond standing in salute. When Noah's eyes locked onto him, the guard trembled from the pressure exerted from his king's rank.
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"Have you seen Holden?" Noah inquired to the young man.
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Hastily he nodded, content with being aware of the answer to the question being asked. Immediately, his finger pointed towards the cafeteria as he wished to relieve himself of this tense situation.
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"He's in there, sir!" He answered quickly and anxiously.
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The wraith nodded. "Thank you."
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With those words, he proceeded down the hallway while the blond guard retreated quickly. The navy-haired man rounded the corner into the cafeteria, eyes narrowly catching a glimpse of Holden leaving the kitchen and entering the dining area. Thus, Noah approached the young man.
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"Good timing, I need your assistance," Noah stated.
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Meanwhile, thoughts swirled on why Holden was inside the kitchen, alas, the wraith believe it could have been the young man's break. Every guard required one after all!
Sima watched as Holden spoke, curiously wondering what words he could say that would really help this kid out. His demeanor was that of an older more stern man, and Sima couldn't help but feel a little saddened that this child was missing out on a proper childhood. Sima lacked a childhood, but back when he was young there wasn't much to do as a child. He spent his years training too, and because of this Sima felt happy that the child was so similar in that regard to himself. Holden seemed to have so much to prove, and Sima could understand why. Having to prove yourself to all the other guards was a challenge. Sima had no need for combat anymore, although after hearing him speak of training he couldn't help but wonder if he should step in to help. Holden was done listening to Sima's mini speech, and thus was preparing to leave to set his dishes out. "Hey Holden, You go get e'm kid. I believe you'll show them they can place trust in you. Just remember, strength isn't everything. Make sure you come back to practice your baking." Sima didn't see a reason to follow him at this point so he let him be, turning around to notice Noah entering the cafeteria spaces.
Sima was a little behind on things, and he wasn't sure how those brownies sitting out would look on him, but frankly he didn't care. Sima knew his skills well enough, and knew he had value here. Noah should see that. However, seeing Noah here was an opportunity to get him to try his food. Sima quickly went back into the kitchen after noticing Noah, and he began wrapping up the rest of the kitchen. Cleaning the plates that Holden had dropped off at the dishes, and then packaging up the leftover brownies for him, and the extra cakes. "OH! Holden do you want these brownies before you go?!" He called out to Holden before turning his attention to the king. His eyes darted to some of the food leftovers and he quickly prepared a plate. He then hastily made his way out into the cafeteria.
Sima laughed a smile appearing on his face as he turned to Noah with a plate decorated as nicely as Sima could make it. "And you, Noa~ King. Are you too busy to try some of this food?" Sima smiled brightly, his eyes glistening with a happy curiosity. Sima knew he probably would be taking Holden and leaving, but that didn't mean he couldn't try a bite right?
"Why don't you just try a bite of the Obrajine stew?" Sima held out a fork for Noah. "You don't often come in here, so how am I supposed to impress you with the kitchen's dishes?" Sima laughed playfully trying to change the King's tone from an unhappy one to at least a somewhat pleasant one. Sima didn't want to impress him, he just wanted to see the guy eat, it was rare, and Sima wanted to make something he would come down to grab, even if he was full or didn't otherwise need sustenance. "If this doesn't suit you, would there be anything else you would like us to prepare? I want to see you down here with the common folk!" Sima was just trying to tease him a little bit, he wasn't sure if the king would even take kindly to the offer of food, but that was Sima's goal right now. Get this guy to try a bite of food, maybe he'd love it.
Holden nods his head when he hears Sima's words, having dropped his dishes off before exiting the kitchen, quickly making his comment before being noticed by Noah. He honestly thought he was in for it now, but wasn't completely sure when he heard Noah's comment to him. "You do?" He asked, curious on what Noah would need with him at this hour. Maybe it is his way of saying that I'm not going to train tonight... He thought to himself, choosing to wait to hear what Noah would have to say, but instead of getting that chance, Sima had gone into the kitchen before asking if he wanted some of his brownies. "I planned on having them refrigerated for tomorrow!" He called out to Sima, thinking of Noah wasn't going to lecture him before, he just might do it now. Then the subject was changed to Noah and he couldn't help but think this was perfect timing on his exit out.
"Yes, you should try it.... It is really good, my King." He answered, with hope that Noah would sit down and enjoy the food. Before anymore words could be exchanged, he shifted into his panther form and bolted out of the cafeteria with the plan to train, with any luck, Noah would still be in the cafeteria to humor Sima by trying the food.
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The skin is created by Wolf of Adoxography and Gangnam Style. The thread and conversation remodels are by Kagney. The Strange Reality board list, Heal My Soul info center, I Remember Now mini profile and Electric Requiem profile remodel is made by Pharoah Leap. The Who's That Member member list remodel was made by Tictactoe. The Cbox.ws Shoutbox remodel was made by Trinity Blair. All templates used for claims, information sheets, applications, etc are credited to their owners; credits for these can be found in the threads the templates are use on. Images that are used on The Duality of Man are credited to their owners, however, they have been edited by Zac with a few being edited by Chibi Magician. The plot, rules and various other information pieces for The Duality of Man are written by Chibi Magician with the assistence of her co-admins, Finnegan and Dremulf, alongside other unlisted people who were kind enough to give their input. The TRS, AP and face claim were all created by Fleur for specifically the use of TDOM. All plugins used on The Duality of Man are credited to their owners. The templates my members use are credited to their maker, if you find a template that belongs to you, but is uncredited, please speak to Chibi Magician or the member themself. Characters created on The Duality of Man are credited to their owners and should not be used elsewhere without the creator's permission.
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