#v.chronoplz

[housekonig]

SEE SCENE NOTE HERE FOR UPDATE

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AN: Starting and creating this story has been a labor of laugh but, I'm so happy to finally start sharing the story of the Vernick Royal family. A country created by my friend (@vernicksims), who has allowed be to borrow, build, and expand his country. Also a major shoutout to everyone who has served as a thought partner or inspiration--if I've forgotten you, I'm sorry! Everyone has been beyond helpful as writing partners, tumblr tutors, and creative directors. I hope to keep this going and see where this story and family take me (us). (@bridgeportbritt,@warwickroyals, @armoricaroyalty, @empiredesimparte, @nexility-sims, @wa-royal-tea, @thegrimalldis)

TRANSCRIPT BELOW:

Liam: We're back for my favorite segment, The Royal Round Up! Tonight, we focus on The Family'sFamily's relevance with our special guests, Culture Professor Dr. Lizzy Eane and self-proclaimed public intellectual Maryjane Rightway. Ladies, the top question from viewers was, ""what is the royal family's role?"" -- take it away.

Dr. Eane: Where to begin--the monarchy has passed its expiration date, and it knows it. The rising taxpayer costs, the residences, in exchange for what?

Maryjane: In exchange for culture and history, Lizzy. As long as our country exists, our oldest and most remembered founding family remains relevant... it'sit's obvious.

Christopher: Can we please watch anything else? I'mI'm sure this show rots the brain (laughs).

Jessica: No can do! It'sIt's my Guilty pleasure, and he says nice things usually...

Christopher: About you!

Jessica: Exactly! (Laughs) Now be quiet! The royal segment is starting. ''

Christopher: Great...

Liam: Many voters and viewers agree with Ms. Rightway, believing the monarchy serves as a national but powerless symbol.

Dr. Eane: And that, Liam, makes them more dangerous. The idea that they are powerless is false, dangerous, and dense. It'sIt's people'speople's belief in the institution that empowers them. The crown is merely a tribute on our and the church'schurch's behalf. And the latter lacks my consent as well.

Maryjane: (Laughs) We can debate this all night. But, if we did, it's because of King Christopher'sChristopher's 1886 decree, which granted citizens and media the right to critique The Crown. The same king went on to found our finest colleges, one of which you are employed. Again, they're irrelevant?

Maryjane: Dr. Eane, I'mI'm shocked to hear you pander to the younger crowd. They don't have to look like us; that's the point! A family of 17 cannot represent a country of nearly 200 million.

Dr. Eane: Sure...but after how long? You speak as if--

Liam: Sorry to cut you off, but that's all for the Royal Roundup. We'llWe'll have more with Dr. Eane and Ms. Rightway after the break.

Christopher: I hate that you like this show.

Jessica: And I hate that you're ruining my Sunday night. Some of us have real jobs, ya know?

Christopher: Yeah...at your family business. (Laughs)

Jessica: Hey! No fair. It's not my fault; I work hard, 9-5.

Christopher: 9-5? I'd be so lucky! This job is nonstop, and this show makes me feel like a shitty worker. 

Jessica: Aren't you, though? (Laughs)

Christopher: 9-5? I'd be so lucky! This job is nonstop, and this show makes me feel like a shitty worker. 

Your Royal Highness, I've added a mandatory meeting to your calendar. Your great-grandmother, The Queen, has requested all senior members arrive 15 mins early.

Christopher: Shit. What now?

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AN: Awww it's the first time we meet Carlton (and I realize how many C names with story has...geez).

For context, the Rotary refers to the Royal Rotary, a group of journalists from Vernick's popular and prestigious newspapers and publications. The rotary changed bi-annually and is supposed to be a randomized group based on clicks, buys, and prestigious.

TRANSCRIPT BELOW:

Carlton: *clears throat* How late are we working tonight?

Nora: Oh! I didn't realize how late it was. I need a few more minutes--just reviewing today's notes.

Carlton: Isn't it always the same memo? Come to bed.

Nora: Not this week, I'm afraid. Some The Rotary says some damning book is to be published sooner than anticipated. Our teams are worried and advise we be too.

Carlton: Hmm, and we are going on the offense or defense?

Nora: Both, Carlton. Both.

Carlton: And our star player?

Nora: Christopher, naturally.

Carlton: His response?

Nora: Silence, which is desired over the alternative.

Carlton: I see. I'll give the boy a call tomorrow. I've been--

Nora: I'd prefer you not. A ring makes all of this something. I much rather we look ahead with no questions, no complaints, and certainly no calls to discuss one's feelings.

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AN: Bare with me here--you can see I was still experimenting with Photoshop's lighting effects and their ability to change/create a mood. I also created this before finding some awesome and more iconic queeny hairstyles. This also gives a bit of insight into how formal they are — even in private. And I debated how to share details of the meeting and I hope you all like the direction I chose. I’m a fan of a slow burn.

TRANSCRIPT BELOW:

Lisa: The Duke and Duchess of Henford will attend the garden party on your behalf. You're expected in Belen to greet the President and First Lady.

Nora: Is that all?

Lisa: Yes, Ma'am. I've also arranged for Prince Christopher to meet you here.

Footman: Ma'am, His Royal Highness The Prince Christopher of Henford.

Nora: Yes, thank you. Please send him in.

Christopher: Hello Gan-gan.

Nora: Christopher. How are you?

Christopher: I'm well, no complaints from me.

Nora: There's always something one can complain about, dear.Though I appreciate your choice. What an exemplar for us all. Shall we walk?

Christopher: Yes, Gan, of course.

Nora: Tell me. How are things at the foundation?

Christopher: Gan, I--

Nora: Yes?

Christopher: I-I'm sometimes trying to figure out if the foundation was the right thing to do...for me, at least.

Christopher: It can be a tad overwhelming, and honestly, Liv was...

Nora: Chin up, dear. All the support you need is within our family. I hope you know that.

Christopher: Yes, ma'am, I know.

Nora: Now, let us go on. They're waiting.

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ROYAL RAG

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AN: we're going to ignore the typo on the last photo. This is also the first time we meet the Duke and Duchess of Henford, Christopher's parents, and his long-time best friend, Benjamin. Even without sharing the meeting, I thought it was cool and important to get multiple responses and perspectives around the decisions made. We'll learn more later in another post., I also am proud visually of how some of these came out. I am still experimenting and learning Photoshop, so a new reshade is also coming.

TRANSCRIPT BELOW:

Christopher: You can't make this shit up! It's like something from a TV show--and worse, my dad just sat there!

Benjamin: *laughs* Yup! Cause he's usually so outspoken.

Christopher: No, this was different. Like he knew what was coming, he couldn't even look at me.

Benjamin: And your mom?

Christopher: She wasn't invited--she wouldn't have come anyway.

Benjamin: Oh shit--that's serious. You okay?

Christopher: I'll have to be...

*cuts to limo w/ his parents*

Edward: I told you. I can't entirely agree with the specifics, but I do agree it's time he steps up, Delia. By his age, we--

Cordelia: He's not us; this is much more than stepping up. We weren't ready, and it's taken the Watcher's strength to hold us together.

Edward: He's stronger than you think.

Cordelia: I have no doubt of my son's strength, but this Family and this system do not get to test it. Not again, not this soon.

Edward: Give him time. He'll see it's best for the Family and the country.

Cordelia: Sure, he will. You Königs always do.

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AN: OMG! This simple scene took WEEKS! I wanted to make sure it was authentic but also suspended reality a bit --you'll see how in the next scene. But this was/may be huge for Chris is ways I'll discuss later. Also, Drew is adorable!

As a heads up, the next scene is a montage and will be posted tomorrow probably, since there's no text.

TRANSCRIPT BELOW:

Drew: I don't think it's legit.

Christopher: What makes you say that?

Drew: The lines. He was injured and angry when he painted this. It’s shown in the short and inconsistent strokes… this replica is too perfect.

Christopher: And you can see all of that?

Drew: Yeah, can't you?

Christopher: Guess not. I'm Chris, by the way.

Drew: Hey Chris, I'm Drew. Is there anything I can get you?

Christopher: No, I needed to step away for a second.

Drew: Well, you're more than welcome to help out.

Christopher: Seriously?

Drew: You have two hands, and I have appetizers to garnish.

*maybe a good time for a montage?*

Christopher: So, I assume you're into art?

Drew: Not really. Just know a few things. You?

Christopher: I've never thought about it.

Drew: Here's a chance to... 

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AN: This was a long one...yikes...my apologies!!

TRANSCRIPT BELOW:

Jessica: Hello, reservation for Brighton

Maître d': Yes, right this way, Lady Brighton.

Server: ...this house red is my favorite, ma'am.

Jessica: Thank you. I'm sure he'll have the red, but I'll have the white, please. 

Christopher: Sorry I'm late. 

Jessica: I assumed you would be, so I ordered your usual. 

Christopher: Thanks, but I gave up red wine.

Jessica: Hmm. That's news to me. 

Christopher: Yeah, because you have other things on your mind when I come over. *laughs*

Jessica: You never complain or stop me. Your texts confused me, like how are you?

Christopher: Shit. Yeah. Better? I guess. They're launching a plan to protect The Family from some new book.

Jessica: Meaning?

Christopher: Meaning, I'm being asked to "step up to strengthen the family's defenses." More engagements, patronages, and time spent pretending I manage the foundation.

Jessica: That's awesome! What's wrong with that?

Christopher: They mentioned a lot of polls and a lot of numbers. And apparently, the public loves a royal romance.

Jessica: Yeah, that's what confused me. What are you trying to say? You keep saying royal romance.

Christopher: I'm saying we poll high...at least, that's what they told me. You come from the right family, we have history, and--

Jessica: And what? Let's hear it.

Christopher: And they're pretty sure your family, especially your granddad, will agree to anything more long-term...but I'm sure they've already confirmed. They wouldn't mention it if they didn't check with your family.

Jessica: You're much more coherent now, but you're still not saying what's wrong. You did say if, after all.

Christopher: Jess, we're not together. At least not like that. Not how they're thinking.

Jessica: Yeah…but we could be? Listen, you don't have to say anything now. Come to this party with me later. Take your mind off things, and relax a bit. It’ll be good for us.

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AN: I wasn't sure if I'd keep this scene -- kept questioning what it does for the pace/story progression. I largely decided to keep it for a few reasons:

To show Chris and Jessica's closeness/world integration. I think that's important obviously for the story but also the contrast in how something like monarchy views relationships and sex vs the people involved. Not sure if I'd call it a modern take or just reality.

Chris never seems sure about N E THING ever!

Now matter how "down-to-earth" I'd like to make them, they still exist in a world of pretentiousness and snobbery, see opening scenes.

TRANSCRIPT BELOW:

Person: #1: I don't know, man. His later work seems pretentious. I prefer his earlier stuff. See some of my pieces; I own a few.

Person: #2: We go on tour tomorrow, but I should be able to fly back in if you're down.

Benjamin: And you dumb fucks are considering going through with this?

Christopher: I don't have much say about some stuff, Benji.

Jessica: But you do have a say about us, right?

Frank: Hey Chris, heads up--some paps were spotted. You can hang inside until we clear'em out.

Christopher: Fuck. Thanks, Frank. Guys, I'll be back.

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AN: DUN DUN DUUUUUN! The plot thickens (or starts too, haha). I enjoyed creating this and doing the necessary world building to make it happen.

TRANSCRIPT BELOW:

Prof. Thorne: St. Benjamin was a priest in 1467 when he first reasoned that monarchy is "simply the highest form of gratitude man can bestow upon righteous defenders of the faith and state"...

Prof. Thorne: It was his protégé and first Archbishop of Harrell who added that if the defenders of both, or either change, then so should the monarch, if not the monarchy in its entirety.

Prof. Thorne: Your job is to construct a meaningful argument that supports or opposes the state and faith, using sources from the Council of Belen, which, remember, helped formalize the formation of Vernick and legitimize the very monarchy we still have nearly 550 years later. Class dismissed!

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Dr. Lowe: Continue lecturing that way, and one day you'll have my job, Bart. You're the only associate professor with a waitlist for their courses in the department. Impressive. People are talking.

Prof. Thorne: Hopefully, about tenure *laughs*. Respectfully, what news brings the department chair to this end of campus?

Dr. Lowe: Less news and more a reminder. All instructors interested in maintaining tenure track and employment are expected to publish annually. And while you fill your freshman lectures and show promise, you've yet to write anything that boosts our department's prestige.

Prof. Thorne: Yes, I know. I've been working on a book, nearly finished. It's not as tight as I—or the department would prefer. I need more sources and maybe rethink some arguments.

Dr. Lowe: Send the manuscript as is, and I'll look, and we can discuss it later. I'm sure there's something there.

Prof. Thorne: Sure thing...