POY History Part Two - ->
When it became obvious that King Feanor was not returning, and having received comments from several (male) members of POY that they would be more willing to follow a male leader, I asked Oak to become the King of POY. Upon his agreement to do so, POY again had two equal co-leaders.
Other members of the Royal Family were adopted into POY. Prince Tiberius had been my friend since he first signed on to INN as Caramon, he was adopted by Oak as his first son. Princess Zationa (Zerosum) was adopted by me, as my daughter, mainly because we truly do have a
mother/daughter relationship. Prince BlackMane had long been a friend of Oak and myself, and Oak adopted him as his second son. ArchDuke Spell had a brotherly relationship to Oak and I...therefore it seemed quite natural that he become our brother in POY.
Romance bloomed for Spell and Ruby Red (in here and in the real world), and Oak and I assigned the title of Duchess to Ruby Red after her INN marriage to Spell. When Prince BlackMane began spending time with VENA, Oak and I promoted her from Squire to Questress, with an agreement that BlackMane would teach her the quests. Upon her marriage to BlackMane she was welcomed into the Royal Family as a Princess. (This was opposed by several members of POY, who resigned from POY in protest. Though the marriage did not last, it is not our policy to reduce rank without cause, and VENA remained a Princess.) Kyra Leigh, the real world lady of Prince Tiberius, and one who is very dear to Caesar and myself, was adopted by us and thus became a Princess and our second daughter.
Sometime later (after the guild had built to more than 150 members) Oak was laid off from his job at Sierra OnLine. Because of this he was unable to continue being on INN.
One night while traveling in the volcano alone, I spotted another who was also alone...his character, a Barb, was named Quinn. I asked him if he needed any help (standard procedure). When he told me he did not, I
asked if he'd like some company. To this he responded "Yes". So began the process of what is now a wonderful real life love, as well as the love of Tsar and Tsarina. When it became apparent that we had practically everything in common...he messaged me "We MUST meet". From the first time Quinn (Caesar) and I met, it was clear that what we felt for each other was something unique and very special...and it continues to be so.
With INN's decision to more than double their rates, many members of POY have sharply reduced their hours or dropped INN altogether. Many others have simply gone elsewhere. At Christmas time, while my parents were visiting from Florida, Caesar and I told them we planned to be married (RL).
Soon after the first of this year, the house I'd lived in for 15 years became dangerous for me to stay in. Prowlers had noticed I was alone and tried to break in, even when I was inside. Caesar wanted me safe, and to ensure this we moved me to his (now, our) home at once. We are planning to be wed in June.
For those of you who are unaware, 16 years ago I was struck down and run over by a car, and spent two years recovering from multiple fractured bones. Much of that time was spent in a wheelchair. Eight years ago I had a bout with cancer, went through chemo and, thankfully, have had no recurrence. I tell you this, not for sympathy (because I feel I've been truly blessed), but to explain where the depth of understanding and empathy I feel for others, comes from. Perhaps this sheds some light on why those who are my friends, stand by me so steadfastly. You see, to me, the principles of POY are not merely a game...they are how I live my life.
The quality most valuable to POY is attitude. Ability counts far less. Since I accepted the position of Baroness, I've looked for people who are always polite (both in public and private). This includes never "ordering" others around, and always asking before joining a party. Willing, cheerful helpfulness is important. Sometimes this may mean dropping something you are doing for yourself, to help another. Caring about others and being "there" for others when they need a friend, even when all you can do is listen. Never, ever, being involved in public mud-slinging. Being truthful. If you lose your temper (and we all do, from time to time) showing the good sense to leave and cool off, before returning. Knowing when to "walk away"...and if you see someone else "losing it", suggesting that they do likewise.
As all who have spent time in here know...Mercs and KAAOS "play" at being nasty...much of the time. The POY manner of dealing with this has always been to turn our backs, walk away, and go about our business. (This takes far more strength than staying to hit back.) Not to allow them to draw us in. From past experience I can tell you that this DOES work:they get bored having no one to pester, and they leave. Please consider that all of us have a side that is not so nice. Some find it useful to roleplay this out. Remember, there are real people behind those characters too, and sometimes you might find you really do like them, if you make the effort to get to know them.
Yours,
In Service to POY,
Lady Kiri