The Stereotypical Evil Overlord Role Play

[Raven]

"He was the man's son," Kenny said, glancing at Rick. "The second one. I'm going to make the older one the new holder of the castle, but I don't think Vlad would like that. The brothers didn't get along."

"What do you think they're talking about?" Mia asked her brother as they ate.

When Alex got home, it was to a pair of worried parents. "Where have you been?" his mother fussed.
"We looked everywhere for you," his father added.
Alex sighed. "I went to the park."
"All by yourself?" his mother asked.
"You were almost late for your piano lessons."
"But I'm not late, and I'm fine," Alex insisted. "You don't worry about Jessica like this."
His parents didn't answer that, but Alex could tell from the energy that the silence meant, 'Your sister isn't blind.'
"I'm eighteen, and I can take care of myself... I can! I'm going to my room, I'll be down when it's time for my lessons." His mother moved to help him up the stairs. "I can do it myself! I managed on the hard ones outside!" Alex stormed up the stairs and to his room. After a second, he slipped the ring onto his finger. The change was immediate. He was somewhere new. He could feel the trees around him, but not like normal. He could feel them in the ground, along with all of the insects. Something four-legged and small padded by unaware of his presence. It was calming, being here. He liked it here. He wondered if he thought about this place in this world when he put the ring on, he'd be brought back here. He hoped so.
He didn't stay there long, but he didn't take his ring off when he went downstairs to meet Jeanne for his piano lessons.

[Neon]

Jeanne smiled. "Hello Alex. Have you been practising?" She asked, making no move to physically guide him. Her excuse would have been her two prosthetic legs, but her real reason was that she refused to baby him. She knew how it felt, and hated it.

Instead, she let her voice guide him, and then only lightly touched his arm when he reached the bench so he knew to sit.

[Raven]

"Yeah, some," Alex answered. "I've been working on Point of No Return." He sat easily on the bench, ignoring the gesture that he didn't need.

[Gifted]

"Oh, ok... then my idea wouldn't have worked anyway, if you're keeping it in the family." Rick rolled his eyes. "So you keeping him?"

"Wanna go see?" Cody smirked, thinking they could go spy on their dad and Rick.

[Raven]

"What idea was that?" Kenny asked.

Mia grinned. "Yes," she said, in a quiet voice. "We've gotta ditch mom, though."

[Neon]

Jeanne grinned.

"Let's hear it then. I'm excited, you're probably my best student right now..."

[Gifted]

"Aw, I just figured if we were putting in new rulers we gotta make them let go of the old ones don't we? But if we keep it in the same family than it's better to not." Rick shrugged. "Probably wouldn't have gone well with the boy anyway, I am so not putting him in front of a camera. No confidence on that kid." Rick chuckled.

"Aw, moms cooking. Dad didn't tell her to make sure we stay with her did he?" Cody asked, both of them quite used to their mothers tendency to e happiest when she was doing exactly as Kenny said without question. "Then ditching her will be cake."

[Raven]

Alex touched one of the keys and used the note to figure out where to place his hands, then began playing. He was very good, and missed only three notes in the entire song.

"You can't exactly blame him, though. They really did a number on him. I figure I'll keep him close, try to build him up. I got him away from that place, maybe he'll realize he owes me. You never know what a debt like that could do," Kenny said, leaning against the wall.

Mia giggled. "Yeah, he was too busy talking to Rick. Let's go." She hurried back through the halls, avoiding the people who would eventually snitch to their dad that they hadn't been at lunch. She kept hold of her brother's hand the whole way.

[Gifted]

"Oh, it could do worlds of good depending on how you play it." Rick smirked. "He already thinks he's worthless... you just make sure when he no longer feels that way his sense of self-worth is entirely tied to you. Then you can't go wrong."

Cody followed, though he tried to look like he was taking the lead as a matter of principle.

[Raven]

Mia slowed down to actually let her brother lead once they got nearer to Rick's room.

"How do you suggest I do that?" Kenny asked.

[Neon]

Jeanne clapped at the end.
"That was incredible. You're extremely talented. Now, how do you feel about a duet?" She asked.

Vladimir decided that sulking was getting him nowhere, and he silently walked to where Kenny and Rick were talking. He overheard more than he should have, though it only made him feel more worthless. He kmocked on the door and waited patiently instead of just opening it.

[Raven]

"Sure, that sounds fun," Alex said.

Kenny's eyes narrowed at the knock and went to open the door. "Vladimir, what is it?"

[Gifted]

Aw, well damn. Had he heard? Rick sighed. "I gotta go for the speech I'm supposed to give today. Later Kenny."

[Neon]

Vladimir was staring at the ground. "I have rested and would like to know what you would have me do, sire" he mumbled, having given completely up on hiding a thick accent.

Jeanne smiled. "Do you know of any in particular you'd like to try?"

[Raven]

"No," Alex said, unhelpfully. "I don't really know anyone else who plays."

"See you later, Rick," Kenny said, then looked at Vlad again. "I'd like to know your talents."