Application for ♥ King of Hearts ♥
Oct. 8th, 2012 01:01 pm![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
holdsmyheartPlayer name: Emma
Characters played: Ethan(♠7):cutslikeaspade || Claudia(♦9): makeminerubies
Character Name: James Theodore Morganstern (“Call me Theo.”)
Age: 35
How long They've Been in the Deck: 31 years
Character's Current Rank: Ten of Hearts
Face Rank Applying For: King of Hearts
Personality: Theo is the perfect Big Brother. Dedicated to saving lives and making the quality of life better for everyone he can, Theo has a natural deep empathy for others. He is one of those blokes who will literally “give the shirt off his back” if it’s necessary. Usually quick to smile and make jokes, the loss of his family has tempered his genial nature somewhat, but Theo is nevertheless always willing to do whatever he can for anyone in need.
He has an abiding motivation to protect those he calls family, and will go out of his way to ensure their care and comfort. Always willing to give second chances, Theo does, however, expect others to be the best they can be and holds those in his Suit to a high standard of personality. He is a firm believer in making goals and working hard to attain them, and also presenting oneself accordingly.
He is, however, a recovering alcoholic (having turned to liquor in attempt to deal with his grief), Theo holds himself to the highest standard imaginable, rigorous exercise and self-discipline to keep his focus. He has already been to hell once; he’s adamant not to make the same mistake twice.
History: Son of a Diamond mother and a Club father, Theo disappointed both of his parents when he chose the Heart suit to serve. Damia, a PR developer for the glittery suit, was piqued when her only son stated that he wished to study medicine and Charles, a chronicler for the Clubs, hid his disappointment in his literary research. Standing by his decision, Theo joined the Heart suit at age fifteen and began his slow ascent up the ranks, attaining rank Six during his twenty-sixth year.
That year, while (dragooned into) attending a benefit held by his mother, he met Juliana Westen and fell in love with her. Theo left the Deck in order to have a family with her and continue his studies, pursuing a career as a certified EMT and eventually becoming the father of twin girls. Idyllic fatherhood wasn’t in Theo’s future, unfortunately, for on the eve of the twins’ third birthday, Theo’s team was dispatched to a particularly gruesome automobile accident, all involved dead before officials arrived on scene. To his agonizing shock and soon after mountain of grief, Theo discovered his wife and children in the wreckage.
Unable to handle life Outside without his family, Theo returned to the Deck and the Hearts a year later, trying to deal with his grief by throwing himself into the Suit, returning to his former focus of climbing through the ranks. Now, five years after he buried Juliana, Ashley and Allison, Theo has attained the rank of Ten, a long held goal made hollow in the shadow of his still-clinging sorrow. During those years of coping, Theo worked closely with Dr. Itchy and Frankie, informally apprenticing himself to the more "office" side of medicine. After the loss of both, Theo shouldered the burden of their work without complaint, doing his best to see to the needs of his own Suit first, then the rest of the Deck as was needed. Although the medical office is sprinkled with interns and other doctors throughout the Deck itself, Theo nevertheless has a hand in most situations, by right of duty and experience.
Character's Goals/Ambitions: Theo has attained his personal goal, which was to attain the rank of Ten within his Suit. Granted, he'd hoped to have his wife and daughters with him to witness this triumph, but he's refused to let his personal sorrow cloud his duty. Having worked close with Dr. Itchy and Dr. Frankie both over the years, Theo is determined to keep the medical facilities and standing prominent within the Deck. The loss of his mentors was a hard blow, but he's managed to overcome and soldier on.
One of his goals for the Heart Suit and the Deck in general is the retrofit of the Deck's hospital and medical facilities, adding a more modern emergency center and response team. He also has the dream of building a wing for cancer research and adding yet another for rehabilitation, both physical and emotional. With the rate of incapacity plaguing the Deck's royals over the past few years, Theo is determined to minimize those circumstances.
Another dream Theo personally holds is to see the Heart suit flourish again as it did during the height of Ceiro's reign. Theo believes that their former King was a dedicated Royal of his Suit and loved each and every member unconditionally, no matter the situation. While not a close confident, Theo worked diligently over the years to help forward that vision, and plans to continue down that same path. Although he supports the new Heart king to the best of his ability, he still feels more can be done in the office and, after much soul searching and with a quiet meeting between just the two of them, Theo laid down his Challenge to Tunde for the position of King.
Why should they be chosen for this position? Theo is calm by nature, a willing listener and genuinely cares for the well being of his Suit. While loyal to the Suit as a whole, he also realizes that the Suit is made up of the Cards within it, and they are each special individuals who deserve nothing less than the best he can give. Having dealt with personal demons of his own, Theo knows how hard it can sometimes be to push for a better future, but he believes that actions speak louder than words, and takes care that his own point to naught less than love for one's fellows, care for others as brothers and sisters and upholding everything the Heart Suit stands for.
With the Heart Royalty drastically understaffed, Theo is prepared to serve to the best of his ability, and has long believed that positions of power should be earned. While attaining Royal rank has never been his ambition, he does believe his experience Outside and within the Deck, as well as his skills dealing with lower cards can provide the beginning of a stable monarchy for the Heart Suit. Theo's aware of the responsibilities more than the privileges of such an office, and has no illusions about the hard work that would follow. But it's a challenge he's confident he can overcome and serve his Suit and fellow Hearts to the best of his ability.
Challenge: Theo closed his office door with a sigh. Well, no sense in putting off the inevitable, he told himself firmly as he headed left, not right. Right led to his comfortable quarters within Heart castle, left lead to the executive offices of the Heart Royals. He went left because he’d spent the last several weeks trying to talk himself out of this upcoming conversation. But finally, his conscious had won out and here he was, walking seemingly confidently to the office of his King.
Tunde was still in, working on his laptop when Theo knocked on the door jamb and gave a smiled greeting. The King invited his Ten in, and Theo politely took a chair this side of the desk and, after the usual courtesies, revealed the reason for his visit. Although he took care to make it as inoffensive as possible—which…wasn’t, really—Theo was still unprepared for Tunde’s reaction. The Heart King leaned back in his chair, steepled his hands, and laughed.
Seeing his puzzlement, Tunde grinned. “Of all the Cards, Theo,” he said, “I never doubted it’d be you to lay down a Challenge, my friend.” Theo blinked. “All things considered, I’m surprised it took you this long. Although,” he admitted with a small hand wave, “that in itself speaks volumes, doesn’t it.
“Very well,” he said, leaning forward again, “your Challenge you shall have.” Theo nodded. Tunde added with a good-natured twinkle, “But don’t expect me to take it easy on you.”
Rising to his feet with a formal bow, Theo grinned back. “I wouldn’t have it any other way, Majesty.”
----------
Two weeks later, the combatants entered the area corded off for the formal Challenge; Theo had chosen a kickboxing match for his Challenge; he believed there should be blood, sweat and tears to go along with the office, after all. He’d started the discipline shortly after attaining the rank of Three, but had only flirted with it on and off, giving it up entirely until his return to the Deck. He’d needed something physically strenuous to take his mind off his grief, and to keep him from returning to the bottle. While not quite a natural athlete, Theo nevertheless worked hard to keep himself in peak physical shape; one never knew when one’s own body would become a weapon or a fortress.
He had no illusions about this upcoming match, either. Tunde was a big man in his own right; Theo knew if he wasn’t on his toes one hundred percent, the current Heart King would hand him his ass on a plate. And while Theo didn’t really condone physical altercations as a means to an end, well…it somehow seemed appropriate. He finished his stretches and warmups, cricking his neck this way and that before turning to face his opponent. They’d chosen a high Club to referee; it didn’t seem fair to have one of their own Suit calling for their match. Although that didn’t stop the entire Suit from appearing as spectators, Theo noted with a grin.
The combatants stepped up to face off; Theo shook Tunde’s hand firmly, then the referee barked out a sharp command. Their match had begun.
--------------
Two out of three. He just had to win one more. Theo backed off at the end of the second round, limping a bit now that he could. Tunde hadn’t been kidding; Theo’s ribs were going to have some fantastic bruises tomorrow, and he was sure his black eye would be spectacular. But, to his own credit, the Heart King was moving a little stiffly, too, and his lacerated lower lip was a point of pride in Theo’s eyes. But this was what it came down to; the last round. Each of them had won a round, this was the final decision. And Theo had no intention of losing, damnit.
He stepped back in the ring, all hesitation gone from blue eyes that stared out from beneath damp blond hair. Tunde saw this, and his own gaze sharpened. It seemed all camaraderie between the two men had fled, leaving nothing but hungry predators vying for the same choice kill. It was time to finish it. Once the referee signaled “begin”, Theo struck quick, not wasting time with pointless posturing. He caught Tunde in the chest, a succession of three quick jabs; until he delivered a hard right cross that staggered the King back several paces, allowing Theo a brief moment to catch his breath. Short lived—Tunde came back in swinging, landing a nice uppercut to Theo’s chin that had him seeing stars.
But he couldn’t afford to be dazed for long; his vision cleared just in time to duck Tunde’s spinning back kick; a strike which would have probably broken his jaw had it landed. The dodge, coupled with Tunde’s recovery, set Theo up for his own roundhouse, his foot catching Tunde in the neck and spinning him flat on the floor. Theo let him get up, still tensed, but the moment Tunde straightened, he was back, jabbing to draw attention to his left hand, while his right swung back and delivered a shocking cross-counter to the King’s chin, all of his remaining strength barreling his fist forward.
Tunde dropped like a stone.
Theo, trembling very slightly, his adrenaline still spiraling madly, backed off again, waiting. Tunde did not get up. The referee examined the fallen King and declared him unconscious. Only then did Theo allow himself to relax, nearly sagging to his knees in post-combat fatigue. It didn’t occur to him until his own medical boys were carrying the comatose Tunde from the ring that he’d won. He’d actually done it.
James Theodore Morganstern was the new King of Hearts.
Writing sample: Link, Link
Character PB Josh Holloway
Characters played: Ethan(♠7):
cutslikeaspade || Claudia(♦9): makeminerubiesCharacter Name: James Theodore Morganstern (“Call me Theo.”)
Age: 35
How long They've Been in the Deck: 31 years
Character's Current Rank: Ten of Hearts
Face Rank Applying For: King of Hearts
Personality: Theo is the perfect Big Brother. Dedicated to saving lives and making the quality of life better for everyone he can, Theo has a natural deep empathy for others. He is one of those blokes who will literally “give the shirt off his back” if it’s necessary. Usually quick to smile and make jokes, the loss of his family has tempered his genial nature somewhat, but Theo is nevertheless always willing to do whatever he can for anyone in need.
He has an abiding motivation to protect those he calls family, and will go out of his way to ensure their care and comfort. Always willing to give second chances, Theo does, however, expect others to be the best they can be and holds those in his Suit to a high standard of personality. He is a firm believer in making goals and working hard to attain them, and also presenting oneself accordingly.
He is, however, a recovering alcoholic (having turned to liquor in attempt to deal with his grief), Theo holds himself to the highest standard imaginable, rigorous exercise and self-discipline to keep his focus. He has already been to hell once; he’s adamant not to make the same mistake twice.
History: Son of a Diamond mother and a Club father, Theo disappointed both of his parents when he chose the Heart suit to serve. Damia, a PR developer for the glittery suit, was piqued when her only son stated that he wished to study medicine and Charles, a chronicler for the Clubs, hid his disappointment in his literary research. Standing by his decision, Theo joined the Heart suit at age fifteen and began his slow ascent up the ranks, attaining rank Six during his twenty-sixth year.
That year, while (dragooned into) attending a benefit held by his mother, he met Juliana Westen and fell in love with her. Theo left the Deck in order to have a family with her and continue his studies, pursuing a career as a certified EMT and eventually becoming the father of twin girls. Idyllic fatherhood wasn’t in Theo’s future, unfortunately, for on the eve of the twins’ third birthday, Theo’s team was dispatched to a particularly gruesome automobile accident, all involved dead before officials arrived on scene. To his agonizing shock and soon after mountain of grief, Theo discovered his wife and children in the wreckage.
Unable to handle life Outside without his family, Theo returned to the Deck and the Hearts a year later, trying to deal with his grief by throwing himself into the Suit, returning to his former focus of climbing through the ranks. Now, five years after he buried Juliana, Ashley and Allison, Theo has attained the rank of Ten, a long held goal made hollow in the shadow of his still-clinging sorrow. During those years of coping, Theo worked closely with Dr. Itchy and Frankie, informally apprenticing himself to the more "office" side of medicine. After the loss of both, Theo shouldered the burden of their work without complaint, doing his best to see to the needs of his own Suit first, then the rest of the Deck as was needed. Although the medical office is sprinkled with interns and other doctors throughout the Deck itself, Theo nevertheless has a hand in most situations, by right of duty and experience.
Character's Goals/Ambitions: Theo has attained his personal goal, which was to attain the rank of Ten within his Suit. Granted, he'd hoped to have his wife and daughters with him to witness this triumph, but he's refused to let his personal sorrow cloud his duty. Having worked close with Dr. Itchy and Dr. Frankie both over the years, Theo is determined to keep the medical facilities and standing prominent within the Deck. The loss of his mentors was a hard blow, but he's managed to overcome and soldier on.
One of his goals for the Heart Suit and the Deck in general is the retrofit of the Deck's hospital and medical facilities, adding a more modern emergency center and response team. He also has the dream of building a wing for cancer research and adding yet another for rehabilitation, both physical and emotional. With the rate of incapacity plaguing the Deck's royals over the past few years, Theo is determined to minimize those circumstances.
Another dream Theo personally holds is to see the Heart suit flourish again as it did during the height of Ceiro's reign. Theo believes that their former King was a dedicated Royal of his Suit and loved each and every member unconditionally, no matter the situation. While not a close confident, Theo worked diligently over the years to help forward that vision, and plans to continue down that same path. Although he supports the new Heart king to the best of his ability, he still feels more can be done in the office and, after much soul searching and with a quiet meeting between just the two of them, Theo laid down his Challenge to Tunde for the position of King.
Why should they be chosen for this position? Theo is calm by nature, a willing listener and genuinely cares for the well being of his Suit. While loyal to the Suit as a whole, he also realizes that the Suit is made up of the Cards within it, and they are each special individuals who deserve nothing less than the best he can give. Having dealt with personal demons of his own, Theo knows how hard it can sometimes be to push for a better future, but he believes that actions speak louder than words, and takes care that his own point to naught less than love for one's fellows, care for others as brothers and sisters and upholding everything the Heart Suit stands for.
With the Heart Royalty drastically understaffed, Theo is prepared to serve to the best of his ability, and has long believed that positions of power should be earned. While attaining Royal rank has never been his ambition, he does believe his experience Outside and within the Deck, as well as his skills dealing with lower cards can provide the beginning of a stable monarchy for the Heart Suit. Theo's aware of the responsibilities more than the privileges of such an office, and has no illusions about the hard work that would follow. But it's a challenge he's confident he can overcome and serve his Suit and fellow Hearts to the best of his ability.
Challenge: Theo closed his office door with a sigh. Well, no sense in putting off the inevitable, he told himself firmly as he headed left, not right. Right led to his comfortable quarters within Heart castle, left lead to the executive offices of the Heart Royals. He went left because he’d spent the last several weeks trying to talk himself out of this upcoming conversation. But finally, his conscious had won out and here he was, walking seemingly confidently to the office of his King.
Tunde was still in, working on his laptop when Theo knocked on the door jamb and gave a smiled greeting. The King invited his Ten in, and Theo politely took a chair this side of the desk and, after the usual courtesies, revealed the reason for his visit. Although he took care to make it as inoffensive as possible—which…wasn’t, really—Theo was still unprepared for Tunde’s reaction. The Heart King leaned back in his chair, steepled his hands, and laughed.
Seeing his puzzlement, Tunde grinned. “Of all the Cards, Theo,” he said, “I never doubted it’d be you to lay down a Challenge, my friend.” Theo blinked. “All things considered, I’m surprised it took you this long. Although,” he admitted with a small hand wave, “that in itself speaks volumes, doesn’t it.
“Very well,” he said, leaning forward again, “your Challenge you shall have.” Theo nodded. Tunde added with a good-natured twinkle, “But don’t expect me to take it easy on you.”
Rising to his feet with a formal bow, Theo grinned back. “I wouldn’t have it any other way, Majesty.”
----------
Two weeks later, the combatants entered the area corded off for the formal Challenge; Theo had chosen a kickboxing match for his Challenge; he believed there should be blood, sweat and tears to go along with the office, after all. He’d started the discipline shortly after attaining the rank of Three, but had only flirted with it on and off, giving it up entirely until his return to the Deck. He’d needed something physically strenuous to take his mind off his grief, and to keep him from returning to the bottle. While not quite a natural athlete, Theo nevertheless worked hard to keep himself in peak physical shape; one never knew when one’s own body would become a weapon or a fortress.
He had no illusions about this upcoming match, either. Tunde was a big man in his own right; Theo knew if he wasn’t on his toes one hundred percent, the current Heart King would hand him his ass on a plate. And while Theo didn’t really condone physical altercations as a means to an end, well…it somehow seemed appropriate. He finished his stretches and warmups, cricking his neck this way and that before turning to face his opponent. They’d chosen a high Club to referee; it didn’t seem fair to have one of their own Suit calling for their match. Although that didn’t stop the entire Suit from appearing as spectators, Theo noted with a grin.
The combatants stepped up to face off; Theo shook Tunde’s hand firmly, then the referee barked out a sharp command. Their match had begun.
--------------
Two out of three. He just had to win one more. Theo backed off at the end of the second round, limping a bit now that he could. Tunde hadn’t been kidding; Theo’s ribs were going to have some fantastic bruises tomorrow, and he was sure his black eye would be spectacular. But, to his own credit, the Heart King was moving a little stiffly, too, and his lacerated lower lip was a point of pride in Theo’s eyes. But this was what it came down to; the last round. Each of them had won a round, this was the final decision. And Theo had no intention of losing, damnit.
He stepped back in the ring, all hesitation gone from blue eyes that stared out from beneath damp blond hair. Tunde saw this, and his own gaze sharpened. It seemed all camaraderie between the two men had fled, leaving nothing but hungry predators vying for the same choice kill. It was time to finish it. Once the referee signaled “begin”, Theo struck quick, not wasting time with pointless posturing. He caught Tunde in the chest, a succession of three quick jabs; until he delivered a hard right cross that staggered the King back several paces, allowing Theo a brief moment to catch his breath. Short lived—Tunde came back in swinging, landing a nice uppercut to Theo’s chin that had him seeing stars.
But he couldn’t afford to be dazed for long; his vision cleared just in time to duck Tunde’s spinning back kick; a strike which would have probably broken his jaw had it landed. The dodge, coupled with Tunde’s recovery, set Theo up for his own roundhouse, his foot catching Tunde in the neck and spinning him flat on the floor. Theo let him get up, still tensed, but the moment Tunde straightened, he was back, jabbing to draw attention to his left hand, while his right swung back and delivered a shocking cross-counter to the King’s chin, all of his remaining strength barreling his fist forward.
Tunde dropped like a stone.
Theo, trembling very slightly, his adrenaline still spiraling madly, backed off again, waiting. Tunde did not get up. The referee examined the fallen King and declared him unconscious. Only then did Theo allow himself to relax, nearly sagging to his knees in post-combat fatigue. It didn’t occur to him until his own medical boys were carrying the comatose Tunde from the ring that he’d won. He’d actually done it.
James Theodore Morganstern was the new King of Hearts.
Writing sample: Link, Link
Character PB Josh Holloway
