rigelwitchofhope

[rigelwitchofhope]

When the Professor says she's fine Rinea wants to wilt away and blindly agree, yet her better nature wins out for once. Instead of curling into herself, she found it in herself to sit at least a little straighter. It's low stakes, almost too low to matter, perhaps that's what gives her the confidence to stand up for herself. It won't make a difference either way what she does.

"I-I just want to be sure..."

Her voice fails her towards the end, and she begins fiddling with the ends of a piece of her hair, a habit from girlhood she thought she had shaken. But as the Professor speaks more, Rinea finds herself perking up more.

"Oh, for you as well? I'll bring all the fixings for a proper tea then! It was something I enjoyed often back home as well. Do you mind if I ask where you are from? There's something that reminds me of home about you, but I can't quite place it."

She considers a moment before lighting up with an idea.

"I can bring it and my supplies from my room to the common area if that's quite alright! I can meet you there and we can speak of home together! Of course, only if that's alright with you."

She had gotten so far ahead of herself but it was then that the nerves struck her. Yet, she still didn't quite shrink in on herself quite yet.

it tastes even better under the earth

cont from x

[rigelwitchofhope]

[  flower  ]  sender  places  a  flower  behind  receiver’s  ear

The gardener is tending to the bellflowers. Sanaki watches, distracted from her book. It seems a shame to just let the flowers fall to the ground, when they're still so vibrant.

On a whim, she stands and picks up the freshest cut blossom, turning to the girl with whom she had shared a quiet afternoon on the greenhouse bench. Watching for any sign of resistance, Sanaki carefully tucks the bellflower into the other's hair.

Sanaki steps back, admiring her handiwork. The colours really do match, she thinks, smiling.

non verbal ask meme || Accepting!!

The greenhouse had always reminded Rinea of an expanded version of her mother's garden back in her small estate. In a way, it was like a piece of home so far away from her actual home. It was a nice place to study, as it was always quiet.

Another seems to have picked this place and time to enjoy the atmosphere of the greenhouse, as they had quietly enjoyed the same bench for quite a while. When the other girl stands up, Rinea looks up, finally looking up from her studies, only to see the other girl place one of the fallen bellflowers into her hair.

She smiles softly, thinking of how she'll probably press the flower later to preserve it.

"Thank you. Ah, wait a moment."

She goes over to the flowers herself, and as the gardener has moved on to the hyacinths, the takes only the most pristine ones that would have gone to waste anyways and comes back with a makeshift bouquet of blue hyacinths.

"Here, for you. My name is Rinea, may I have your name?"

[rigelwitchofhope]

Rain poured down upon the two, the only light being the occasional flash of lightning illuminating the gloomy mansion that loomed over the estate. However, it lay in the center of a sprawling garden maze, which the two now stood at the entrance of. Her companion appeared strong and capable, and hadn't laughed her off like she had believed she might when Rinea had suggested the idea of investigating the sprawling estate. For that she was grateful.

Rinea had heard rumors of the lady of the manor, how she treated first her pets which was horrific enough, but what really turned her stomach was the rumors of human experimentation. Memories of hands cutting, of searing flesh, of human and non human screams fill her mind, and she has to choke down a whimper. It wouldn't do to appear weak in front of her companion. She can seek comfort later. Finally turning to address the fine lady, she curtsies a bit.

"Thank you for accompanying me. I couldn't have done this on my own. I hear it is rather frightening, but you seem rather strong. We should at least know the basics about each other before we come into the thick of things. My name is Rinea, and-"

She never finishes her thought as a howl similar to a dog's but unlike any she's ever heard before rings out above the downpour. It seems they had been discovered earlier than anticipated.

"We must hurry! I daren't think of what they'd do to us if we should be caught!"

Gently but firmly shoving the lady further into the maze so they could start running from whatever made the horrific noise she just heard, she dared not even pray to the gods that they should escape. They were on their own in this godless estate.

@landsbluod

Cujo or Mansion in the Woods: Pick your Cliché

Rinea + Lachesis || Riding +1

[rigelwitchofhope]

Cujo or Mansion in the Woods: Pick your Cliché

Rinea + Lachesis || Riding +1

[rigelwitchofhope]

[  coated  ]  receiver  finds  sender  covered  in  blood

Berkut stumbled, away from the bodies of whoever those people had been. The assailants had come out of nowhere, the shadows of the Abyss having hid them until they were practically on top of him. Barely managing to beat them back.

His vision blurred, as he collapsed to the ground. No... he couldn't fall here. Not after everything... A flash of blue entered his eyes, before everything turned black.

non-verbal responses || Accepting!!

She hadn't been meant to see that. She knew that, but once she saw who they were attacking she knew she couldn't stand by. She rushed to be by his side, seeing red blooming upon the white uniform of the Ashen Wolves like a twisted flower. She begged to whatever wicked gods would listen to please let it only belong to his assailants but as he stumbles, she knows it to not be the case.

A cry of despair echoes through the halls as she finally catches up to him, finding him collapsed on the ground. Yet, she knows it's not over for him yet. As gently as she can, she hoists him over her shoulder and carries him to her room. She removes her sheets and sets him on her bed, determination shining in her eyes.

Working through the night, she takes her sewing kit and sews the deeper gashes closed, but wraps her sheets around all of them. Her sheets, his uniform, those can all be replaced, but she isn't sure she can bring him back should he perish on her.

As the sun rises, all she can do left is pray to whatever gods can even hear or would even listen to a sinful existence like hers.

[rigelwitchofhope]

nonverbal  meme  prompts ↪  they  seem  few  &  far  between,  so  i  tried  to  come  up  with  as  many  scenarios  as  i  could  think  of  where  dialogue  wasn’t  a  necessary  starting  point.  some  are  more  uh  specific  than  others  /  drabble-y,  but  they’re  all  dialogue-free  (  tho  ofc  this  does  not  necessarily  extend  to  the  response  itself  ).  to  reverse  who  sends  what,  send  ‘  [  prompt  ]+  ’  !  alter  any  as  you  see  fit,  &  lemme  know  if  anything’s  unclear  ♡

[  pull  ]  sender  pulls  receiver  closer  to  them

[  touch  ]  sender  places  their  hand  affectionately  on  receiver

[  guide  ]  sender  helps  receiver  through  a  difficult  video  game

[  lean  ]  sender  leans  on  receiver

[  pierce  ]  sender  helps  receiver  with  a  new  piercing  (  doing,  aftercare,  etc  )

[  sit  ]  sender  sits  in  receiver’s  lap

[  spar  ]  sender  pins  receiver  down  in  a  practice  fight

[  cook  ]  sender  makes  food  for  receiver

[  slide  ]  sender  pushes  an  item  across  the  table  to  receiver

[  kiss  ]  sender  kisses  (  lips,  cheek,  forehead,  hand,  etc  )

[  lead  ]  sender  leads  receiver  someplace

[  wound  ]  sender  injures  muse  in  a  fight  (  practice  or  real  )

[  snap  ]  sender  takes  a  photo  of  receiver  (  candid  or  posed  )

[  drape  ]  sender  drapes  their  arm  around  receiver’s  shoulders

[  bullet  ]  sender  takes  a  bullet  for  receiver  (  literal  or  figurative  )

[  nap  ]  sender  falls  asleep  against  receiver

[  teeth  ]  sender  bears  teeth  at  receiver

[  trace  ]  sender  traces  one  of  receiver’s  scars

[  cocktail  ]  sender  makes  /  gives  receiver  a  cocktail

[  comfort  ]  sender  comforts  receiver  when  they  are  upset  /  crying

[  bouquet  ]  sender  surprises  receiver  with  a  bouquet

[  massage  ]  sender  gives  receiver  a  massage  (  planned,  spontaneous,  full  body,  shoulder,  etc  )

[  mentor  ]  sender  takes  muse  under  their  wing

[  tattoo  ]  sender  helps  receiver  with  a  new  tattoo  (  doing,  aftercare,  etc  )

[  dare  ]  receiver  acts  out  a  dare  from  sender

[  hug  ]  sender  pulls  receiver  into  a  hug

[  phone  ]  receiver  sees  sender  smiling  at  something  on  their  phone

[  popcorn  ]  sender  makes  popcorn  for  a  movie  night

[  wake  ]  sender  tries  to  wake  receiver

[  groom  ]  sender  tries  to  make  receiver  look  more  presentable

[  flower  ]  sender  places  a  flower  behind  receiver’s  ear

[  sad  ]  sender  looks  at  receiver  sorrowfully

[  playlist  ]  sender  curates  a  playlist

[  fashion  show  ]  sender  tries  to  help  receiver  choose  an  outfit

[  shield  ]  sender  steps  between  receiver  and  danger

[  bandage  ]  sender  helps  bandage  up  receiver’s  wounds

[  duel  ]  muses  get  into  a  fight

[  fear  ]  sender  finds  receiver  having  a  nightmare

[  hold  ]  sender  holds  receiver’s  hand

[  bruise  ]  sender  finds  receiver  with  a  bruise  /  tries  to  help  receiver  cover  up  a  bruise

[  brush  ]  sender  brushes  /  styles  /  dyes  receiver’s  hair

[  portrait  ]  receiver  paints  a  portrait  of  receiver

[  assist  ]  sender  helps  the  receiver  with  a  task  they’re  struggling  in

[  wow  ]  sender  does  something  to  really  amaze  receiver

[  glare  ]  sender  is  still  hurt  after  an  argument

[  roast  ]  muses  roast  marshmallows  together  /  make  s’mores

[  shoot  ]  muses  attend  a  game  of  paintball

[  diary  ]  receiver  writes  a  journal  entry  about  sender  (  maybe  they  find  it  ?  )

[  dance  ]  sender  whisks  receiver  onto  to  ‘  dance  floor  ’  (  can  be  actual  or  pretend  )

[  rest  ]  sender  rests  their  chin  on  receiver’s  head  /  shoulder

[  manicure  ]  sender  paints  receiver’s  nails

[  tuck  ]  sender  tucks  in  receiver’s  shirt,  hair  behind  ear,  etc

[  chin  ]  sender  lifts  receiver’s  chin  up

[  lap  ]  sender  puts  their  feet  in  receiver’s  lap

[  write  ]  receiver  writes  sender  a  note

[  play  ]  muses  play  a  board  game  /  card  game  together

[  glance  ]  receiver  catches  sender  looking  at  them

[  ill  ]  sender  takes  care  of  receiver  when  they  are  unwell

[  hearth  ]  sender  lights  a  fire

[  tap  ]  sender  taps  receiver  on  the  shoulder

[  bake  ]  muses  bake  together

[  read  ]  sender  reads  to  receiver

[  study  ]  sender  tries  to  help  receiver  study

[  push  ]  sender  pushes  receiver  in  anger

[  skill  ]  receiver  tries  to  assist  sender  in  learning  a  new  skill

[  coated  ]  receiver  finds  sender  covered  in  blood

[  gesture  ]  sender  motions  for  receiver  to  follow  them

[  downpour  ]  receiver  finds  sender  out  in  the  rain

[rigelwitchofhope]

A gentle smile comes over Rinea's face. Gently, she plucks the jar from Ingrid's hands to set it to the side. When she had heard the other girl had fallen ill, she had begged the merchant in the Abyss for the ingredients, using what little money she had, and the promise of helping him in the future as leverage, she had made a fresh batch of her family's old recipe.

The kettle she had put on earlier begins to scream, and Rinea stands from her position from Ingrid's side.

"I'll be right back, and I'll show you how to use it best."

Two cups of tea are made, the first made to her own preferences, the second left untouched. She returns and opens the jar, the herbal scent filling the air with a touch of the honey she used as base.

"It's meant to be consumed, but it goes down easiest when dissolved in a cup of tea. At least that's how my parents got me to take it as a little girl."

She gives a small but sadly fond smile at the mention of her parents. They must believe her and their lineage dead. There was a truth to it after all. She turns back to Ingrid.

"Its base is honey, so it should ease any soreness in your throat from coughing. I can give you the recipe if you find it agreeable. The ingredients are cheap and easy to acquire, at least in my homeland. We couldn't afford healers, so we made do ourselves."

She had been open before so there was no point in being shy with the girl now. She hands Ingrid the tea with the medicine dissolved within, and watches to make sure she drinks it.

@burningquake

Home Grown Medicine

continued from (x)

[rigelwitchofhope]

Do you ever feel like an imposter?

Loaded Questions || Accepting!!

Rinea swirls the sugar cube in her tea, considering her answer. How much of her history should she reveal to the other student? It was all extremely painful even now. But something in the other girl reminded her of herself, and she found herself opening up.

"I used to. I went from impoverished noble family on the brink of bankruptcy to being engaged to the nephew of the Emperor of my homeland. My every move, my every word, was scrutinized heavily. I felt as though I didn't belong amongst them."

She then realizes how poorly that might reflect upon Lord Berkut, and an urge to defend him still overtakes her.

"My fiancé, well former fiancé, never made made me feel that way, but the Court."

She shudders. But her expression falls.

"Due to tragedy and hidden machinations, we never made it to the altar. I sometimes wonder, what if?"

But she turns back to the other girl, rueful smile on her face.

"Nowadays, I no longer feel that way. Amazing what effects the lack of a Court breathing down your neck can have?"

[rigelwitchofhope]

When he drops the line of questioning, she lets out the breath she doesn't know she was holding. What she's been through, she doesn't want to burden him with that knowledge, she doesn't want to relive it again even for him. The screams, not all her own and not entirely human, fill her mind, and her lip quivers once before it stills. She must be strong of spirit for him.

Her lip quivers exactly once again before stilling as he wipes the tears from her face in a tenderness she hasn't seen from him before. This was the man she always knew he could be, the one she had always believed deep down in.

She waits for him to say what he wants to but it's clear the words die in his throat, but if it is what she thinks it is, she doesn't want to hear it just yet. It makes everything too real. Makes it hurt again. For now they can exist as they did. Apologies are a conversation for later.

"Let us just enjoy this moment Lord Berkut."

It seems he agrees, as hands move down to a familiar position. One she knew and loved oh so well. Her main hand laces with his, and her other finds its way to his shoulder, a natural position, from their many dances together.

She lets him lead the dance, but leans her head against his chest, and when she hears a heartbeat, she almost laughs in joy. He's truly alive, she's truly alive. They can dance again like this once again. Whether this turns out to be a curse or a blessing in the end, this one thing is a gift she can take for herself. As she looks back at him, the smile she gives is pure, unfiltered joy.

"For you, always, Lord Berkut."

I See a Song of Past Romance

[rigelwitchofhope]

"How much do you enjoy being in control?"

Loaded Questions || Accepting!

Panic surges through Rinea at the thought of even remotely being in control. She looks to her Professor, wondering whatever could have given her the impression that she would ever enjoy being in control. That was part of what made things work so well with Lord Berkut, he took charge and she just had to follow along. It was a peaceful existence, until he started spiraling and she could no longer comfort him.

"I loathe being in control. I could find myself quite happy following along with someone else."

Of course that would just be her repeating the same tragedies that had befallen her before, wouldn't it? But wouldn't be a more peaceful life, one she could be content with until the end came, as long as it did not come the same way? Would she fight the end if it did more if it did? Who's to say. She didn't like to think such thoughts.

[rigelwitchofhope]

It started as simple observations from afar. After all, there was little to care about regarding her students on the surface. But as the class time piled up and she’s gotten more used to the bluebird’s face and mannerisms, Sonya elects for an initial approach. Once the professor’s brief Reason lecture comes to pass, she takes her chance before the student can slip away.

“Hey kid,” Sonya hollers, pausing to give the other time to adjust herself. “Rinea, right?” she adds on, not meaning to startle the girl as she draws closer.

“Was just thinking - you’re pretty attentive for a face that just dropped down here. A pretty face, too. They don’t give me the funds to host welcome parties, nor would I throw one, but…”

Footsteps pause simultaneously with her voice. Now only a few paces away from the newcomer, the air around them suddenly feels…restless. Sonya’s eyes morph into a squint at Rinea, more to hide troubled eyes than to intimidate.

Where has she felt this pressured atmosphere before? Why is it nostalgic?

She forces her eyes to widen back to normal size, picking at her collar while attempting to hide suspicion with a returning smile.

“I merely wanted to welcome you to this mess of a house. In case no one else found the time to yet.”

Rinea remembers, in the before times, her parents had once tried to have her tutored in magic, but she had shown absolutely no talent and it was deemed an absolute waste of money. Yet in the here and now, magic came easy to her, a reminder of what she had been through. It leaves a bitter taste in her mouth, especially as she let out a horrified scream the first time she used her magic, the memories of that day flooding her, the flames, the screaming that sounded so much like her own.

From that day on she had merely kept her head down, content to learn the theories behind it as if that would make it safer to her, as if it would make the horrible sensation that sometimes licked at her like flames go away.

Yet, it seemed she had been noticed by her Professor. Prepared to apologize and share her notes to show she had been more than just coasting by in class. She almost dares not to look up at the Professor as she approaches but answers. "Yes, I am Rinea, Professor."

She waits for the scolding the never comes, that she's not participating enough, but she's scared, so scared of this magic she never thought possible for her to use. Instead, she's praised for her attentiveness and her beauty. The only person who had ever praised her before was Lord Berkut, but perhaps this place would be a positive change in her life?

She gives a small, shy smile. Her cheeks turn a slight shade of pink from the praise. The welcome also warms her heart.

"Thank you Professor. Not many had besides a familiar face from home, but I welcome it all the same."

But she notices how her normally confident professor squints at her and picks at her collar. Those are behaviors more akin to her own, not befitting the beautiful, confident professor she's used to seeing in lessons.

"Are you quite allright, Professor? I have a blend of tea that's good for calming nerves back in my room if that's your problem. I use it quite frequently myself."

[rigelwitchofhope]

"Lord Berkut..."

Her voice breaks and is naught more than a whimper as the tears fall freely from her eyes with no sign of stopping. She has so many things so wants to say, there's so many things they left unsaid in what was supposed to be their final farewell, but the words die in her throat. Now is a time of reunions, not rehashing the past and how he wronged her, if she even has the strength to mention that at all.

When he rose to his feet, she finds herself pulling in close on instinct before catching herself. Death already did them part once, and they never even took their vows. But her hand never leaves his, not yet wishing to part, that last connection keeping her grounded in a way she hasn't felt since she awoke in her second chance.

His hand lifts to her face and she finds herself leaning in to the comfort she is so accustomed to, her eyes never leaving his, watching his every movement, before looking away.

"I had thought you were forever walking a path I couldn't follow." Her voice is quiet, almost a whisper.

When he asks her how she got here, she closes her eyes in pain at the memory, and whimpers once. She opens her eyes and gazes at him almost pleadingly. "I don't remember much and what I do is not pleasant. I would rather not speak more on the subject."

I See a Song of Past Romance

[rigelwitchofhope]

She spins around and around with one of the younger children laughing all the while in what might have once been a splendid ballroom before ruin hit when the pealing of the bell reminds her of time's passage. His mother comes to pick him up from her lessons, beginner's for now, and she realizes she hasn't had that much fun dancing since she last danced with Him.

Oh, how her heart still yearned for him, even as the rational part of her mind knows he wronged her in some of the worst ways a partner can wrong another. Yet the heart wants what it wants, and her heart still wanted him and only him. Only he had noticed her at that ball all those years ago, only he had spoken to her, a house on the verge of being cast from the nobility despite his status as the Emperor's nephew. He had never made her feel less than, until that very last moment. Could a man be condemned forever over a single mistake?

It mattered not even if it did, for he was likely in a land far away. Even with this second chance, she would never see him again.

She walked the halls of the Abyss, almost consumed in her melancholy, until a figure in the training hall should catch her eye. A gasp escapes her before she can stop herself and her feet carry her before she can think to be stopped.

She doesn't register the way the lance clatters from his hand, but when he collapses to his knees, she has half a mind to run her hand through his hair as she used to, but she catches herself, but when his hand raises, she doesn't catch herself before she puts her own in his and gives it a comforting squeeze, just like she used to.

She doesn't notice the tears that gather in her own eyes, even as they spill freely or how wet her cheeks are.

"Lord Berkut? Is it... truly you?"

Her voice is wet with her tears, but she'd never notice. The emotions she feels are rich but indescribable. But he's here, and for now, that's all that matters.

I See a Song of Past Romance

[rigelwitchofhope]

*: ･ﾟ✧   90 loaded questions / interview the muse.

found on this website, so credit goes to them.

What’s your favorite strategy for avoiding tough situations?

How often do you do things just for the attention?

Would you prefer to be manipulated or to be the manipulator?

What is something someone always tells you to do more of?

What is something someone always tells you to do less of?

Who do you look to blame when things go wrong?

What is the one thing people assume about you that you wish was true?

What is the one thing people assume about you that you wish wasn’t true?

When was the last time you lied to protect your image?

How often do you put on a happy face when you’re really not feeling it?

When do you think you began putting your guard up so much?

Who made you feel most anxious when you were a kid?

How do you speak about others when they’re not around?

What aspect of your life are you most delusional about?

How often do your admit you were wrong?

Which one of your biggest flaws do you like to rationalize the most?

Is it your fear of commitment or your fear of intimacy that makes you shut down more?

At what stage of a relationship are you most likely to withdraw emotionally?

What is the one compliment you always get that you’re too embarrassed to accept, so you deflect it?

What would someone say is your worst habit?

What is the one insecurity you are pretty sure has some basis in reality?

When was the last time you felt really insecure about the parts of yourself you pretend don’t exist?

What is the most interesting white lie you’ve told?

Do you ever feel like an imposter?

Do your friends know how competitive you are?

What’s the hardest thing about being rejected?

How do you deal when you know you’re being irrationally jealous?

How do you deal when you know someone’s not willing to give you what you want?

Are you ever afraid of people knowing who you really are?

If you went to a therapist today, what would they say is holding you back the most?

When was the last time you lowered your standards just to get someone else’s approval?

Is your need for revenge greater than your need for peace?

Have you stopped trying to control things yet?

Which parts of yourself do you still seek validation for?

How do you cope with being unfairly ignored?

Do you like punishing yourself for things that are out of your control?

What does someone say is your biggest problem when communicating?

Are you okay with not knowing what happens next?

Will you ever feel okay with being imperfect?

Does sabotaging yourself give you an odd sense of comfort?

How do you feel about being disliked by some people?

What’s the strangest thing you’ve done just to avoid failure?

What is the biggest risk you’ve taken just to prove yourself?

What’s the boldest thing you do every day, just to feel like you’re still in control?

What accusation would you defend yourself most fiercely against, even though you know it’s true?

What’s the most toxic thing about yourself you actually kind of secretly like?

How much do you enjoy being in control?

When do you give yourself permission to lose control?

What guilty pleasure are you currently justifying to yourself?

What is the most passive-aggressive way you’ve dealt with your rage?

What is the pettiest and most immature way you’ve avoided losing face?

What’s the worst habit you have that rewards you the most?

How do you get your needs met when you’re alone?

What is the most ridiculous thing you’ve done to please people?

What is the most ridiculous way you’ve rebelled?

What’s your favorite way to channel your aggression?

How do you cope with being betrayed?

Are you okay with disliking someone?

What is your favorite form of self-destruction?

What’s the one thing you struggle most to manifest in your life?

What’s the one thing that you manifest so easily, people are jealous of it?

What’s the most irrational reason you’ve ever had for disliking someone?

What is one fear that you’d be ashamed of your friends knowing about?

Which one of your deepest secrets do you think is the least common?

How do people normally find out you hate them?

What is your go-to strategy to deflect criticism, even constructive criticism?

What is one thing people always get wrong about you?

What emotion motivates you the most when you’re down?

What emotion makes you want to give up?

Are people shocked when you stand up for yourself?

How often do you say yes to the things you really want to say yes to?

How often do you say no to the things that make your skin crawl?

How far are you willing to go to maintain a relationship, even an unhealthy one?

What is the worst way someone’s ever abandoned you?

What is the worst way you’ve ever abandoned yourself?

How do you entertain yourself when you’re not around people?

Are you happier alone because you enjoy being alone or because you prefer it to being surrounded by horrible people?

What habit do you know you could quit but don’t want to?

What is your favorite strategy for avoiding difficult people?

What is your favorite strategy for avoiding conflict?

What is the weirdest thing that gets you angry?

What is the weirdest thing that makes you sad?

How often do you take responsibility for other people’s crappy behavior?

When are you most likely to shut people out?

Which insecurity would shock people if they knew about it?

What do you find yourself justifying to people, even when no justification is needed?

When was the last time you tried to please someone who made you angry?

What do people often tell you need to focus more on?

What do people often tell you need to focus less on?

What is the one thing that could make you happy, but you refuse to do it because you’re afraid of what others would think?

[rigelwitchofhope]

Rinea