edelbloed

[edelbloed]

⠀⠀⠀❛ ⠀Both of them ? You continue to impress— both in experience and deduction.⠀ ❜ ⠀SHE ⠀must admit, there's a mild swelling of excitement and pride— it feels as though it's been ages since she could converse with someone closer to her lexicon, her context.  ⠀❛ ⠀You are correct. In fact, I was still in Japan when I found myself in this place... It was my first time traveling that far, admittedly. It seems we kept ourselves busy on opposite ends of the earth, Monsieur. I'd be curious to know what manner of vessel you preferred— a galleon was ideal for my needs at the time, but it certainly had its drawbacks.⠀ ❜ ⠀

⠀⠀⠀⠀"Both, as a matter of fact— though it has been quite a long time since my last long-term expedition." The long travels of his past remained as such, memories of experience to pull from when needed. Some sailing was still required in his years-long plans of revenge, but they were quite short by comparison. Still, to be able to discuss such matters at length with one familiar with the sea trade is an amusing change of pace.

⠀⠀⠀⠀"Given how you are of Dutch descent, I must assume you have traveled to the far side of Asia for your business. Certainly further than I had typically gone..."

[edelbloed]

⠀⠀⠀❛ ⠀Rather short-sighted to sign over your favor on a helping of food, no ?⠀ ❜ ⠀⠀⠀⠀SHE ⠀asks, brows raising far above the brim of her hat. There was no sense in arguing with Saber's logic, because Dorothea would be inclined to agree; she had lent her own assistance toward the end, but it was hard to quantify that in comparison to her own life. Should Iori find his way to this island, she would surely be eager to resolve this self-imposed debt... Dorothea hopes for his sake that he would spend it much more wisely than his Servant has.

⠀⠀⠀Even so, she can't help but chuckle and acquiesce.  ⠀❛ ⠀No matter— we have a bargain. I believe the Star Trail would have more than enough of what you're looking for, Saber. Although I suspect once you set foot there, you may never want to leave...⠀ ❜ ⠀

@edelbloed

水神 - "Umu... All things considered, you did help Iori back when Assassin ran amok. I suppose I can bury the hatchet for now." This magus was a familiar face in an unfamiliar place. Of all the people they had hoped to see, Dorothea Coyett hadn't exactly made the list. No offense to her, but Saber didn't necessarily know her very well. Still, Iori had chosen to trust her in the end. That was enough for them to ease their apprehension after coming across her.

It felt like a pretty tidy outcome to an encounter that could have been dicey if either party had viewed the other as an enemy.

"On the condition that you procure me something to eat! Rice and miso soup would be fine. I believe you owe me for helping to clean up your mess back then, no?"

[edelbloed]

consider this a little equinox ball rp ad ! as a noblewoman this is her bread and butter, so she's all dressed up and ready to go !

[edelbloed]

oh lady dorothea is so very ready—

[edelbloed]

↪ 𝑽𝑨𝑵 𝑯𝑬𝑳𝑺𝑰𝑵𝑮 . ( a collection of sentence starters from the 2004 film . adjust phrasing as necessary . mature themes present . )

oh , [ name ] . it's just you .

where are you going to run , [ name ] ?

what are you saying ?

why do you think i brought you here ?

you said you believed in my work .

i would kill myself before helping in such a task .

you've been so kind to me , [ name ] .

you can't kill me , [ name ] .

so , you're the great [ name ] .

we all have our little problems .

let's make it your decision , shall we ?

i wish you a week in hell .

why don't you do something about it ?

this is all a test of faith .

i can curse all i want , dammit .

you . turn around .

strangers don't last long here .

the laws of men mean little to me .

i don't need your help .

you stay here . they're trying to kill me .

nice to see you too , [ name ] .

did i do something to you in a past life ?

i hope you do have a heart , [ name ] . because someday i'd like to drive a stake through it .

your reputation precedes you .

i am hollow ! and i will live ... forever .

please , say you will not try again .

do not fear me ... everybody else fears me .

i was unprepared . it won't happen again .

do you understand forgiveness ?

i would rather die than help you .

don't be boring , everyone who says that always dies .

may he rest in peace .

how long has it been , 300 , 400 years ?

you don't remember , do you ?

what exactly is it i am to be remembering ?

it's no surprise you would know all about me .

we have such history , you and i .

have you ever wondered why you have such horrific nightmares ?

[ name ] , it's alright , i'm taking you home .

what , did you think we haven't tried everything before ?

no one knows how to kill [ name ] .

i could have used that information earlier .

would you like me to refresh your memory a little ?

allow me to ... reintroduce myself .

i think we've overstayed our welcome .

don't give me that look .

you were right . i'm sorry .

monster ? who's the monster here ? i have done nothing wrong !

look , there's still time .

you were right . i'm sorry .

do you have any family , [ name ] ?

if you value your lives , and the lives of your kin , you will kill me .

evil may have created it , may have left its mark on it , but evil does not rule it .

now you know why they call me a murderer .

oh my god ... you've been bitten .

so much trouble ... so much trouble .

now you will become that which you hunted so passionately . may others be as passionate in their hunting of you .

don't worry , god will forgive us .

how many commandments can we break in one day ?

oh my god , you should be terrified .

how does it feel to be a puppet on my string ?

neither of us has ever settled for half .

you make my skin crawl .

i'm not gonna like this , am i ?

one brief moment of pain , and we can be together forever .

you have no heartbeat .

you are nothing but damned bones , and damned souls .

well , that doesn't sound like a good thing .

we don't have a choice . just don't get killed .

you don't understand , it doesn't matter what happens to me .

god is not the only one that can create life .

you can't go until i say you can go , and i say you can go when you're dead !

you're supposed to die .

we are both part of the same great game , [ name ] , we just find ourselves on opposite sides of the board .

you are being used , [ name ] , as was i . but i escaped , so can you .

if you're going to kill someone , kill them . don't stand there talking about it .

all i want is life . the continuation of my kind .

some things are better left forgotten .

[edelbloed]

⠀⠀⠀THIS ⠀being, this... entity... it made no effort to conceal its presence, nor its nature. Despite that immense presence, she seemed to be docile for the time being — not that it made the unwavering attention any less intimidating. The best course of action seemed to be to let this run its course; as Dorothea continued to stir at her tea and read her novel, she was confident that they would either lose interest or make their intentions clear. … Frankly, the longer it went on, the more the being began to resemble a large and aimless child; curiosity, pure and simple.

⠀⠀⠀❛ ⠀Hm ?⠀ ❜ ⠀Still, she hadn't expected that. Oddly enough, her tattoos haven't drawn much attention in this place. … No, more accurately, few asked any questions.  ⠀❛ ⠀Ah... not as much as you would expect. It was bearable, at least.⠀ ❜ ⠀

she's been staring for the last half hour and yes, Olga Marie is aware of this. and yes, doing so could be considered rude by just about everyone but the societal demands of humanity hardly mattered to her much, nor did she really care if this woman thought otherwise.

" Did those hurt?" is how she breaks the silence, a hand raised to point at the tattoos running up the length of her leg.

@edelbloed

[edelbloed]

⠀⠀⠀❛ ⠀Fascinating. Absolutely fascinating...⠀ ❜ ⠀WHAT ⠀else was there to say ? For someone so far behind this modern era, the very existence of a computer is beyond the pale — it's taken Dorothea most of her time here to even begin to master her cellular device. She rests her chin in her hand, painted nails tapping against the curve of her jaw and gaze narrowed in concentration.

⠀⠀⠀❛ ⠀Although my father and brother were the bookkeepers, I am familiar with it... I can see the logic in using this instead.⠀ ❜ ⠀The ease of access and time saved must both be substantial boons... and yet the thought of handling anything in the digital world is, admittedly, daunting to her. She still has yet to even touch the 'mouse'. ⠀❛ ⠀However... it doesn't seem very permanent. Do you not worry about a sudden loss of all of your records ? Technology is far from flawless, no ?⠀ ❜ ⠀

As far back as he can remember, Django has always had a certain fondness when it came to learning the ways in which someone did their job. This possibly stems from the various talks he's had with many of his father's friends over how their business would operate. Now, was any of this appropriate for a child his age to learn? Probably not. But it did spark an insatiable curiosity in him for all manner of things. Whether they be one's profession, the way a device works, and whatever else he could fit in that funny little noggin of his.

Which brings us to today as Django happily explains to a soon-to-be contemporary of his just how how exactly retail in the modern day operates.

" And this right here is the program I use t' keep track of customers, their orders, and basically anything else that might be important. Think of it like bookkeeping, only you're using a computer and not some book that's as big as a tome. "

@edelbloed

[edelbloed]

⠀⠀⠀❛ ⠀And yet you have no shortage of answers, monsieur. I've yet to find a better means of learning than asking.⠀ ❜ ⠀IT'S ⠀always something of a relief when more familiar cultures grace her path in this place, as exciting as the unknown can be. Her sunhat obscures her gaze momentarily as she tilts her head in polite deference, but the slight quirk of her smile remains unchanged. Dorothea can't say for sure just yet, but they seem to have the same general sense of one another — the sense that they their respective eras may have some strong overlap.

⠀⠀⠀❛ ⠀Have you braved this sea just yet ? Or does your expertise lie elsewhere— perhaps the Atlantic or Mediterranean, if I may hazard a guess ?⠀ ❜ ⠀

⠀⠀// @edelbloed

⠀⠀⠀⠀"You ask an awful lot of questions about the naval activities of this island, mademoiselle." It isn't uncommon for the occasional new arrival to have past experiences with the sea. Even then, the Count has little interest in speaking with such individuals regardless of any potential share interests. But this one is different— another Mage in the same vein as those of his realm. And judging by the style of her clothes, she certainly isn't one of the modern era. Just by studying the materials of her clothes and the fashion itself, she may even come from a time period before his own... It's enough for the Count to consider striking up conversation, at least.

[edelbloed]

⠀⠀⠀❛ ⠀Certainly, you should ! After all, clothes are part of anyone's first impression of you. You may as well have some say in the message they convey, no ? And from a less practical standpoint... the process of replenishing one's wardrobe is far more enjoyable when you have nothing but pieces that appeal to you.⠀ ❜ ⠀

"I've only ever been taught to be modest in what I wear, so I'm not familiar with the sentiment. Maybe it'd do me well to at least try to learn...it seems worth it when you put it like that."

[edelbloed]

⠀⠀⠀❛ ⠀Yes, I know what you mean — the thought crossed my mind as well when I first caught a glimpse of one.⠀ ❜ ⠀AS ⠀she rises off her knees somewhat, her own eyes track the same Netpup bounding on ahead of them. It does indeed seem content with its lot in life, blissful even; but it still isn't the sort of experimentation 'for the sake of curiosity' that she'd put past a particularly dedicated mage. ⠀❛ ⠀What really gave me a fright were the birds that play actual music from their vocal chords. Modern music at that. So very disconcerting, not to mention the songs themselves linger in the back of your mind…⠀ ❜ ⠀

⠀⠀⠀Despite the furrow in her brow as she recalls that first encounter, Dorothea seems rather blissful herself. Glancing from one row of flowers to the other, her smile seems far more delicate than the vibrant cut of her coat and hat. ⠀❛ ⠀It seems we are in agreement there as well. Not much can rival natural beauty, although man continues to make the attempt.⠀ ❜ ⠀

The Netwalk is, to this day, something of a...vexing place for her. She still doesn't know how to feel about it--it's good to know that the Netpups are a strange, yet natural occurrence rather than the product of horrific experimentation she had thought them to be, but they're still...disconcerting. Besides them, though, it really is a beautiful place, blooming with nature along the provided trails.

She doesn't have much of an eye for gardening herself, but she can at least still appreciate the work that's gone into maintaining these little patches of flora. Much, it seems, like this human woman nearby; Barghest turns her way in response to her question.

"I...suppose it would more be the flora, now that I know the Netpups aren't being harmed." She glances back towards a passing Netpup, still fairly evidently concerned about it, before turning her attention back to the woman. If Barghest had to guess, she would peg this woman for nobility--more for the eccentric dress than anything else. "I simply have an appreciation for the natural world."

[edelbloed]

⠀⠀⠀❛ ⠀It's much cooler than you think.⠀ ❜ ⠀THERE'S ⠀an ease to her tone, tossing her hair over her shoulder in an equally languid manner. ⠀❛ ⠀If you'll notice, my arms aren't in the sleeves. In fact, I can probably enjoy the breeze even more than you can. As for my hat, well... It is a sunhat.⠀ ❜ ⠀

⠀⠀⠀After a short half-chuckle, her gaze narrows somewhat.⠀⠀❛ ⠀Your concern is noted... although I would hesitate to voice it to the next lady. Some sacrifices are worth making for good fashion, you see.⠀ ❜ ⠀

⠀⠀// @edelbloed

⠀⠀⠀⠀"Geez, aren't you burning up in all that?" He gestures to the giant coat and hat of the mage before him, a look of disbelief at the insistence on display. Just looking at the getup makes Rider want to sweat a little, it just seems like a recipe for disaster. "The days are only gonna get hotter from here on, you really should consider trimming down the gear for a while."

[edelbloed]

⠀⠀⠀❛ ⠀Hmmm, I see... I see...⠀ ❜ ⠀FINGERS ⠀are curled beneath her chin as she mulls over the concept; judging by the deep nod and cheery lilt to her voice, she deems it more than acceptable. Her features gradually begin to brighten, eliminating any doubt.

⠀⠀⠀❛ ⠀How clever ! An easy way to turn a profit, and a wonderful way to make fashion accessible. I imagine there must be some incredible finds tucked away in 'the thrift'...⠀ ❜ ⠀Dorothea's chin jerks upward as if struck by a sudden jolt of inspiration, the decorative flowers on her hat jostled by the movement. ⠀⠀❛ ⠀You must know where to find one. Could you show me ?⠀ ❜ ⠀

"It's a place where unwanted clothes are donated and given another chance at life. It's pretty sustainable." She was no stranger to modifying used clothes in her off time!

"Of course there's more than just clothes, but that requires a more...Keen eye to say the least."

[edelbloed]

⠀⠀⠀❛ ⠀These remind me of the gardens at my father's estate.⠀ ❜ ⠀ALTHOUGH ⠀tempting, Dorothea knows better than to cradle the delicate blossoms that line the park's pathways. She settles for crouching down closer to their level, her latticed hat sprinkling sunlight despite its temporary shade. ⠀❛ ⠀They seem very well cared-for. I wonder if they're being given any extra food, or if they're just in an ideal spot... ?⠀ ❜ 

⠀⠀⠀A much taller, broader shadow is cast not too far from her own, and she turns back to offer a genteel smile.⠀⠀❛ ⠀Are you here for the flora, or for these 'Netpups' I've heard about ?⠀ ❜ ⠀

⤷ @faechivalrous.

[edelbloed]

bluebell, hibiscus (bc now i am curious,)

❖ BOTANICAL MEMES : accepting.

bluebell : does your muse learn from their past , or are they prone to repeating the same mistakes ?

Yes and no ! I think it really depends on the severity of the mistake. A mage's worst enemy is their own hubris, but I do think her experience with her father's business dealings helps buoy her quite a bit. It's not necessarily that she has a foot in both worlds, moreso that she's pretty adept at melding the two worlds together — the world of Mystics and the world of man. So when she makes a mistake, especially an egregious one with some consequences, she determines to never make that same mistake twice.

Having said that, she has her blind spots. She's still young, and although she cuts an imposing figure, she has her vulnerabilities like anyone else — particularly emotionally. She can be smug and overconfident, she can jump to conclusions, she can be spiteful if she's especially embarrassed or emotionally exposed. On the other hand, even if she knows someone's become a soft spot or sensitive subject for her, that's a weakness she can't always properly account for. Knowing her trust and time are valuable is different from cutting a person off entirely from them, for example, even if they've betrayed that trust. A person can themselves become a blind spot, and I think Assassin's decision to "test" her genuinely caught her off-guard despite her contingencies for this reason.

So, generally speaking, she takes her mistakes as learning experiences and adapts accordingly — but the exceptions usually come in the form of people she wants a little too close or goals she wants a little too much.

hibiscus : how does your muse view the gentler , daintier things in life ? as things worth preserving & caring for , or things only bound to wither & disappear ?

I think she values the gentler things quite a lot, actually ! Being a mage means knowing certain things to be true, and death in particular is always close at hand. One small mistake can be your undoing, and if you haven't prepared accordingly, you'll cause problems for several different generations along with your own untimely demise. That sort of outlook tends to take the shine out of the gentler and daintier things; mages smell of blood more than any other fragrance.

Dorothea, however, has experienced a bit more than the average noblewoman in her time. She's crossed oceans, made connections that would put themselves on the line for her or her family, absorbed cultures to the extent that she can at least converse with those around her. Working closely with not only the human world, but the natural world, it's difficult not to have an appreciation for it. Going out of her way to ensure humans aren't involved with Mystics because she'd rather lay down her life for them than eliminate them ( be they collateral damage or witnesses ) speaks greatly to her character, so why wouldn't she be able to appreciate the delicate beauty of it all ?

Lily of the valley flowers are a prominent feature in her design, and I think that's intentional. Not only are they particularly delicate looking, but they're commonly associated with purity, sweetness, a return to happiness. Even if she's the type to conceal blades as decoration in that same hat, she's also the type to have hints of sweetness and purity of affection — and at the very least, she's the type to pause and admire the Lily of the valley.

[edelbloed]

chrysanthemum, daisy

❖ BOTANICAL MEMES : accepting.

chrysanthemum : how does your muse express romantic love ? how do they feel about love as a concept ?

In theory, it's not something Dorothea goes out searching for. Both as a mage and as a woman of her era, it's more of a luxury than a priority; as a concept, she'd probably shelve it into 'not meant for her' and focus on more important things — Mystics and trade, for starters. In practice, however, she doesn't have much resistance built up and would probably crumble in the face of experiencing actual romantic love.

She's no stranger to courting and garden-variety flirting, but sincerity ? Earnest passion ? That's a much different playing field, and she'd be at a bit of a loss; even the tiniest bit of genuine, profound expression on her part can leave her blushing all the way to the ears. But gradually, her adaptability would kick in and she'd adjust to the experience. After all, just because she wouldn't search for it doesn't mean she'd shun it entirely.

As for expression, it really depends on the situation and the one who holds her affection. In some cases, she may easily go overboard; for example, if they offhandedly mentioned liking something in a store display she'd buy it and anything else remotely like it and present it to them within the week. In other cases, it may be a more subdued and subtle love — extending herself far beyond what could be considered an equal trade, going far out of her way and pulling however many favors just to make them smile, and expecting nothing in return. Generally speaking, though, romantic love for her means being regarded as each other's equals and knowing everything there is to know about that person — and the love languages she does best are most definitely acts of service and quality time.

daisy : did your muse ever feel as though their innocence had been lost ? what moment in their life could be described as the end of their innocence ?

I don't think Dorothea herself would see it as a loss of innocence at any particular point. She takes to magecraft like water, she's learned the ins and outs of commerce, and she's well-educated in the sort of rounded way that nobility could afford back then; she's also the type to want to pay that knowledge forward, use her privilege to improve the lives of others that cross her path. To her, her life is simply her life and she enjoys the challenges and hurdles that come with it — they keep things exciting. Something like the Waxing Moon Ritual is, in her own words, a stepping stone towards grander things.

Having said that, I feel like her innocence was lost at a fairly early age simply because of who she is and especially who her family is. As not only the daughter of the head of a global trading company but the soon-to-be heir of their magecraft affairs, something that was likely decided very early, it's safe to assume her life would be an exceptionally valuable thing for humans and mages alike. It's no mistake that she was the Master of Assassin, and it's also no coincidence that she was able to make contingency plans in the event of a double-cross from her own Servant. Not only is she used to going through life that way, but she's exceptionally good at accounting for it to the point that it very nearly comes naturally, even if she has her blind spots and missteps like anyone else. It's natural to her, and that speaks volumes. If I had to guess, her innocence was forfeit the moment she began training as a mage in earnest — if not sooner.

[edelbloed]

❥     𝐁𝐎𝐓𝐀𝐍𝐈𝐂𝐀𝐋 𝐇𝐄𝐀𝐃𝐂𝐀𝐍𝐎𝐍𝐒    [   𝚆𝙾𝚁𝙳 𝙿𝚁𝙾𝙼𝙿𝚃𝚂    ]   .

headcanon prompts with questions based on plants   &   what they represent in flower language .  happy roleplaying !!  ♡

abatina :   is there anything in life your muse has changed their mind about over time   (   due to becoming more educated on the topic ,   certain experiences  ,   etc .   ) ,    or that they   would   change their mind about under certain circumstances ?  

acanthus :   is your muse deceptive ,   or willing to lie or deceive to achieve certain means ?   why or why not ?   

aloe :   how does your muse handle grief ?

amaryllis :   what is something or someone that your muse takes pride in ?   how do they express that pride ?   

anemone :   how does your muse view the world ;   as a cruel   &   unforgiving place ,   a land full of wonders ,   or something in - between ?  where does that world view come from   (   what experiences ,   life lessons ,   etc .   ) ?  

angelica :   where does your muse draw inspiration in life ?   what motivates them ?

apple blossom :   how does your muse go about expressing or not expressing their sexuality ?  

bachelor’s button :   does your muse actively seek romantic companionship ,   or cherish the liberties of being single ? 

basil :   does your muse have a love - hate relationship with anyone or anything ?

bay tree :   does your muse seek glory   &   accolades ,   or do they favour a simpler ,   more personal life ?  

begonia :   how cautious is your muse ?   are they prone to noticing red flags ,   or paranoid to the point of untrusting most everyone ?   why or why not ?  

belladonna :   how does your muse respond to silence ?   do they take comfort in soundlessness ,   or seek to fill the void with noise ?   

bluebell :   does your muse learn from their past ,   or are they prone to repeating the same mistakes ?  

carnation :   what is your muse’s relationship with their gender ?   how do they express or not express this relationship ?  

chamomile :   what is your muse likely to take away from a painful experience ?   are they one to be haunted by adversity ,   or to use what they’ve gone through to become stronger ?  

chrysanthemum :   how does your muse express romantic love ?  how do they feel about love as a concept ?  

daffodil :   is your muse one to be loyal in relationships ,   or are they likely to quickly move from one bond to another ?

daisy :   did your muse ever feel as though their innocence had been lost ?   what moment in their life could be described as the end of their innocence ?  

edelweiss :   what was the bravest moment in your muse’s life ?  are they known to be courageous from then on ?  

fern :   does your muse believe in magic or cosmic forces ,   or are they more likely to think their life is ultimately a matter of their own control ?  

forget - me - not :   has your muse ever forgotten something that is or was important to them ?   are they afraid of forgetting things like that ?  

gardenia :   is your muse one to confess romantic feelings early on ,   or to conceal them for long periods of time ?  

gladiolus :   describe a moment from your muse’s life that they will never forget .

goldenrod :   does your muse believe in luck or fortune ?  why or why not ?   where do they believe these things come from ?  

heliotrope :   does your muse believe in soulmates ?

hibiscus :   how does your muse view the gentler ,   daintier things in life ?   as things worth preserving   &   caring for ,   or things only bound to wither   &   disappear ?  

holly :   how strong is your muse’s sense of intuition ?  are they aware of it ?   do they ever fear that it is only paranoia ?  

hollyhock :   how strong is your muse’s sense of ambition ?  what’s something they strive for in life ?  

hyacinth :   is your muse athletic ?   does it come naturally to them ,   or have they had to work for their physique and/or skill ?  

hydrangea :   how much does your muse value communication in their relationships with others ?  are they prone to being misunderstood ?

iris :   if your muse could convey one last message to someone they have lost or left behind ,   what would it be ?  

ivy :   what are your muse’s views on marriage ?   do they believe it is something strictly for love ,   or an institution rooted in business   &   social benefits ?   do they desire or have they desired to be married ?

lavender :   how easy is it to gain your muse’s trust ?  once their trust is broken ,   how might one go about mending it ?  

lilac :   what was your muse’s childhood like ?   how has their upbringing affected them as they’ve aged ? 

lily :   how does your muse view their mother ?  

lotus :   has your muse ever felt as though they’ve been reborn ?  have they ever desired the feeling of a fresh start ,   or a better understanding of themself and/or the world around them ?  

magnolia :   describe your muse’s relationship with nature   &   the natural world .  

marigold :   is your muse prone to jealousy ?  how might they handle envious feelings ?  

mint :   does your muse view themself as virtuous   &   moral ?  what do these words mean to them ?

nasturtium :   describe your muse’s relationship with their birthplace ,   or homeland .  

oak :   who would your muse consider the strongest person they know ?  

pansy :   does your muse often reflect on their own actions ?   do they ever think a lot about the past ,   and what they could have done differently ?

parsley :   describe a holiday your muse enjoys ,   and why they enjoy it .

peony :   what would a   ‘  happy life  ’   look like in your muse’s eyes ?

poppy :   what comforts your muse ?

rhododendron :   is your muse receptive to warnings   &   advice given by others ?

rose :   how much does your muse value other people ?   do they wish to have many friends ,   lovers ,   and/or associates ?   are they an easy person to love ?

sage :   what is your muse’s legacy ?   what do they want to be remembered for   &   what might they actually be remembered for ?  

salvia :   is your muse possessive over people or things that matter a lot to them ?  how do they express that possessiveness ,   or lack thereof ? 

snapdragon :   is your muse merciful ?  why or why not ?

southernwood :   how seriously does your muse take themself ?   do they prefer a solemn   &   intellectual atmosphere or do they delight in jokes   &   banter ?  

sunflower :   what brings your muse the most joy in life ?  

tulip :   how does your muse view people in general ?  

violet :   how does your muse respond to betrayal ?

willow :   how does your muse handle sadness   &   depression ?

zinnia :   how has the loss of fallen comrades and/or loved ones affected your muse ?   has it taught them anything or given them any new perspectives ?

[edelbloed]

⠀⠀⠀❛ ⠀Fragile ? Never.⠀ ❜ ⠀DOROTHEA'S ⠀brows shoot upward, disappearing beneath her latticed hat — sincerely astonished at the very thought. Death is something inevitable for most mages, something they have no choice but to think about if they ever intend to pass their legacy on. The first step in the pursuit of knowledge is, for most, acknowledging that they themselves are stepping stones for their descendants; they must learn all they can, absorb all they can, and transcribe it for the next generation. All this is to say that even more than the average human, death is to be both acknowledged and prepared for by any half-decent mage— but one shudders at the thought of meeting it too early.

⠀⠀⠀❛ ⠀Anyone who welcomes death is a fool. After all, we're never done learning, so one is never truly done living. However... the cornerstone of that nobility you mentioned is a noble's obligation. A noble must extend that nobility, that privilege, to ensure the wellbeing of those less fortunate. I can think of no one so unfortunate as those caught up in a ritual among Mystics — the very concept they should be shielded from. So to put them at further risk on account of my own shortcomings... that's unacceptable to me.⠀ ❜ ⠀

⠀⠀There are plenty of ways to deal with treachery and disobedience— and the methods one uses reveals plenty of who that person is. A resort to Command Seals could be interpreted plenty of ways, but the mage lays out her method plainly enough. A binding spell... All things considered, it is an interesting choice to make. Were the King of Heroes himself bound to curses and spells behind his back at the whim of his subject (his Master), he would surely kill them for such arrogance.

⠀⠀But this one did no resort to a direct method of death for disobedience. A binding spell that would compel a Servant to attack and destroy their own Master... It is a death sentence to the Servant, losing their source of mana. And it is also a death sentence to the Master for failing to command the loyalty and respect of the Heroic Spirit...

⠀⠀⠀⠀"Well, well— I must admit, it is a far more interesting method than I anticipated." A rare admittance of being pleasantly surprised. "But, all the same... To be so willing to throw away your own life over such disobedience— one could easily interpret that as foolishness or cowardice. Were you so eager to throw yourself onto the sword over such a failure? Is your nobility and pride so fragile, mongrel...? Or perhaps— is the opposite true?"