huntersoatharchive

[huntersoatharchive]

If she had any less self control, Clorinde would have hastily downed the entirety of her wine in a desperate attempt to quell some of her nerves that sent her stomach spiraling into a tempest of uncertainty. Yet despite her anxiety, the sight of Navia's eyes lighting up at her presence brought a sense of familiarity and ... comfort-- it almost took her to a time and place in the past, when they were younger, still retained some shred of innocence, and completely inseparable. Clorinde would have never believed that her life would exist without Navia in it. She never would have believed that she would've been the one to leave, either... but a huge part of her changed in the aftermath of Callas's duel, whether she wanted to admit it or not. The nightmares that left her throat sore from screaming, the moments where she would jerk awake only to scratch desperately at her palms as if they were covered in the blood of the only father figure she ever had-- it was a side that she never wanted Navia to see. That she never wanted anyone to see.

The sharp intake of breath that was barely audible over the ambiance of soft music was her initial response to hearing Navia's voice; no matter how many times she'd come to listen to the words spoken from her lips, Clorinde would never tire of it... Especially not when she missed it so dearly for 3 long, long years.

Navia looked beautiful, as always. But a tinge of exhaustion darkened her features and caused her shoulders to slump a bit more than normal; little escaped Clorinde's attention, especially when it came to her. Lithe fingers wrapped around the stem of her wine glass before bringing it to her lips, the tremble in her hand barely evident to anyone around-- she knew that Navia would pick up on it, though, and the thought did embarrass her a bit.

"No. You didn't," A bit of a lie... but she'd wait as long as it took for Navia to show up. "... Thank you. For coming. I wasn't-- I wasn't sure if you would." A quick swig of her drink is all it takes before she places it back on the table before her, relishing in the warmth that followed Navia wherever she went. "I do hope you're not working too much? The Spina has had quite the following- your deeds have reached a large audience." "... Don't overexert yourself."

I care about you. I worry about you. God, Navia, please don't make yourself sick- Ask for help. I'll be there before you can blink. All the words she wanted to say, but couldn't.

@fromspina

Navia hurried down the cobblestone streets of the Court of Fontaine, the heels of her boots clicking and clacking against the ground with each hasty step. She muttered a curse under her breath. The Demoiselle often ran late, especially when it came to tea parties and social dinners, but tonight—tonight especially—Navia knew that she should have prioritised her prior schedule with Clorinde, and yet...

I really should’ve said no… She thought to herself as she rounded the last corner towards Hotel Debord.

The truth was, the request from her old client had been nothing urgent. A minor issue within the supply chain, one that did not need her personal touch at all, and one that Melus had even insisted he could tend to on his own, if not together with Silver. Ultimately, it could have waited. But when the letter came, Navia couldn’t help the sudden surge of relief. There it was, an excuse to stay for a little bit longer, to avoid confronting the mess of emotions swirling within her, to keep herself from thinking and thinking and thinking until she had whipped up boxes upon boxes of macarons out of stress.

It meant for an easy distraction. Who could ever blame her for accepting it when it was something she so desperately needed then?

Guilt began settling in as she neared the hotel.

While, yes, they may have had lunch not long ago in an attempt of mending their relationship, this somehow, some way, felt far more serious. Far more formal. And Navia knew she was simply delaying the inevitable as her pace slowed down, but, see, lunch was one thing. It was easy to fill the silence between them then with talks about how her beloved Partner had been such an amazing friend and companion, how brilliant their mind was, and how much of a glutton Paimon could be. Lunch was casual. A chat between two old friends over a warm plate of Trout Amandine (and, okay, she’ll confess now—she had purposely chosen seafood for lunch, if only to tease the Duelist. But, hey! She had prepared a small pack of macarons for Clorinde after!) This, on the other hand...

That Clorinde had been the one to invite her out had come as a pleasant surprise. It meant that at last, Navia did not have to chase after Clorinde anymore. That finally, her friend—her stupid, bone-headed best friend who had so boldly left her behind with nothing but a shortsword in her hand to remember her by—had stopped running away.

But… could they even talk without the shadows of their past overwhelming them?

Her hand reached for the door handle to the hotel, her chest rising as she took a deep breath in to still her heart. No use hesitating now. The Spina’s president was never one to suddenly get cold a feet and run, and she sure as hell wasn’t about to begin now!

Forcing herself through the door, she scanned the room for Clorinde, which didn’t take long. There she was, sitting alone at a table, her back perfectly straight and her gaze fixed on the—oh. On her. Before swiftly shifting away. Navia could almost hear her foot tapping beneath the table as she approached closer. Clorinde always appeared so composed, so collected, but the small tells were there if you knew where to look. And Navia knew. Matter of fact, she used to boast that only she could read Clorinde’s ever so stoic mask, once upon a time.

With a quiet exhale, she slid into the chair across from Clorinde, catching the subtle clench of Clorinde’s jaw and the way her hand twitched near the stem of the wine glass, as if she were bracing herself for a confrontation rather than a reunion. Really… Just how long will it take, she wondered, to undo the way Clorinde would avoid her eyes and stiffen up every time she was near?

It hurt. Just a little. But Clorinde need not know that.

“ Sorry, I’m late, ” she started softly, hoping that the apology in her voice could mask the exhaustion underneath it. “ I got caught up in something. Didn’t really have to, but... You know me, always trying to stay busy where I can! ”

Hands on her lap, she fiddled absentmindedly with her gloved thumb, letting the brief silence between them settle for a moment longer before, with a deep sigh, she continued, a small, but sincere smile tugging at the corner of her lips.

“ Thanks for the invitation. I didn’t make you wait too long, did I? ”

[huntersoatharchive]

one shot, one kill

@fromspina

In a strange sort of way, storms had always been... comforting. Perhaps it was due to her affinity for Electro, but the swirling canvas of dark gray and occasional flashes of lightning would provide a sense of serenity that Clorinde had been unable to find elsewhere. The thunder's roar could easily function as a lullaby to send her into sleep; a highly uncharacteristic trait, considering the fact that the Duelist remained on high alert at all times. The slightest sound could wake her, hand already reaching for the pistol she kept carefully placed on her bedside table. That changed, though. The storm of fury evident in the depths of Navia's eyes had suddenly culled her love for that weather, and she had come to despise it-- a bitter reminder of the choices she grew to regret, wishing that she had never left Navia in the wake of Callas's death. Those sky blue eyes felt so foreign bearing such a negative emotion. They were meant to convey love and support for all those around her, and it wasn't right to see them clouded with.... A sharp intake of breath interrupted Clorinde's thoughts as a gloved hand clenched tightly into a fist, brows slanted downwards into the very beginning of a subtle scowl. The flood of memories from a darker time would do nothing to support her in her current endeavor: she had impulsively extended an invitation to the Spina's President in hopes of gaining an audience over a nice dinner at Hotel Debord. Impulsive... hah, another trait she'd never attribute to herself. It was funny how Navia always managed to bring all of these inconsistencies out in her. While it had sounded like a good idea in the moment, the horror of reality quickly set in. Clorinde spent a majority of her afternoon clambering about in an attempt to make herself presentable, rehearsing her words over and over in her mind in order to make sure that she successfully got her sentiments across-- in the end, it never sounded quite right... and the Duelist finally accepted the fact that she was going to make a fool of herself, no matter how long she spent preparing. Somehow, some way, this was turning out to be far stressful than any duel she'd participated in.

That's how she found herself here, seated at their reservation... alone. A glass of wine remained situated in front of her, completely untouched as her foot quietly tapped a disjointed beat against the carpet underneath her. The invitation had stated 7pm sharp, and the fact that Navia wasn't here yet twisted a knife into her gut... What if she had declined? What if she didn't want to come, what if she didn't want to talk to her...? Clorinde wouldn't blame her in the slightest if she changed her mind in the long run. After all, she had abandoned her when Navia needed her most. A blunder that was seared into the depths of her memory, and a burden she'd bear until her dying days. Fate had a strange way of inflicting unto yourself the pain you've given to others; Clorinde wondered if this was the atonement for her past transgressions. But, then again... Navia did always run late. Perhaps a spark of hope could stay, and her teeth dug into the inside of her cheek as violet eyes remained on the singular entrance into the restaurant.

[huntersoatharchive]

(( Hello! This is an independent RP blog for Clorinde from Genshin Impact recently returning from hiatus. If you’re a RP blog yourself, please toss a like or a reblog so I can follow you/interact with you. Thanks! ))

(( DMs are open for plotting and any questions. ))

[huntersoatharchive]

“Now, as we face the perils of the long night, I pledge to remember the oath of daylight. To enshrine tears, life, and love, holding dawn’s coming as my votive– and so shall I never despair.”

** These are my thoughts on where I stand with Clorinde's character as a whole following her SQ. Spoilers below for sure, I highly recommend waiting to read until you've done her SQ!!! **

Duty and Grief

Clorinde doesn’t regret any of the choices she’s made. Everything she does is done with the full acceptance of what her duty is, and she fully embraces the path she’s taken as a weaponized aspect of Fontaine’s justice. That sentiment extends even to the duel with Callas; in her mind, the absolute greatest way she could honor the man was to give him the fairest chance to prove his innocence. His desire to fall in the ring was something only she could provide him in that moment, and she took the killing blow knowing that it’s what he would have wanted. Regardless of how she personally felt about the situation, or about how she knew Navia would feel, it was her duty in that moment to give him a fair trial by combat.

This doesn’t absolve her of the personal weight she feels as a result, though. Callas might as well have been one of the only healthy parental figures she had in her life, judging by the content of her recent SQ. According to Navia, Clorinde frequently spent the night in favor of remaining with her master, and other dialogue opens the idea that Clorinde felt little intimidation in approaching him when it came to specific matters.

While it’s evident that her Master didn’t hold a complete lack of care for Clorinde’s wellbeing, it’s very apparent that she did NOT provide a healthy environment for a child to grow up in. It’s the beginning of her self-image of being nothing more than a weapon to be wielded by the Courts, and she plays into this concept with the quote:  “For when I draw my blade, I am but an instrument of Fontaine’s law.”  This is heavily reinforced by the fact that she was taught to wield a blade from as early as three years old, and it gives the impression that her performance and ability to improve her combat skills is what made her feel worthy in Petronilla’s eyes. (Whether this was the case for Petronilla herself, we won’t know. I doubt it considering her old cape was left for Clorinde, as the action felt very deliberate.)

Where her Master provided her with tools, Callas and Navia provided her with love. Clorinde taught Navia that she’d always have someone to back her up– Navia taught Clorinde what the warmth of love felt like. 

I don’t doubt that Clorinde felt a lot of conflict upon seeing the contrast between herself and Navia. She’d never be resentful, but I don’t doubt that she (as a child) wondered what she was doing wrong in her life to not be surrounded by love in the same manner that Navia was. Judging by the way she speaks of her past, talking about how she was unable to sleep without her Master nearby– I suspect that she harbors some rather nasty abandonment issues from a combination of her absent parents and absent Master.

This extends into her adulthood as well, when she chooses to entrust the shortsword to Navia in an attempt to keep their friendship alive in the aftermath of Callas’s death. She’s too afraid to face Navia head-on, afraid to lose every aspect of her best (and probably only) friend if she were to stay. She takes the approach of leaving before she’s left first, even though we know that it’s not what she wanted in the end. 

She doesn’t lack confidence in her work. She’s aware of her skill level, and she’s aware that her prowess far outperforms every other duelist in the Court. In her personal life, though, it’s not the same. See: “Navia… Did you really mean everything you said?” (that’s not the exact quote but I’ll update it when I find it) With her older years, though, it doesn’t seem to be as much of an issue, but she still continues to tiptoe around it with Navia. She’s not even the one to broach the topic first– it’s Navia who brings it up. Whether that stems from a respect for Navia’s feelings or an anxiety for facing the possibility of losing Navia again, I’m not sure. If I had to wager, it’s likely a combination of both.

While Clorinde has spent a good amount of time mourning the loss of both Callas and Petronilla, nothing hurt her quite in the same way that Navia’s loss did. Navia is open with the fact that Clorinde is, and always will be, her best friend– there is 0 doubt in my mind that Clorinde returns the sentiment, if not even more. Navia’s the one person that has never left her, and even with their estrangement, it was NEVER Navia who made that decision to separate them from each other.

I suspect she left because Clorinde never learned how to mourn. She’s never been given the opportunity to, whether it was out of expectation to remain strong, or just never having a chance. How was she supposed to mourn people that disappeared without a trace? How could she justify mourning Callas, when it was her fault that he was gone in the first place? How would that feel right?

So when it comes to facing her grief, the only thing she knows how to do is remove herself from it entirely. Instead of grieving with Navia, she removes herself from the situation as a whole, and consumes herself with her duty. (See:  The fact that she never takes days off, and the fact that Navia mentions that she’s always working.)

Her self-sacrifice knows no bounds as it is, and that only multiplies when it comes to Navia. Before the duel with Callas, she would have done anything for her just because of her love for her best friend– after the duel, it’s a mixture of love and a sort of atonement. After her SQ, it’s just her love being stronger than it was before, since she’s finally realized what she really does mean to Navia. And vice versa. Whether you read into that love as platonic or more, that’s up to you! (I personally lean more towards romantic, but that’s just me *twirls hair*)

She’s long since healed and grown from the scars left behind by those who have abandoned her– and I suspect a large part of that is from Navia, who has never left her side. Regardless of the relationships she forms from this moment forward, there is nothing that will compare to that level of comfort that the two of them hold with one another. 

Clorinde is really not as complicated of a person as people make her out to be. Her motives are very cut and dry, and while there’s a natural conflict between duty and personal feelings, the things that matter to her are very obvious. She’s a kind person, much more than she lets on, judging by the way that she’s the first to visit Furina after her move and expresses concern about getting her a better place to live. She holds an affinity for SOME animals (ones she doesn’t hunt lmao), but we only see that in her web event with the damn birds. She doesn’t hesitate to help other citizens, and in her voice lines we hear her talk about how she’ll blindfold herself if her opponent in a duel is visually impaired. 

She wants to provide a fair chance to as many people as she can, considering her start in life wasn't fair by any means. It's not how you start, but it's what you make of it-- regardless of the hand you've been dealt.

THIS IS STILL A WORK IN PROGRESS AND I’LL DEFINITELY WORD VOMIT MORE ABOUT HER BECAUSE HER SQ HAS JUST SENT ME INTO A FRENZY RAAAAAAAAAAH

[huntersoatharchive]

(( HEYYYY IT’S YA GIRL!! I’M BACK… Stay tuned for updates and fixing everything back up! Changing from marechausseeduelist to huntersoath!

I’ll be reposting a promotional post again and for those of you who were writing with me before, please feel free to send a message or interact with me once again! So sorry for falling off the face of the earth, but for the foreseeable future, I’ll be active once again. 🫡 ))

[huntersoatharchive]

(( I AM SO SORRY I'VE BEEN DEAD WORK HAS BEEN AWFUL, I'm writing replies tomorrow!!! ))

[huntersoatharchive]

Fighting Style

bold what consistently applies. italicize situational, not always. cross out what definitely never applies

DOES YOUR MUSE ███████, WHILE FIGHTING:

fight honorably / fight dirty / prefer close-quarters / prefer range / chat during / go silent / low pain tolerance / high pain tolerance / attack in bursts / attack steadily / go for the kill / aim to disarm / fight defensively / strike first / provoke easily / provoke their opponent / tease / get visibly frustrated / shout while attacking / use strategy / focus on their battle / experience conflicting thoughts during battle / rush in recklessly / try to read their opponent before fighting / fight wildly / fight calmly / apathetically / fight with anger / fight with excitement / fight because they have to / fight because they want to / fight without regard to wounds / run away when wounded / hide wounds / take a blow to protect another / prefer a blade / prefer a gun / prefer a bow / prefer a shield / prefer a spear / prefer a personalized weapon / prefer magic or spells / prefer brawling / their greatest weakness is physical / their greatest weakness is mental / their greatest weakness is emotional / transform for battle / fight as they appear / rely on strength / rely on speed / use everything they have / hide their full potential / exhaust quickly / high stamina / doubt their strength / proceed with caution / behave arrogantly / brag after landing a hit / belittle their abilities / use psychological tactics / use brute strength / avoid civilians / strike down civilians / damage surroundings / avoid damaging surroundings / signature fighting style / making it up as they go / mastered skillset / learning their skillset / fancy footwork / sloppy footwork / messy fighter / elegant fighter / accept defeat / refuse defeat / beg for mercy / compliment their opponent / insult their opponent / use unnecessary movements (flips, twirls) / move efficiently / barely move / prefer to dodge / prefer to block / defends their blindside / has no blindside / use all available advantages / strictly use one main method / play around / hold back / fight ruthlessly / show mercy / wait for opponent to be ready / strike when opponent isn’t ready / fear death / fear pain / fear killing / has PTSD / avoids fighting / has lost a fight / has won a fight / has killed / refuses to kill / wants to die standing / would succumb slowly

Tagged by: @predvestnik Tagging: @wcrden, @maitrese, @tidesbeckon, @starwardsword, @justiceservved (( and anyone who wants!!))

[huntersoatharchive]

Injuries, Old and New Prompts

(Prompts for scenarios for injured muses. Add "+ 🔄" or "+ reverse" to reverse the scenario!)

😴 My muse wakes up in the middle of the night to find your muse injured in their living room

👊 My muse gets hurt during a fight

🔍 Your muse spots an old injury belonging to my muse that they didn't know about before

🩹 Your muse takes care of my muse after a bad injury

🔓 My muse reveals a hidden injury to your muse

🛡️ My muse gets hurt while trying to protect your muse

😑 My muse accidentally hurts themselves while doing something mundane

🤫 My muse tries to hide an injury from your muse

💔 My muse sees your muse getting hurt but is unable to stop it

🧳 My muse has been away for a while and returns with a mysterious injury

🙈 Your muse helps my muse to hide an injury

🕒 My muse is still affected by an old injury and they need your muse to help them

💭 My muse's opinion on something changes after getting hurt

🎭 My muse pretends to be injured for a specific reason

😖 My muse feels guilty after accidentally hurting your muse

💫 My muse has temporary memory loss after an injury

😤 My muse complains about a small, inconsequential injury to your muse

[huntersoatharchive]

The sound of an unfamiliar voice catches her attention, and she tosses a glance over her shoulder in an attempt to identify the stranger. A slight pause gives her a moment to inspect the other, brow quirking.

The unknown woman's demeanor is that of a gentle disposition, and as Clorinde turns to face her, she extends a gloved hand in the offer of a handshake. "It's nice to meet you, mademoiselle-- I'm Clorinde, one of the Champion Duelists serving the Court of Fontaine. I've come here on account of the Iudex; for both business and... a forced vacation."

@maitrese

☆ ⠀ ⠀ @marechausseeduelist ⠀ ⠀ ╱ ⠀ ⠀❤'d.

'    You're    a    long    way    from    home    aren't    you?    I    welcome    you    to    Monstadt.    My    name    is    Jean,    I    am    the    current    acting    grandmaster    here.' 

[huntersoatharchive]

She took a moment to clear her throat, brows furrowing as the duelist perused the top page of her current document. The details were quite straightforward, as far as she knew-- tailing a few suspects, gathering evidence, and ultimately making an arrest if it was wholly necessary. Despite this, Clorinde knew the danger that came along with stepping in to affairs like this, and she nearly hesitated on telling Navia the details. The last thing she wanted was to put her in harm's way. But it was her job to protect her and watch over her, right? Just like Callas had asked of her.

"There's been an influx of assault cases involving the Melusines. I have a list of suspects, and I'm responsible for narrowing it down. I'd rather not involve other Gardes, as it might make too much of a stir and scare off our culprit." Making a move to set the papers down, she heaved a sigh. "I can't watch multiple people at once. Your help would be heavily appreciated-- I can compensate you generously, as well. This work won't go unpaid."

Clorinde was more than aware of the financial struggles that the Spina had faced of late. If she could use any excuse to help fund them, she would.

Speaking in a quiet tone that was barely audible, her face morphed into a wistful smile. "Thank you for coming, Navia."

@spinadir0sula

Navia nodded her head, her curls bouncing ever so slightly in tune of the nod, carefully sitting down; her hands in her lap. It was unlike for the blonde to be so quiet, considering her options. "Well.. If I may be inquired, what is perhaps- this request?" Navia questioned, uncertainty in her voice.

As much as she wanted to accept it, there were consequences to her actions and Silver n Melus wasn't there to help her pick the correct choice- or well, help her correct her thinking and protect her; even if she declined the protection due to the protection being needed for such a silly little thing and that she was a grown woman with her own choices.

The words were on the tip of her tongue, struggling for the right to come out, before Navia decided not to speak. Instead, she listened intently to Clorinde's answer to her question, her right brow raising up quickly in curiosity.

[huntersoatharchive]

A moment of silence passed as she closed her eyes-- bracing herself for the incoming conversation was harder than she thought, and she inhaled a deep breath before steadying her hands on the surface of her desk. As many times as she had stared death in the face, it never prepared her for navigating the complicated situation that the two of them found themselves in. "Please, come in."

The duelist rose from her seat the moment Navia would enter the room, indigo eyes settling on the face that could bring her to her knees at a moment's notice. Her brows furrowed ever so slightly, and she made her way around to the front of her desk; Clorinde raised a stack of papers in her hand, a wistful smile crossing her face.

If only they were meeting under different circumstances.

"I apologize for the sudden invitation. I... wasn't sure if you'd come, actually." She spoke in a quiet tone, averting her eyes as she chose to focus on the files in front of her. "I could use your assistance on a matter-- I promise this request won't waste your time. The Spina's resources would be a great help to the case I've been assigned. Please, take a seat, if you find yourself interested."

The duelist paused for a moment, fidgeting with the papers in her hands. To most, it would look like she was simply sifting through them; to anyone else who knew her better, they'd realize the hint of anxiety seeping into her motions.

"I... also understand if you decline."

@spinadir0sula

Navia's heels echoed in the hallway, a hum leaving her lips as she approached the door of Clorinde's office, raising her hand to knock at the door. The lady had a sneaking suspicion on what this was about, having heard it from some of her connections, though she didn't expect Clorinde to invite her to her office at such a sudden time.

"It's Navia, the president of the spina di rosula." She spoke firmly, making sure to state her name and her title like with her other formal friends that she met up with in the past. "May I come in?" Navia inquired, her blue eyes fixating on the door handle and more-so focusing on the incoming silky voice of the duelist to let her inside.

Navia quickly signaled her bodyguards to stay at the door, smiling lightly at them to calm down and trust her- even if her and Clorinde's relationship was .. not that great, including the tension around them both when they were in the same room together.

[huntersoatharchive]

Clorinde | Gameplay

[huntersoatharchive]

home is where the heart is

[huntersoatharchive]

i knew i was going to get obsessed over them hARD

[huntersoatharchive]

As an agent of the courts, Clorinde's duties had directed her towards reconstruction efforts throughout the span of the Court in the wake of the Great Flood. Where the Knave and Spina di Rosula had tackled more distant areas like Poisson, Clorinde helped coordinate efforts towards the surrounding areas of the main city; repair of the aquabus lines had been quite the priority alongside the recovery of residential areas that had seen the most damage. As the primary lead given the task to allocate resources, she found herself instructing various units of the Marechaussee Phantom to assist the locals.

She had taken up post near Hotel Debord, a stack of papers detailing construction proposals in her hands. Her brows remained furrowed as she quickly sifted through the documents, indigo eyes searching for any faults in the plans delegated to her. Neuvillette was certainly more suited for this type of work than she was, but... It was a necessary evil, and the Iudex knew she would complete it with impressive accuracy.

The sound of her name being called tore her gaze away from her forms, turning her head to search for the source. Eyes settled on an unfamiliar figure-- the invitation being hastily extended caused her to blink a few times before answering. "Please, just Clorinde. I don't believe we've had the pleasure of meeting, mademoiselle." Where she would normally accept any chance to visit the Cafe, she certainly had her fair share of work cut out for her here... As she opened her mouth to protest, a few of the Melusine nearby came up to usher her away from the construction site. According to them, she was working herself into an early grave, and any chance of relaxation would be beneficial to her (and her work, for that matter). Clorinde's disagreements fell on deaf ears, and ultimately, she found herself shoehorned out of the project for the time being. Clearing her throat, she sheepishly adjusted the hat on her head before heaving a sigh. "I suppose that settles that matter... I'd be glad to join you. I don't believe I'll be allowed back in until I take a break. We can discuss your request...?"

@grislyintentions

Closed starter for @marechausseeduelist

In the ensuing chaos that was the Great Flood, the nation of Fontaine has been beleaguered with it's fair share of problems despite the high capabilities of the presiding Iudex.

Though none of it was truly her responsibility, it still did not feel right for the adeptus to sit idly by and watch the nation that had so generously taken her in suffer. Qing'er may be powerless to aid in ways that truly moved the Heavens but there are still matters she could take into her own hands- with a little bit of help, of course.

It is with this resolve in mind that the well-dressed lady made her way down the cobbled stone steps towards the esteemed Champion Duelist.

"Lady Clorinde. I was hoping to seek your assistance in some matters. Would you be so kind as to join me for a spot of tea at Cafe Lutece?"

Or...well what remains of it.

[huntersoatharchive]

That voice was awfully familiar from recent memory-- though she couldn't pinpoint the exact owner, her curiosity was sated in the moment her 'audience' made themselves known. A Harbinger... More specifically, the very man who had previously been trapped in the depths of the Fortress of Meropide. Wriothesley and Neuvillette both had imparted quite the extensive file of information to her; she had also been a witness to his combat prowess that nearly forced her to draw her blade. Thankfully, the Iudex had seen fit to put him into his place, and acted swiftly enough to where the duelist didn't have to. "Fortunate for you, I suppose," Clorinde mused, idly tapping her fingers against the pommel of her rapier. His presence alarmed her in more ways than one; the Fatui often functioned in units, and where there was a single agent, many more usually followed. While she was certain that she could hold her own in a fight against this particular man, she would rather have avoided any sort of conflict. Diplomatic dealings between Snezhnaya and Fontaine were already tense... Her eager trigger finger would do nothing but further damage that relationship. "I appreciate your comments. I'm well aware of your own ability." While her tone came off as terse, her body remained completely relaxed. If Tartaglia meant to be a threat, he would've already made the effort. "And what, might I ask, brings you to the outskirts here? I can't say I see anyone trekking through here. It's not safe. Though I suppose that doesn't matter to people like me and you."

@predvestnik

         ❛ Nobody you should worry about. ❜ His voice rises selectively from his chosen place of rest — against a tree, in a patch of soft grass and several meters away from a group of Survey Meks mapping the ore clusters in the region. Any noises produced in their operation were mixed to the onslaughts of the duelist mere moments ago and, somehow, Tartaglia found it fitting, truly entertaining. So he stayed as the silent audience to something private.

Not quite hidden, not quite in view. The shadows otherwise cast over him are replaced by the bright light of a day still in its peak as he makes himself fully seen. And lest his presence be mistaken for foul, the Harbinger anticipates probing, offers clarification. ❛ It was a fortunate coincidence that my little stroll led me to your training. ❜ His pace towards the edge of the clearing is unhurried, experimental. It meets a halt upon establishing a decent, comfortable gap between them.

         ❛ Outstanding performance, if you allow me the observation. ❜ He completes for a complete reading of the other as eyes remain affixed to the champion's every move. Tartaglia scans the details, from the quality of the swordsmanship to the mere acting of guarding the blade into its sheath. Everything matters, and coming from a notorious figure, the golden name of the Court of Fontaine, he expected nothing less — a validation of interest, the calling of a good challenge should the time ever come.

[huntersoatharchive]

Gently pushing the doors open to allow her access, the duelist took no time in striding across the room to stand in front of the Iudex's desk as she normally did-- for the briefest of moments, indigo eyes surveyed his expression that seemingly betrayed... nothing, actually. That seemed to be normal for him, despite Clorinde's ability to pick up on subtle tells from others.

"Of course. What do you need?" She shifted her stance slightly to cross her arms over her chest, her brow quirking subtly enough to give off the hint of her curiosity. The urgency of the request would deem it to be of utmost important, and she would gladly carry out her duty without hesitation. It wasn't even a question; she'd answer 'yes' to any mission sent in her direction.

@tidesbeckon

The Iudex looked up from his paperwork, discarding it for another time. The traveler had brought up a concerning note earlier against the melusines. They were apart of his family, which meant he had to take it in his own hands to protect them dearly.

"Come on in, Clorinde." He spoke, gathering some of the paperwork into a pile inorder to organize ahead of schedule. Neuvillette didn't want Sedene to tell him to start sleeping again, due to incidents in the past.

"I have a.. special request, if you mind completing the task." Neuvillette hummed, the rain starting to pitter and patter against the windowsill. The worriedness of the melusine's protection was seeping through, though his facial expressions didn't show it.