mauvehound

[mauvehound]

"MAUVIER!"

Marni's demanding voice pierces through the ballroom and she stops in front of the poor man with her hands on her hips. A dangerous smile is on her lips; a sure sign of disaster on the horizon coming from a chronic troublemaker.

"I need you to lift me up. You see the big guy over there, Mauvier?" She points extremely openly to a rather tall mustachioed man. "I need to write something on his head in exchange for tricking Griss into eating a sweet bun."

Augh, but this is Mauvier they're talking about, famous stick in the mud! He hardly ever does what she wants! What to do, what to do...

She does have one thing at her disposal, however.

"If you do, I'll give you AND Lady Veyle my brooch or whatever!"

(no pressure to reply if you're too busy for the ball, just wanted this sent for posterity haha)

"..."

Originally, Mauvier had no intention of participating in the ball in any formal capacity. These types of occasions are simply not for him - he is not one for balls and celebrations, he does not feel comfortable in a large group, and others are likely to not feel great near him either, causing him to simply kill the mood. For those reasons and more, he keeps to himself and lets others have their fun.

But, having finished all of his duties, he found himself with nothing else to do, and so he thought to simply... peek in and see how everything is going, see if anyone needs help, make sure Lady Veyle, Divine One and others are well. Get in, get out and move on, right?

And yet, mere minutes after he found a corner to stand and observe the fun, he is being dragged into a Situation by none other than Marni.

"You need to do what now?..."

Normally, Mauvier would excuse himself from these sorts of shenanigans, and he can see that Marni expects him to try. The promise of a brooch for himself means little to him, though for Lady Veyle... he could do a favor.

But above all else, after the everything that they had gone through, he finds himself struggling to say no to her, even for something like this.

And so, he merely sighs. The tall man she had pointed to happens to be alone and unoccupied for the moment, so Mauvier approaches him and clears his throat.

"Okay, well..."

"Hold still for a moment..."

[mauvehound]

@losojos-decupido ; Lance +1

If asked, Mauvier would readily admit that he is not sure whether or not harvest festivals were a common occurrence in the Elusian countryside. On the one hand, in the kingdom's harsh climate, there often was little to celebrate; on the other, that does not deprive the common folk of the right to cherish what they had, and perhaps the Hound has simply lived his life too far away from the people to truly get to know them.

A search within his childhood memories returns with a few scattered images of such celebrations held in Firene, which is, of course, not surprising. He recalls some dances, music, good food, smiling faces.

Hovering above and covering it all akin to a veil of fog, he also remembers the bitterness of his mother, who saw it as nothing more than further proof that the Divine Dragon smiled upon others while ignoring her and her family's plight. These were some of his last days in his homeland.

Alas, those are the tales of old, and they no longer matter. Today, Mauvier finds himself in a foreign land, bearing the name of its ruling House - Ordelia. They had a most bountiful harvest season this year, and they decided to celebrate it. Or, perhaps, show it off to their neighbors. Or both. He does not know and it is not important.

What is important is an unexpected face he runs into while strolling through the crowd.

"Prince Fogado? Well met," he says as he approaches. His armor makes it not too difficult to locate the source of his voice. "Have you come here to see the festival?"

Eat Your Veggies || Mauvier & Fogado

[mauvehound]

@firelles ; Riding +1

Calm moments of peaceful repose have always been in short supply for Mauvier. Both because of his profession and duty, and because a lot of the time, even when they did occur, he would voluntarily give them up in favor of an extra patrol round, an extra training session, an extra service for Lady Veyle, an extra something for someone other than himself. All in the name of atonement for his sins.

And originally, today was supposed to be no different. As soon as it became clear that he would find himself with spare time, his mind immediately brought up a list of things he could do - a few additional rounds with the spear, an inspection in the weaponry, an errand for some medical supplies?

But just then, he remembers something else. Last time he visited the stables, he was told that Agate seemed a little anxious, pacing around in the stables and looking around, as though searching for him. The mare has always been a good, reliable, sturdy companion in all of his battles; both those fought with a weapon, and otherwise.

He owes her a little extra time and attention when she needs him in turn.

And so, after a few treats and a good brush, he takes her out for a calm, quiet ride out into the green, sunny fields to the south of the monastery. And the two of them are not alone, either.

"I should thank you for accompanying us on this little trip, Princess Céline," he says, an ever faint smile on his face as he gets off of his horse's back and then turns to their companion. "I don't know if I can make for a pleasant company... but I can tell that Agate has already taken a shine to your presence."

An Exercise in Peace || Mauvier & Céline

[mauvehound]

Activity Check: April 2024

Status: passed

Skill points gained: - Activity (Faith: E → E+)

Total: 1; 6 → 7

[mauvehound]

"If... If you say so."

A quiet voice at the back of Mauvier's mind insists that there was something that Lady Veyle did not tell him just now. Could it truly be that Zephia and Griss simply accepted her presence, without any trouble? He remembers Zephia using what they thought to be her last moments to grant them a gift that opened a path forwards, and making some amends. Griss seemed already dead by then...

In the end, he drops these thoughts. Who is he to doubt the words of Lady Veyle? All he should focus on is to protect her if it proves necessary.

"Of course. I will always be there for you to protect you whenever you need me, Lady Veyle. You need only say the word."

After all, though he has accepted a teaching position, to be by her side will always be the first and most important role he plays.

With that said... "I do hope you've also had some positive experiences here, Lady Veyle? The stay has not been a waste of your and the Divine One's time?" Surely they would have left and returned home by now had that been the case.

Ch. 21 - The Return || Mauvier & Veyle

[mauvehound]

As soon as I finished writing those tags, I just KNEW I had to make this:

[mauvehound]

Behind every turn and corner, Mauvier finds himself forced to slow down, lest he bump into some student or other, too drawn into their peculiar activity to take notice even of someone as large (and, he has to admit, loud) as him. Now, between their classes and training sessions, students can do as they please - though the Hound holds himself to a strict regiment, he would not enforce it upon others. However, when some attempt to discuss, trade and sometimes even play their games in the middle of his explaining the intricacies of not getting stabbed, he finds himself with little choice but to confiscate their precious toys.

Protests erupt, of course, accompanied by pleading, on one occasion even by tears; but the rock remains unmoved. "It's for your own good," he insists, calm, but firm. "Next skirmish, when you successfully evade a bandit's axe because you paid attention instead of playing, you will thank me."

As he nearly kicks another inattentive young man too absorbed in the cards to remember the world around him, Mauvier stifles a sigh and prepares himself for another day of dealing with... whatever this is, really. The young people of Fódlan have very peculiar hobbies. Does the Goddess approve of this, anyway?

However, the thoughts fly right out of his head as he enters the classroom and beholds the well familiar mixture of white, pink and black. He does not look at Mauvier right away, focused on his papers, and mistakes him for a pleading student; and though the Hound is not one to laugh easily, a small smile does creep its way onto his lips. It is only as he approaches and his figure casts a shadow on the dragon that he lifts his eyes, and the moment of recognition startles both of them.

"Ah. Easy there, Lord Rafal. I apologize for surprising you there," Mauvier says with a nod of greeting. "I did not want to interrupt you. Has the news of my arrival in Fódlan not reached you?"

His gaze then wanders briefly - onto the desk, the papers, and the couple of small cards here and there - before returning to the Fell Child.

"I see you have found your patience tested," he notes with a faint smile. "All the same, I hope you've been well."

✦ 𝐇𝐄𝐑𝐄 𝐓𝐎 𝐑𝐄𝐃𝐄𝐄𝐌 ✧

Mission Board: Recovery, authority +1

[mauvehound]

Eliwood of Pherae. An image of Emblem Roy flashes across Mauvier's mind - and looking at the young man before him... he can see some resemblance. Of course.

How interesting. He saves the observation for himself for the time being, merely making a mental note to inquire with the Divine One later. She has been here for a while, and may be more familiar with the specifics. Here and now is not the time.

"Of course. It would be an honor." He picks his weapon - a lightweight iron lance meant for training. As he takes his stance, he notes the one Eliwood assumes. Natural, well-trained movement, no doubt practiced and performed thousands of times. Regardless of age, the man must have experience.

And once they are ready, Mauvier nods - before charging forward.

Mauvier 5/5HP hits Eliwood 5/5HP with Iron Lance [Roll: 10, -1.5HP, Eliwood 3.5/5HP]

The strike connects, and the Hound withdraws swiftly after the bite.

"Now, I believe my weapon of choice gives me something of an advantage due to range. You must adapt how quickly you attempt to evade - you have to move faster than you would against, say, an axe. Now, come at me!"

*ੈ✩ -- do you wanna beat each other up with sticks

[ TOA OPEN ] - sparring into the late night.

[mauvehound]

Something has happened. The moment Lady Veyle embraced him, Mauvier could tell right away, and the gentle smile he greeted her with has by now been replaced with a frown of concern that meets her eyes as she pulls away to speak with him more. Still, his hands, appearing larger than they truly are in comparison to her small form and then made larger still with the armor covering them, rest on her shoulders - an attempt at comfort, reassurance, promise: I am here.

But when she finally speaks, he freezes.

"Zephia... and Griss? How? Did we not—"

No, you didn't, his mind interrupts him in his own voice. You beat them up and then left early because you thought that was good enough, and now see what happened thanks to your negligence. You should have stood guard until they breathed their last. Why didn't you?

The realization dawning on him, he does not finish the sentence, merely sighing at his own failure, before his full focus returns to Lady Veyle.

"Did they threaten or hurt you? Worry not, I will not allow them to approach you anymore. Please never hesitate to let me know if you need me to accompany you for safety. I can always rearrange my work."

Ch. 21 - The Return || Mauvier & Veyle

[mauvehound]

@diadic

The famed navy of Margrave Edmund certainly looks the part. Mauvier is no naval officer, of course, but he has enough experience with the Elusian armada to admit this one’s superiority. Though Elusia spared no effort or funding in their service to the Fell Dragon, the majority of its battles took place on land, and so that was where the majority of resources were placed. In between differences of needs and priorities, this navy indeed got far ahead of any other he has ever seen.

Of course, this is his judgment by looks only, and looks can be deceiving. The vessels may look impressive on the outside, but be full of faults within. Or perhaps too much funding and effort went into them, but at the cost of the training offered to the people operating them. Or they can, in fact, be as well prepared as they claim to be, only for the cruelty of gods and fate to play their tricks on them.

Perhaps he will find out soon enough.

Several students and Knights alike have made the trip to the margraviate, some in groups, some independently, and they have by now split off in different directions, attracted to different sights. For his part, he finds himself aboard an impressive vessel that, from what he has gathered, bears the name of “The Ariadne”. However, it is the student accompanying him here that attracts most of his attention and interest, rather than the ship.

“Young Lord Leif, correct?” He addresses the brunet in a moment of free time. Emblem Leif almost forces its way out of his lips, but after having taken notice of several of those renowned heroes from lands beyond both in class and during the Battle of the Eagle and Lion, he knows this to be the case no longer. This is Lord Leif in flesh and blood.

Fascinating.

“You seem to be rather comfortable on a ship,” Mauvier continues. “Have you prior experience with sailing? I should also ask - if we do indeed run into pirates, how well will you be able to handle naval combat?”

Castles on Sand, Fortresses on Waves || Mauvier & Leif

Mission board: Showcase || Heavy Armor +1

[mauvehound]

Through his years of service as the spear of the Fell Dragon, Mauvier has been given several less than favorable epithets, by (so-called) allies and enemies alike; ranging from mild ones such as boring or stiff, all the way to some calling him a stoneheart or claiming that he simply does not have one at all. He would not attempt to refute or counter their claims, having long since lost the right to do so, but there was one thing he would admit: a great majority of those throwing such phrases have never seen the way he is before Lady Veyle.

He chuckles ever so briefly as she wraps her arms around him, and lowers himself to one knee to make the hug easier. Something about the way she exclaims her name and embraces him grabs his attention, and though she cannot see it, a light frown flashes across his face. Though he is always aware of the difference in status and boundary between them, he also places his arms around her small form, as though to assure her that he is here and he is real.

"I apologize sincerely for how long it took me to make the journey, Lady Veyle," he says quietly. "But I'm here now."

He does not urge to pull away until she does, offering her all the time she seems to need. It is only then that he takes a better look at her face.

"Have you been well? Is there anything I can do for you?"

Ch. 21 - The Return || Mauvier & Veyle

[mauvehound]

❥     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 ?

[mauvehound]

Activity Check: March 2024

Status: passed

Skill points gained: - BOEL 2024 (Lance: D → D+) - Activity (Lance: D+ → C)

Total: 2; 4 → 6

Obtained: - Goddess' Favor (BOEL 2024)

Cavalier class unlocked!

Lance Fighter class unlocked!

[mauvehound]

pupy (she pet the puppy) i love pupy you are so softm and nice

omg

[mauvehound]

How cruel, how tragic, that the Mauvier of this world would survive, but only as a dog. Still, her mentor is alive and well (if not furrier than she remembers) and that is all she can ask for.

Kneeling on the floor, Madeline takes one of his paws in her hand, the other hand held solemnly over her heart in an oath.

"Pardon me for taking your hand... Er, paw. Mauvier, I swore to you that I would make you proud. If you would allow me, I will swear to you now to take you out on walks every day and make sure that your water bowl always has fresh water. I will also incorporate throwing a ball for you into my daily training."

(Maybe it's presumptuous of her to think so, but he would look so cute with a ribbon on his collar. ...No, Madeline, get a hold of yourself! This isn't a random dog! This is Mauvier!)

Is that... Marni? No, something seems a little off about her outfit's color. Then again, he cannot be sure. Dogs can't see reds and greens properly, after all.

He lets her hold his paw and listens to her, his tail wagging gently. If only he could smile, but alas, all he can do is look at her with soppy eyes, most attentively.

Her oath shall be accepted with the utmost joy. What can he offer her in return? Tail wags? Help with training by dutifully bringing the ball back each time? He doesn't know yet, but whatever he can do, he will, like a good boy.

He sniffs her hand that holds his paw, and then, as though to sign the oath as well,

schlorp.

[mauvehound]

You know,

it is true, he is indeed a Hound,

but this is taking it a little too far.

[mauvehound]

You've done enough for today, go and get some rest. Words that Mauvier has heard more times than he could ever count; and yet, one would be forgiven for believing that he has never been told them, for he behaves as though he has no idea what they mean. So consistently does he ignore them.

And so it goes today as well - although his classes, training and patrol are all done, the Hound refuses to retire just yet. He still has more than enough energy for a few more swings of a weapon, and it would be unbecoming of him to squander it. One shall not stand in place when one has the ability to move forward.

To his surprise however, he takes notice of another silhouette as he arrives at the training grounds. A student - Mauvier believes he had caught a brief glimpse of him during the mock battle, under the banner of the Golden Deer, but that is where his knowledge of this young man ends. A dutiful one without a doubt, considering his determination to continue training after seminars have concluded.

"Good afternoon," he greets when addressed. "I have come to get a little training of my own, as well. I hope I'm not intruding?"

His eyes dart from the redhead, to the training dummy, and back to him - stopping on his eyes and the hint of frustration concealed within.

"I am Mauvier, Professor of the Black Eagles. Are you looking for a sparring partner, or need some tips? Perhaps there is something I could help you with?"

*ੈ✩ -- do you wanna beat each other up with sticks

[ TOA OPEN ] - sparring into the late night.