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mysteryunfold · 6 years

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Offense and Insult

Late for @thearcanaweek

Prompt: Snub / Lucio week

Pairing: Lucio x Nadia

Setting: Pre-plauge Vesuvia

Word Count: 3000

Part 2 of 2 (Part 1)

Short Summary: As Nadia’s birthday edges closer, she gets the Council to side against Lucio, and he wants revenge

cw: emotional manipulation. If you have just broken up with someone that was emotional manipulative, might not be the best thing to read. I am speaking from experience.

The afternoon sun hung at twelve noon, but July's winter cloud cover colored the sky grey. Count Lucio drummed his fingers in irritation as he sat at the head of the courtroom. He slouched in his red velvet chair. The cool metal of his prosthetic arm smooshed his cheek up to his eyes. His wife sat at his right-hand. Her posture imitated the Corinthian columns that uplifted the tall ceilings of the government building. At Procurator Volta's drone, the Countess' expression darkened. A rebuttal felt hot against her tongue, but she placed long fingers to her mouth to cool its pressing presence.

"Procurator Volta." Though Lucio's voice sounded tired, a snarl crawled through his tone. "Thank you for your elegant speech. I am sure it has won everyone toward the right vote."

"Oh, yes, yes." Volta bowed their head, short hair bobbing to their groveling. "Your plan for the canals, dear Count, is extraordinary. It will increase the profit by making the trade route for the markets more efficient. By my calculations, the increase we should get from taxes…"

"Thank you, Procurator Volta." Lucio's nose curled as he straightened is posture. "I am sure we have a good grasp of the benefits of the canals after you have explained them three times." He arms crossed the grand table, metal scrapping against the thick wood. He picked up a parchment and regarded the proposal. "Are we ready to vote?"

Voices of assent mumbled in the hall. Hearing their acceptance of the Count, Nadia brought a hand up to her mouth and cleared her throat. A hush fell upon the Court as they waited for their Countess to speak.

"Before we vote, I fell pressed to address my concerns." She folded her dark arms across the table as she leaned forward. The faded sun stretched around her proud profile, her skin glowing despite the gray atmosphere. "We cannot just look at the possible rise of trade and income." As she spoke, her throat dried. With a slight tremble to her jaw, she made deliberate eye contact with the courtiers. "The construction of the Grand Canal in the Emperor's capital introduced the Southern Karp. The new predator disseminated the fish population and greatly affected the fishermen's ability to support themselves and their families. Their food resources were strained, and they managed because the Emperor could exploit other lands." An imploring passion ignited her red eyes. "We don't have those resources to save us if something like that happened. Our people could suffer."

At her words, the faces of the courtiers hardened. Vlastomil leaned over and whispered into Vulgora's ear. The stout and strong woman giggled at the thin man's words. A cocky smile played upon Volta's face.

"Thank you, Countess." Lucio sighed, flicking the proposal with his golden claw. "Now, if we may, I would like to proceed…"

Eyes closed and brow furrowed, Nadia held up her hand. The Count's voice trailed off at her gesture. "Please, let me explain." As she opened her eyes, she guided her hand down to the table and stood up. Stern and straight, she surveyed the Court.

"There is also one other detail you are overlooking…" She explained. "The canals will remove our natural protection." A sly smile tingled her mouth as she felt victory in the air. "What will slow down the Emperor if he ever tires of a group of mercenaries running one of his city-states? Do you think he has completely forgotten your raids against his army and land?" Her fingers spread down across the table. "We must use the land as much of possible to ensure our rule. The canals would edge the Emperor's impatience and armies closer."

Harsh whispers rang out from the courtiers. Their robes rustled as they turned to one another in an animated, worried discussion. Gathering her dress, she sat down. She nodded to Lucio. "You can now cast the vote, my lord." She said, eyes gleaning in the hall's dull light.

Later, when the grey sky turned to purple, the Count found himself in his wing, stretched out in a chair. The glow of a fire etched shadows across his long limbs. "How could she do that?" He growled as he examined his red wine. "My own wife speaks out against me and the Court follows her opinion." With a snarl scrunching his nose, he tossed the liquid into the fire. The flame spurted as the wine sizzled. In the orange glow of the room, Valerius lifted his face to the silhouette of the Count. His long pale fingers tapped against the glass as Vulgora crossed her legs beside him. "Every courtier save one voted against the proposal." Lucio twirled the empty glass in his fleshy hand.

"How impertinent of her." Vulgora said with a laugh. She sipped her wine. "Mhm. She completely undermined your authority." Shawl dropping off her shoulders, she leaned forward with her arm stretched out. Her hand moved to emphasis her words. "I can assure you, my lord, that her brashness did not win favor in the Court."

Brow furrowed, Lucio leaned forward and twisted his torso to face Vulgora. The fire's glow shone off his golden arm, and with the crackle of the flames behind him, a venomous smile parted his lips. "If she failed to persuade the Court then why did you two vote against me?"

Vulgora gasped. "You must be mistaken!" Her pale cheeks flushed in the shimmer of the firelight. "I would never…."

At her denial, Lucio smashed his glass against the ground and stood up. "I took you for simpleton and a flatterer, but never for a coward or a liar." He pointed to the grand door. "Get out."

Vulgora opened her mouth to protest, but Valerius grabbed her wrist. When she turned to look at him, his mouth spread into a thin line. Shaking his head, he leaned closer. "When he gets like this, do not try him" He whispered into her ear. "It's best just to listen."

With quivering breath, she stood up and bowed to the Count. "I will take my leave and retire to my quarters."

Lucio's eyes followed her stocky figure as she left. When the door clicked behind her, Lucio fell back into his armchair. Valerius remained on the couch. The crackle of the fire caused the reflection of the broken glass to dart. Hand tracing over his champagne colored braid, Valerius drank from his wine. He smiled at the smooth sensation against his tongue as the firelight shone off his dark roots.

"Why did you vote against me?" Lucio broke the silence. "I expect those simpletons to be misguided, but you?" His gaze remained forward, avoiding Valerius. Lucio's fleshy fingers pressed against his temple.

As he finished his wine, Valerius sighed and stood up. "Nadia had a point. Opening our water ways will leave us vulnerable to attack. We overlooked that fact when we came up with a plan." His footsteps scuffed toward the door, but Lucio did not move to acknowledge his movement. Valerius continued. "You weren't betrayed, but you were saved by her. Brood on that instead."

When the door close, Lucio did think, but his thoughts did not exonerate Nadia. A heat rose from his stomach and flared in his chest. His fleshy hand bunched into a fist as he shifted in his chair. He shut his eyes tight as he strong jaw clenched. With a yell, he stood up. "That damn woman." He said, striding over to the door. He wrapped his robe around him. "Who the hell does she think she is?" He slammed the door as he stepped out into the palace's hallway.

Lucio stood in the moonlit gallery with a servant that he had roused from their slumber. Silver decor, tables and trays shone in the delicate light, casting a mystical glow around the room. Upon the walls hung scenes of magic and mystery, highlighted by silver leaf. Golden arm gleaming and clashing against the decor, Lucio stomped up to one of the paintings. In a strong, decisive move, he threw the picture down upon the mahogany floor. The dark frame cracked, and bits of silver leaf flaked off. The moon's white glow looked down upon the destruction.

The servant stood posed despite the Count's outburst. Their hands trembled behind their back. "Sir, what was it that you requested me for?"

With lips upturned, Lucio looked at them. His blonde hair fluttered in front of his narrow eyes. "I need to get rid of this. All of this!" His voice rose, and with a yell, he knocked down the silver serving platter. The metal hit against the floor, chipping the soft wood.

"But, sir, is this not for milady's birthday?" The servant's voice sounded small through the clatter of the silver.

Lucio spun to face them. Heavy breaths pulled at his chest. "Huh, first I have an insolent wife…" He scoffed. "And now I have an insolent servant?"

The servant bowed. "Please, sir, I mean no disrespect." They stammered. "I am just wondering what you are replacing it with." They straightened their posture to see the widened eyes of the Count.

A malicious thought pulled Lucio's thin lips into a smile. He looked down at the scattered silver. Laughing, his fleshy hand rubbed along his golden one. "Replacement? Why, what a wonderful idea, my boy." With a grand gesture, he stepped and spun as his arms outstretched to show off the room. "Make the whole room gold! I want everything covered in gold! And while you're at it…" He turned to the servant and winked at them. "Expand the guest list. We will not want the people of Vesuvia to miss this one."

The days drew Nadia's birthday closer. The doors of the gallery remained closed. "It's a surprise." Lucio said when Nadia asked him to peer within. "I want to see your delight when you see your vision come to life for the first time."

The evening before her birthday, ice sculptors went to work on two large ice blocks. Nadia watched the artists' work, puddles forming at their feet. When the necks of the swans formed, Nadia felt a hot breath against hers. With a laugh, she pushed Lucio away. He grabbed her hand from his collar bone and held it with a gentle grip.

"I see you're enamored with the work." He said with a chuckle rumbling through his throat.

Nadia regarded him with a titled head. As a small smile indented her cheeks, the edges of her eyes relaxed. "Lucio, I'm amazed. This is nicest thing you have done for me." As her grateful words left her mouth, she leaned forward. She pressed a firm kiss against his cheek. When she pulled away, her eyes brightened. "Thank you."

Lucio smirked and entwined his fingers in hers. "If I recall correctly…" A teasing arrogance laced into his tone. "The nicest thing I have done for you is marry you."

Nadia rolled her eyes. With a squeeze to his hand, she tilted her chin up. "Don't press it, just accept the thanks." She warned. "Don't let your arrogance and pride ruin what we are building." Her hand slipped from his as she walked away.

On the night of her birthday celebration, Nadia waited, dressed and ready, in her dressing room. She stared at her reflection. A braided bun, interlaced with string pearls, pulled her straight hair back. Most of her violet hair collected in intricate braids, but the rest fell in curls along her upper back. Her manicured nails tapped against the marble of her vanity. Humming a soft tune, a smile crosses her features. Her cheeks heated at the excitement that flowed in her chest.

"When will he come?" She asked to the low light that surrounded her. She rose from her chair and spun to pace. The skirt of her silver dress flowed around her as she moved to and fro.

She stopped when she heard the hesitant click of the opening door. Her breath stalled as she pressed her hand against her stomach. "Milady? Are you coming to the party?"

Nadia's features fell into a frown. The voice, though gruff, was too high for Lucio, and he would never refer to her with such deference. She turned to find a guard standing by the open door with a concerned look upon her face. "Ah, Bludmila." She greeted the woman as she wrung her hands. "Have you come to report on the security detail?"

The Countess sniffed as she rested her hands against her fitted skirt. Bludmila tapped against the door, searching for words. "No, ma'am." Her broad face tightened in concern. "I was wondering if you would like to be accompanied to your party."

The edges of Nadia's mouth deepened. She lifted her chin to look down upon Bludmila. Her dark hand touched upon the sheer fabric that covered her collarbone. "The Count promised to escort me. I will wait for him."

"Please, excuse me, I don't mean to interject above my station, but…" Bludmila took a step into the dressing room. "His lordship looks predisposed as this moment, and I would hate to see you miss your birthday celebration."

When she heard the note of earnestness in the guard's voice, Nadia's expression softened. Her mouth returned to an upward position. "I appreciate your concern. I really do. It is an honor to have such loyal subjects." A gentleness played with her eyes. "I’m sure that the Count will come, though. I don't think he will miss the spectacle of walking in with his wife."

With a blush tinging her cheeks, Bludmila bowed. "Yes, milady. If you need anything, please ring." She turned and left. When the door closed, Nadia was left waiting.

A half hour passed, and the elegant figure of the Countess sauntered down the hall. She walked at a fast pace. As she drew nearer to the grand hard, the clash of a crowd grew louder. The noise pounded against her when she stepped out onto the palace's loft. Shoulders and elbows pressed against her as she fought her way to the edge. As she gripped railing, she saw the mulling crowd below. Running along the grand staircase were the formal trains of men's and women's outfits. In the center of the celebration stood the ice swans, decorated with golden ornaments covering their designs.

As she watched the crowd, a tightness gripped her chest. Her brow furrowed as her eyes moistened. She drew shallow breaths.

With a frustrated sniff, she turned and knocked into a man carrying a wine glass. She pushed against him, knocking the drink out of his hand.

"Who do you think you are?" He demanded when Nadia did not stop to apologize. She continued to push through the crowd. People shouted over her and around her to their friends. A pain gripped her head from the cacophony of noise.

She pushed in the gallery. The glow of gold shone against her skin. Over the din of the crowd, Nadia searched for Lucio. He stood in the middle of the extravagant display of wealth. For a moment, his eyes met hers. With a smirk, he looked away. She closed her eyes and pressed her fingers to her cheeks to maintain her emotions.

"Countess Nadia!" The voice sounded distant through the din of the crowd. Nadia opened her eyes, greeted by the rustling of fine robes. The robes slowed though, for they too heard the Countess' name. The crowd whispered as the glanced through their members. "Countess Nadia!" A thin pasty man weaved through the slowing crowd. He came up and bowed before her. The whispers of the crowd grew. As they wondered if they should present themselves to her, laughter rang from the Count. He continued his conversation without a glance toward her. At his display, the rest of the crowd resumed their conversations and laughter.

Nadia gulped and grabbed her wrist. "Good evening, Praetor Vlastomil." She forced a control in her tone. "How are you enjoying your time here?"

Vlastomil tapped his fingertips together. "Oh, it's wonderful, wonderful! The food supply is running low, but that is not what is concerning me right now. And you are knowledgeable in a great deal of subjects. I could use your listening ear." He pursed his lips and looked down in thought.

Nadia sighed as someone hit her shoulder, walking by. "What is it that is troubling you?"

At her invitation to speak, a brightness cross his pallor. He looked up at her with a small smile. "It is about my worms." He explained. "I bought some because they were different and unique. They had these little legs that help them crawl." With an eager flip of his sleeve, Vlastomil revealed his thin forearm. He crawled his fingers up his arm, displaying the movement his new worms made. "And some are some are so colorful. Some are even hairy! They have been surviving better since I have included your recommendation of milkweed." Nadia's gaze drifted from Vlastomil to her husband. The Praetor continued. "But something strange has been happening. They have been hanging upside down and curling up in these hard cylinder objects, and after some time them push out with wings! No more worms!" He huffed. "Is there any way to stop that from happening?"

Nadia acknowledged his question with a nod though her eyes stay trained on Lucio. Her husband looked up from his conversation and held her stare. "I think that process is their natural recourse." Her chin set firm as she stared at Lucio. Her eyes moistened.

Vlastomil crossed his arms. "Well, I don't like their natural recourse."

"Sometimes when things naturally progress, there are changes that are not to our liking." As the golden light of the room shone in her eyes, Nadia's lips trembled. She clenched her silver dress, concealing the emotion she felt. Lucio's stare remained locked with hers. "And most times we must live with the unasked-for change, no matter what we feel or our opinion on the matter." Lucio’s gaze fell from his wife when the man he conversed with touched his forearm. Nadia bowed to the Praetor. "Forgive me, Praetor. I hope my advice was helpful, but I think it is time for me to retire to my rooms." She turned and winded through the throng, her graceful gait obscured by the crowd. She trotted into the familiar hallway that lead to her quarters, her tears searching for solitude.

Part 1

#The Arcana #Nadia #Lucio #nadia x lucio #lucio x nadia #Countess Nadia #Count Lucio #Lucio week #part 2 #thank you for reading #my writing

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mysteryunfold · 6 years

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Hm, storing this for my little fanfic brain

why did muriel seem so sad/ominous in the dream mc had in the desert im so worried does he not approve of asra/mc?

he does Not

#Muriel #Asra #Ask Arcana #interesting

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mysteryunfold · 6 years

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In Her Image

Late for @thearcanaweek

Prompt: Mirror / Lucio week

Backstory of Lucio

Setting: Pre-merc!Lucio / Southern Lands

Word count: 1000

Small summary: Lucio’s mother helps guide and train her son

The cold air filled the small boy's lungs as his mother hoisted him up on a tall horse. "Alright, Lucio." She said as the six-year old Lucio shifted in the saddle. "Take a turn around before we ride together."

Lucio grabbed the reigns and pressed his small legs into the gelding he rode. The horse began to trot in a circle around Lucio's mother and her horse.

Touching her hand to her horse's mane, Beornia watched her son ride. As the wind brushed through the clearing, a thin stand of her brown hair waved past her pale face.

"Keep your heels down!" She called out with a scowl scrunching her nose.

"I am!" The boy whined as he whirled around her.

The wind rustled the leaves of the forest that surrounded them. Beornia turned into the wind and mounted her horse. "Suit yourself." Posture tall on top of her mount. "I'm sure you will find out the hard way. Follow me."

Beornia pressed her calves against the sides of her horse, and the roan mare cantered into the dark forest. As he heard the pounding of hooves, Lucio kicked his gelding and sped up after his mother.

Branches scrapped against his skin as the small boy bounced against his horse's back. As his mother led him, she sped up to a gallop. Lucio pressed upon his horse to do the same. His vision became skewed as his horse followed the roan mare. Gripping tight to his mount, his heart pounded against chest. The dark shadows of the forest flew past him.

Beornia slowed as she turned up a hill, but her horse still trotted up the steep incline. Tightening her back, she leaned forward. Her mouth brushed against the red main of her horse as the mare fought her way up the embankment.

Mossy rocks, sticks and needles projected down toward Lucio and his horse. The gelding snorted and sniffed as he worked to find his footing in the loose dirt, upturned from the last horse. Small hands sweating, Lucio leaned forward, head close to his horse's dark mane. As he pressed his body over the gelding's chestnut neck, his heels rose, and his toes pointed to the forest floor. At the coming of the top of the hill, the strong gelding jumped to complete the trek. His motion unbalanced Lucio, and the boy lost his place on his mount.

Though the dirt was soft, his small body crumpled against the ground. Gravity pulled him, and he followed, tumbling and spinning. Dirt fell into his mouth as a rock cut his lip. His hand jammed into a crevice of a rock, but his descent stretched his body. A scream scraped against Lucio's throat when he felt a pop in his shoulder. His hand, cut and bleeding, fell from the rock to his side, shoulder jutting out at an awkward angle. He slid down the rest of the incline, golden hair dragged though the dirt.

The tops of trees spun around him, wind rustling their leaves. A nausea turned through the boy's body as he shook against the ground. His narrow grey eyes darted around his surroundings. His chest started to rise and fall in a fast motion, until he let out a scream.

Lucio thrashed his legs, wailing. His cries disturbed the stillness of the forest. A figure on horseback rode down the hill toward the boy. In her hand, she held the reigns of Lucio's gelding. As her mount stopped near him, the breath of the roan mare's snort rushed against the boy's tears. Staring down at her son, Beornia dismounted. When her boots hurt the soft earth, she stomped over to him and reached her hand down.

"Get up." She said, jutting her jaw out.

"I can't." Lucio cried. "I can't move my arm."

Squatting down, she pressed her hand against the earth. Her narrow grey eyes watched her son. "Come on now, child. At least, sit up."

Sniffing and crying, Lucio pushed himself up with his right arm, his strong arm. His left dangled from his shoulder.

When her son rose, Beornia leaned toward him and gathered him in her arms. "Lucio, dear Lucio, my only child." Dirt flecks fell upon his boney shoulders as her hands moved through his blonde hair. "Be brave. Be strong. Flaunt your power and your strength." The boy's cries quieted into whimpers as he breathed in his mother's familiar earthy scent. "Look at me."

With a hiccup, he raised his head to meet his mother's gray stare. In eyes like his, he saw his tear-stained reflection. He stilled his sniffles and tried to hardened his expression. Leaning closer, he studied his features.

"Mirror me in all that I do." Beornia continued, a discrete hand reaching toward Lucio's broken shoulder. "When I am strong, you are strong. When I am brave, you are brave. You are reflection of me, so always flaunt your strength. Pride in yourself is pride of your tribe, pride of me." The wind floated brown strands of her hair; her locks caressed his tear stain cheeks. The boy closed his eyes with a shaky sigh.

As her son leaned against her fur tunic, Beornia gripped his left shoulder and arm and set it back into place. An intense pain lit Lucio's small body as he screamed out. Feeling a rush of dizziness, he leaned past his mother and threw up on the ground. His arms shaky, the tree trunks spinning, the boy's strength gave out and he collapsed against the ground.

Beornia smiled down at her soon as she wiped his stomach contents from his cheeks. Cradling him in her arms, the warrior picked him up and carried him to his horse. She laid him across the gelding. Kissing his forehead, she said. "Sleep well, my son, we will train more tomorrow."

The wind rushed through the leaves when she mounted her roan mare. With the squeeze of her legs, she guided her mount to a careful walk. Lucio laid on his horse, unconscious, as his mother lead him back to the village she ruled.

Please let me know what you think about this. I have other parts planned, and I want to know if other people like my idea of Lucio’s childhood enough to be interested in other stories in this setting. :)

#Lucio #The Arcana #backstory #OC #fanfic #Beornia

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mysteryunfold · 6 years

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This is an Amazing Person Award! Once you’re given this reward paste it in the ask of 8 people who, in your opinion, deserve it. If you break the chain, nothing will happen but it is nice to know someone thinks you’re amazing inside and out.💜💙💜

Awwww, thank you so much! You are so sweet.

You are one of my closer friends on this fandom, and I am so glad we are mutuals. You are such an encouraging presence in “The Arcana” community, and Xandra is such an adorable apprentice. I just want her to be happy with Julian. :)

I also love that you have commissioned artists and have supported the art community. Your content on your blog is always a pleasure to see and look at it. Thank you for being a good friend. You are so great. It is always a pleasure to interact and work with you. :)

(making this public so you all go and check out her blog… you understand? ;) )

#ask #thefoxylexyblog #you are amazing!

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mysteryunfold · 6 years

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I am so sorry for just commenting / responding now…. life has been so hectic. But I am so honored that you sent this to me. Thank you so much. :)

I love your Arcana blog. You are a talented writer, and I am glad to see you are branching out into new genres and experiences with it. :)

I also love your quality control on your blog. I love to see what you reblog because I know that it will be good and even something fresh. :)

Thank you. You make this fandom a better community… I am glad that I know you on here. :)

(making public so that you all can check out worried-noodle and their content)

#ask #worried-noodle #you are the best

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mysteryunfold · 6 years

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Gold or Silver

Late entry @thearcanaweek

Prompt: Gold / Lucio Week

Pairing: Lucio x Nadia

Setting: Pre-plauge Vesuvia

Word count: 2000

Part 1 of 2 (Part 2)

Small summary: With the closure of June, Nadia’s birthday is around the corner, but Lucio’s plans are not in her tastes.

From the cool of the end of June, Nadia stepped inside from her walk. Entering the palace, warmth traced her dark skin, and she smiled at the feeling. As she unwrapped her embroidered scarf, she heard commanding footprints scuff down the hallway. She quickened her movements, determined to escape the presence that walked nearer.

As her slender fingers ran through her long violet hair, delicate steps tapped away from the direction of the authoritative footsteps. Scuffling toward the servants' stairway, a smooth voice halted her. "Ah, Nadia, my dear, you were just the person I was looking for."

With a deep inhale filling her lungs, Nadia forced a smile and turned. "And what pleasure do I owe that you have come and found me, Lucio?" She regarded her husband with narrow eyes, sarcasm dripping through her voice. "I have just come in from a walk and there is a bit of a nip outside, so if it does not offend you, I am going to take my leave and warm up in the privacy of my chambers."

Despite her scathing tone, Lucio's proud posture stayed tall, with a slight arch through his slender back. The winter sun brushed against his light hair, shining a golden hue. The dark lines underneath his silver eyes crinkled in amusement. "You think this is cold?" He laughed, crossing his fleshy arm across his plain shirt. He brought his stiff golden prosthetic up to his face, cold metal touching his lips. "Where I come from the air was so cold in winter, your breath smoked. We had to wear heavy furs through the winter, and well, most of the year, actually."

With a cough, Nadia interrupted him. Annoyance flashed in her crimson eyes. "If you're going to regal me with corrections that I have heard for two years now, I will take my leave."

"Wait, no, please!" Lucio called out as she turned. "That is not what I wanted to talk about. I want to suggest something you would like."

Lucio's plea rang in a tone that Nadia had not heard in years. She paused. He sounded earnest, almost desperate. His pitch was higher than usual. She turned around to see the golden hue around him. His shoulders rounded, a shaky inhale expanded his chest. One loose strand of light hair crossed down his elongated forehead, replicating a boyish look. "Your birthday is coming up next month." His voice sounded static as he tugged at his plain white shirt. His nostrils flared with a nervous breath. "And I am trying to plan a little something for it. Would you take a turn with me to the main stairway?" Placing his fleshy and golden arm behind him, he stepped toward Nadia. "I want to make sure my plans suit your tastes." He leaned forward with a wide smile. "Besides, I am sure you would rather use the stairway fitting for a Countess rather than the servants' entrance."

Nadia's eyes widened as she brushed her hand against her collarbone. She arched a curious eyebrow as a heat settled on her dark cheeks. Expression softening, she replied. "I was never as proud as you, but I am curious. I think I will take a turn with you."

They walked side by side, but maintained a distance. As they entered the main hall, Lucio turned to face Nadia. The grand staircase sprawled out behind him. "Now, picture this." He out stretched his arms and his fingers gestured to the words. The marble sparkled behind him. "Gold. Gold everywhere!"

At his excitement, Nadia arched an eyebrow and crossed her arms. Lucio brushed her arm with the cold metal of his prosthetic and gestured toward the grand staircase. "The railings on the stairway painted gold." He waved middle of the of the hall. "And in the middle of this room there will be a gold fountain with a statue of lions or elephants. And the room will be flooded with people, people as far as the eye can see."

His eyes sparkled with glee. He turned to Nadia, her silhouette traced by the sun. "What do you think?" A breathless tone shifted through his voice. His chest rose and fell as his face set in a wide expression.

A small smile toyed with her lips as she flipped a strand of her long purple hair over her shoulder. "I hope you didn't place the orders yet."

At her tease, Lucio's darkened eyebrows dropped. "I haven't yet." He huffed. "I thought you would appreciate my effort." He crossed his arms.

With her smile, Nadia reached out and squeezed his forearm. Lucio looked down at her touch. His eyes widened, but his mouth spread in a thin line. "Thank you, Lucio." She said with humor trotting through her voice. "I do appreciate the thought, but you should know that our tastes are quite different." As she walked away from him, her hand glided off his arm. "Though, if you care to see what I would like, you're welcome to follow me."

In a graceful motion, she lifted the skirt of her dress. Her gait held a slight bounce as she followed the red carpet up the grand stairs. When she reached the top, she paused. The elegant curve of her neck turned as she look over her shoulder. Through her heavy lidded lashes she looked down upon Lucio. Her posture tall and straight, she touched her fingertips to her collarbone. "Are you coming?" Her voice held a note of teasing and curiosity.

Lucio raised his eyebrows at her question. He stretched his neck and rolled back his shoulders. "I wouldn't miss it." Gripping the wide railing, his hand glided over the stone, steps soft. He leaned forward as he trotted up the stairs.

The doors of the upstairs gallery opened to reveal an empty room with mahogany floors. Nadia's dress fluttered against the dark wood, swaying with her proud steps. Lucio scuffed his boots behind her. His eyes fell on the empty white walls, and he reached out to touch them.

"Silver." At Nadia's voice, he turned toward her, hand still picking at the wall. Her jaw stiffened as she held his gaze. "I want silver." Her hands folded in front of her body.

Lucio was silent for a moment, but he swayed his head. His tongue rolled against his cheek. "Yeah." He said after a moment, placing his hands on his hips. "I can make that happen."

Nadia paced toward him, and leaned against the wall. Facing him, she matched his stubborn gaze. "I want silver platters and plates in the center here." Her long arm gestured toward the center of the room. White sunlight shone on the strong curve of her wrist. "And here…" Her arm dropped and she pressed the palm of her other hand against the ivory wall. "… I want art with silver leaf on the walls."

The edges of his cheeks sharpened in a smirk. "You're wish is my command, then."

His fingers reached for hers, but she pulled her hands behind her back. Turning her back on him, she walked to the center of the room. The sun shined through the three windows of the room, highlighting the pink in her hair. "And then there is the matter of the guest list." She stopped her walk. "I want it to be small, just among friends."

With a scoff, Lucio turned and leaned his back against the wall. "What friends do you have here, Noddy?"

Hearing the obnoxious rendering of her name, Nadia gave a sharp turn. Her hair swayed over her muscular back. Her arm crossed her body as her hand gripped her arm. She scrunched her brows, and cross shine glimmered in her crimson eyes. "The Council will do." She said in a huff.

"The Council?" Lucio raised an eyebrow and crossed his arms. His golden arm shone in the light. "I thought you found them deplorable." His voice's pitch rose in incredulity.

Nadia's eyes softened. "Detestable." She corrected with a small smile. "But, their unique personalities will make the event memorable."

His eyes remained on her as he crossed to the bell pull. He stood there with a smile. "Shall we seal this deal with a drink?"

Nadia pressed her hand against collarbone and spread her fingers against her dark skin. "I think that is a fine idea." At her consent, Lucio rang for a servant.

A silence fell upon them as they sipped their brandy. As Nadia warmed the drink in her hand, her fingernails tapped against the glass. She stretched out her long neck to the side. "Why are you doing this?" She asked with a sigh. "I am grateful for this. It just seems so out of character for you, if I may."

A sly smile spread across his face. Lucio looked at her through his lashes as he took a sip from his drink. "Because you're my wife." He leaned forward and elongated his words. "And I love you very much."

He stepped closer to her. As his words began to tickle her skin, Nadia pressed her palm into his shoulder and pushed him away. He stumbled back with laughter brushing through his breath. "Oh stop it." She said, smiling at his antics. "I've been your wife for two years now, but you have not put forward a proposition like this before."

Lucio snickered when he opened his mouth to retort. As he inhaled to speak, the humor in his eyes dulled. He brought his hand to his mouth as his eyes glazed over in brief thought. He shook his head and with a sigh, ran his hand through his hair. "It is hard for me to admit this, but I do want to restore some form of relationship with you." His eyes wavered as he searched her face. Biting her lip, Nadia's furrowed her eyebrows. Both of their bodies stiffened. "I am not saying that I expect our marriage to completely turn back to the start, where were completely spellbound by each other and pledging undying love." His voice faded as he looked down at his drink.

"You mean you do not want to go back to a foolish, whirlwind romance?" Nadia smirked as she took a sip of brandy.

Lucio watched her drink but did not her mirror actions. "No, but I would at least want a mutual relationship. If a friendship is too much to ask for, then I want to at least establish a mutual respect." He sniffed and averted his eyes as he took a drink.

The sunlight quivered in Nadia's eyes. Her head tilted in a soft expression as a smile pressed upon her cheeks. "Thank you." A steadiness controlled her voice. "I think some semblance of a relationship would be a nice change, whatever that ends up being."

Lucio pursed his lips and nodded. He scuffed his feet against the floor as his eyes fluttered. Turning his head to avoid eye contact with Nadia, he peered out of the room. The sunlight shone on the railing of the palace's loft. "If I may." He sidestepped behind her. "I would like to suggest something unbelievably garish." He pushed against her back and guided her out of the gallery.

"What are you doing?" Nadia laughed and tried to turn around, but Lucio kept pushing her forward. Their movement stopped when Nadia's wrists touched the railing. The large expanse of the hall opened below her.

"Now in the center." He said as his fleshy arm crossed her shoulder. The drink in his hand swirled as he gestured to where he described. "I want an ice sculpture, two swan ice sculptures, with intricate designs." His golden hand moved down her back to rest on her waist, touch remaining light. "I think that it would be a good mix of your tastes and my heritage."

Nadia tilted her head back to look at Lucio. When her gaze met his, he turned his mouth in a quick smile. "I wouldn't mind that." She flipped her head to gaze back at the hall. Her violet hair whipped against his face, causing him to sputtered. "After all, what would a party at the palace be without a lavish sweet piece?"

As strands of her hair slid down his skin, Lucio leaned his sharp chin down, hovering above her shoulder. "Agreed." His breath brushed against her neck. Nadia closed her eyes. She took a breath in to sigh, but her content turned to laughter when she heard a wet sputtering near her. She opened her eyes and saw Lucio taking a noisy drink out of her peripheral. He pulled the drink away from him and let out a satisfied gasped. With a snicker, she leaned back into his chest. Drawing the brandy to her lips, his golden arm crossed around further around her waist. The cool of the metal seeped through the fabric of her dress, an unfamiliar feeling, but not necessarily an unwelcomed one.

Part 2

#The Arcana #Nadia #Lucio #Countess Nadia #Count Lucio #nadia x lucio #lucio x nadia #gold #lucio week #part 1 #fanfic #thank you for reading #my writing

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mysteryunfold · 6 years

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On Lucio’s Legacy

Since @puttheminthebasket posted about the Vesuvian court and their potential roles, I always wanted to talk about Lucio and his court and how I currently interpret them and their effects on Vesuvia.

I first want to explore a bit about my speculations of the relationship between the courtiers and the Count. I think that the courtiers themselves are represented as a monolith. They are a group of people who come from similar backgrounds and currently have he same interests and goals. My belief comes from mainly how they are named. Each member of the council’s names start with a V. I think that this is an intentional naming system that causes the reader to associate members of the Council with each others (even to the point or risk of the reader mixing up names of the Council). The reason for presenting the Council with similar names is to characterize them almost as one character. I predict that when we meet other members of the Council, there will be similar character traits in them that there were in Valerius and Vlastomil. Think beyond the worms please, that was a character quirk to show how out of touch of reality Vlastomil was... which the core of the quirk might show up in other members just probably not the worms themselves.

So, the Council itself in a way is one character. They are similar to each other and represented with each other. Then what is Lucio to them and what are they to Lucio? Unlike the rest of the Council, Lucio is not marked with a “v” name. If I remember correctly, there was a joke that went around that the Council killed Lucio because he refused to change his name to ‘Vucio.” The difference of his name marks him different from the rest of the government, but in what way? Is he against the Council and not completely a part their ways and system? OR is marked because he is the leader of the Council and is the one the cultivates their vision and goals? I want to explore these two options:

Option 1: Lucio opposed to the Council

It has been established by the devs that Lucio is not the bloodline heir to Vesuvia. I cannot find the post that they said that... I saw it... and then I looked for it... and then could not find it... it was for Ask Arcana one time. Him gaining the position by force or from appeasement from the emperor could have taken the form of him governing and government that was already in place. Perhaps, he is an outsider that inherited these people already in place in Vesuvia? OR these people were sent by the emperor to advice a mercenary how to rule?

A great example of how this could play out is a fic that @nadias-bitch wrote. The characterization of Lucio is consistent to what he we know about him, and the characterization of the Council is consistent to what we know about them as well.

As far as in game support, one small example is an exchange between Valerius and Nadia:

Nadia: “This whole affair has brought so much stress upon my shoulders, to know that my beloved husband’s murderer is still at large.

Valerius:Beloved? The Countess truly must be out of her mind with stress then

I can pick up on two things about the exchange, one that supports option 1 and one that could dismiss option 1.

This exchange shows that Valerius (and by extension perhaps the Council) were close enough to the Count and the Countess to know the nature of their marriage.

But, at the same time this exchange does not show a close loyalty between Valerius (and perhaps then by extension the rest of the Council) and Lucio. Valerius very much scoffs at the idea of Lucio being beloved, and even slyly corrects the Countess to her face about the idea.

The Council and Lucio being opposed to each other (or at least there are tensions in their relationship) also builds up more suspects of who set the Count’s room on fire. Members of the Council were there when he disappeared and when his room was on fire. The possibility that they had something to do with his supposed death is high.

Option 2: The Council and Lucio are on the same side

In this case, the reason for the difference between Lucio’s name and the people on the Council’s name is to distinguish Lucio as their leader. The main reason why I can see this is because, like Lucio, I do not think that they are originally from Vesuvia. I came to this conclusion because of how they are (for now) visually portrayed vs. how people that canonically confirmed to have grown up in Vesuvia are portrayed. Lucio, Vlastomil and Valerius have different features than Asra and Muriel. Granted, this could be coincidence, and the devs do not want to assign an ethnicity to Vesuiva. However, by using Roman like customs for the Council and for Lucio’s past times (ie. using Roman like titles and gladiator fights), it calls to mind Roman imperialism and Vesuvia as city-state or colony. Both the Council and Lucio are foreign rulers of Vesuvia, not Vesuvian born.

Also, many of Valerius’s and Vlastomil’s comments and implied interactions with Lucio show people that are very much on the same side. Valerius had a sexual relationship with Lucio. Also, Valerius was the de facto leader after the passing of the Count and when the Countess was incapable to rule for a time. That shows that there could have been some trust or understanding between Valerius and the palace. Vlastomil is said to have conducted business deals with Lucio in the past and seems unaware of the Count’s death (or in on Lucio’s plot).

And lastly, Asra’s route in “Strength” shows that Lucio, while he was a mercenary, traveled with a group. Could this group be members of the Council before Lucio and them were rulers of Vesuvia?

Lucio and the people of Vesuvia

The last thing I want to talk about is the difference between Nadia’s account of the people’s feelings Lucio and what is portrayed in Julian’s route. Though there could be an aspect of Nadia not remembering well / correctly, I think there is a way for both accounts to be true.

Within the empire that Vesuvia belongs to, there is most likely a form of peace. For a kingdom or nation to become an imperial power, there has to be some sort of peace within its boarders (civil war would drain resources). So, the people of Vesuvia are experiencing relative peace in their city-state.

However, there are two elements that distance the people from their government 1. the huge class difference that is seen and 2. the possible reality that they are being governed by foreign powers.

At the same time, the game seems to portray the element of “bread and circuses.” There are statues of leaders around the town, to speak of the glory of the empire. Religion is freely worshiped to appease the people. There were gladiator games in which provided entertainment to the people. In allowing the people to the masquerade, Lucio provided at least the illusion that people can reach up to his status and wealth (which for some is enough to support the current ruling class.)

I think that there was a mixture of people who supported Lucio and his rule and others who saw through the illusion and looked at this disenfranchisement and hated him. These tensions I feel like will be explored more as the story progresses (especially in Julian’s route.)

Those are some of my thought’s about Lucio and his legacy, his relationships between the Council and the people of Vesuvia. Let me know what you think!

This is also a late post based on the prompt “Legacy” for @thearcanaweek.

#Lucio #lucio week #legacy #late #meta #analysis #predictions #share your thoughts

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