strawb3rryk1w1

[strawb3rryk1w1]

Character Ref || Deepwoken

Basic info on Nova! :D

[strawb3rryk1w1]

Art Doodles! || Deepwoken!

MORE doodles of my slot Nova Adaset! WEEEE!!

[strawb3rryk1w1]

[Non-Canon]

Found Out, Brought In || Sequel to "Found in The Rain"

haha... so cliché I tried, I promise.

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The forestry ahead was thick. So thick. It was dense enough that it engulfed Nova's every attempt to see beyond a few feet ahead. When was the last time she had gone home? How long had she been in this forest, shuffling forward to find the exit-- to find out if it even existed. A surge of pain scorched her body as she felt the burn of acid rain seep through the leaves above and fall to her, as if there was someone above watching. Targeting. The Authority's armor she was given was poorly made, a sorry excuse for protection against anything more than a small punch or kick, and the acid seemed to know how to find its flaws and break through. Holding on to her helmet, she found no energy to take it off; she wouldn't now, even if she could. What was worse? Being singed by the acid falling onto her or being seen as she was now? Maybe it was pride, maybe it was shame or guilt, but the acid rain scared her less than the idea of being seen this way. Looking over her shoulder, Nova heard the faint sounds of steps. They were heavy, loud, and growing closer. Suddenly, she found herself feeling lighter, as if airborne and falling slowly; as if she was the rain, herself. Her head felt dizzy, her mind was twisted and confused. What was this? The acid rain? Did it make its way through her skull and into her mind? "Don't be stupid, that's not..." Her words felt slurred, though she was sure that she was speaking as usual. Finally, she crashed onto earth. She felt a jolt of electricity, saw a flash of snowy, static white, and then? She found herself back to where she was, with everything the exact same as before. She turned herself forward, continuing to attempt to move forward through the foggy mist and dense foliage blocking her. She moved until she couldn't, pushed onwards until she felt something lulling her back. Only, when she turned around, she seemed to have moved only an inch further. Where had she been going this whole time?

She heard a voice. A quiet, smooth voice that rounded the corner-- since where was there a clearing for someone to be coming from? She listened diligently, the rain subsiding enough for her to take her helmet off and use her ears better. It was a man, for sure. He was alone, as there was no one else to hear but him. And he sounded... familiar? Turning her head around quickly, she saw a distinct pair of green eyes staring right at her. Staring at her eyes, her skin, her hair, and most importantly, her clothes. But these weren't clothes, he saw. It was armor. Quickly, Nova felt everything shift. She wasn't confused or dazed, at least not as much anymore. She now knew what was happening; one of the worst things possible. "Ms. Adaset...? Is that you? What are you wearing?" Ishamon's voice wasn't mistakeable. She had been found out. Nova's breath was short and jagged, almost inexistent with how tightly she held it. How? How did he find her all the way out here? Not even the sun could've found her in this forest; how did he? The only thing that came from her were tiny gasps for air, akin to something more sinister than laughter; cries. The insanity was creeping in. Turning on her heel, she ran. She ran, and ran, and it didn't matter where; anywhere but there. Tree branches hit her face, vines tripped her and tried to hold her back, but she was determined. The tears falling down her face were endless; what was there left to cry for, though? She was seen dressed as a soldier; a complete sham of what she tried to be for the Duke. What else was there to say? She just couldn't hide anymore, could she? And what else was there to do after being uncovered? Finally, she tripped, falling to her stomach as the floor knocked the very air from her. The world was spinning, the sky was changing colors and blinding her eyes every time she dared to peak out into the world. Everything was stagnant, yet throwing itself forward at speeds akin to light. She couldn't take this any more. Quickly, she shut her eyes and curled up, covering her head as screams fled from her throat and into the floor. She begged for mercy. To be saved, for this to be a horrible nightmare and for her to awaken from it at least half okay; Sobbing cries of apologies and hope for some kind of help fell on deaf ears, if there was anyone listening at all, now. The footsteps grew closer, the crying grew louder, and suddenly...

A sharp pain of a knife through her back, and then nothingness. She woke up.

Her body moved on instinct, shooting up as her mouth, dry and cold, gasped for all the air she let out after crying so much. The door flung open to show a tired, half awake and half dressed Ishamon panting, staring her down. Nova turned her head away, a splitting headache taking over her consciousness as she gripped her head until her knuckles turned white. Rushing over, she felt cold hands press onto the back of her neck and her forehead, realizing now that she was not in fact in the forest; she was not in her armor and she was most definitely not running for her dignity. Still, she couldn't hear much. Ishamon's voice was fuzzy as he turned away from her and yelled for something... water? ice? towels? What happened? Looking back at her, Nova could tell he seemed more awake than ever-- she didn't even know he could seem so concerned about someone. "You're burning up! How long were you in that forest? And your screaming- what happened?" Ishamon yelled, laying her down and pulling the blanket off her, only to find her pooled in sweat. He made quick work of the ice a servant had brought to him, wrapping it in towels and placing it on her forehead and stomach. "Keep this here, please." He seemed exhausted. Did she do that? "I'm sorry." Ishamon turned his head towards her with a puzzled look. "What did you say?" Nova smiled with the distinct twinge of guilt she could never seem to escape. "I said... I'm sorry. I lied... I lied to avoid complicating your life with mine, and yet," Raising a hand to his own that sat to her side, she looked into his eyes. How beautiful, green, and caring, they were... A small frown fell onto her face, then a tense squeeze on the bridge of her nose as she felt the tears welling in her eyes. "I just couldn't help making things worse for you, too. I'm sorry." Ishamon's eyes widened as he saw her eyes flutter, then close. Her face fell to her natural frown, and her hand fell limp against his. He knew she was hiding things, but he was always busy. Whether he was working on his next step into saving Lumen or fighting whoever entered his manor, he found no time to focus on friends or loved ones; that was something Nova insisted she could handle. To a degree, he understood her well. From what he knew, she was alone in the world except for a few allies and acquaintances. She'd do anything to keep a friendship with someone she truly cherished, even if meant ignoring her own feelings and need for connection. But why did she hide it from him? Had he known, he would have tried to help; he'd make time, or try and bring her in closer so he wouldn't struggle handling her and work. Then, he thought about her words. "I lied to avoid complicating your life with mine, and yet..." He sighed, his dreary eyes settling on her face with a frown. "Complicate my life with hers? Why would she..." His mind got to work deciphering her words before promptly stopping to decide what his next step was. "We will talk about this. I promise, Nova. I need to know what's going on in your head, not mine..." Reaching over, he gave a small hug to bring her in, hoping to listen for her heart. It was fast, yet deep. She'd be alright, he hoped. A servant walked into the room, and with a clearing of the throat, the moment was ruined. "Am I Interrupting you, Duke?" Swiftly, Ishamon lifted himself up and wiped his eyes, adjusting his glasses as he looked at the servant. "No, no, of course not... Watch over her. I'm going to go get dressed and well... Figure out what my next actions will be, today. That is a command." The servant bowed as the duke left, his eye glancing back to Nova's resting face. Just what was going on in her head?

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[strawb3rryk1w1]

[Non-Canon]

Nothing More Than A Tree || Prequel to "Found in The Rain"

Angst is so fun chat... right? </3

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Nova was so close to him. She was already in lower Erisia, she could just go visit right now-- If she wasn't stuck at this bullshit post. As the minutes passed by, it ate at her very heart. Standing up, it developed into a rage. She had never liked the authority; those tyrants just made everyone's lives harder. Even as an Adret, she wasn't much better off in this Alsin forsaken faction. But of course, she was indebted; she couldn't leave until she practically died of overworking. Unfortunately, being posted in Erisia didn't help, either. Ishamon was right there, all she had to do was go AWOL and escape her "duty"! What could go wrong? Even if she managed to make her way to his manor, though, it'd almost be just as bad as her predicament now. What was she to do when she appeared at his manor's door in Authority garb and sword in hand? He only ever knew her as the lonely, innocent, and helpful Nova; to show up after weeks of absence in this attire would shatter his perception, their friendship, and possibly more. She couldn't. She had to keep face.

Slowly taking the helmet from her head off, Nova watched as her shaky hands fumbled as much as her mind did. "Stupid Authority... Stupid Erisia, stupid everything!" In a tearful cry, she threw her helmet to the ground, denouncing it yet again; It wasn't the first time she cursed out the Authority this way, not by a long shot. She tore the sword from her hip, stabbing it into the ground to really sell a point; she didn't want any of this. Falling to her knees, she felt it ring through her head, pierce her brain, and thoroughly toss her stability off it's course. "I don't want this. I never did, I will never want this." Hastily, and with a heavy conscious, she tore off the thin armor she wore. She was suffocating, and she wanted-- no, --needed out. Everything felt wrong. She was stuck in a situation she couldn't leave, she had no one to run to; there was nothing to lose, almost. But what if she disappeared? Would Ishamon, her friends, or whatever family was left, even notice? Would the authority just fill her place with another poor soul? It hurt thinking about how she was stuck, again, in a place she didn't want to be stuck in. She didn't want to be forced into the role of a soldier. She didn't want to be a daughter, a sister, or a friend, obligated to stay in her own suffering just to appease others. She wanted to be herself. But what even entailed 'herself'?

That was enough, she thought. The basic travelers coat and pants she wore were soaked; the rain had already started to pour. She needed to leave before someone wondered why she hadn't checked in with a squad leader; even in her lowly position as private first class, she was monitored just as harsh as some of the more important officials. It wasn't rare that she tried to defect, so she was under lock and key at this point. Turning to her left, she noticed a familiar clearing; a backroad to the Duke's manor. She picked herself up from the floor, dazed but determined to flee this helpless situation. Picking herself up, her feet dragged through the dirt as she stiffled tears and cries of true desperation for peace-- they wouldn't help her get to where she needed to be, would they? Her steps felt heavy, yet thoughtless; needing, but with no idea of what they needed to be satisfied. Would she ever know? Her eyes struggled to see through the dense forestry, now. Did she make a wrong turn? Had she already forgotten the road to safety in all her time of being in danger of something, anything, catching her before she reached it and dragging her back? Nova's body was drained. A full day of training, fighting, killing; the entirety of her body begged for release. Looking for a way out of here would be too much. She fell to the floor softly, giving in to her knees cries for a moment to regain themselves.

Really, what was the point anymore? Ishamon was of royalty; he himself had stated it didn't matter, but it truly did. He was a beacon of regality, a strong mind born of something worth much more than she could achieve in her lifetime. That's what everyone seemed to be in this day and age. Always leagues above her, either taking her in out of pity of how lowly she was or acting kind to get around her. Ishamon had only treated her with respect, albeit in his own, distant way, and she knew this well; but really, how genuine was it? How was she so sure he didn't let her hang around because she was a good test dummy? Or a naïve woman with nothing but admiration for him in her mind? Did he see her as much of anything beyond another servant with just a pinch more self awareness and critical thought? What had stopped him from making her another mindless servant? She knew the answer; he didn't have to spend energy on something like that when she practically offered her pathetic life to him for just showing basic kindness. He didn't keep her around because she was interesting; he was well experienced with people, and had most likely lived long enough to meet everyone in all of lumen if he so wished. She wasn't anything special. There were most likely countless before her that offered themselves willingly to the Duke of Erisia, whether out of love, desperation, or a lack of anything else to do with their lives. She didn't matter more to him than others; she mattered so much less that he wouldn't even give her the mercy of making her a carefree slave to his cause. Is that what she wanted? Most likely not-- but if it meant knowing she was a valued member of his entourage, maybe it would be for the best to be put out of her misery.

It didn't matter now. The cold had started taking a toll on her breath. It was hindered; jagged. She curled herself up to a tree, hoping to find solace in the stability of such a strong structure... but she only found emptiness. Nothing but a tree. No specialty, no extravagant use to offer or feeling emanating from it; it was just a tree. A common, generic tree. There were probably much more interesting, stronger, even lovelier trees to rest at. But she chose this one hoping it was more than it was, and even in her disappointment in a lack of some revelation or comfort from this tree, maybe that was okay. Maybe a simple, lowly tree was enough for someone like her.

It didn't take long for her to be found, sleeping and on the verge of freezing over.

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[strawb3rryk1w1]

[Non-Canon]

Found in The Rain || Writing

I had to make up with the Duke simping with actual character lore </3

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All that could be heard was the soft pitter patter of rain against the window Nova's head was laid against. Even in this windowsill, she felt comfort; at least she was in his manor. She peered over to the entire room and sighed, her mind lost in thought of where she was and how she had gotten here. Often she had come by the manor to speak with Ishamon, but it wasn't common that she went inside. She was shy, really; but she was also helplessly lost without someone to serve or help somehow. She needed this more than words could explain, more than a heart could ever splay out in poetry or song; more than she knew. Who wouldn't be when stuck in her situation? "So, would you care to explain why I found you laying out there in this weather?" Her eyes caught sight of her dear friend Ishamon as he walked over to her, holding out a small cup of warm tea. Nervously, the Adret put her hand out and grabbed the cup, a smile creeping up onto her face despite her anxiety. "Not at all... Again, I'm really sorry that you-" A harsh "shh" cut her off. "You say this every time I bring you in. You know I don't enjoy repetitive excuses." The look on his face lacked his normal energy, looking genuinely concerned opposed to his normally light and aloof nature when it came to speaking with her. Nova nodded, knowing this could only prove to show how tired Ishamon truly was-- yes it was night time, near midnight, almost; but even for the Duke, being tired this early was rare, so it was only natural to drop the facade of carelessness. "I know, I know... I really have no excuse, if you'd believe it. I just-- lack the funds for a home, that's all!" She sounded ashamed, which no doubt was a byproduct of her own insecurities. How could someone like her even fathom asking someone like royalty for shelter? Yes, months have gone by, and yes they've spoken almost every other day in those very months, but her? To ask the Duke of Erisia for more than a cup of tea and a lovely chat felt like asking of him to move the sun an moon; something which she knew was absurd.

Her own mind tirelessly trudged through its senseless chattering until it was stopped by a sudden warm feeling. Looking down, Nova saw Ishamon's hand comforting her own, which she hadn't realize had been shaking as she searched for and sputtered out a reason for her situation. As if on instinct alone, her hand moved to pull away, to retreat into herself and try and find comfort that way, but that was for naught. Quickly, Ishamon moved his hand to hold it, almost giving a gentle squeeze as he stared into her eyes. When Nova looked back into his, he smiled. "You cannot be serious, right? How long have we been getting close, and you're what? Afraid to ask for help?" The Duke shook his head, a slight, unexpected chuckle coming his lips. "Well, yes, I mean, you're a Duke! I'm just an Adret that heard about you and couldn't stop until I bothered you to death with my nonsense." Nova exclaimed, setting her cup of tea down on the nightstand beside her with a small sigh. Her head hung low, hiding her face in what could only be shame and embarrassment. "I barely fit the royalty that title gives anymore, don't I? And in any case, you've helped me quite a bit in my research and tasks around the manor, so it's really only fair that I help you, isn't it? Besides," A finger lifted to Nova's chin, tilting it up so she could see that he meant every word. "You are pretty important to me, and I don't like seeing people close to me hurt or in pain."

Her eyes widened as Ishamon lowered his hand, watching her take in his words carefully. Realistically, she was important to him; she helped with field testing, she offered herself for certain experiments with no fuss, and she was a great person to vent and speak to with no complaints at all, and it only helped her case that she was a fan of the great Duke Ishamon of Erisia and fueled his ego, of course. But for him to outright say that? She felt an outpour of fuzzy warmth spread through her heart, the feeling akin to a tight, unexpected hug from someone you've been desperately trying to reach. Was there any meaning behind the surface to be found? Was she a fool for wanting more to be there? "Well, for tonight, you can sleep here. My room is just a door over to the left, so if you need anything or have any issues, tell me immediately, understand?" The man stood up, exhaling deeply as he headed towards the door to leave Nova to her own devices. Turning back right before leaving, he watch Nova hold her hand to her heart, smiling warmly to the Celtor she called a friend. "Goodnight, Ishamon... Thank you for your hospitality." A slight reddening of Duke's cheeks went unnoticed by her; it had been a while since someone spoke to him with such innocent admiration and care. "You too. Get good rest." With that, the Duke left the Nova to rest at her on leisure, certain that she would be better off in a warm bed than in the cold rain of night.

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[strawb3rryk1w1]

Art Doodles! || Deepwoken!

Just a bunch of doodles of my slot Nova Adaset!! Say hello!!

[strawb3rryk1w1]

Showing Off My Skills || First Ever Post!

If you know me on discord or somewhere else, no you don't </3

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"Where is this?" The Celtorian girl was skittish, holding onto her sword tightly as she held it out in front of her. Why did she follow this random Adret again? Right, he offered notes... Which she desperately needed. "Amaryllis, right? Stay here, I'm going to go beat these golems up, do not move, okay?" She nodded, watching the acquaintance run off in an epic show of speed; well, it'd be epic to her if she wasn't more scared than excited. She had only taken this quest with this man because a friend had recommended her- being an apothecary had it's perks, especially when people are doing battles with such prominent risks. "It's not all that bad, right? I don't have to fight, just... Be super close to it! I'm just being a big wimp, really!"

Amaryllis, despite being 23 now, had never seen this place. She wasn't as well traversed as her fellow young adults were, which means she was a liability to be travelling with; she was lucky her anxiety made her such a great follower. Give her an order and it's done! What would she do, say no? Never happening. Looking around at the run down manor, she sighed. it was too silent for comfort to be possible. She grabbed a flower off the wall before leaning her back against the structure, slowly sliding down to sit in peace; making herself smaller always felt like it helped, at least a little. She looked down at the white flower, smiling weakly at it's beauty. It wasn't common to see these flowers in Etrea, so it was a treat for Amaryllis to be able to travel and fill her notebook with knowledge. Pulling out her tiny notepad, she began humming softly to herself as she wrote down details of the flower. Long stamen, white petals that faded into red in the middle, whatever she could write to help identify it. Humming became singing as Amaryllis got carried away, grabbing more flowers and plants to note and collect; to her, no one was around but her and the flowers! Her voice, yet soft, seemed more calm

It was only her luck that just as she chose to stand up, she didn't notice a tall figure down the hall watching her. She stopped singing as she put the last flower into her bag, the smile fading as her moment of tranquility ended with the tune. "It's such a shame this manor has no one to take care of these buds." Her voice was meek yet again; no more was the gentle confidence she held when pruning, writing and learning. "I sure hope it doesn't seem that way." That wasn't her travel buddy... Amaryllis' head slowly turned to see another Celtor, tall and menacing as he stood only but 10 feet away. "You... You live here? I'm so sorry! I had no idea, I didn't mean to take your plants, I had no idea!" She bowed her head, covering her face as she felt the sting of guilt and shame yet again, a common yet still painful hurt she often walked right into.

"I take no offense- these are hardly mine, anyways. Did you come with that Adret?" Amaryllis lifted her head slightly to nod, affirming that she wasn't alone originally. The man laughed, startling Amaryllis. Her body tensed in response, and the man noticed she seemed too scared of him to be the Adret's fighting partner. "I have no intention of doing harm if you leave now, I can promise you that. I find it hard to believe an apothecary has any business with that wretched monster, anyhow. I hope your travels, despite lonely, are safe." Amaryllis lifted her head quickly, realizing the implications of his words. "Wait, he's been killed?! If you know that, you must be-" Covering her mouth, she stifled a scream, watching the man chuckle and shake his head, turning away with flawless elegance, as if he had just been put into some kind of good mood. "Duke Ishamon of Erisia, yes. Take care now, ma'am."

Amaryllis knew slight details about him, which meant she also knew he was believed to be a mad scientist of sort, willing to murder anyone who even dared to enter his home; why he didn't just kill her was beyond her. Maybe it's because she really wasn't that deep into the manor's layout, maybe she seemed to pathetic to fight; but something told her it's because he saw the apothecary in her and knew he neutralized the real threat to his safety. She wasn't going to stick around to find out. She quickly turned around, deciding finding her way back out of this giant manor would be much easier than talking with him any further. Still, despite all the horror stories she had been scared into believing, he didn't seem that bad.

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