#// I left it open so you can reply with

[noxian-scarsong]

A Natural Encounter

Anastasia was wandering through the fields today. A nice time to walk amongst the trees and the flora. Outside o Noxus there were many things she already knew about so she traveled further each time she went for her walks.

This time she was more fascinated with the walk itsel. Wandering about aimlessly and maybe got a tad lost. She wandered around for a bit not panicked or worried but enjoying the change of scenery she have navigated fields before. She listened closely and thought she heard something. "Hello? Is someone there?" She felt by her side for her serrated dagger. "I am of no danger to you I promise." She held a calm smile as she looked around.

@darkseraphscorner

[restinpeacesensei]

traditional style 💖

[kxllerblond]

OPEN.

❝ Boundaries...❞ he said again, turning now-—his chosen cufflinks still gathered in his hand. His expression was expectant, then slightly confused. ❝ You know...? What you discuss to during the planning conversation? The conversation you have before you go live with any sort of covert operation we need to be on the same page about? You didn't think we would just wing it...did you? ❞

His brows knit as he slowly began to pin his cufflinks in place, all the while squinting at his partner for the evening. ❝ You have done this sort of thing before, right? ❞

[orchideae]

"Okay, I ask you a question, you have to think of the answer, where do you look? No good. You look down, they know you're lying, and up they know you don't know the truth. Don't use seven words when four will do. Don't shift your weight. Look always at your mark, but don't stare. Be specific, but not memorable. Be funny, but don't make him laugh. He's gotta like you, and then forget you, the moment you've left his sight."

Let's talk about inspiration for a second, though I'm not saying with this that Rusty Ryan is a direct source of inspiration for Yelan, but there's numerous things from this scene that I want to point out for a moment.

One. How much each detail matters when it comes to a 'person'(a). I know that in this quote/scene's context it's about where you can find uncertainty and proof of one's deception, but by that same account, it shows how many elements of ourselves carry our authenticity and thus our 'essence'. This shows the rather thorough knowledge that one has to possess in regards to human nature to be able to bring such thorough (and thus believable) personas to life. There will be moments when Yelan will simply throw up a quick lie as to her identity like she does in her SQ in Liyue Harbor when she simply needs some quick information but nothing beyond that; but for more elaborate missions that require a specific consistent and/or recurring presence? You'll see her live that as much and as naturally as she lives her own self, it's where you'll see a whole different level of craftsmanship, her craftsmanship.

Two. The arts of being perceived and deceived are rather intense. I mean, this also plays into the previous/first point, because it's honestly all about how the devil is in the details. But with this I aim to indicate how in control of yourself you have to be, to show signs of nervousness that may fit the persona in question perfectly. As an example: an experienced salesman will usually have natural charisma and confidence, because one's energy will draw customers in and the way a pitch is presented, will be what will make the sale; but one that's entirely new to the field will likely be lacking in both of those traits out of sheer inexperience. The latter will (likely/usually) find him or herself with a bundle of nerves caught in their throat which will afflict their speech and will likely keep their hands grasped together to not show the shake of them— living these little traits will allow one to blend into many different locations and scenarios (imagine too, how these would then also ripple effect into their personal lives). Any way, I digress. Even if we're speaking of a very temporary role or persona, falling into the latter example of character allows one to much more realistically bump into boundaries and excuse themselves; their nerves are a motivator and inhibitor for many things. But to able to present this realistically, every single layer of nuance needs to be closely and tightly understood. It's much more of a challenge than people might think.

Three. Those last lines, and that very last line in specific is so utterly important:

"Look always at your mark, but don't stare. Be specific, but not memorable. Be funny, but don't make him laugh. He's gotta like you, and then forget you, the moment you've left his sight."

Initially, I wanted to bring up Yelan's first character story as an example of this, that these novice pharmacists don't seem to realize that they've all likely treated Yelan for one injury or another already in the past and have forgotten; but it isn't the best instance to enforce the above quote, as each of their attention is drawn away from the obvious due to Yelan's endurance to endure the pain the treatments subject her to (yes, I will touch on this 'light addiction to pain' soon, and no, it is not 'kinky' as a portion of the fandom makes it out to be, or at least in my opinion; but more on that in a later post as it plays into a consistent thing across the board). Instead, the best example is likely simply: Liyue Harbor. This is where she lives (well, she technically resides just outside of the city), this is where people see her cross the street and yet in her SQ, numerous seem to not exactly recognize her. Even children who are known to frequent the wharf over and over, aren't familiar enough with Yelan as to be able to recognize her, and yet saying that they wouldn't have crossed paths is rather unrealistic (as she literally works for Ningguang, Liyue Harbor is the first port of call for intelligence gathering for numerous things). This tells me that she's either rather good at drawing their eyes away from her face or any other parts of her that people could rather quickly identify her by, or she's prone to disguising herself just enough. Now I do also have to note that the exact opposite may also be craved in certain situations. Sometimes, all you need is to be a memory that is much too vivid, a fever in someone's mind—— sometimes, that is exactly the persona that needs to linger.

What can I say, the game is a complicated one to play. For a woman who is so good at this craftsmanship, where every little aspect of these personas rests in a firm grip of control; no wonder she lives her life outside of that by the roll of a dice.

[forthewinn]

@heckcdup liked this for a Taylor Swift starter ~ Dear John

"She was an expert at sorry and keeping lines blurry." Winn sighed as he held onto the tub of ice cream, sitting on the couch. He knew that being with Lyra wasn't a good idea, not after the whole framing him for robbery thing. But something inside him so badly wanted to believe that he could be loved that he ignored everything telling him that he shouldn't. That he should have stayed away. "I look back in regret how I ignored when you all told me to run as fast as I can."

[penniesfortheferryman]

There is a low rumbling in the ground as Kharon steps through the veil. Bright amber eyes darting around him as he tries to figure out where he was. Following just after him is a black cat with unnaturally bright yellow eyes, the bell on the red silk ribbon dings as she moves. Gently rubbing against Kharon's legs before trotting off ahead of him, going right for whoever was near them.

"Ophelia, wait!"

@delightindarkness // closed.

[niieve]

open to: muses of any gender (m/nb if romantic)

"what are you doing here? it's the middle of the night."

[realmythsmoved]

@storywrought liked here for a starter! Song: Small Town Scandal by Zolita

"This could be a situation...." Hope says with a frown. They aren't sure exactly what to do about it. But maybe the other person has an idea. "What should we do?"

[fxckingmoran-a]

~ @worthless-weight-in-gold || Den starter ~

Sebastian had always worked well under pressure. However, even for him, sometimes the stress was too much. This was one of those days.

"We have a problem." His hands came down to the table, unfolding blueprints and placing various mugs, knives - anything else to hand - in the corners, as paperweights. "The job that I'm supposed to go on tonight? The one that we've been planning for the past fucking week? It's changed. Apparently they got wind of something because they've ramped up their security and installed blinds in every room - Meaning I can't get a good line of sight from my position."

[yeonban]

The pretty heterophobia in his eyes 🥺🥺🥺

[diadxrling]

@fizzarolliandfriends liked for a starter

Dia loved to perform, especially her new way of performing, sure people were still looking at her body but at least she was mostly covered now. That and well she wasn't up for sale, people could have as much money as they wanted but it wouldn't by them time with her. Unless of course she didn't mind the company, but that was quite rare.

One downside of performing was that sometimes not everything went to plan. Be it some technical difficulties or something else messing up, there was always a chance of something failing. Today that something was her own body, or well more her coordination she supposed. Landing from a jump, she was usually very adept at doing well, a little awkward twisting her whole leg in the process.

The succubus had still finished the show just playing it off as a little stumble, but once she was off-stage things were different. Limping back to her dressing room cursing under her breath, why did it have to be THIS show she messed up on. She knew who was watching and that fact almost hurt her more than her leg though that really wasn't feeling pleasant as well.

[ikeasharksss]

having a lot of hp thoughts (HAS NO INTENTION OF REJOINING THE FANDOM OR PARTICIPATING IN ANY WAY)

[unhclygrovnd]

@campusbcys liked for a starter.

"Please tell me this isn't one of those I need you to change my grade scenarios because frankly--" Andrew looked up from the paper he was grading. Frustration was clear on his face, although not directed at the young man standing before him. "With how many absences you have, I don't think there's anything I can do."

[forthewinn]

@dynastymuses || liked this for a Taylor Swift starter || Back To December

"It was when fear crept into my mind." Winn knew that it wasn't fair to anyone in his life, when his anxiety took over. When he gave into the fear and overwhelming urge to run away. When life was so heavy that he couldn't help but just give up on everything and push everyone away. "You gave me all your love and all I gave you was goodbye." He screwed up, he knew that. He was willing to own up to it. But he couldn't help but at least try and made amends, to help them understand why he did what he did.

[penniesfortheferryman]

"That looks uncomfortable, are you okay?"

@brxkenbeta // closed.

[himbovillains]

@roscgarden liked for a starter from my babies.

it's a busy night, busier than it has been for a long time, and he's rushed off his feet. usually, the bar is steady enough that he's able to stop for five minutes here or there, just to catch his breath, but tonight it's been non-stop. he'd even had to shut duke away at one point, much to the alsation's chagrin, just to stop him from being stepped on underfoot. at least now it's coming to the part of the night where things start to wind down a little, and he can actually stop and talk to his patrons before moving on to the next one. ‘ hey, sorry to keep you waitin'. what can i get ya? ’