#lariel

[dujour13]

OC Kiss Week - day 6

A kiss for darling Lariel, who belongs to my friend @the-raging-tempest and exists in many incarnations across the multiverse 💜

Lariel’s skin prickles. It’s getting cold out here on the deck of the Bloodstone Rose and the salt spray has gradually soaked through her mourning dress, which will be even more uncomfortably stiff and edged with white when—or if—it dries. All the more reason to get rid of it, she decides, and the mental image of wadding it up and tossing it overboard gives her a small degree of satisfaction to distract from the stinging wind. Another itchy, constraining part of her old life to throw to the waves.

She’s reluctant to return to the cabin despite the chill, and despite that she’s all too aware she’s obstructing the sailors’ work and they don’t dare ask the weather witch to move aside. Inside it’s stuffy with beer and sweat and she feels even more of a nuisance in the narrow spaces, and besides, Zrise is more sullen than usual today. She wishes she had someone else to talk to. She wishes the sailors would dare speak to her, but they’re as aware of her social status as of her ability to bend the wind to her will and they just dip their heads and say “Miss” and hurry off whenever she opens her mouth. It only occurs to her this moment that Zrise may have done something to intimidate them, zealously protective as he’s been since they left the city.

She wanted to be happy out here on the open sea, but she feels just as trapped and useless and isolated as ever.

When a violent shiver runs through her frame she reluctantly turns to go inside, but catches sight of another passenger, the colorfully dressed bard, and is suddenly frozen in the grip of her loneliness.

Of course he won’t notice me, she thinks, a small, dark, shivering ghost in her ruined charcoal gown and mourning scarf.

But he does notice her. He grins and beckons. “Watch this.”

He tosses something into the wind and a gull stoops for it, and another gull sweeps in from below and steals it from the first’s beak, and the sky is full of their plaintive cries and frenzied flapping.

Then he hands her something and she reaches for it without thinking. It’s a slimy day-old shrimp.

“Go on,” he encourages her.

Lariel has no intention of tossing this shrimp feebly over the gunwale. She takes a step back, draws back her arm and whips it out as hard as she can. The shrimp arcs up into the gray sky. There is another angry, shrieking explosion of feathers. She and the bard laugh together and she forgets about the chill for a moment.

He nods toward the dark clouds on the horizon. “One of yours?”

“No,” she says. “A regular storm.”

“Oh no. Regular storms make me sick. You know what’s funny though? Yours don’t.”

“They don’t?”

“It’s weird. The ship pitches, but somehow knowing we’re in good hands and we’re headed somewhere makes me feel like it’s going to be all right.” He touches the pendant at his throat. “Kind of like Desna. Tymora, you call her here.”

“I wish I could tell you we were headed somewhere,” she murmurs, almost too quietly to be heard over the wind.

“You’re running from something.” As if it’s a joke he says this with mock gravity, although not without sympathy. “Let me try to guess. I’m an expert palm reader. May I?”

Lariel can only imagine Zrise’s reaction to this person prying into their affairs—but Zrise isn’t here, is he? She offers her small, cold hand.

“Hm,” he peers closely at her palm and pokes at the creases as if teasing out their secrets. “Aha. Here it is. Escaping an arranged marriage.”

Her eyes widen. She looks at her own hand. “Where do you see that?”

But when she glances up she realizes he’s laughing at her gently. “Your brother told me.”

“Oh.” She reddens but his teasing seems so friendly she can only laugh. “Wait—my brother told you that?”

“We talked,” he shrugs, as if it’s normal that Zrise would confide anything to anyone.

She frowns at him sidelong.

He misunderstands. “Don’t worry, this is not a bid to besmirch your honor. I’m not much for besmirching ladies.”

She remembers Zrise’s tirade about her naiveté with Venan and decides to stay on her guard, but it’s so nice to just talk to someone. “I suppose you’re running away from something too.”

“I like to think of it more as running towards something,” he says, looking hopefully out to the horizon.

“Towards what?”

“I’ll know when I get there.”

Lariel laughs with delight. “That sounds wonderful,” she says, but she’s unable to hide a hint of wistfulness in her voice.

“No reason you shouldn’t look at it that way too.”

He’s right, she realizes. Her mind has been so mired in that prison of a family manor and escaping from it that she still feels its drag on her every thought, the oppressive hands of the past pulling her under so she’s hardly had a moment with her head above water just to breathe. Unconsciously her hand goes to her throat.

Before she can answer, the cabin door slams open with a splintering crack and her brother Zrise stomps out, dragging something that turns out to be the scruff of the young redheaded sailor’s neck—the only sailor who dared speak to her once. He hauls the whimpering man like a dog toward the gunwale, and for a moment Lariel thinks he’s going to throw him to the gulls like a shrimp, but then Zrise notices her standing there with the bard and his face slackens from rage to an awkward, forced smile.

“Can’t take a joke, can you?” he snaps at the young sailor, dropping him to the deck like a rag. “I wasn’t really going to…”

Lariel expects Zrise to storm up and “escort” her back into the cabin but he’s gone an odd shade of his usual pale and seems… embarrassed? He’s wearing his stupid boots like he’s trying to impress someone. To her surprise he slinks back into the cabin without another word.

She and the bard rush to the aid of the sailor but as soon as he’s on his feet he’s away, and neither of them says a word about it as they go back to contemplating the horizon together.

When at last the chill starts getting under their skin they head into the cabin. The sailors are watching an approaching ship on intercept course and muttering about pirates.

“Looks like things are about to get even more interesting,” says Lariel, trying to feel optimistic.

“I’m not worried. You have a damn good arm,” says Siavash. He kisses her on the cheek and she feels her optimism float up and crystallize. “It’ll be fine.”

[molochka-koshka]

Lariel and Zrise for @commander-lariel !! They're both so prettyyy I love them 🥺🤎

[offsidekineticist]

💎💎💎 if you are still doing these! I’d love to hear Theo’s thoughts on either Lariel or Zrise 💕🥰💕

Absolutely still doing these! They're a little shorter than some of the others I've done because Theo failed his insight check for both of them (crit failed in Zrise's case), so I'm including them both.

Zrise Theoven's cheeks darken into a deeper shade as he starts scratching the back of his head. "O-oh, Zrise? Oh, he - he's - I mean, I - I mean - those eyes - and his tattoo - his hair - and those abs - Fangs shaaaaaarp." He sighs wistfully, a strange smile on his lips. "Yeeeeeeeah."

Lariel "Lariel? I worry about her, honestly. I mean...she's very kind. But...she's kind of naive? Sorry, I feel so mean saying that, but, like, she seemed surprised when Woljif ran off - like it really hurt her, like somehow she wasn't expecting that from him? And then he convinced her that she should just take him back with zero consequences? And if that's how she is with Woljif, imagine what would happen if she ever met, like, an actual manipulator, or if she had a crush on someone. I mean, it hasn't happened yet, but I really worry because she assumes that deep down, everyone is as good as she is. I guess she hasn't met many bad people yet. I just worry about what happens when she does."

[thesolemnhour]

💕I’m so excited!!! WAAHH could I get a 💎💎💎??? for whomever you please 💕

Agria's face lights up. "Oh, Lariel! You could walk Golarion for a thousand years and never find another person like her again. I love her dearly. Lariel is so honest, so willing to be open with others even when they haven't done anything to 'deserve it.' Some might call it naivete, but I never would. It's a choice to offer the world that sort of kindness, and it's an incredibly brave one.

Her expression dims--though only slightly--into something more thoughtful. "It's a little hard to explain. She reminds me of myself but in negative space. Like fire and water, if I were willing to be unforgivably trite. Each of us has what the other will need to get by without.

"There is so much about Lariel to admire. She makes me want to be more like her, more vulnerable, more sincere." Agria's smile grows chagrined as she continues, "And part of me hopes that I inspire her never to take any less than she deserves!"

[the-raging-tempest]

To celebrate that it’s been a year since I played Pathfinder Wrath of the Righteous. And I still love the world and characters in this game.

[amasdoodles]

a redraw of a still from the ballet don quixote of @thesolemnhour's agria and @the-raging-tempest's lariel with layla as kitri and her friends

[thebirdarts]

day two of Ockiss week! this time Georgie's giving his love to @the-raging-tempest 's lovely Kc, Lariel! hes got a lot of respect for her, but that wont stop him embarrassing her with a kiss on the cheek<3

[amatres]

@commander-lariel's knight commander Lariel Aldonlel, based on the painting 'Ophelia' by Arthur Hughes, as well as the official artwork Dolly made herself for Lariel's Commander as Companion prompt. I couldn't choose between the version with or without the filter, so I'll post both.

[crashstanding]

Restarted my project to draw profile images for all of my OCs, so!!! here's Five I did today :> (plus bonus mask version for Ananke)

[silversiren1101]

💎💎💎 I feel like I gotta know how Mino feels about either of them. Lariel or Zrise. 😳 (if you’re still doing these)

[First attempt at this let's go!]

Lariel:

Minovae's expression softens at the name. There's an affection and, strangely enough, a pride in her eyes. "Oh, Lariel... so fearful and hesitant of the world, if only she knew the potential she has. She thinks she's only crackling storm and lighting, but that's only a part of her. I see the silver lining of her storm cloud, the soft breezes of her smile and great gusts of her encouraging others. She's... a bit like me in that way, I think. It'd be like if I only thought myself all Linnorm and no Minnow, too afraid to take control of my life for fear I'll only bite and maim. Well, zap for her. I only wish she could see herself through the eyes of her companions because, to me, she's more worthy than the goddess we actually met. The day she comes out of her shell and realizes who she is and what she's capable of will be one that'll shake the world."

Zrise:

Her lips curls between her fangs. Undisguised contempt and disgust colors her expression, punctuated with an agitated rattle of her feathery tail. "Let's just say it would be remiss of me to look for an excuse to arrest someone only on the basis that I dislike them. That would be grossly inappropriate for someone dedicated to fair and equitable application of the law like myself. Fortunately for me, and for everyone else that's had the misfortune of crossing his path, Zrise gives me plenty of actual reasons to build my investigation, and he's too arrogant to notice the trail he's leaving for himself right to Citadel Gheradesca."

[knight-commander]

💎 (I just realized I think I sent this to the wrong blog before oops) For either of the twins from Emery 👀

Emery folds his hands behind his back, kicking softly at rocks in the dirt. “Lariel is sweet,” he says, “almost tooth-achingly so. She reminds me of the maiden you’d read about in fairytales: the ones that the unicorns always come to. I suppose innocent would be another good word that comes to mind.

“But I wouldn’t say it,” Emery adds. “There’s something dark about her underneath the surface. Something familiar. Something sad, like some miserable god has put a heavy weight on her chest, and it’s all she can do to stay afloat. I think she’s strange.”

He still doesn’t look up. “And don’t even get me started on her brother. Evidently he’s the sort of man that you can’t trust.”

[dujour13]

I gotta know 💎💎💎 for either of them 💕🥰💕

both!! 🥰

Lariel my sweetie

Watch out for Lariel, she’s one who hides her game. She seems sweet, innocent and pliable, but underneath is a will of iron. I think she was taught from a young age that standing up for herself only led to more heartache, so she learned to be docile, but her kindness is her rebellion and that’s an act of strength.

She’s also great fun. Teasing her is so rewarding. I’ve never seen anybody turn quite that shade of red.

Zrise (sigh)

I want to think the lashing out is only partly his own fault. I don’t know what he’s hiding under all the (he waves a hand as if you can picture Zrise standing there)—piercings and fangs and stuff, but I think it’s wounded, and there’s nothing more dangerous than a wounded animal. I also want to think his wounds can be healed, but it’ll take a lot of patience and… self-sacrifice, and I’m not sure it’ll work in the end because I don’t think Zrise thinks he’s worth the effort.

[molochka-koshka]

💎💎💎!! If you are up for it! I’d love to know Tristo’s opinion on either of the twins! Whomever you prefer 💕

(Thanks for the ask!~ He's such a grump and Lariel is too good for him 😔)

Tristo's expression shifts faintly at the mention of Lariel, lips pressing a little bit tighter, eyes narrowing ever so slightly--it's hard to tell if it's a frown or a smile that he's trying to make.

"What a... charming, young woman," he muses, voice calm and even by belying the faintest hint of curiosity. "She looks frail," he adds bluntly then, expression slacking to it's usual cold state of neutrality. "It's hard not to measure others based on what my standards would be for a fellow Hellknight." At first he seems content to leave his assessment at that, it's more than enough information for a review of an armiger he thinks, but then he breathes a small sigh and continues. "Her skill with magic is impressive though."

Every word is spoken in a steady, measured tone, like he's already given this a lot of thought, like he's actually making an effort to be personable while still being honest. "I can relate to the... nature, of her magic. Being a sorcerer, especially one whose magic comes from multiple bloodlines, is to walk a fine line between order and chaos, and I'm very much aware of the difficulties that can create, even if I disagree with the side of that line she seems to tend to step towards." His expression shifts again, a faint micro-smile pressing his lips tight again. "She would make a horrible signifer, but I imagine her abilities are on par with some and far exceed most, even if her discipline isn't quite up to our standards."

"I think she's useful," he finishes. "That's the best thing a person can be, especially around the Worldwound."

[cassynite]

💎💎💎 if you are up for it! I’d loved to hear Sparrow’s thoughts on either of them! Lariel or Zrise 💕💕

:D Thanks Dolly! I ended up doing both of them, I love both of the swans ❤️

--

Lariel:

Sparrow sighs. "Lariel is...soft. Or, perhaps, gentle is a better word. 'Soft' would imply she has not faced hardship, but that does not seem to be the case. Despite her naivete, there is something brittle about her countenance. Her hesitance with the world around her reflects a fear that seems to have been instilled in her a long time ago." She grimaces, and turns away.

"She should take care. The way she is able to endear people to her has worked in keeping her safe, but the way she wears her emotions so obviously...someone will exploit that if given the chance, I think. But--I might be wrong. She is stronger than she thinks, that much is already clear. And if she is able to stop being so frightened of herself, I think she will find the world less frightening as well. And less likely to hurt her, in turn."

Zrise:

Sparrow's expression is devoid of emotion. "He is a powerful ally, though unnecessarily ruthless." Her tone is clipped and to the point. "Should he ever learn to reel in his passions he might find someone who doesn't want to kill him within five minutes of meeting him. He's arrogant and desperate to prove some point to himself--and so self-absorbed that any possible redeeming qualities or sympathy from his past are drowned in his own inability to recognize the worth in other people.

The best tactic, I've found, is to ignore him when possible and mitigate the damage he causes. He seems desperate for attention--best starve him of it and he goes away in time."

[the-raging-tempest]

[amasdoodles]

a long time ago, @the-raging-tempest left a tag on one of my posts that she would love to have layla and lariel hang out as kids. i'm sure she doesn't remember it but i've wanted to draw it for a while so. here is a little doodle of them!