Liege Sparrow Fitzroy's Links
A follow member of the Intelligentsia Guild, and far more amicable than Dr. Ratio. Alongside that, their subjects tend to overlap a bit. Sparrow respects his rivalry with Ratio, though they don't often get too involved with it, usually just keeping things from getting too intense and having Cor waste his time on someone who doesn't really deserve it. They haven't told Cor most of their history, though, but after the incident in Sparrow's first (and only) traditional lecture, they're pretty sure Cor knows enough to keep them from having to go through that again.
After recent... events, Sparrow has been at the center of Cor's teasing. They don't mind, though. It's annoying, but Cor's having a good time, and it's ultimately harmless. Besides, who else will hide Dr. Veritas Ratio's eyes from Cor's chaotic pranks against the IPC?
Their subjects overlap a little so they have chances to work together somewhat often. Cor has somewhat figured out Sparrow's history and conditions- since he's always observant of those around him- and knows how not to push them. Complains about Veritas often to Sparrow and makes quips about how he should take Niobe in instead. Has grown somewhat closer to Sparrow in recent days, and finds himself comfortable enough to reveal his tricks and perchance for chaos with them. They both dislike the IPC, and sometimes "scheme" together, when Sparrow distracts Ratio enough to make him forget about the chaos Cor is spreading behind his back. Cor still bickers with Ratio enough to tease Sparrow plenty about their relationship with him, having only a minimal understanding of attachment and romantic love.
One of Ratio's students, and one of the most surprising ones at that. She's young and sensitive, and yet she continues to endure. Sparrow isn't sure why, though they offer the girl as much support and comfort as they can. They know Veritas Ratio well enough that, even if slightly softer with the girl, his critique is far from kind.
Since Sparrow grew closer to Ratio, against all odds, they've tried to befriend Niobe a bit more, a balance to their partner's more harsh gaze. Still, there's been leaps and bounds with the dynamic on all sides, and Sparrow feels endless pride in that fact. Even if they only helped a little bit.
In recent weeks, Sparrow has begun to consider themself one of Niobe's guardians alongside Veritas, and does whatever they can to help keep Niobe safe and, to their best attempt, happy. They still feel bad about the confrontation with Ratio in the Reverie. Niobe didn't need to endure watching that, especially since things have settled since then.
After the events of Penacony, Sparrow has made it their goal to remind Niobe just how loved the little girl is, and how Sparrow and Ratio will do whatever it takes to keep her safe. They almost lost each other back then, to the Dream, and Sparrow refuses to let it happen again. Not without a fight this time.
Has absentmindedly called them her “sibling in law” in relation to Dr. Ratio, confusing the two because Sparrow is neither married to him nor was Ratio aware that Niobe saw him as her brother. Is very sensitive to their emotions and struggles, being particularly empathetic to others who are close to Niobe- it’s just that Dr. Ratio and Professor Cor are both not big emoters which makes her lack a strong empathetic response to them often. Admires Professor Sparrow and is more drawn to art than her mentor is, although her forms of art that she creates tends to be... disturbing. Despite this, Niobe still seems to vehemently take Dr. Ratio's side, even during their fight in Penacony, although Niobe was surprisingly hesitant about it. Trusts Sparrow (more than Cor at least) and wouldn't mind being left in their care. Her therapist is very sure that the presence of Sparrow has helped improve Niobe's mental health, and Niobe is incredibly attached to them especially following the events of Penacony.
One of Sparrow's peers during their time in Clockwork. Sparrow fears they set a dangerous precedence when they sabotaged their societal debut, not wanting anyone to get hurt because they looked up to the rebellious Fitzroy who had nothing else to lose. They want Cora to be happy - she deserves to be happy, having made it off of Clockwork - but they're not sure if they're capable of helping her.
After Penacony, Sparrow has been trying to keep in more constant contact with Cora, especially now that Cora has Siobhan in her life. It's nice to see their old friend finally start to live the life she deserves after all of the hardship the two endured throughout the years. They're proud of Cora - in a way, Cora is far stronger than they think they ever could be.
The Eden family works under the Fitzroy family, so the two knew each other when they were in Clockwork. Cora looks up to Sparrow and wished she could have been as bold as them, but didn't sabotage her debut. Instead, she fled Clockwork and joined the IPC- although perhaps her situation has ended up a lot more tragic than Sparrow's. Has nothing but great admiration for Sparrow and blames them for nothing. Still somewhat reserved about her situation with Aventurine towards Sparrow after realizing that their relationship with Ratio is far more genuine. Perhaps she is envious of them, although she's always impossible to read- although after Cora has found what she can call peace in her life with Siobhan, she can be fully happy for them without neglecting herself. She hopes they can continue consistent contact even after they leave Penacony
Sparrow hopes they're okay. After everything, after Sunday and the Order and the Dream, they hope Shrike can come to terms with it and forge a path forward - and, to the shock of many, they hope Shrike and Sunday can continue forward as partners.
As much as Sparrow knows they'll never forgive Sunday, it is not their place to tell others they can't, and they believe Sunday will only be better if he has people to lean on - people who are willing to call him out and help him improve as a person, and get him the help and support he needs to better himself as a person.
Perhaps it is idealism. Sparrow doesn't care. Shrike is someone they hope to continue to call a friend, even if only in passing. They are one of the keys to a brighter future, in Sparrow's eyes.
Despite the incredibly limited interactions they have had, Shrike considered Sparrow important enough to them to reach out while being on the run- although admittedly perhaps out of boredom. They heard about Sparrow's engagement to Ratio and congratulated them, even though perhaps there is a dull ache in Shrike's heart that their turn for such happiness may never come. Shrike was surprised that Sparrow didn't instantly turn hostile towards them, considering the fact that them continuing to be with Sunday has turned much of Penacony against Shrike. They were also surprised that Sparrow voiced their hope that Sunday can find peace as well... there really are still good people in this world.
They still want to help him the best they can, though after the attempted interview about their relationship with Dr. Ratio and the subsequent email Marcus accidentally sent him, they're kind of awkward when he's brought up. Offers to buy him groceries every so often.
Accidentally asked Dr. Ratio if he and Professor Sparrow were doing the devil's tango (he just really needed the bonus from the tabloid he works at oopsie). Former student (was in their class as an elective) and was a pretty decent student before he went off the rails because of Dr. Ratio's classes. Probably acts a little too much like Cor