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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
Niobe doesn't like Marcus because he disses Dr. Ratio way too casually. She listens to him and helps him out on his study, but thinks he's a big meanie since he's mean to Dr. Ratio who is infallible in her eyes.
Has weekly sessions with Niobe where he helps record the nearly extinct language of Asfaleia with special interest in how an aristocratic child may have preserved the language differently. He thinks Niobe is amusing and used to be classmates with her in one of Dr. Ratio's classes last year, (jokingly) tormented by the fact that Niobe was far more successful than him
One of his graduate candidates whom he personally mentors. Thinks Marcus is incredibly amusing because of the chaos he accidentally stirs with his incredibly flippant attitude. The two both have some type of grudge against Ratio, too. Marcus is definitely one of Cor's favorite students, and feels a bit upset they will definitely part ways in the future due to Marcus' dedication to his family, which Cor honestly does not understand. Cool teacher-student duo though
Marcus' professor/graduate mentor whom he transferred to after failing out of Dr. Ratio's classes. He particularly studies extinct or near-extinct languages under him and has a very casual relationship- calling him "Prof". Cor's flippant attitude seems to perfectly match Marcus as he encourages Marcus' nearly chaotic behavior. He respects Prof but never really considered continuing to work in the Guild with him- his family has bills to pay.
Shrike is an interesting person, the partner of Sunday of the Oak Family, though not exactly entirely open about their relationship with the man. They're a bit scary, though, for now, Sparrow finds them quite interesting - and Shrike helped them when they were being harassed by a drunkard, so Sparrow can't help but feel some debt to them.
The machinations of Penacony are showing their faces, though - and Sparrow isn't sure just how trusting they can be of Sunday's right hand.
Met briefly mostly due to Shrike's own curiosity after they read plenty of tabloids. Considers Sparrow and themself "birds of a feather" because of their many similarities- powerful lovers, blonde hair, bird names, etc. Would probably consider them a friend and find amusement in hanging out with Sparrow. However, considering Sparrow's proximity to Dr. Ratio who is associated with the IPC, which is clearly rearing its head against the Family and Penacony... Shrike wouldn't quite put their bet behind being Sparrow's friend for long. After all, Shrike is dedicated solely to Sunday and whatever he may desire.
Langzi is always excited to meet new people, especially a higher level Vidyadhara with horns and a tail. Thinks Meizhen is very cool and respects her although she's hardly older than him. Can relate to Meizhen in the burden of only being a shadow of their past incarnations, and loves to hang out with her, as if trying to give her some semblance of a childhood during her time here. Langzi doesn't understand the greater politics and issues that Meizhen may be entangled in, but he thinks that being her company might be able to help
The young Vidyadhara she met on the ceiling of the General's house. While she finds him calling the General's fiancée "mom" rather confusing, she can't help but feel some jealousy and guilt. Did she have a parental figure like that? Did she want one? Even now, she's not sure, but Langzi is sweet and kind, and despite what he's been through, has the joys of being a child. That's something Meizhen hope he gets to keep.
She lost that childhood, and she doesn't want someone else to as well.
A fellow High Elder. Shiyu has met Meizhen's past incarnations and worked with them plenty. He is surprisingly protective of young Vidyadhara, which includes Meizhen and wishes for her safety and well being. Shiyu understands the stresses that she must endure as someone born to protect a plague mark. After the incident with the reveal that Meizhen was on the Zhuming, he was even willing to extend his stay in the Luofu to help sort out her situation. Sees her as... a niece of some sort, and would go out of his way to help her.
Caelorum Venti, the High Elder of the Xianzhou Yaoqing. Meizhen last met him when she was very, very young, so she only somewhat remembers him. It was enough for her to fear him when she saw him on the Luofu, but also enough for her to feel safe in his arms when the Cloud Knights came after her. Considers him a guardian of sorts, as the oldest High Elder she knows personally.
She wants to apologize for what she became in her attempts to escape the Zhuming and find help for what she fears and experienced, but a part of her fears bringing it up will remind everyone that she stole and abandoned her post overseeing the Primordial Flame. Especially with her fears surrounding what the Flint Emperor might do.
Selected her as his assistant mostly because he knew that the fact she was trying to use him to flee Clockwork would mean she would be fully under his thumb and hers to control. Gave her the name Zirconia mostly forcibly and coerced her into her marriage with Aventurine. Sees her as a useful asset beneath him with quite a lot of worth (He's an Asshole)
Her boss. At first she saw him as her salvation, but realized he used her the same as her father did to her. He molded her to his desires- her name, behaviors, personality, etc. Works very efficiently for him in fear that he will cast her aside one day, leaving her with nothing. Greatly afraid of him and is incredibly quiet around Diamond.
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 all, they don't know how the IPC works, and they want little to do with it. That Cora can endure such pricks makes her stronger than Sparrow believes they could ever 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.
Feixiao feels true regret at the thought of how her lack of control over her own soldiers endangered Yaling's life, and easily threw her pride to the side to apologize to her and General Jing Yuan upon her knees- along with the fear of a war within the Xianzhou. Apart from that interaction, Yaling is the very representation of Feixiao's envy of General Jing Yuan. She, too, wishes that she could live a peaceful life even as a General, and have the privilege of affording a lover. Feixiao hopes they will never meet again.
Yaling finds Feixiao rather intimidating, knowing full well what the Yaoqing General is capable of. She left the fate of the traitors who tried to harm her in the hands of Feixiao, and for that, a part of her feels fear - yet she also knows that Feixiao has been more respectful of her than half of the Luofu over her blindness, treating her with the same respect as anyone else. Is it wrong for Yaling to say she wants to see Feixiao again someday?
Who?
Callista helped raise and teach Starling while she lived under Kafka. She was very attached to Starling and protective of her, teaching her how to fight. Saw a little bit of herself in Starling, because both were "destined" to be involved with a Stellaron. In a way, Starling is the more successful version of Callista, being successful in how she can now hold the Stellaron in herself. She was very agonized when they had to wipe her memory and send Starling to the Astral Express. Calls Starling "Stelle" like Kafka does. After Starling joined the Astral Express, the two have never met, but Callista makes the time to often watch her from a distance during every point in her journey. Knows that Starling has the disposition of a hero and is very unlike herself, but personally finds pride in Starling's tendencies for destruction
Thinks he's cool because he doesn't tell her that she's stupid (like Dr. Ratio). They both dislike the IPC and Starling happily tells Cor stories about how she has beat up members of the IPC. Also enjoys hearing about his pranks on the IPC. Probably the best relationship with him from the Intelligentsia Guild, and they exchange letters sometimes, although letters to the Astral Express are always tricky to deliver
Has found Starling amusing since she heard how she attacked Diamond of the IPC and also threatened Ratio. Her penchant for destruction is somewhat admirable, and reminds him of his own love for chaos. The two scheme to make the IPC as uncomfortable as possible
A little afraid of Niobe, because she doesn't think she could defend herself by attacking her back if she has another episode. Niobe is the first of Kafka's "victims" that Starling has encountered, which has thrown a wrench in her vision of Kafka. Being so desperate for her mother's attention, Starling has unconsciously idolized her and excused any wrongdoing she could have done. Seeing Niobe's scars and deep trauma makes Starling feel incredibly guilty and see Kafka in a different light. Has reached a tentative agreement with Niobe, but knows that Niobe hates her and keeps her distance. Doesn't like to visit the Intelligentsia Guild because of her and Dr. Ratio.
When they first met, Niobe immediately connected her to Kafka due to the jacket she was wearing and attacked her (albeit somewhat unconsciously). She didn't cause any real damage because Dr. Ratio and Professor Cor interfered, but Niobe has never reflected any apology for attacking her in the first place. The two have somewhat reached a tense understanding, but Niobe noticeably leaves the room when Starling enters. It is fortunate the two will not cross paths often, because Niobe loathes her for her connection to Kafka, the woman who destroyed her home planet.
Ratio's star student, who Cor often laments is too nice and bright to be under that mean old Veritas, and should instead study with him instead. He seems vaguely fond of Niobe although obviously more invested in his own direct students. Unlike others in the Intellegensia Guild, does not question her legitimacy as his student, since that prick is so picky with his own students that he definitely does not make mistakes. On many occasions, he has taken to chaperoning Niobe when Ratio wanders off with Sparrow, roping her into his pranks against the IPC or Ratio.
Another professor of the Intellegensia Guild. Niobe seems to be suspicious of Cor because of small odd behaviors she has observed when he thinks no one is looking, and is probably the closest of anyone to finding the truth about him. She's warmed up to him considerably the past few months, but still gets offended whenever he offers her to be his student instead. Niobe was taught to be more fluent in the Standard language by Cor and is currently undergoing a project with him to record her native language from Xin-35.
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.
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.
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.
Mother figure. The Vidyadhara do not have parents as they are a self-sustaining and reincarnation species, but Langzi was raised by the Vidyadhara's Preceptors who wished to groom him into one of them, hoping he'd be as powerful as his past life. When he escaped their influence, he naturally found himself in pursuit of a parental figure. Yaling- or Mom, as he calls her- is the caring and unconditionally loving guardian he has sought his entire life, not expecting greatness or him to achieve his "fate" in order to even be loved. Often gets into fights with children his age when they insult his Mom, and never seems to learn his lesson.
Langzi is effectively Yaling's son, and she is highly protective of the young Vidyadhara because of that. At times she sees herself in him, someone who wasn't allowed to be a child due to circumstances he could not have chosen.
He was a fellow slave from SM. Amongst the other slaves, Nami particularly remembers Beren because of the privileges he seemed to have. Not much personal opinion, yet
Fellow AllWing!!! Likes to eat fish with Malzeno and Somna. She's not sure why Malzeno seems sad around her sometimes, but enjoys his company greatly. Wants to be cool and strong like him one day
"I have been informed of Namielle's history by a SandWing called 'Beren'. Part of me doesn't believe him, although that may just be me not wanting the stories to be true, as I can feel a sadness and loneliness from Namielle that would drive a lesser dragon mad. Perhaps I can make her life that little bit better, if she will let me."
Loves her sibling very much, and dislikes most of their other siblings. Ephemeris will constantly talk to Gloomy and defend her, even if she doesn't seem particularly responsive. However, she is so absorbed by her father that sometimes she leaves her out on these outings with Circinus, but doesn't mean anything to Gloomy by it.
Absolutely loves her sibling but is jealous that their dad seems to favor her.
Only Sibling she likes. They probably scheme and do things together
Frilled Shark, despite his apprehensions when his mother first told him of his arranged marriage, genuinely loves Flickering.
He likes learning of all the cultures the Sea Kingdom does not truly have. He tries his best to help out his betrothed and her family if there are any language barriers between them and the shallows-dragons.
- Gave Cheonji one of her two shallows name (the direct 'translation' of her Deepsea Name after he did so for Flickering.
- While he and Flickering have bonded well enough, he doesn't believe her siblings are too impressed by him. And hearing of what goes down in the deep, he understands completely.
Kind of thinks her sister can do better than Frilled Shark and is still a little upset that Flickering had to go to the Shallows. Thinks Frilled Shark is kinda cool and tells Abyss not to eat him. Also it's kind of thanks to his and Flickering's relationship that she gets to befriend her silly friend princess Setouchi
His apprentice and nephew. Kind of feels bad that Adi seems to borderline neglect him. Is strict towards him, hoping he can gain much power and strength in the future
Akheilos is currently training Frilled Shark to take on the position of Queensguard leader someday, as it is a ranking only Princes may take.