The point of this thread is to give the OC Above a warning! Are they acting reckless, or is your OC feeling particularly violent?
Samples:
OC 1: First!
OC 2: *stabs* consider this a warning
OC 3: Watch out! You almost tripped!
The rules:
1. Wait 2 posts before responding again, unless the previous post is 24 hours old!
2. Put a little effort in your responses! At least 3 sentences minimum! We can't just go "careful!!!" and leave things off at that!
3. Keep responses SFW! If there's anything triggering, try to black it out or spoilerize it!
mom said it's my turn for the freebie. anyways....
@ NP: Skinner is a tiiiiiiiiiny bit reckless and impulsive, so feel free to go ham with warning him! you could warn him about something menial, such as getting lost, or something..... more serious?? if you opt for the latter, though, there's a chance that he might get defensive over it. u_u
I might do a follow-up for NP if I have the time!!
I apologize this isn't great, but I hope it still works somewhat!^^ Spoiled for length only!
"So tell me again, why you stepped into the fairy circle?" Illanya growls, fixing Skinner with a rather cross look, consistent drumming against her own folded arms making her frustration all the more clear. It wasn't so much the Paladin was unused to helping those who found themselves lost in the woods, rather she took a little pleasure in it. It often gave her a chance to at least show people some of the harder-to-reach places, and in such a way to avoid some of the more dangerous features of this particular forest.
However, she'd never encountered a traveler so blatantly oblivious to their surroundings. Goddess! He had been mere yards from the Feywilds, about to waltz right in! That enough had been enough to instill some panic into the Paladin. That was before she spotted the faires after him.
"Like, are you daft or just naive! Surely you must know that the fey don't particularly like it when people get too close to their home. Especially people who don't respect their circles." Illanya relaxes her arms and rubs at her side, wincing slightly at the burns there.
Some particularly disgruntled summer faires had appeared whilst she'd been trying to lead Skinner back to a slightly safer part of the woods, and had begun flinging spells at them both. Sure, Illanya was really well equipped to deal with fairies, but still. It had not been a simple fight and had resulted in more than enough burns to last her a little while.
The Paladin sighs, dropping her head and messaging the bridge of her nose. Getting upset wasn't going to solve things and she had to figure out how at least to let this guy know to not return to these woods. Sure a regular mortal would forget and forgive him for such a slip-up but the fey and faires are particularly vengeful. Illanya shivers just a little at the thought of what the fairies might do to him if he were to return. she turns to him with a severe look on her face, most of her frustration and anger having left in favor of concern.
"Look, I'll help you get out of these woods. I wouldn't want you to get lost after all..." She pauses, contemplating for a moment before continuing "But! You can't come back to this area. This is a warning. Should I find you in here again, I will chase you out like any bandit I see." Her hand goes to her axe, resting on it loosely.
"Because I promise you, Anything I could do to you, would be ten times better than what the fey will have planned for you." She tilts her head, gesturing for the man to follow her as she turns to go.
"After all, you don't look the type who'd enjoy being a frog for the rest of your life." Illanya chuckles before guiding Skinner back to the trail and out of the woods. She can only hope that her thinly veiled threats and warnings got through to him. After all, the fey are more powerful here than anywhere else in these woods, and they are not to be trifled with.
PicklePantry Hiya!!! Was pretty hyped to see this scene continue so here we go!^^
Illanya watched carefully as the figure in front of her spoke. To say that she wasn't somewhat suspicious of their intentions would be a lie. She'd encountered enough Fey to know better, but as far as she could tell, NV was no creature of the Feywilds. It was almost comparable to the energy of a fiend, although that would be a harsh assumption to make since it was different enough that she really couldn't assume they were a demon. Besides, that NV had never shown open hostility towards her, so beyond her startled reaction to having them approach, she didn't feel too terribly threatened.
The paladin tilts her head at NV's words a slightly perturbed look crossing her tired features. Their words were disturbing, at least enough that she stiffens slightly. She doesn't favor such self-deprecating words, and it made her heartache to hear them speak in such a way. The talk of harming others causes her eyes to narrow slightly. A quick glance over NV, and she notices the writhing wraps as they twitch in anticipation. Her heart sinks for a moment, a faint buzz of adrenaline doing little more than making her heart thunder. She knows already that if NV attacks there is little she can do to stop them. Sure, she might get a swing of her axe in, but beyond that, she's too weak. Instead her hand inches for the pendant around her neck.
As NV turns and walks away, muttering about the water, Illanya lets out a sigh of relief as soon as they're out of earshot, her hand falling away from the pendant. She had certainly seen the internal struggle in NV's visible eye, but she couldn't be certain they wouldn't lash out suddenly. Still, she couldn't help but feel both happiness and relief. Even when given the chance, NV had not attacked, even if it was advantageous for them. They had the paladin's trust and respect for that. Illanya hums as she tries he best to do her part, without passing out from the strain.
She smiles weakly as they return, taking the makeshift bowl in her gloved hands and depositing it into a small travel kettle, one of the many utensils she kept in her bag.
"I think this should be enough for me... however, I wasn't certain you wanted any since, it's not exactly a pleasant taste." Illanya gives NV a sheepish smile before gesturing in front of them. Near the Paladin's feet are some twigs and tinder which are already smoldering slightly, some of the sticks and twigs already catching flame.
"I got at least the start of a fire going, all we really need to do is wait... though you're welcome to help if you know how to brew tea." She hums, setting the kettle over the flickering sticks and embers.
As the water begins to boil, she simply watches NV, a thoughtful look on her face. She isn't certain what to make of them yet, but she's decided that they're a friend and not an enemy. Though she might need to be aware of them, she hopes that perhaps she can help. After all, her oaths mean little if she can't bring light and joy to anyone. A wet cough rattles her and she winces, trying her best to cover up so as to not spread what she has.
"My apologies, you've been nothing but helpful, while I'm this sick mess, and I've yet to formally introduce myself." The knight straightens, and pull her hand to her chest and dips her head in a poor excuse for a bow.
"You can call me Illanya, though to many in the woods, I'm known as the Green Knight... Regardless, it's my pleasure to meet you."
NV stood at the forest, having handed Illanya the flowers she identified as Agrimony. They were prepared to leave, especially with the nearby animals on edge, but to their surprise, she'd asked them to stay. Stay and help. Someone like her, a powerful and highly respected paladin undoubtedly loved by not only her people, but the forest itself, evident by the animals' trust in her, wanted the help of someone like NV, someone so pitiful and weak. It brought them joy, yet they didn't seem to reflect it.
"Are you sure?" they murmured quietly. Their eye lifted to the rabbit on her lap. "I am... not a good person," they warned. "I'm hideous, physically and emotionally. Many people despise me. They have every right to. I only harm others. Even now, I..." They drifted off, eye narrowing in a silent struggle. Some wraps were slithering around them like snakes, quivering in anticipation. Envy hissed in their head, telling them all about Illanya's perfections. She wasn't completely human, and it showed. She was strong, beautiful, kind, optimistic, and determined. It could all be theirs, and once it was then finally... finally people would love them, too.
NV closed their eye and turned their head, the wraps sliding back up their clothes and away from the tired paladin. "I'll go find some water," they muttered as they walked away.
For a moment, NV was tempted to leave. They didn't want to end up falling into the same routine as always, taking traits for happiness that wouldn't last long. And Illanya was kind, she asked for their help-- she trusted them to an extent. That was more than they could say for many others. They'd help, not hurt.
So after some time, the Sin had returned. In their bandaged hands was a large leaf turned into a makeshift bowl full of water.
"I found a river nearby," they explained while holding it for Illanya to take. "I hope this is enough. I can get more, if you'd like. Or if you can tell me what to do, I can make the tea you need."
NAH YOU'RE GOOD They're very happy you like them
Being a Sin granted one with magnificent abilities and, above all, immortality. It was because of that that oftentimes NV would confuse it for invincibility, so the very idea of being sick was one that always surprised them.
It was, fortunately, not the worst illness-- A bad cold, maybe even the flu, but nothing terrible. And maybe there was even some luck to it? Because in the middle of their trudge towards a place to rest, they came across the celestial, who was insistent on letting them rest at his house.
They'd never been to Caelestis's home. Truthfully, they never even considered that he had one. A divine being like him, he must have surely slept in the skies with the stars. Seeing their home was... grounding. It was simple, charming; homey. It gave them a new perspective on Caelestis, how someone so powerful and magical could relax among the mortals as well.
As much as NV had enjoyed being coddled and taken care of, their cold left by the next day, and so too would they. They stood at the doorway with Caelestis, watching him explain all the dangers they would surely run into. Coyotes and bears... They didn't recall seeing any during their journey, though many animals kept a distance whenever they sensed a Sin like them. They then followed Caelestis's gaze upwards to the few clouds in the sky. Rain would be bad to run into, especially with their wraps prone to clinging to them. Maybe staying would be a better idea...
When NV looked back down, Caelestis made his pledge to avenge them at any sign of harm. "There's no need to do that," they murmured with a hint of a chuckle. "The heavens wouldn't care what happens to me. Besides, I'd like it more if you took care of me until I'm better again."
They turned to leave, but their hand hadn't been released. Looking back at the celestial, they found themselves ambushed into a kiss. Their eye widened, their body froze. A kiss. On the lips. From Caelestis. How should they react? Kiss back? How? They... never kissed anyone before. No one wanted to with someone so hideous. No one except... beautiful Caelestis.
Before they realized it, the kiss was over, and the deity had retreated slightly with an embarrassed expression. NV could only blink, their head still spinning. Were they really still sick and this was some kind of dream? A hallucination from the fever?
Their lips were still tingling. They wanted another. A shaky hand out to cup Caelestis's cheek. How did the wraps feel to him, they wondered. How soft was his skin, too? They leaned over and pecked the man's forehead. A kiss on the lips, tempting as it was, was something they were too nervous to try. For now, at least.
"Thank you for all your help," the Sin mumbled. Their eye glinted with a smile. "Just being around you made me feel better." A pat on the head, then they walked off.
Caelestis lately had made them feel different about a lot of things. About themselves, first and foremost. The compliments, the kindness, it made them doubt what Envy told them; it made them feel better about themselves. And... it made them think that maybe people would... love them.
A sharp pain hit them suddenly, causing NV to narrow their eyes and stumble. Their hand instinctively went to their shoulder, where the Sin brand pulsed angrily.
"Don't forget your place, bug," hissed Envy into their ear. A green mist coiled around them, constricting, strangling. "Or I'll take it myself."
NV opened their eye in a start, looking around.
The forest. It was the forest they'd been walking through after... They turned to look in the direction Caelestis's home was. It wasn't visible anymore. Turning back forward, they looked down at their hand. It was trembling. Was that a dream...?
Shaking their head, they continued onward, the brand on their shoulder, pulsing ever so slightly.
^ AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA 😭😭😭
man i really feel like i claim them (or at least try to) so obsessively,, i'm sorry jskfhghsjk (also would've tried to spend more time on this probably, but bed 😢)
Even once the fever had gone away entirely, Caelestis felt determined for NV to stick around a bit longer regardless. He'd taken the time to clean and dust off most of the furniture in the meantime, and the place finally felt a bit more presentable and less oddly abandoned. Cleaning was not at all his favorite pastime, but he wanted to still give NV a good impression. The problem was… there really wasn't much at all to do in the house even so. Caelestis' entertainment came from the vast world outside, and the only true uses he had for such a place was the hidden basement underneath for whenever he needed to leave the realm, and the kitchen for the rare occasions where he found a reason to cook. That was it, really.
It truly wasn't a suitable place for spending long periods of time in at all, unless one truly intended to merely sleep all the while, so naturally, NV still had to leave before long. The two of them standing just outside the door, Caelestis himself intending to stay longer—as he'd been there to begin with for a reason—he was… definitely stalling NV's departure.
"Please be careful. There's coyotes most nights, and I've seen a few bears in the area as well." As though there was any reason for someone like NV to need to find concern in that. His gaze drifted briefly towards the cloudy sky. "Or it could rain, and you could catch a cold. I would hate for you to fall ill again—let alone so soon, at that." Caelestis looked back towards them with oddly intense, but concerned eyes, gently grasping onto one of their hands with both of his own. "Just… do keep in mind, that if anything were to ever happen to you, I would go so far as to storm the very heavens, part the seas and skies, and trudge through the deepest depths of hell if needed to ensure your safety." Adding after a moment with a smile, "And such a thing is not a promise, but a fact." A mere fleeting illness, and he was already acting as though they were next going to head into a fateful, world-changing battle. He hadn't asked, but they were likely just going home. They didn't even seem the type to wander into unnecessary trouble, at least nearly to the extent he tended to, and yet… He sighed. How silly it was. Although, wandering into trouble was not necessarily needed in their case, for their worst enemy was likely the one within them, following everywhere they ventured. Acknowledging this, perhaps the concern wasn't all so unwarranted after all...
After a moment of pause, he stepped forward to kiss them. "For… good luck," he muttered afterwards, his eyes drifting towards the ground. A part of him still questioned how NV felt about such advancements, but they didn't seem to mind all too much at least. With a lighthearted chuckle, his gaze met them once more, adding, "Although truly, you're simply so lovely, I couldn't help myself." Having run out of things to say, his stalling met its unfortunate end. It had never felt so detestable having business elsewhere, and not being able to simply follow along with them because of it, but... at least it had been the reason he'd encountered them here to begin with. Especially with the condition they were in at the time. Waving longingly as their figure grew distant, he couldn't help but wonder if they would miss him.
for np: to list just a few potential ideas, caelestis is very reckless, tends to put little care into his safety in general, likes provoking people's tempers… yeah. while he's generally fairly aware of his surroundings, he can also get distracted pretty damn easily. there's a variety of things, really, so feel free to go wild with it lol
The monkey definitely was intimidated by that human. Very negative,judgmental and scary looking in general but Gluey was trying to think on what to say or warn about him. They put their hands behind their back very nervous of the human and took a deep breath,”It is understand that one can’t be positive and happy all the time but sometimes people don’t really mean to set you off? Also, if you love angering people yet can’t handle the consequences then you should think twice before you set them off? Maybe they will set you off as well along with adding into your deep hatred for everyone. Being honest is a good thing but the way you use it just to see everyone at their worst is it?”
Well,their small rant is over. They now hope it’s not going to get them killed. Gluey would walk away a bit relieved.
The German was busy practicing surgery on the monkey " very nice day? Ja? " the medic continued work but suddenly concern spread on his face. Gluey also looked worried " I vould warn you to be more careful with yourself, luckily our little accident is easy to fix " before the monkey could ask what was wrong the job was done and there is no point in asking now
(Claim!)
Lucasia eyed the doctor Otto with a bit of a suspicious eye, her heterochromatic eyes of red and blue shining a bit. She felt that something seemed off about the doctor, yet couldn't exactly pinpoint what it was. She looked down at her wound that the doctor successfully treated.
While she was grateful for the treatment, she seemed to be suspicious on how the doctor treated said wounds.
"You know Doctor Otto, I will warn you...You and your medical techniques, they can cause controversy among the public, ja?" she told him, the symbols in her eyes flashing of light for just a second. A fellow person of German origins warning her fellow German.
.
A small note for next Poster: Lucasia believes that no matter what, she can protect her family and friends, all while taking the burdens. She also believes that she is limited in options while taking on said burdens, going all out in whatever it takes to keep her loved ones safe...Perhaps one should warn her that being a workaholic and a person that takes on everything by them self is not the best ideal to have...
I will also write follow ups because I love responses! But let me know if that's not okay with you, thanks!
"So you are the famous Twilight Heroine..." he mused while drinking his tea. It was... bearable. He was grateful the place even offered tea, so he would not be picky. (Just comment on it anyway because he loved his tea.) Shin would almost have imagined her to be a little older than- well, he did not know Lucasia's exact age but she did look pretty young.
"I have heard a lot about you recently, of your adventures and of the things you do for Mondstadt." the old man smiled. "It is admirable, really. But let me give you some advice... be careful. You may be young and strong and have all the right ideas, but you are human as well and sometimes it is better to ask for help, even if it may hurt your pride." again there was a friendly smile. "Otherwise you might end up in situations you can not get yourself out of... or simply overwork yourself. And I'm sure Mondstadt needs its Twilight Heroine as healthy as possible."
Of course Shin was the one to talk... but maybe it was because of this that he knew better than most people how counterproductive overworking oneself could be.
(I'm sorry I think my English ended somewhere along this text. xD)
(I mean, at least to me it was! :))
It was a day like any other, or so he thought, until he reached the office building. Years and years of doing the same job made him notice that something was... off... although he did not really know what it was and maybe didn't pay as much attention to it as he should have. When Wraith pulled him back he blinked in surprise for a second, then followed him. It did seem urgent so he was a little worried, still not about himself though. After the explanation he gave a small smile. "Thank you for warning me." the man said, not telling what exactly his job was. It did not matter nor was it good for the kid to know.
But... it was odd. Everything should have been fine with the police, just like usual, but maybe there was someone trying to become the new chief? He would have to look into that. "Why did you, though?" Shin asked, out of interest, chuckling at Wraith's response. "I appreciate that but know that you are not indebted to me in any way." The only reason why he was this relaxed while the police was standing outside of his office was the fact that he knew they would not find anything. They were a logistics company, like any other, after all.
(Hope it's okay ^.=.^)
Wraith was waiting in the shadows watching as some sort of police operation was happening near a building, sure to the average person, the law enforcement looked like everyday people, no uniforms or anything, they were certainly trying to catch someone out....and that someone was Shin. At first the shifter was conflicted, if the man he met was indeed a criminal of some sorts, should he really intervene, but the more he thought about it, Wraith himself could be seen as a criminal as well, and besides, the other man had helped him out, and that debt needed to be repaid.
The scarred man had been watching for a couple of hours, when he heard footsteps approaching; he had studied the others normal pathways to get to this building and waited in the most used one. Before Shin could walked out into the disguised law enforcements hands, Wraith grabbed the other's shoulder and pulled him back. After receiving a look of recognition, Wraith gestured the other to follow him away.
Once out of earshot, the dark haired male began to explain. "Looks like a sting operation around your building, I've seen a couple of them go in and was just casually waiting it out; they've been there for 2-3 hours now. I don't know what type of work you do, but.....be careful, law enforcement is really stepping their game up recently, there has been several murders in the past 2 days alone with no leads." Wraith said quietly.
When he was asked why he shared this information, he gave a shrug. "You provided a service when you gave me the bullet proof vest, I am merely repaying my debt to you."
With a frown, Lorelei thumbed the can of spray paint that she had haphazardly picked up moments earlier, then chirped to the shapeshifter, "Just saying, but not everyone likes it when their property is painted." She could feel the cool metal against her thumb while she leaned back against the wall. Just behind her was a cobblestoned wall that faced the sea. To most outsiders, it looked purely decorative at best, and a definite waste of resources at worst; alas, Lorelei knew the wall a bit too well, so... She sucked in a breath and reached her other arm out to the rocks while continuing to muse aloud.
"The sea could do you a favor and wash off the paint, though," they attempted to reassure him with a slight laugh, "All of the paint around here is meant to be friendly to the ocean. It'd be a shame if the animals ended up suffering because of something that someone did on accident, no?" And yet, while Lorelei remained cheerful in demeanor, she couldn't help but think, I hope that was on accident, at the very least... Ouch.
Lorelei nonetheless combed their fingers through their hair while humming, "Though even then... I can't exactly blame you for wanting to focus on the night-" They broke off to peer up at the night sky, completely obscured by everything except for the full moon thanks to years upon years of accumulated light pollution. A frown formed on her face while she thumbed the cobbles with her free hand.
"Not a lot of people are out at night anyhow, but they might see what happens during the day and get upset," Lorelei sniffed, "The walls are supposed to protect the people from the wrath of the ocean, you know-"
And then Lorelei started to laugh. It suddenly became all too clear that in spite of her somewhat imposing posture, as well as the careful sternness that had permeated through her voice earlier, she was just... Looking someone to talk to, for the most part. And if that someone happened to prefer being alone, it didn't matter to sweet Lorelei- Or... Poor Lorelei, for that matter?
They couldn't help but wipe a tear from their eye as they hummed, "Not that you're obligated to believe in such old women's tales, of course," and lifted up the can as if she were proposing a mock toast. "But you might as well be careful, no? Folks around here can get rather protective of what they believe in at times." She paused, before peering over at the painted-over wall.
"Though... I have to admit, sir... You make nice paintings," she then muttered in an attempt to lighten up the subject, "I can get you some canvases if you want, or maybe folks who'd like to have talent like yours. If you want, of course. Sublimation just happens to be the most accepted way of dealing with potential issues."
@ NP: feel free to warn Lorelei of... pretty much anything, since she's a tiny bit ditzy when it comes to social interactions. she probably won't appreciate it, though, as she's rather stubborn and potentially aggressive if provoked- :0c
however, if you want something specific/plot-related, feel free to warn her about the Demagogue... probably not being the best for her. again, though, keep in mind that she likely won't appreciate or heed the warning, especially if your character is harsh about it!!
I'll also try my best to do a follow-up for NP if I have the time!!
Jan-Paul's feet hurted. His back felt strained. He'd been at this congress for hours now. Talking about dull politics, laughing at stale jokes.
Just keep your head up they've told him. Just keep smiling.
An almost impossible task at a gathering like these. It did not help that the food they got served was stale as well. Vegetables, potatoes and rich-tasting smoked meat. Boring.
Jan-Paul sank his knife into his slap, as he eyed the leader across from him. Lorelei. Or so he'd heard. Maybe Laura? Loterij? There was something about the other's name that the servants just couldn't get right.
He eyed her as he shoved a spoonful of mashed potatoes (enriched with milk and a soft, almost salty, butter) into his mouth. "Have you ever heard of scurvy?" He asked. While gently tapping his mouth with his handkerchief.
"My uncle has told me about it," Jan-Paul continued. "You get it if you don't eat enough vegetables," he said. The young merchant flicked his fork at the other's plate. Pointing at the untouched potatoes and cabbages.
"It's an unpleasant death, madam. Or so I've heard," Jan-Paul said. As he couldn't help but smile. An arrogant display, that showed the hint of his fangs. A rude gesture. But Jan-Paul did not care, he was tired. He was bored. This stubborn lady seemed to be the perfect candidate for his pestering.
"We call it 'scheurbuik'," Jan-Paul said. "As the illness tears open old scars and wounds. This is my warning to you. Please," the way younger man told Lorelei.
"Eat your vegetables."
--
Jan-Paul's ears drooped. He pulled up his legs in a way to find comfort. Comfort in a place like this! Ha! Jan-Paul would laugh, if he didn't feel so miserable. The cart felt hard to his bahookie, the crates hardly supported his back. He felt like those apples. Brused. "Well, I'm from a place where cushions and seats are invinted," the young merchant snarked. He started daggers at Flavio. Then paused. His gaze slowly shifted towards the mountains and he kept quite for once. Jan-Paul rubbed his knees as he said 'we have mountains too. I mean, the Kretts have," he said. "The northern part of our.. The country is as good as unlivable. Hard rock. Tundra or something," he said. He looked back at the older man. "Are we going to a tundra? I'm not dressed for a tundra," he complained. It wasn't his first (or second, if you call that cushion talk from earlier) complaint. There were many more to come as well.
" Keel over? you trust them to not keel over? Jan-Paul let out his breath as he looked at the mountains again. They surely looked dangerous.
" I'm not going to be sick," Jan-Paul imminently reacted. A gut response.
"Maybe I am going to get sick," he then added in a softer tone. Jan-Paul grimaced. He eyed Flavio. He watched him leave, leaving him alone between the veggies and fruits. Jan-Paul's lip straightens in a thin line.
"Just make sure the horses don't keel over," he barked back. "I'm too important to fall off a mountain.. And die!"
It wasn't often that foreigners came to Vieillemont, in spite of its status in Yene society, simply for the fact that hiking the mountain up to the ringfort. Looking at said foreigner, Flavio was... a tad nervous. He trusted in his ability to fend off wild animals, but there was a more unavoidable matter at play. He raised his head to the rocky path ahead, inspecting its scale and curve around tall boulders.
As Flavio's party packed the last of the crates into the wagon, he then looked at Jan-Paul, who was squeezed in between stacked boxes of tomatoes and a sack of already bruised apples. It was difficult to get some crops up the mountain, but even harder to raise them. Importing them was a necessary evil. It wasn't good to eat only meat.
But, we're not talking about scurvy today.
"I don't know where you're from is like," said Flavio, as he walked behind the cart, "But I'm used to climbing up here. I trust the mountain, and I trust the horses, and I trust that I won't keel over." He spoke confidently enough, although his voice remained a bit bland as he watched the Easterling. Jan-Paul was a businessman, wasn't he? An investor in gold mines? There wasn't much of that to share around Vieillemont, but... Well, it was Flavio's duty to keep the noble safe nevertheless.
"You're going to get sick. All newcomers get sick." he continued, "It's the mountain sickness, you get it when you climb high enough. The air'll leave your body, you'll get nauseous, you're head will hurt. But, we won't be able to stop for you. The most you can do is stay in this here cart." Flavio patted the side of the wagon, and then scurried up to the front. He rested a large hand on the gelding's neck.
"I can share some water with you, if you've not enough for yourself." he said, "It's going to get hot, anyway... And, speaking of, I hope you don't mind sweat, or the smell of it. You're going to be surrounded by sweaty, dirty men the ride up."
"is this a new child"
Flavio steadied himself a few feet from Ennette. It was becoming more difficult to get around her, though that wasn't unfortunate for either of them. The glimmer in his dark eyes was a proud one as he watched her grip the sword in her hand, and though he did not smile, he still looked upon her fondly. He was glad her father's recent mood hadn't disrupted their training.
"You have, little pearl." Looks like he even stole his wife's nickname for the princess. "So long as you stay determined, you will one day be able to shove a sword through my gut." Aha... Don't joke about that... "I heard my nephew had a few choice words for you, though. Maybe you should do that to him, instead." For a man who supposedly cared so much for his family, he was apparently ready for Ennette to just murder his not-child.
Flavio walked up to Ennette's side and placed his hand firmly on her shoulder. As he listened to her, he gazed across the courtyard for any sign of said nephew.
"..Him, and the tournament." Flavio seemed a tad troubled by such a suggestion. Sure, sparring with an equal was an appealing thought, but he was worried about how far the king would go. And, if it was true he didn't hold back... "It's been a long time since I've participated in any tournaments, princess." he said, "My martial prowress has gone more so towards the war efforts these days, but I used to be popular among fighters. That's how I met my wife, you know. She was a fan." Gods, how many years ago was that?
"I'm sure your father has the same amount of followers." He carried on. He sheathed his sword back into its scabbard. "My nephew has nearly the same that I did. They call him The Blood Bay, you know. Maybe he should fight in my stead." That was only half a suggestion, half a joke. Not that he laughed about it.
Instead, he let go of Ennette's shoulder, and said to her, "I'll be there, princess. If you want to see old men nearly kill each other, then I promise I'll give you a show."
Ennette winced as she open and closed her fingers. It was difficult, they were incredibly sore. Still, she smiled up at Flavio. "I think I've gotten stronger," she commented. "It still hurts to hold the sword for so long, but I was able to block a couple of your attacks this time! I think my endurance is getting better." Training non-stop like this was brutal, but no matter how much sweat and tears she went through, seeing the progress, even if small, was satisfying and worth it.
Despite her muscles' protests, she picked the sword back up. She gave it a weak, experimental swing then looked over at Flavio, where her expression turned into one of admiration. "I hope one day I can fight as well as you and my dad." Suddenly, she perked. "Oh! Speaking of which, he'll be joining the tournament back home. It'll be at the end of the month. It'd be really amazing if you could join, too! I think the people would love to see you fight, and it'd bring more interest to Yene! I should warn you, though, my father doesn't hold back whenever he's in the tournaments. Or maybe I should warn him about you!" she laughed.
Inhaling deeply, Jean laced his fingers together and extended his arms, palms facing outward. He held the pose until the muscles of his forearms started to burn, then relaxed and allowed them to drop to his sides. Exhaling, he tipped back his head and focused on the cloudless shifting sky above, emptying his mind of the whirling tempest that made up conscious thought. Jean reminded alert—prepared to answer a challenge should one be given—but his widened focus released him from the immediate need to survey the surrounding area.
Drawing his sword in a single fluid motion that rang like a fairy bell, Jean began to dance.
He'd performed before lords and at the request of kings, but never did Jean feel so free as when he danced with none to witness. A light breeze passed across his face, loose strands of hair tumbled free of the band holding them, falling about his face. Jean started to move faster, the hardpacked earth beneath his feet flatter than the floor of many a fine castle. This was his refuge.
The pain was sudden.
Jean's left ankle gave beneath him, and he fell hard, scraping his palms on the rough ground. Rolling to the side, he came to rest seated beside his sword—he'd dropped the silvery blade when he'd collapsed. Tears stung Jean's eyes, but he blinked them back did his best to breathe through the waves of agony racing up his leg. He'd risked this happing; it was why he danced only for himself and the sky, now.
Soft hands—a lady's hands—brought him back to reality. A young woman knelt beside him, ivory skirt already dusted with a later of dirt. White hair cascaded to her shoulders, and Jean could just see the gleam of eyes the same shade as his mother's amethyst pendant beneath the fringe of her bangs.
"Careful," Jean warned her, trying to smile through the pain, "you should be warier of strangers, my lady."