nobleburn

[nobleburn]

#get your starters here #i would like to do more things bats eyelashes #please specify muses

[nobleburn]

(discord drop under cut)

[nobleburn]

(discord drop under cut)

#mutuals welcome! #i try to not post too much on dash aside from replies #but I am very chatty on discord and I like plotting there!

[nobleburn]

Nikolette von Brandt hardly considered herself an authority on the personality quirks of those outside her House, but some students were more memorable than others. The stuttering, whimpering wallflower of the Golden Deer was one such girl, as much as she'd seemingly prefer not to be. She quirked on eyebrow up expectantly as Marianne stumbled to find her words. Go ahead, I'll wait. Her dark eyes, settled beneath a furrowed brow and above a judgmental sneer, narrowed, until the apple was quickly, fumblingly, procured and held out for her to take.

Without so much as a word of gratitude, Nikolette snatched from Marianne's outstretched hand the apple, inspecting it with a discerning glare, before laying it flat on her palm for the horse to eat. "Hengroen isn't my horse," Nikolette corrected, even as her other glove reached up to lightly scratch at his neck. Her own beloved Lamy was back at the Brandt estate, regrettably. It had been at her father's suggestion that Nikolette had begrudgingly left her at home."He's one of the Academy horses. We simple get along well," she added, with a warm smile directed towards the horse, in sharp contrast to the expression she'd worn while looking at Marianne. "He requires a rider both experienced and self-assured, so among the Blue Lions, only Ingrid and I are willing to ride him into battle." Though, Sylvain had tried, and nearly been thrown in the process.

Once Hengroen had finished eating the apple, Nikolette gave him another light scratch, and a small pat, before returning her attention to Marianne. "Well, Hengroen appears pleased with the treat, so I suppose I shouldn't hold against you your skulking about. Still, Miss Edmund, you really should straighten up." She tugged at the wrists of her gloves, drawing them straight and unwrinkled, as was befitting a noble, before resting her hand on her hip. "It's rather unbecoming of a lady of your station to shrink so much from the attention of others, you know." Well, it wasn't like Nikolette von Brandt to take time out of her day to help a hopeless case, but perhaps she could count it as a sort of public service - her good deed to be recognized by the Goddess this week.

❛ if you’ve got a problem with the way i handle things, just say so. ❜ (nikolette for marianne) / @nobleburn

❝ O - oh, no, I - ❞

Truth be told, Marianne hadn't even entertained the possibility that Nikolette would notice her; she had been content to tend to Dorte, remaining as invisible as she could, even when the relative quiet of the stables was partially broken by the other's entrance. Marianne had only glanced up for a moment, driven by sheer instinct - and then she'd paused.

Perhaps it is simply a quieter and more foolish curse that she will always be at least a little mesmerized by the sight of someone tending to their horse.

Her fingers had stilled against Dorte's nose, the faintest smile at her lips, feeling a moment of peace amidst the maelstrom of life at the monastery - the maelstrom of every moment of her life poised on the precipice of disaster. Still, she's not surprised when Nikolette assumes the worst of her --- had she given off some terrible aura yet again ? Marianne presses herself against Dorte's side as she fumbles for the words - and then, when they fail her, her bag.

It takes a moment to extract an extra apple from its depths, and another to gather the courage and offer it out. ❝ I only thought, that I had ... extras ... if your horse would - like one ... please forgive my assumption. ❞

#madefate #c; a future queen #presently untitled 3h verse #as always sorry that she is Like This #it Will happen again

[nobleburn]

pov she is laughing at you or you have angered her pick your poison

#my gf and I have an rp server on discord #and we have emotes of the characters #so I thought I would share Niko

[nobleburn]

𝐒𝐄𝐓𝐓𝐋𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐃𝐔𝐒𝐓 𝐏𝐑𝐎𝐌𝐏𝐓𝐒.

basically i was looking over the protective prompts and the hero prompts and it hit me that like. the unbridled angst and vibes of the whole “post-battle” scene, or a scene set after an attack or a disaster or smth, needs to be ADDRESSED!!! and so y’all get the full weight of my angst today, sprinkled with a lot of teamwork and selfless and sacrificing vibes. i hope you enjoy! do NOT add further contributions to this list!!! i will curse your potato crops!!!

DIALOGUE PROMPTS.

“ can you hear me? hey… [NAME], can you hear my voice? “

“ come on… wake up. please… please wake up… “

“ oh! oh, thank god! i thought we lost you… “

“ hey, hey… look at me, okay? you gotta get up now. you think you might be able to walk? ‘cause they sent for back-up, and if they find us… we cannot let them find us. understand? “

“ go, go! save yourself! i’ll buy you some time! “

“ we both know i’m not walking out of this one. it’s okay, alright? it’s okay… just… do me a favor, will you? will you make them pay for this? i don’t care how. but… don’t let them get away with it. “

“ hey, how badly are you hurt? can you move? you think you can walk? “

“ if you can’t walk, i’m gonna have to carry you, alright? we can’t stay here. “

“ hey, look at me. i’m slowing you down, we both know it. it’s okay. i’ll hide and wait for back-up; you get yourself out of here. “

“ you’re gonna need to climb up on my back, you’re slowing us down with that injury. “

“ will you quit talking like that?! i’m not leaving you behind! “

“ what the hell are you doing here?! i told you to get out of here! “

“ you’re shivering… hey. hey, listen to me, okay? everything’s gonna be alright, i promise. here… take my jacket. don’t worry, i’m warm-blooded. “

“ i’ll get blood on your shirt… “

“ hey, don’t you dare close your eyes, you hear me? you die in my arms, and i’m gonna stick the dry-cleaning bill for this shirt in your coffin, that’s a promise! “

“ i know we almost died just now, but… am i the only one who’s hungry? “

“ we need to get you to a hospital… “

“ hey, come on now… you’re okay. you’re good, right? “

“ i must be hurt pretty bad if you’re being this nice to me. “

“ quit playing the martyr. we’re not leaving you behind. “

“ you know, i hate to be the negative voice, but… did… did we just lose? “

“ look at me… i’m not gonna make it. it’s okay, i’m fine with that. but… you can’t stay here. you’ve got a good long life ahead of you. and you’re smart, too; too smart to wait around here and waste that long life. so you get out of here, and you go live that life. live it for both of us. will you promise me you’ll do that? “

“ back-up isn’t coming. is it? we’re on our own, right? “

“ can’t sleep, huh? it’s okay. it’s probably all that adrenaline and shock; i can’t sleep, either. wanna keep each other company? “

“ i don’t give two shits about the back-up; i’m just happy you’re alive. “

ACTION PROMPTS.

as always, add a “+ REVERSE” to switch the roles!

[ CARRY ]:     having found the receiver in an injured/weak/unconscious state, the sender carries them in their arms to safety.

[ TILT ]:     the sender gently tilts the receiver’s chin up so that they can check to see if they’re okay.

[ PULL ]:     sender takes the fallen receiver’s hands and carefully pulls them up so that they’re standing once more.

[ WAIST ]:     sender, while physically supporting and steadying the receiver, loops an arm around their waist for extra support.

[ BACK ]:     sender crouches down slightly to let the wounded receiver climb on their back, giving them a piggy-back ride to safety afterwards.

[ HAIR ]:     while in the process of checking the receiver for injuries or other signs of harm, the sender gently brushes several strands of hair from their eyes.

[ TEND ]:     sender begins to care for the receiver’s injuries.

[ LEAN ]:     the wounded sender leans against the receiver for physical support.

[ SUPPORT ]:     the sender encourages the wounded receiver to lean against them for physical support.

[ PUSH ]:     the sender gently pushes the receiver back to lie down so they can check them properly for injuries.

[ COAT ]:     sender removes their jacket and drapes it around the shoulders of the trembling receiver.

[ BLANKET ]:     just as they’re all about to go to sleep, the sender covers the receiver with their own blanket.

[ AWAKE ]:     the sender, unable to sleep, gets up to go for a walk, and finds that the receiver is also unable to sleep.

[ TOGETHER ]:     when the receiver awakens, they discover that the sender has been sleeping next to them, arms wrapped around one another for warmth, comfort, protection ( or something more… )

[ BANDAGE ]:     the sender sits down across from the receiver and begins to bandage their wounds.

[ DRAG ]:     unable to leave them behind, the sender drags the wounded receiver out of danger and into a safe hiding place for both of them to wait until help arrives.

[ TOUCH ]:     the sender nudges or touches the receiver to check and see if they’re alright after the attack.

[ CLEAN ]:     the sender gently and carefully begins to bathe the blood/soot/ash/dirt from the receiver’s skin during a moment of calm.

[ PRIORITY ]:     when they arrive at a designated safe place, the sender refuses to be examined or cared for until the receiver is taken care of first.

[ PROMISE ]:     before leaving to get help/food/water/a rescue mission etc, the sender assures and promises the receiver that they’ll return safely, refusing to bring them along or to stay behind.

[ BROKEN ]:     after having promised the receiver that they’d return, it’s learned that the sender died during their mission. how does the receiver respond?

[ TRAPPED ]:     after having promised the receiver that they’d return from a mission, the receiver learns that the sender has been kidnapped or otherwise trapped, requiring a rescue mission to bring them home.

[ RESCUE ]:     the sender and receiver reunite after the sender embarked upon an infamously perilous rescue mission to save the receiver.

[ FOUND ]:     after a massive rescue mission to try and find the missing receiver, the sender is the first to find them just as the efforts are about to be abandoned.

[ HOPE ]:     just as the receiver is about to lose hope in ever finding the sender again, a message or clue of some kind is discovered that essentially guarantees that the sender is still alive, restoring the receiver’s hope once more.

[ CLING ]:     having finally been reunited, the sender pulls the receiver into a tight, overwhelmingly relieved embrace, clinging to them and burying their face in their shoulder. the whole deal. make it EMOTIONAL–

[ TEARS ]:     having finally found the receiver, or having finally been found by the receiver, the sender breaks down in tears of relief, fear, and many other emotions as they officially reunite.

[ SACRIFICE ]:     knowing that the circumstances only allow one of them to survive, the sender sacrifices their life in order to guarantee the receiver’s survival and safety.

#memes #please be prepared for these to be turned into threads

[nobleburn]

It was surprising to be gripped so quickly, with no warning about it. Yes, her stories had a tendency to dazzle and delight, and Nikolette von Brandt was prepared for any number of reactions, but wasn't this a bit far? "Miss Touden," she grumbled, pressing a gloved hand against Falin's own and removing it from her shoulder, then following suit with the other, "please do try to have a bit of decorum about things, won't you? This is a public place, after all." Well, such was the issue with these provincials in such backwater towns.

After clearing her throat, Nikolette adjusted her posture to remain the very portrait of elegant, composed nobility. Even if this was some classless, likely rat-infested, inn for... adventurers, she needn't allow herself to sink to their level. Her pedigree was above such things. "As I was saying, these dungeons aren't so uncommon in my country, though, there's rather less a cottage industry about them as you seem to have here."

There was an amber-colored ale in a dented metal tankard sitting on the table, and it only took the tiniest of sips for Nikolette to scrunch up her face distastefully, resisting the urge to spit the drink back into its vessel. "Blech." One small shiver, and back to the conversation at hand. "Truthfully, I find the way things are done here to be rather unsavory. If things are allowed to fester, I can't imagine any kind of good outcome for anyone. In Lünenberg, if a dungeon is discovered, it's dealt with immediately, by whichever appropriate types are well-suited to it."

Looking to Falin with a prideful expression upon her face, expecting the other woman to absolutely bask in her splendor, Nikolette pressed a gloved hand against her chest. "In my case, my fiancé and I, along with some of our classmates, were dispatched during my second year at Lünenberg's Royal Academy, when one was sighted near enough our campus." She gave a shrug. "Though, there's not much to say - it really was no trouble for us. We cleared it out in under a fortnight, and it would have been sooner had my fiancé not insisted that we handle things without any knights or attendants."

" you have to tell me what happened NEXT! " hands are immediately clasped onto the others , a look of awe & childlike wonder on Falins' face. . . . maybe she's getting a little bit too excited ( but who could blame her? ) Stories of adventure always struck so close to home ( especially stories about the dungeon! )

&& open for mutuals!!

#chimeraeat #c; a future queen #a queen in exile #hi! I hope this this alright! #I saw this and wanted to respond

[nobleburn]

As a matter of course, Nikolette seldom interacted with members of the other houses. Though their classrooms were near enough, and the dormitories were similarly so, it was the case, in her eyes, that one was far too busy to go out of one's way in fostering friendships with students unlikely to be ever seen again after graduation. Besides, in Nikolette's particular case, she supplemented her training and classes with a task more critical than any other - convincing Prince Dimitri to adore her, chiefly.

Still... the Adrestian Empire had always held a certain allure. Perhaps ancestral ties tugged at her heartstrings, or perhaps it was her father's insistence that she not ever go there alone that bred an uncharacteristically rebellious longing. "Oh, Edelgard, hello!" Yes, to be cordial - even friendly - with the Imperial Princess would be no great issue. "Forgive me, I hadn't noticed you." Perhaps her father's concern was that there might be lingering animosity due to the circumstances of his leaving, but after that nasty business in Adrestia some years after he'd gone, Nikolette imagined few could really hold it against their family.

At the matter of her so-called diligence, Nikolette feigned a smile as she deftly manipulated the small stack of books in her hands, forcing to the top a routine textbook on the healing spellcraft of the Goddess' acolytes, rather than the dense tome regarding the history of blacksmithing techniques that had truly held her focus. "Well, it's important to be prepared, is it not? I find the whole manner of rivalry between houses to be rather antiquated, personally, but if there must be such competitions as the Battle of the Eagle and Lion, it wouldn't do for me to lag behind."

Truthfully, there was little reason to be so protective of her interests around the other girl. Edelgard was not a handsome man she needed to impress and conceal herself from in equal measures, and neither was the princess any genuine romantic rival who would be motivated to make Nikolette look boorish or inelegant. Yet, there was some manner of keeping up appearances to be adhered to, regardless. "And yourself?" she asked, eager to change the subject. "I wasn't aware the library even allowed so many concurrent checkings out. Simply some light reading, or is that all for schoolwork?"

within her arms contain a stack of tomes and textbooks the future emperor's decided to peruse. hubert have protested, insisted on carrying the ones in his lady's arms and yet, she protested and commanded him to scour for others. edelgard's professor assigned their house a peculiar assignment, one that requires her to utilize her tactical thinking abilities and only those abilities.

amethyst eyes flicker towards @nobleburn's direction. the silverhaired maiden offers a polite smile. edelgard is to become adrestia's heir, she must know the art of diplomacy, the talents of a cunning tongue well.

" i see you are also a diligent one, nikolette. "

#lunawish #c; a future queen #presently untitled 3h verse #hahaha well thank you for indulging me! I hope it wasn't too much trouble #and I hope this works for you!

[nobleburn]

hello!! my name is mouse and welcome to hell my portrayal of FALIN TOUDEN from dunmeshi!! feel free to like and reblog this if you’re interested in interacting!!

#promo

[nobleburn]

How perfect. Her loss to Suletta Mercury had consumed her in the weeks since it had occurred. Over and over again, it played in her mind, each second recalled in perfect crystal clarity - the recoil that stung her hands each time she lurched the controls forward, the sweat that dripped down the sides of her face as the Surtr's cockpit heated, the shock at her defeat managing to push out and overwhelm any pain response she might have otherwise had. Was there something she could have done? Held off on engaging the Surtr's advanced mode for longer, or engaged it from the start? Closed the distance from the beginning, rather than alternating between short and long ranges?

No, though it constantly flashed through her mind, there was nothing that Nikolette von Brandt, peerless and excellent in every way, could have done that would have led to a different outcome. Aerial was a Gundam, and the Surtr was not, so at no point had it been a fair contest. This knowledge, of course, gave Nikolette a moderate degree of comfort, but there were still some things left unfinished. Of course Suletta Mercury's treacherous, cheating Gundam had tilted things aggressively in her favor... but what if they were standing upon an even playing field? Using only the mass-produced, mediocre mobile suits given to students, with no advantages in the way of wealth or technology, could she come out on top?

"Indeed!" That Suletta seemed willing to go along with it was a good sign, though Nikolette hoped she wasn't too bullish on her chances. With the Gundam off the table, the outcome was practically already decided. "Of course, were there to be some manner of real combat, a given person might have all sorts of unfair advantages, but to keep things as equal as possible allows the more skilled pilot to reveal themselves, don't you think?" That she was a wealthy heiress to a Benerit Group Top-5 company, with a customized mobile suit made just for her, didn't seem to factor into that assessment about advantages.

"And yes, it seems a fitting enough gift. It saves you the trouble of scrounging your junk drawers for something more suitable." Yes, without Miorine's assistance, there was no way Suletta would ever have found anything. "Though, I don't intend for it to be some sort of competition-less friendly, either, so do think on the matter of stakes, Suletta Mercury." Her own was still undecided. On a professional level, she could secure for her company a number of additional considerations, or concessions. On a personal level, though... well, perhaps it was too early to be thinking of such things.

"Ehe, right..." So no gifts for her then, maybe that was for the best. If she got anything, it wouldn't exactly match up to anything either she could get herself or anyone else would get for her. Even the keychains she got for herself and Miorine wouldn't be good enough for her either.

She knew this, yet still kept them on her at all times anyway. Nika said she would like them...but would she really?

Suletta was getting a bit too deep into her thoughts again that when she heard Nikolette's sudden call of her name, the girl stiffened up straight again and focused on her.

"A...mobile suit?" And she meant something that wasn't a Gundam. For as long as she could remember, Suletta had always been using a Gundam, even if she didn't know that Aerial was one at the time. Sure, she used mobile suits for classes, but outside of that, and if she had a choice, she immediately went for the Aerial.

"I haven't, actually. But a duel with you, outside of our natural ones? That...sounds like it would be pretty fun, actually."

It would be different, and the idea briefly distracted her from the sense of dread she was feeling leading up to them leaving for the plant.

"I'm sure using standard mobile suits for one would be fine! But, ah, does that mean you want to have a duel as your gift?"

#wxtchpilot #c; a future queen #presently untitled girl with robot verse

[nobleburn]

(non-essential update under cut)

every time i make one of these it takes like a year off my life I swear

Anyway I am back(ish?) after a very stuttering semi-hiatus that lasted longer than intended. After a handful of mediocre experiences, I decided to pull myself away from the BG3 RPC by cutting all my BG3 characters and splitting with some of my BG3-only mutuals. It didn't seem like the best place for me, so I'm going to try and go back to what works and brings me the most joy - "fandomless" D&D, Fire Emblem, fantasy anime and manga/JRPG stuff, etc.

I'm leaving Lilli over here as a secondary, just because that's easier than maintaining her blog for her very sporadic interactions. In general, though, I've cut down on my followers a lot, and would like to steadily rebuild that with new people and start new interactions. I still have one thread to catch up on, but that aside, I would like to get back to doing more things on this blog and having a more positive vibe here than I have had recently.

#ooc

[nobleburn]

"Hmph! Well, I am certainly exceptional in all things, as you well know, but it's hardly my fault if other people can't keep up." If one swing of her sword, or one burst of flame at her fingertips was enough to shatter someone's ward entirely to pieces, then really, she'd done them a favor. It was better to realize those sorts of weaknesses in a safe setting, rather than out on a battlefield. In the worldview of Nikolette von Brandt, any action she took must be taken in whichever light most favored her, and any mistakes or troubles that sprouted because of it, well, she couldn't be blamed for that.

Although, it it was truly Eira's wish that she not meddle in her romantic affairs any longer, than Nikolette supposed she could begrudgingly oblige her. "Yes, yes, as you wish." She offered up her gloved hands, palms out, in gesture of her commitment. "I'll simply say that you still have no shortage of time to figure things out, so while the specifics of your future might be in some amount of doubt, I can safely say that I have none regarding its quality." No, surely wherever Eira ended up, and at whoever's side, she could rest easily knowing that her dear friend would be well-positioned to lead a long, successful, happy life.

The conversation seemed to trail off for a moment, afterwards, and while Nikolette wasn't especially fond of silence, neither did she feel a pressing need to fill it with something. Eira had been studying her face earlier, as though there were something in her eyes that she needed to find. A compliment and a privilege, she'd said, that their conversations could be open, without the need for the sort of subtle 'talking around' that was so common in the courts and ballrooms. From her own perspective, it was true that Eira was a uniquely comfortable confidant - perhaps owing to the fact that they were close in age, and generally in station, but from different countries, such that there was no concern about politicking.

"You really don't intend to give this up, do you?" The quiet, soft way in which the other woman had spoken her name, before backing off, betrayed enough her intent. Though she could come off as brash or pushy - claims that, in fairness, were often leveled at Nikolette herself in equal measure - Eira wasn't the type of person to satisfy her curiosity at the expense of another's comfort. The direction of the conversation to this point had given her a degree of pause, Nikolette suspected, but she'd already picked up enough to be confused. Such confusion could really only invite speculation, and that was hardly good for anyone.

She sighed, sitting on the cabin bed in a position that seemed unlikely to be disturbed by the lurches and climbs of the flying machine. "It's true that my ability to travel unrestricted will be heavily impaired when I'm queen, but that isn't the only reason for my current heroic journey." How much simpler it would be if only it were that alone. "Rather... Lux and I had an argument. Among other reasons, including allowing time for cooler heads to prevail, I thought it was for the best if he had time to miss me. Absence and fond hearts, and such." Even that, to a point, was presenting a particular image of things, but it wasn't proper for a woman to rattle off all the specifics when it came to a spat with her fiance.

In her mind, such attempts at sentimental conversation were meant as an... opening. An excuse for Nikolette as it was. In the past her dear friend was always so keen to flourish in the bright light that was her dear Lux. Eira had her disagreements with how some of their relationship went about, but she wanted to support what she believed to be something guiding for the other woman. Was that not connected with her endeavors and journeys? So then, why was Nikolette ...

...was she really avoiding talking about Lux, as Eira had suspected the other day?

The hand is released, mercifully, as Eira had her own fussing to deal with on her person. An itch to scratch, but there was that building one that would take more than a carefully tended nail to hit.

"Pardon me if I find that hard to believe. You won't be pulling any wool over my eyes. Because if it's anything like what I heard from your abjuration classes then you did far more damage to some than any spell might be able to ward. Perhaps your craft has been improved since then. As has so many other things about you, yes? Hmph." A small smile transfers her mood to something equally indulgent.

"Please, of course. I know what I'm worth. But I don't need so many reminders, even if they're welcome, so you can save your breath for your own tales and what have you. My mother simply left certain marks and so I do wonder about options in my future. You're someone I trust enough to air that laundry out with. And that is a strong compliment- and privilege. Understand?"

Did it go both ways? There was that doubt again as Eira turns to catch the other's gaze. What might she see in the other's eyes? Mutual agreement? Some lowering of guards? Or will she find more of that bluster.

There's less and less excuses to hand wave the issue- to be certain. And tapping of fingers against the table next to where they'd previously held- consider whether they wish to yield metal as well. Oh, but perhaps it's the nerves of being in flight? Eira could chance a look outside, but by this point in their journey they would be decently above the ground, but still below clouds. Fortunate that the capital land-mass was kind enough to have formed and remain below such precarious altitudes.

But was Eira?

Another series of tapping.

"Nikolette..." The use of the full name may very well betray her probing, and indecision on her tongue is poorly suited for such confident visage and powerful mien. "Ah-- nevermind."

Right. This would be the first trip she wouldn't get to witness the binding crystal apparatuses wouldn't it? A shame.

#dcviated #a queen in exile

[nobleburn]

Nikolette sighed, pressing her gloved fingers against the bridge of her nose and squeezing lightly. Suletta really was so awkwardly earnest, to the degree that even teasing her was starting to feel fruitless and devoid of any fun. She truly only had any sense of determination while sitting in Aerial's cockpit, didn't she? "Oh, don't trouble yourself over it, Suletta Mercury," she dismissed, waving her hand as if to illustrate that it wasn't of any importance. "Honestly, given my family's position, and your own, there's hardly anything you could get me that I couldn't more easily acquire for myself."

Unless Miorine was involved anyway, and while it might be nice to receive something from her, there was a pit in Nikolette's stomach, heavy and bitter, that festered with the knowledge that were Miorine Rembran to do something for her, or bequeath her some gift, it would come at Suletta's request. Perhaps it was as simple as the knowledge that someone like Miorine would be doing something at the order of someone as low-class and insignificant as Suletta Mercury, but... Was that truly all it was? Did that account for all of her discomfort with the idea?

Well, either way, she'd try not to dwell upon it - not when there were other things to do. "Besides, there's really only a certain number of tasks you can keep track of at once, and I'd hate to know that you forgot some vital Gund-Arm business due to wracking your brain trying to find something suitable." Standing in a confident position, Nikolette crossed her arms across her chest, a small frown growing upon her lips. "If anything..." Actually, now that she thought of it, that wasn't an out-of-order request at all, even if it might...

"Suletta Mercury," Nikolette said, suddenly spinning around with a sharp, commanding style. "You're a piloting student, naturally, so you've some familiarity with the standard-issue mobile suits, I'd expect? Beyond your classes, have you ever used one for any length of time?" Aerial was being freshly repaired, and it would be problematic were it to be damaged again in such a short time. On her own end, Nikolette could fund the repairs for her own suit, but too much activity in her personal funds would draw attention she hardly needed. But standard issue, mass-produced suits, those were barely worth the materials used to make them. "What would you say were I to challenge you to another duel in the future? With standardized mobile suits, no accounting for Aerial's, or the Surtr's, unique capabilities, and far less financial cleanup after-the-fact?"

"N-No, of course not!" Though it would have been nice if Nikolette really was coming along just to visit everyone and see how they're doing. It would make sense that she'd want to see Aerial specifically, given the company and all.

'That's the most important thing...'

Now that Miorine was brought up as a topic, Nikolette seemed to linger on her a bit more than normal, or at least compared to the other times Suletta brought her up or any other topic for that matter. What changed? Or was Suletta simply noticing more this time around? She truthfully had no idea how Miorine's grades were faring, given she was so smart, Suletta assumed that she had it handled. Either that, or the teachers would give her a pass due to her having to work all of a sudden.

Another thought was threatening to break through, Suletta barely hearing Nikolette's words, almost sounding like a hum against her ears, somewhat still registering her words. Though when she spoke about handing over the Holder uniform, that immediately caught her attention, the teenager looking up at the girl in brief shock, right before telling her it was a joke.

She already lost her privileges at the greenhouse, what if she lost being the Holder as well? Wouldn't that be the last straw, that Nikolette would be more worthy of it than her? Maybe she was more deserving anyway, given her status and connection with Miorine.

Suletta immediately shook her head, hoping those thoughts would go away, before she quickly responded back to Nikolette before the silence could linger even further.

"A-Aha, right! The colors really are nice, aren't they? I'm starting to get used to them now!" It was a joke, like she said, so she should have fun with it.

"Though...what do you mean about a gift, or favor? You mean to give to you from me?" Was it because of the large contribution she mentioned?

"What do you like, Ms. Nikolette? I could try and get you something as a thank you for all your help! Or if there's anything else you want, then sure, I'll try my best to fulfill it!"

#wxtchpilot #presently untitled girl with robot verse

[nobleburn]

She watched as some realization dawned upon Gale, and his attention moved from her, out across the campsite. No doubt he was taking stock of their traveling band and making some sort of judgment call - who seemed most likely, who seemed the best fit. There really were no good answers, as Wither saw it - either he guessed correctly, thus putting her in an awkward and precarious standing, or he didn't, and thus the potential for misunderstanding rose. Swiftly, she was reminded why she seldom spoke of these sorts of things to others.

His answer, too, brought a small wince to her face. "I'm not so sure I agree with that assessment," she murmured, horned head drooping as she looked to her hands. The painless, heatless blue flame grew on one hand, then the other, lighting back and forth between her arms in absence of anything else to do, or anywhere else to rest her gaze. "Not that haste is of importance, I mean. That much makes a certain sort of sense, even life-or-cephalopod life situation notwithstanding." One would hate to see a potential paramour removed from potential not by a lack of interest but rather lack of ability due to another.

There was something to be said for it, indeed. There was a saying up North about the early morning's fisherman returning home with a net's full of trout, while the lazy afternoon layabouts climbed the snow dunes only to find the fishing waters barren. Then again, there was another, similarly prominent saying, about the importance of patience, comparing a hotblooded young fisherman's manic, eager lure with the more temperate and even-keeled rod of an experienced angler. That second one was as often referenced in oblique sexual entendres as it was with fishing, admittedly, but it seemed to Wither that quick and decisive action, as well as well-considered patience were prized by those who had been rewarded by them, such that any sort of definitive ranking was, perhaps, in error.

"In your studies, did you ever encounter that theory about humouristic magilignment? I know it's been long-debunked, but my old teacher was rather taken with it." It held a certain poetic appeal, Wither thought, even if there was little magical basis for the idea that one's natural personality determined aptitude in various magical traditions. Probabilistically, it made more sense to assume that if there was any correlation between particular studies and personalities, that it would be the other way around - that is, that a cautious type of person would be reluctant to reach for a tome on explosions in the first place.

Wither shrugged, still fidgeting with the burning-but-not-burning she's created on her hands as a means of centering. "It really has little good to say about those whose talents lie in the divinatory arts. That some amount of precognition leads to a paralytic, trepidatious quality when the future isn't clear, or a preoccupation with worst-case outcomes, as a result of being more clearly aware of consequences for actions." The fire traveling from one hand to the other fizzled, leaving the tiefling untethered for a moment, until she could abruptly restore it with a crackling hiss. "Which is to say that it explains my hesitation on these sorts of matters. Or, it would, anyway, if it weren't overly-literary nonsense, I guess."

He doesn't know that he agrees with her, there. Many things could be considered a precursor to wisdom, but how many played out in that general direction? Or even helpfully. Goals could be useful, certainly, but to what extent? Without true wisdom to temper an ambitious hand, pursuits could quickly snowball into situations, complications, even. Eventual regrets to add to the growing pile that held a man down.

No, Gale thinks to himself -- many things were precursors to wisdom, but none as good without it. Still, he says nothing of his disagreement, having just cheerfully scolded her for deprecating herself and her talents. It would be hypocritical of him to argue against a compliment she had been trying to pay him, whether Gale agrees that it's root was something to be viewed positively or not.

--Afterall, knowing what he had wanted had never worked out well for him to this point, had it? And plenty others... nay, he'd say most others experienced perfectly happy and content lives without driving forces or ambitions past get married, have children, exist. Would that he could have been comfortable with being a simple librarian, instead of the Icarian hopes he had strapped to his chest. Or... in it.

Not Wither's burden to bear.

He soundly tucks that thought away, lifting a hand to wipe away at the crumbs the roll had left in the mustache of his beard; though his facial hair is short, and he's strived to keep it that way even on this wild trek, Gale has always been aware of it collecting food, sweat, and, more lately, blood. Vanity is a pursuit he's engaged in from time to time, but cleanliness was an obsession.

"Ahhhhh."

Yes, he could see now why she would be hesitant to bring up such things with him.

"So it's someone amongst our collection of traveling companions then, is it not?" He cannot help from casting his gaze along the edges of the camp, big brown eyes like that of a deer seeking out into the woods. Who amongst them would catch his friend's attention? Maybe Lae'zel? Elpis didn't seem the kind anyone would put their romantic hopes onto, and Karlach seems much too outgoing for Wither. His eyes pause on Shadowheart, and it seems, suddenly, to click.

Lips press together, one hand lifting with index finger excluded from the way he curls an almost-fist.

Aha.

"I cannot think of anything that would be more serious regarding our plight than you pursuing your heart's desire. These sorts of things often cannot wait; what if something should happen to you? Or to her? And then all of these feelings should have been wasted for a better time that doesn't come to pass?"

She should not ask Gale of his opinion on this matter, he thinks; he has no self-control, no guiding hand of wisdom when it comes to matters of the heart. Impulsive, he knows his own follies well enough. A kind enough word and a pretty smile can turn his thoughts churning, and they consume him if not met with an ease to the pressure.

"Yes. The question is what you should do; I cannot give you the answers you seek. I would say it would not be wise to wait for some imaginary, improbable time where things are perfect. It will not come to pass. Whatever you do, I think it should be done sooner rather than later. For all of our own sakes."

#suffcring #c; a ruinous seer

[nobleburn]

Faux shock burst onto Nikolette's face as she drew back, scandalized. "Reckless? Oh, Eira, you misunderstand me entirely! I'm nothing of the sort!" Oh no, recklessness would imply that she was toddling about without any concern for her own safety, or entirely unaware of the danger she was putting herself in. No, Nikolette von Brandt had a healthy awareness of her own mortality (indeed, if she were more reckless, this whole flying business would be rather more tolerable), and a keen appreciation for danger. "It would be reckless to find myself wandering without an idea of where my destinations were, or to rush after danger with not a thought spared for how I'd deal with it."

A click of her tongue seemed to punctuate the sentiment as she sat back, trying to cross her arms across her chest, only to realize that her hand was trapped in Eira's for the moment being. Well, fine enough, she thought. No sense letting go if it was that important to her dear friend that they stay close. "No no no, I'm exceptionally handy with a blade, capable enough when it comes to all manner of magic, and in excellent physical condition! If anything, fiends, the risen dead, and all manner of savage beasts and wicked monsters are the reckless ones, picking a fight rather than throwing themselves at my feet!"

Exactly how much Eira was teasing her, Nikolette wasn't sure, but the answer was surely 'more than zero.' "Must you call them that?" With her hand not trapped in her friend's grasp, she tossed her golden hair. "To call them fans is so trivial and common, don't you think?" Exactly what word was more fitting when it came to the admirers of a hero, she couldn't say, but certainly something a little more grandiose than that. "And besides, I'm engaged. I'll never turn down wide-eyed admiration, or fawning flirtation, naturally, but neither am I seeking it." Well, not really. It did feel rather good to be praised and recognized for all her excellent traits, but anyone would agree as such.

It was rather unlike Eira, in Nikolette's estimation, to be so fixated on the topic. Indeed, they'd spoken of it earlier, and briefly during their trip, but Eira always came across as the more austere type, unconcerned with forcing any type of romance. Was she more sensitive about the subject than she let on? Oh, if only she would share those sorts of potential insecurities with her darling friend, Nikolette thought, she'd drop any and all things to remind the other woman exactly how wonderful she was! It was an affront to all things good and just for such an exceptional woman in all aspects to have any doubts at all.

With a clearing of her throat, she waved off Eira's words. "I'm hardly slaying hearts. It's all skin-deep anyway, after all, as I rarely stay somewhere too long. So many acts of heroism to perform, and all so spread out." Sitting beside her friend, Nikolette took her other hand in her own glove again, offering another wide and shining smile. "Take it from a woman who is rather far too much for most men to handle, Eira, you really should have more confidence about this sort of thing! You have so many wonderful traits, and while men should, in fact, be intimidated by you, any man whose response to that sense is to flee from your side is no man worth your time."

Traditional von Brandt tone indeed. Both in aggrandization and praise. Most of it rolls off the woman like water from oil. Not that Eira would liken her friend’s words to a pestilence worth shedding. Gods, no. She trusted the other. But the knight captain’s levels of depth and frustration created a damned frustrating shell that made it difficult to digest such lovely compliments. In a duel against her own self-criticism one had to come armed with quite the weapon indeed. Brilliant. Of course, amidst the splendor and accomplishment that was the Kestrov family how could she not be?

And yet the idea of standing alone without the collective merits of her family, history, and siblings she didn’t quite feel so spectacular, and a ‘niche’ as some would put it hadn’t yet manifested. She was good. She wanted to be unparalleled. Much in the way that Nikolette was so versed in telling of her exploits as if the merit of accomplishing them to tell the tale wasn’t fantastic enough already.

Eira remains attentive, adding in her encouraging words or fluttering laugh as they came or was necessary. Her voice provided a contrast of tone to the conversation, smooth and cool towards the fiery rambunctious nature of the other’s deeds. Nikolette. Always one to be endorsed. It was cute. Endearing. Eira enjoyed noting the way in which the blonde’s brows moved or the way her lips pulled as her mood or recollection was reaped.

“World Below? Astounding, really. You’re never one to be told where not to go. I’d believe the notion or gall of someone denying you requires you to investigate it. You’re reckless, Niko. But I can’t help but be impressed, rather than admonish your whims. And yet in facing all of these things it’s heights that have you holding so tightly onto my hand. I wonder if your fans would enjoy learning this little tidbit. So scandalous. As if your betrothed wasn’t endearing enough.”

Eira sighs then, a slow shake of her head conveying the appreciation of the other’s dizzying array of traits and preferences. And flaws, should one categorize the apprehension in such a way. No, Nikolette’s hand is not getting away. Her grip wouldn’t allow such a thing.

“Slaying as many hearts as you are monsters, I imagine. I hope you aren’t as merciless on both fronts in dealing with them. After my engagement fell through with Darius I wasn’t sure how things may change for myself. I deal with annoyances, but sometimes wonder if I haven’t… scared off anyone actually worth my time. Gods, what an awful effort it takes to be a woman balancing appeals with respect.”

#c; a future queen #a queen in exile #dcviated

[nobleburn]

"Of course to check on Aerial," Nikolette repeated back to her with a click of her tongue. "What other reason would it be?" She frowned, furrowing her brow. "Don't tell me you thought it was simply for social reasons." No, indeed, while Earth House as an extension of Gund-Arm had proven more useful than Nikolette had initially expected, she preferred to keep her relationship with the majority of them entirely professional. They simple had little in common, between being from different planets, with different backgrounds and different future goals.

Unlike Miorine, with whom Nikolette had a number of things in common, even if that seldom seemed to matter to the white-haired girl. "Mm, I'd noticed that Miorine had been absent for some of our recent shared classes," she murmured, sulking slightly about that fact before shaking it off breezily. "She should take care not to let her grades slip. It simply wouldn't do for the heiress of the Benerit Group to let her grades slip due to an extracurricular - even one of this magnitude." A gloved hand covered her lips to mask a small smile. If Miorine wasn't careful, she'd be surpassed by Nikolette herself.

Suletta offer, though, broke whatever concentration Nikolette had held regarding her daydreaming. "No, that's entirely unnecessary, Suletta Mercury. I'm quite capable of securing things myself - I simply wished to give you advance notice that I'd be going with you." It was similar regarding the notion of 'paying her back' somehow. Theirs was a business relationship, and Nikolette's help was predicated upon her investment in the company. What she reaped in return was the natural progression of her business interests.

Though, it wasn't like Nikolette von Brandt to turn down any offer for praise, gifts, or favors. "Well, I certainly have made a greater contribution than my percentage of company ownership would suggest," she agreed with a commanding nod. "So would you mind transferring that Holder uniform and its privileges to me? I do look rather stunning in gold, you know." No, she was merely joking, and probably needed to clarify it before Suletta swallowed her own tongue stuttering. "I'm merely joking, Suletta Mercury. Though, I am intrigued at what sort of favor or gift you might offer."

"Y-Yes!" The sudden pat to her back caused Suletta to automatically stiffen up a bit straighter than normal, which only reminded her of what Miorine told her to do. She had to keep her back straight, to exude confidence. The teenager awkwardly tried her best to keep that in her mind the entire time as they spoke. And she recently has gotten better with her speech, Suletta not even remembering the last time she stuttered in a sentence, it was just...

Good thing Nikolette quickly changed her mind about the speech classes, Suletta probably wouldn't be able to add something else to her schedule, though she did appreciate her attempting to help her get better with her weaknesses.

"Ah, of course...to check up on Aerial. Based on what I've been told, Aerial is much better, I think she got upgraded with a few things but I don't know exactly what, and I haven't seen a picture of her yet. Ms. Miorine has been having meetings all over the place, and its taken up a lot of her time but she...she's around." Sometimes she makes time it seems but she's still busy with work. In general it was hard to hold a conversation with her that didn't contain work at all.

But given Nikolette's involvement with the company now, it only made sense that she would need answers and numbers.

"That makes sense, so that's fine! Did you need any help with getting ready or setting that up?" She wasn't good with too many details but she would do her best to help her if she could.

"You've done a lot for us, so I'd like to make sure I pay you back somehow! Or if you want to talk to Ms. Miorine, I'm sure I can arrange that too."

If she'd even answer. 'Could just give her her number directly...'

#wxtchpilot #presently untitled girl with robot verse #“give me your girlfriend” #“just kidding!” #“unless...”

[nobleburn]

Oh, it was certainly Suletta's most aggravating quality to be so timid and prone to tripping over her words. Nikolette furrowed her brow as she thumped her hand against Suletta's back, between her shoulder blades. "Stand up straight, Suletta Mercury, and speak with conviction." If she was going to represent Gund-Arm, then that meant Suletta was equally as representative of the people who invested in it, Nikolette included. She couldn't allow her to continue walking around so listlessly.

"Perhaps I should enroll you in some manner of speech therapy classes as well," she wondered aloud, before shaking her head. "No no, I'm too busy to do the proper research for something like that." In the future, perhaps, when things had settled down. There were many places in which Suletta's presentation could be refined, and they'd all need to be explored in the future to give Gund-Arm the greatest chance to succeed, but for now, Nikolette could give Miorine the benefit of the doubt - she, certainly, knew what to do.

With another faint shake of her head, golden hair tossing back and forth on her shoulders, Nikolette fixed her dark eyes on Suletta. "As for why I'd like to attend, I have a number of questions for the engineers regarding Aerial's specifications." Even though she wasn't an engineer herself, Nikolette was a pilot, and with everything that had happened recently, she'd like a more complete picture of Aerial and its capabilities, in such a way that would only be possible if the Gundam was cracked open and observed from the inside.

A repairing seemed, then, the most effective time to ask those questions in such a way that wouldn't put Suletta in a state of distress. "Miorine has been rather busy herself, hasn't she? As such, a number of tasks that would have been rather routine have fallen by the wayside." She gave a light shrug. Well, if it was Miorine, it could be forgiven - surely there were other things that demanded her attention more pressingly. "Some of the shareholders at my family's company have asked me some questions about our involvement that I need numbers and data in order to answer." Surely that made sense, right, or had Suletta still failed to grasp the interconnected of business relations?

It was truly an odd feeling not having Aerial around. For as long as she could remember, the Gundam had been by her side, even before learning that she was a Gundam in the first place. Seeing how badly she got damaged, it was only natural for her to be sent away for repairs, a part of her still feeling guilt over it, but she was glad that with everything that's happened since the duel Suletta didn't have to worry about defending her position as Holder.

Even though she was busy with taking care of the greenhouse, and tasks for GUND-ARM Inc., the lack of duels also freed up some of her time. Sure, her time was filled to the brim with work, but it kept her busy and was fun. At least...that's how it was before. They intended to take a trip to go and get Aerial, given her repairs would be done around this time. That alone should make her happy, and she was deep down. Yet her mind felt so foggy, her chest heavy, it was hard to think. Or maybe she was thinking far too much.

The weight of the keychains felt heavy in her pocket, and just as her hand reached down in her pocket, the sudden calling of her name caused the teenager to pull her hand back and immediately turn to see Notrette.

"H-Huh?" She was speaking so fast, and didn't stop walking, that Suletta willingly followed after her anyway, trying to keep up and respond to her accordingly.

Without much effort, Notrette still was very good at controlling the situation.

"Looking for m-me? Why? And, uh...w-well..." Suletta was so busy that truthfully she barely had much time to focus on the classes Notrette placed her in, but she tried her best to keep up with them. After all, she took the time to put her in them, she had to make a huge effort, even if she didn't get a lot of sleep some nights.

"Y-Yes, we...we intend to go to Plant Quetta to p-pick up Aerial..." Suletta mumbled under her breath, though she was surprised to hear she wanted to come along with them.

"You...you wish to come with us? How come...?" It probably wasn't any of her concern, even if she did invest in GUND-ARM, it's not as if she had to come along just for them to get the Aerial back.

#wxtchpilot #c; a future queen #presently untitled girl with robot verse