wingsofilia

[wingsofilia]

starsoftheemblem​ || Hinoka

Another laugh, although this one much quieter and more controlled, she smiled and shook her head. “No, you’re not in trouble.” If anything, her reaction was a huge relief. Oftentimes the way people treat her in comparison to those without status was… unfairly balanced. The fact she wouldn’t even take back what was essentially an insult to one of the highest officials? In her opinion, that was extremely admirable, and everyone should strive for that sort of unbiased honesty.

Hinoka’s smile grew as an idea came to her mind, one that she may very well get in trouble for with a certain few, but nothing too serious so she didn’t care much. She thinks it’ll be appreciated, and that’s what matters. At least… she hopes it would be appreciated. “In fact, on the condition that you don’t use those formalities, I may very well put in a word or two to my brother about a raise. How about it?” Is this sort of a bribe to have another person to treat her like a normal solider? No. It is a bribe. No sort of involved. She is bribing her.

Still, a raise does seem justified with what she’s seen already. She’s obviously above the skill level of the average mercenary, and with a drive like that, she’ll likely only get better. Who is she to put an average value on something like that? Nohrian? Hah!

There was definitely a look of relief from the Ilian as she managed to stand up straight again. There were definitely places where royalty or nobility would not have been so accommodating to her. But then again, she supposed she sensed something different from Hinoka from the get-go. The mercenary probably wouldn’t have even spoken to her if she didn’t.

At the mention of Hinoka’s little counterpoint, Farina could practically feel her wallet get heavier at the sound of this. Talk about a win-win. “You... You mean you’re telling me I’ll get paid more if I’ll treat you like I treat everyone anyway?” The flier’s usual grin was back, in a big way. “Hey- I’d be a terrible mercenary if I turned down free money! So- Yeah! I’m in!” Was it a bribe? Well, Farina certainly hoped there’d be more where that came from if it was. Her enthusiasm was suddenly back as she punched the air, striking a sort of action pose for the other. 

She’d hold this pose for a few seconds before lowering her hand, propping her weapon down and hopping from one foot to the other. She felt a second wind coming on here. “So, do you normally not get to talk so openly to people? Are people scared of you? I just mean... A lotta people in power kinda just use it as an excuse to do whatever they want, right? Scares the life out of the common folk often.”

#starsoftheemblem #(( IC - Flying High )) #(( FARINA - Wings of Power ))

[wingsofilia]

fangsjustice​ || Lloyd

It had been quite some time since any of the Black fang had worked alongside an outsider to any degree. Lloyd could only recall a handful of times that had taken place, most of them in the very early days where their group was small and just gaining purchase. It would be an interesting change of pace, and when he learned that a pegasus knight of Ilia was heading their way, Lloyd was genuinely intrigued. 

Mercenary culture ran deep with both lands, but it wasn’t often he got to see one in action or otherwise. Lloyd had experience with horses and wyverns – not a fan of the latter – so he was curious about the knight’s steed and how they handled each other. And if this matter could be handled civilly, all the better.

One of his men came in to the makeshift war room they’d set up – maps and other bits of reconnaissance information laid out and being looked over, less a room and more just a handy rock that was sheltered enough from the winds to make use of – and gave him word that a pegasus had been sighted, circling the skies above their camp. Lloyd stood from where he’d marked something down on one of their maps, rolled his shoulders to try and get rid of the knot that had settled between them and left the small alcove just in time to hear the knight make her entrance.

He couldn’t help the slight amusement at such a title being pinned to his name.

“You have my attention, Fiora of Ilia,” Lloyd spoke up in return, stepping forward and gesturing for the few men that had stopped their work to inspect the newcomer to carry on. “I’m afraid I can’t offer you much in the way of comforts out here, but we can at least speak out of the wind.” He paused a moment, hazel eyes flicking to the winged animal beside her. “My men may not have exact experience with pegasi, but if you care to, we have supplies to share should you desire them for your mount,” he added on, a polite smile on his face as he regarded the knight, turning slightly and nodding toward the overhang of rock they’ve further reinforced against the chilling winds with thick tents. 

This was a temporary camp, after all; staying in one place for long wasn’t what they did outside of their main headquarters.

What Fiora was seeing right now showed some promise. She had no real idea what to expect. Some mercenaries were little more than some mostly-organized bandit rabble, but this? This looked like there was some semblance of order here. As a military person, it gave the flier hope that the cooperation between her knights and the Black Fang could prove to be productive. Who knows? Maybe they could resolve this issue in record time. Eyes in the sky were good and all, but having a ground force to act as a helping hand would mean no one would be safe, weather by land or air.

The Ilian stood at the ready upon delivering her announcement. It seemed by the sound of the activity that her message was being relayed. Both hands behind her back, and feet at shoulder’s width apart, she looked ready for inspection, not that she expected the other to openly rate her stance, but this was about making a lasting first impression. She was a professional, above all else, and she’d hope that this Lloyd was one, as well. 

There was a nod of acknowledgement from the flier at Lloyd’s statements. When he made a gesture towards the rock, she eased up her stance, allowing her hands to drop to her sides. “Thank you for your hospitality. I would definitely take you up on your offer for my mount. As you can imagine, the howling winds have been exhausting for him.” She would turn her head to look at her steed, who made a slow approach, just enough for her to take the reigns into her hand. “If you have a stables or temporary shelter for your horses, I would put my honor on Quincy being well-behaved. He shan’t cause your men’s mounts any issues. If you can spare the space.”

“In any case-” She lowered her voice a little, as her head turned back toward the other. “Our Wing has already began ranging out to carry out scouting missions. I’m here to ensure the reports make it to you safely.” The pegasus knight would pull out a leather-bound book, with her free hand, though it was more like a selection of individual pieces of parchment that were hastily compiled within the leather binding, nonetheless there had been a visible effort to make the thing look somewhat neat and presentable. “The reports are for you to read in your time. We won’t make our next move without you. My knights have orders to stand by for now. It seems the brigands came prepared with many bows and -perhaps more troublingly- ballistae, as well.”

#fangsjustice #(( IC - Flying High )) #(( FIORA - Wings of Honor )) #// Same! Though Fiora will happily just autopilot on her business-as-usual course if he'll let her xD

[wingsofilia]

// We’re still very scuffed but we are here

#(( OOC - Mayz Speaks )) #// Is this shameless?

[wingsofilia]

// I’m making poor decisions.

#(( OOC - Mayz Speaks ))

[wingsofilia]

Today she learned she can make money by trash talking royalty (a little bit).

#(( FARINA - Wings of Power )) #// Bad life lesson to learn but...

[wingsofilia]

// Mun ramblings below

I know I’ve only been here a few weeks but suddenly my mind is like- But what if multi-fandom multi-muse?

I don’t know if I’d go through with it but you know. Here we are.

#(( OOC - Mayz Speaks ))

[wingsofilia]

starsoftheemblem​ || Hinoka

Oh. Now it’s Hinoka’s turn to be obviously shocked for a solid minute. She really doesn’t know who she’s talking to, does she? She couldn’t help it. Hinoka doubled over in a loud fit of laughter. It was too entertaining of a misunderstanding for her to not, although it was a misunderstanding that was likely entirely her fault. She never did like introducing herself with those stuffy titles, much preferring to gain the respect of others through her own skill, but she should have realized this would happen one day. It’s honestly a miracle it hadn’t happened already by this point.

Calming herself and wiping an almost former tear from the corner of her eye, Hinoka straightened herself, letting out a few ‘sorry, sorry’s and other apologies as she regained her breath. “Oh Gods, haha… I’m sorry, hold on.” Clearing her throat, she held out her hand again, just had she had when they had initially met. “Let’s try this again, yeah?”

There was a small part of her that really did appreciate being seen as just another solider, but like, a good one. Her title could be suffocating at times, especially when people decided she wasn’t ‘proper’ enough for it. That part of her thinks that maybe it would be nice if at least one person doesn’t know. She’s obviously too far in for that now, though. Still, she smiles as she resets her introduction to the beginning. “Name’s Hinoka, eldest princess of Hoshido, and general of the Hoshidan army. Nice to meet you.”

After her little ramble, Farina was bracing for... annoyance, sadness, rage. She thought that she would be ready for anything. But it seemed she left one possibility unchecked. When the other burst out in laughter the Ilian instinctively took a few steps back, arms at the ready, and eyes looking at Hinoka with visible confusion. The fluer had thought she had made a valid point. Was she honestly being laughed at for this? 

But, of course, eventually the truth did come out, and the mercenary was able to work out what the reaction was for. There was a moment where Farina did actually look a little bit wide-eyed, but that moment came and went quickly. It left her scratching her head as she stumbled onto her hind, sitting down on the ground. Honestly, she looked more like she was suffering from a headache than rather than introduced to royalty. Now she was busy reflecting on some of her words. Being a foreigner to these lands, there was no point of reference as to how to actually behave around royalty from Hoshido. Or anywhere on this continent, for that matter.

“Ah rats. You’re a general? I’m not in trouble or anything, am I? More importantly- I’m not getting my pay docked, right? Because I’m not taking back anything I said.” She almost looked a little downtrodden by this revelation, but it wasn’t going to keep her down, either. Grasping her lance tightly, she used it to bring herself up to a standing position, shaking her head once she was stable again, brows knit all the while. “I uh... I don’t do with all that formality mumbo jumbo... I don’t gotta call you ‘princess’ or ‘your highness’, do I?” Hopefully that wasn’t cause for execution around these parts.

#starsoftheemblem #(( IC - Flying High )) #(( FARINA - Wings of Power )) #// Yes but this is anything but a power move rn #// This is more like: Oh crap I don't feel like getting killed over this

[wingsofilia]

starsoftheemblem​ || Hinoka

Hinoka raised an eyebrow for a moment, confused by the question. It is a common misconception that Hoshidan royalty gets paid, but she’s never seen anyone just ask how much that abruptly. It was refreshing, to say the least. She would gladly take a straightforward question over silent misunderstanding in a heartbeat any day.

She can’t help the laugh that escapes for a moment before she answers the question. The mercenaries enthusiasm was contagious. “What, me? I don’t get payed.” A few other members of their army talking peacefully towards the other camp catches her eye for a moment, drawing a soft smile out of hiding and onto her face. “Fighting this war is my duty, but knowing that I’m helping create a peaceful future for Hoshido is all the reward I need.”

Of course, keeping her siblings safe would also be pretty ideal. Especially after she spent so long trying to track one of them down. It would be really upsetting if such a large portion of her life went to waste, but that’s not something she really needs to bring up. It’s too long a story for this conversation, anyway.

Dragging herself out of her own mind, Hinoka returns her attention to Farina as her expression returns to her normal smile. She should make a mental note of this one. They certainly wouldn’t want to lose her as an ally. “Of course, I don’t expect you’re working for free. At least I certainly hope you aren’t with your skill.” She’s not great at budgeting stuff, but she doesn’t think that her siblings would allow anyone not personally involved in the war to work for free. Depending on the answer, though, she may have a few things to bring up at the next war council…

Huh. A look of surprise was suddenly splashed onto the Ilian’s face. A look which remained there for not an insignificant amount of time. After their talk Farina would have pegged Hinoka as someone who wasn’t quite so idealistic. After all, what kind of person with that kind of skill would demand no pay? Why- It was almost criminal. That, or these people had some other way of keeping a warrior like her counterpart in-line. Though with the pride with which she spoke, Farina doubted that the redhead was here against her will.  

Why were all the armies Farina served in filled with people who let ‘honor’ or ‘duty’ be their own rewards? Sure, that was cute and all, but incredibly impractical. Goodness, it was almost groan-inducing, though fortunately, the flier was able to avoid actually letting herself show said emotion. Instead the confusion remained. “Yeah, well, if I’m ever caught working for free, I’m either in a lot of trouble, or I’ve lost my mind.” There was an attempt at a bit of laughter that followed, though try as she might, Farina was unable to let that previous comment go unaddressed. 

“Well, hey listen.” She began, sighing as she finally made a decision on whether to hold her tongue here or not. “Ideals are great and all. Duty and altruism and all that is are nice things. You’ve got conviction, I can’t deny that, but...” She shook her head and lowered her gaze just a little, her facial muscles deciding to tense up some more. “That stuff doesn’t really pay for quality weapons and armor like what you’ve got. It doesn’t put a roof above your head or food on your plate, either. If you continue to offer your services for free, then those at the top of society won’t hesitate to take advantage of you, until you’re not useful anymore. And then there’s nowhere to go but downhill from there.”

#starsoftheemblem #(( IC - Flying High )) #(( FARINA - Wings of Power )) #// Farina over here being anti-establishment to a member of the establishment

[wingsofilia]

What brand of stupid are you?

Fiora

Smart until infected with stupid

You think you're safe don't you? You are probably the responsible one in the group, perhaps even the mom friend. You are relatively smart but all it takes is one little thing to suck all your braincells out. It could be hanging around your fellow stupid friends, it could be being left alone, it could be having a bit too much fun. The stupid lives inside you and it just takes the right environment for it to show.

Farina

BASTARD stupid

Swears are your language and crime is your profession. Your reason for doing just about anything is because you could, no matter how stupid it was. Why did you set that fence on fire? To watch it burn. Why did you put that bug in your mouth? To see what it tastes like. Why did you teach that kid to say fuck? Its funny. Keeping you around is like housing a cartoon villain but at least you know how to pick locks so that's a reason to let you stay

Florina

Himbo stupid

You're just an all around kind person who's a little too gullible. You are knowledgeable on weirdly specific trivia but a lot of common knowledge seems to have slipped you. You probably aren't the best at math but by god can you fix a flat tire. Everyone remembers you as a friendly person, you just might need to brush up on your reading comprehension again

“Hey! It’s kinda accurate, though.”

“Farina, please don’t encourage them.”

“Umm... Himbo?”

“Yeah, pay that no mind. And don’t ask your sister about it, either.”

#(( DASH GAMES - Leisure at Camp )) #(( FIORA - Wings of Honor )) #(( FARINA - Wings of Power )) #(( FLORINA - Wings of Perseverance )) #// Kinda... Kinda right tho

[wingsofilia]

cadcnce​ || Wylan

If the playful remark went over the lady’s head, then all the better for Wylan to keep moving forward. Not everyone needed to recognize or react (poorly or otherwise) to lewd remarks from the swordsman. No no. This was a boon wasn’t it? For her at least. It meant she was really serious to have the tunnel vision on the prize to their horizon. Look past distractions. Well there was some merit to that outlook. But Wylan wasn’t going to finger wag them on having fun while they were on that path so soon into a meeting. Maybe under different pretenses that could happen.

“All good things in time~” Said as the thrown fist is lightly grabbed, patted, and shifted away- grinning all the while. “Save it for after the fight if you really wanna try throwing hands at this handsome mug. Bit of a line for that too, depending on who you ask. But we don’t work off any kind of honor system. Keeps me on my toes. Anyway! Once this match is over I wager you’ll have some good enthusiasm for it. As if you haven’t shown plenty already. What, me doubt you? We just met, but I imagine if I tasked you with taking down Basilio you’d be pushing up your sleeves before you asked any questions. C’mon.” Wylan shifts his head, beckoning for the woman to follow as they make their way towards the arena proper.

Despite that initial shakeup, the mercenary maintained her intense look. If this is what it would take, then she would tackle it with the same energy she would for a battle. After all, it was as the other said, and Farina had to concede: Versatility was just as important as raw strength and agility. The wouldn’t stop her from being at least a little bit mopey about the matter. “Yeah, yeah. I’ll do as needed.” The Ilian would wave her hand at the air to dismiss that old line of thought. 

Of course, observant as she was, Farina wasn’t going to just let the comment of others wanting to sock Wylan in the face get past her. People having rivals and enemies was normal, especially if you were a somebody. That had to mean this man was not just some cocky prizefighter, though that was definitely still a strong association she had even as she looked over him right now. As she followed along and matched his pace, she snickered a little at the thought of a good fistfight, though she’d collect herself soon afterward. 

“Oooh, Basilio.” The pegasus spoke in a half-jokey tone. Definitely a bit of a jab at the man’s remark, but once again, it was only half-joking. Only a rookie would make the mistake of underestimating someone. “Powerful name. Sounds like someone who’d give you a run for your money.” Yes, she let some of the swagger get to her words, slightly toxic, but nothing out of the ordinary for her. After all, she was often around types who’d show a more tougher kind of love to their comrades. 

“Mmm. Alright, so do you know who’s gonna be in this upcoming fight? Couple of has-beens? Or are we talking some real movers and shakers?”

#cadcnce #(( IC - Flying High )) #(( FARINA - Wings of Power )) #// After all this talk watch her get her butt handed to her immediately xD

[wingsofilia]

// Reblogging because this is an important post. LOOK AT THEM

// I had to recreate this post. No way I wasn’t gonna.

#(( OOC - Mayz Speaks )) #// My heart

[wingsofilia]

The lands of Bern were in some ways quite similar to Ilia. The mountain peaks that ran down the country were reminiscent of the heights of the pegasus knight’s frozen home. And yet, there was something about this place. Something deep within her that made Fiora feel truly... Tense? All this for reasons she couldn’t quite fathom. She’d been here several times before to deal with bandits hiding out in the hills, but this was her first time making contact with another mercenary force. It was her first time, as well, being here for purely diplomatic reasons. 

Upon approaching the camp at the designated time, the Ilian circled the skies a few times so as to announce herself to the people, before she made her descent, a bit outside the area. Hopefully her arrival was broadcast enough to get the attention of her contact.

She dismounted her pegasus, giving the steed a few pats in appreciation, then turned to the people in the camp. Her voice rang up, not quite a shout, but loud enough to be heard by a crowd. “Greetings. I am Fiora, of the 5th Wing of Ilia’s pegasus knights. I’m here to speak with the one in charge of this camp. Sir Lloyd of the Black Fang mercenaries.”

Starter for @fangsjustice​ (Lloyd)

#fangsjustice #(( IC - Flying High )) #(( FIORA - Wings of Honor )) #// Let me know if you want me to change something

[wingsofilia]

“Good morning! Let’s do our best today, too!”

#(( IC - Flying High )) #(( FARINA - Wings of Power )) #// Sleepy

[wingsofilia]

Waifu Meter

“Um. Sis, I think you broke the machine.”

 :) 

#(( DASH GAMES - Leisure at Camp )) #(( CRACK - Turbulent Winds )) #// Shindan really trying to butter up Fiora here xD

[wingsofilia]

“Tell me, Lagault-” Fiora was battling the urge to ask the man something a while now. It had been nagging her for a while now. The former Black Fang so casually right within the midst of her presence. She knew it was distasteful and rude. But it finally seemed like there was a lapse in restraint from the pegasus knight. Why, she looked almost horrified that she spoke up. Of course, now that the silence was broken, there was no way that she could brush it off.

A very faint sigh passed her nostrils as the Ilian gently lowered herself to a sitting position. Her gaze was low, but subtly peered to the person she had accidentally addressed. No turning back now. She tried her best to keep a neutral tone to her voice. This was curiosity speaking, not some sort of inquisition. “What made you switch allegiance on a whim like that?”  

Starter for @cavaliant​​​

#cavaliant #(( IC - Flying High )) #(( FIORA - Wings of Honor )) #// Here you go! Tell me if something needs changing!

[wingsofilia]

starsoftheemblem​ || Hinoka

Hinoka’s eyes never once left Farina, carefully examining her every move in her mind. An outside observer wouldn’t be able to tell much from the exchange, as her expression remained serious yet blank. It wasn’t as though she was trying to seem unimpressed, despite that being how she may seem, but she was trying to remain as impartial as she could. After all, what may seem impressive or not to her could be completely wrong in this context. It’s not as though she has any understanding in these techniques. They’re almost just as foreign to her as the one preforming them.

Taking a few steps closer, Hinoka leaned down a bit towards the mercenary’s weapon for a better inspection of her grip, absentmindedly nodding to herself as she took note of how she held it. Standing upright, she then made her way over to the now slightly more injured dummy. It always impressed her just how resilient those things were, although the new damage was nothing to sneeze at.

Finally, she allowed herself to smile, returning her gaze to Farina to signal her evaluation complete. “Seems to me whoever hired you knew what they were doing.” She wasn’t always the most on top of who did what whenever it fell to someone other than her, although she does know that it wasn’t her. For one thing, she would probably remember Farina, and for another, she hasn’t been allowed since her last selection process ended… unfavorably. For the potential hires. Best to leave it at that.

“I’m surprised just how similar our styles seem to be in some regards, although I guess there’s not much variation that can be done with what’s essentially just a pointy stick.” Hinoka laughs, walking back over and holding her spear up next to Farina’s for a quick comparison. They seemed pretty similar to her, maybe a few minor differences. Whether that was due to regional differences or personal modifications? Who knows. She just knows how to use them, not make them at mass scale. 

“You already take good advantage of the friction the spear generates, so you’re already there for the most part. Although we tend to try to keep our attacks as part of one long attack, if that makes sense. Like this.” Hinoka takes a quick step forward back towards the unfortunate dummy, thrusting her spear straight out before assisting gravity in it’s fall. The fall is then brought behind her, spinning the spear behind her as she jumps to gain momentum, momentum which is then used as she brings the spear down once more from the sky. 

Looking over her shoulder once more as she stands up, Hinoka smiles. “Like that. Although I add my own spin.” Spinning her spear over her head with one hand for emphasis on her joke, she laughs. That trick is more impressive in the air, but she sort of forgot that it’s unknown to her conversation partner as of now. 

“Hehe.” Farina could not hid her smug laugh of approval when the other complimented her. Of course she was proud of her abilities. A mercenary who isn’t constantly striving to be the best would surely lose out on pay, and by extension, a decent livelihood. Even if it might sound vain, she’d come to expect the other’s satisfaction on the matter. Not that she was going to say any of that out loud. Building rapport is just as important as physical prowess in this line of work. 

Still, this gave her an up-close example of how Hoshido spears worked and how their wielders fought. At least, how Hinoka fought. Though Farina had to guess that the other was trained. Those movements were not something you pick up after being impressed into service. No. There was some passion there. A drive that the Ilian could sense. The motivations of the other would remain unknown to her, but the mercenary knew that there was a point at which only your own mind and cause could get you to new heights.

The look on Farina’s face was a mix of many things. Surpsise, joy, curiosity. It was all a learning experience. The fighting style seemed a bit more fluid than what she was used to. Emphasis on quick motions and transitions the likes of which Farina hadn’t seen. Hinoka was right. The motions themselves weren’t all that different, but there was something about how they were stitched together that made all the difference. One could only imagine what the flight patterns and formations would look like. 

“Huh. I’m impressed.” These were the first real words to break her silence, after almost a minute of processing this. Taking a few steps towards the dummy, she used her lance to poke at some of the ‘wounds‘ the training tool had received just now. First Hinoka’s, then her own. It was a contemplative mood she was in. Quite unlike her usual self, not that this would be known to many on this faraway continent. But even that did not last long.

Farina echoed the laugh back at Hinoka, offering her counterpart a wink with a thumbs up. “Hey, you’re good! I hope these people here are paying you well. Skill like that doesn’t come cheap, I imagine!” Immediately, she would cross her arms and doing a half twirl, looking at Hinoka with a sideways glance and smirk. “Of course, you’re probably being paid more than me, huh? The way people crowd around you must mean you’re the real deal to these people eh? Go on- What’s your rate? I gotta know what to be shooting for, here!”

#starsoftheemblem #(( IC - Flying High )) #(( FARINA - Wings of Power )) #// Farina still doesn't know Hinoka isn't a mercenary oops

[wingsofilia]

​Florina dreaded needed to engage in conflict. She would avoid it where she could. But this time, it seemed impossible to go around. This person before her- The face was familiar. She wouldn’t so easily forget it. But it dawned on the flier that she didn’t really know anything about them. In fact, was she ever even told his name? There was no way she could up and ask him out of the blue now, though. That would be awkward.

No. She had to stay goal oriented. Mustering up her strength, Florina took a deep breath and made her approach. In her mind she felt like she was making great and confident strides, though the image in reality was a lot less grandiose than that. Soon, she’d stand a few feet away from the person. Here goes.

“U- Um. Excuse me... um sir? Did you happen to s- see... Well, you see I- I lost something while on gu- guard duty last night. You didn’t... see it? D- Did you?”

Starter for @orderbourne​

#orderbourne #(( IC - Flying High )) #(( FLORINA - Wings of Perseverance )) #// Let me know if you want something changed! #// And yes I'm sorry she is just very awkward rn