Weapons Don't Weep.

(Oddworld RP blog for Ahlu, Mar'qo and Luke.)

[ahlu-the-mercenary]

[Game] Clementia: How quick are they to forgive or show mercy?, Juventas: What was their childhood like?

[Ahlu is quick to show mercy under specific circumstances, usually if they don't have enough evidence to fully rationalize whatever they're about to do. But, if they have hard evidence of something they tend to be pretty clear cut in their choices and actions against someone if it's necessary.]

[Oh boy I love this question.

Ahlu's childhood was a struggle. Growing up as a fertile queen, natively, isn't easy as it stands... But being born to a dying tribe? Being born with that kind of burden? Now let's tack on being, basically, a sacrifice for a god.

Since they were, what their caretakers called them, a 'Princess'... There was a lot of oppression in the sense that they were weren't allowed to be like the other children or even their siblings, who they weren't really allowed to socialize with very often. They were consistently forced into a strict form of living set by their caretakers (namely their father who was the chief of the village. It wasn't just because they were the chief's child, as he had more than just them.) Notably, they were essentially raised to become a "bride" for Virabshiva (who was an icon of worship in the tribe) once they were mature enough. They were brought up to be a "perfect" bride based on their standards: To be obedient, strong, knowledgeable, but not outshine their superiors openly (to remain humble), to be beautiful and feminine (by their definitions), to be kind and polite, but to also keep their emotions to themselves in order to not burden others and remain a solid/safe (and motherly) figure to look up to. The tribe put massive amounts of pressure on them to follow this path in order to "save" them all and their dwindling native population as well as their lands, as if Virabshiva could fix it all like it had been rumored before (being located so far off from other natives, they didn't have much contact with the rest of the world or even much industrialism until Ahlu was older.)

Ahlu was consistently depressed and isolated, growing up chronically lonely and needing to people please while balancing emotions they were never properly taught to understand or control. All this while expected to be the picture perfect idea of a demi-god's queen... Despite having no idea what that even meant until they were older. Thankfully, they did find some solace in both painting and hunting but it wasn't exactly enough to cope with it all. These problems later developed into a lot of pent up resentment and rage, which is why they feel little regard for their tribe's demise and even, secretly, felt relief in it. Now, while they reject a lot of what they were forced to be, they're beginning to learn and accept that they can enjoy some of those traits (such as femininity, kindness etc) because they now have a choice, and may even have those traits by nature but suppressed them to rebel.]

[jackie-starburst]

OPEN STARTER

"*Honks* I'm having ball pit party! Come join! *Honks**

[jackie-starburst]

"*honk!* Jump in Mr music man! Wheeeee!!"

[jackie-starburst]

"You can do whatever ya want just don't make a mess! No peeing!!!!!! *Inpatient honks* Now get in quick!!!"

"HURRAY! Come on in! Go play with Music Man! *Honks*"

[jackie-starburst]

"*Loud honks!* Please s-sit next to me, Siren! *shuffles to the right* *Shy honks*"

"*honks* Yes, Miss Mermaid! Enjoy your ice pop! But don't make a mess!!"

[jackie-starburst]

"*Gasp honk* New friend! Thank goodness you took those shoes off! They're SOOOO pointy! Now...Get in! Quick!!!"

"NEW FRIEND!!! Do you like my balls?!?! JUMP IN! *Loud Honks*"

[jackie-starburst]

"New Frie--HEY!!! YOU WILL CRUSH MY COLOURFUL BALLS!!! EEEKK! *Shocked honks!!*"

"*Shocked honks* R-RAY?!?!?!? YOU'RE GONNA GET ME IN TROUBLE!! ...ARE THOSE MY SWEETS!?!?!?"

[jackie-starburst]

"PIRATE! You can join...But be careful of the canonballs!!! *honks*"

"*Honks!* ANOTHER PIRATE?! OF COARSE IT'S SANITARY! I made the "NO PEEING" sign all by myself therefore it IS sanitary! Now get in! Bring that hand sanitizer if you don't believe me! *Annoyed honks*"

[industrialprincess]

ꃳꄲꅐ ꓄ꄲ ꌦꄲ꒤ꋪ

i͓̗̤͓̥ͣ̄̽͌͞n͙͇̩͕͔̠̏ͧ̓̕ͅd̨̮͈͎̙̳ͫ̂ͅŭ͏͖̲̘͙̯ṡ̞̦̌̀ṱ̡̱̥ͥ̓̊ṛ̨̲̺̻̝̏̉i̡̫̩͙͕̰̰͔͎̐̃͑ͨa̹͈̰̲͂̄͗͞l̹̫̥̳̘ͯ̓̾̑͠ ̳̥̻̦̫̬̬̹̒̔͡p̵͍̩̪̱͓̙͂̒ͭͣr̲̝̗̰̞͕͉̖̈́̉͑͘i̷͇̝̤̠̥͓̿̒n̨̻͓̳͋c͖͂̽́ͅe̜̯̘̺̿ͭ̃͟s̶̘͓͎ͫ̆͋͛s̻̠̦̻̼̲̙͌̒̀

♩♫[♫]♩♫

[edgar-percival]

Part 1 @ahlu-the-mercenary 

Madam Shelley giggled in her scratchy voice, “Beauty must be maintained, dearie! Monthly is not enough, no no no!” She waved one of her claws as if to playfully scold Aslik.

Lord Bramm slowly straightened his posture and continued to watch this Mudokon, somewhat enamoured by their demeanour and listening to every word they had to say. The timid smile they flashed made him cock a brow slightly, and even give a small warm grin in return. It was cute... This Mudokon was cute.

“Ah…” Lord Bramm’s face then fell a little at Ahlu’s comment. “We have had Mudokons before, but they were prone to misbehaving. Our current butler, for instance… He is wonderful at his job, but he is highly delusional and very unwell. He even attempts to spread rumours about us.” He breathed out a long, low sigh.

[ahlu-the-mercenary]

Aslik pursed his lips for a moment with a low hum, as if considering her words a little more carefully. Did he want to be petty or did he want to be pretty? Ehh... He shrugged, "I have found it to be a enough in the past, but I guess with how stressful things have gotten, I could use a little more... Pampering." He finished with some indiscernible smirk.

Ahlu kept their demeanor without letting it waver, growing a little more nervous when they couldn't quite recognize the look they were being given. It was... Mildly concerning, to say the least. But even as they felt a flash of at how Lord Bramm talked about Edgar, they didn't allow the slightest hint of it to show. No, they had to focus. They quickly weighed their options... The longer they remained there, further grew the worry over Edgar's well-being. Bramm could be as interesting as he wanted, but it didn't distract them from their original goal. Although, they knew building a reputation with him of all people might give them more options in the future... and given Edgar's situation, they may just need those options...

Damn it. Here goes nothing.

They gave a tilt of their head with a small, sympathetic frown, "That sounds quite troublesome, My Lord. I understand how frustrating it can be when a subordinate forgets their place, given how many people are under my command... I can't tell you how many times I've been given lip just for doing my job." They released an amused chuckle, shaking their head at any given memory related to it. Then, as a subtle form of vengeance for him leaning so close earlier, hoping he'd notice their own perfume, they gazed up to him and took a slight step forward as they lowered their voice, "As for rumors... He must not have much of a reach, sir, given that I've only heard positive things about you. That, and, goodness... uh, forgive me for my forwardness, but I think I'm starting to understand just why my boss has been fawning over you."

Upon finishing their statement with another bashful smile, they internally wondered if they should just stick a fork in their own forehead, or his.

[edgar-percival]

Prompt arrival was top priority on Aslik's list for the party, namely because Ahlu had been very adamant about arriving on time just as well, which had given Aslik the excuse to ignore his natural desire to be 'fashionably late'. With how often they reminded him that he could easily be the center of attention with his sparkling, flawless maroon suit and black fur collar, he felt it necessary to be there as long as possible, and therefore arrive right on time... Thank goodness for his Captain. Upon their arrival, Ahlu felt the need to come across less steely the usual. Something about the atmosphere told them they needed to appear somewhat approachable, otherwise, they may not fit in just right. They'd keep some of their cold demeanor, but they also wouldn't be hesitant to greet anyone with a pleasant, graceful, refined smile and bow, which they had rehearsed hundreds upon hundreds of times in their youth... And, well, it would show. But when Aslik didn't hesitate even in the slightest to approach the Steevonzons directly without even checking with his Captain for advice, Ahlu rushed over to be at his side, prepared to do any kind of damage control the moment he opened his big mouth. "Oh, my goodness, hello, hello! Its a delight to see the lot of you!" Aslik said in a voice that Ahlu hated hearing. It was so... fake. At least to them, even if only because they knew better.

Not many guests had arrived just yet, and the Steevenzons had not yet split apart from each other. Albert and Howard were talking when suddenly none other than Ludwig Von Aslik showed up, interrupting their conversation. The two sirs pretended not to hear the obnoxious Glukkon, but Madam Shelley, after pouring herself a glass of wine, grinned and scampered up to him, her heels clacking loudly on the floor. “Ohh hello! You must be Ludwig! You’re even more, ehh… handsome? In person!” She greeted. Expensive jewels were worn on her head to hide the bandages underneath.

[ahlu-the-mercenary]

Aslik's expression fell for just a brief second when he thought no one at all had heard him, but then perked right back up when the jewel-adorned Madam gave him acknowledgement, "Yes, yes, that would be me. And you are...?" Aslik gave his best grin, full of all the charisma he could muster, and none of the restraint. Ahlu made it a point to side step as quietly as possible away from their boss, keeping an eye on both Aslik and his assistant slig, Fernando, as they did so. The two seemed to remain in place, which gave them a moment to safely move away.

They weren't about to try and make nice with these people if they didn't have to, so avoiding conversation without coming across as rude was favorable. Once they were away from the general vicinity of Aslik and his unwitting conversational victim partner, they stood tall, hands behind their back as they slowly scanned the area, noting every potential entrance, exit, any potential threat, and... Hm. Their gaze fell upon the Steevonzons, of which they made a mental note of their current location, before looking away again. There weren't many people around just yet, no, but that actually made it far easier for the Captain to be spotted if they tried to slip away... For now, they had to remain alert and appear relaxed.

For some reason or another, they glanced back over to the Steevonzons again, this time trying to either overhear what they were talking about, or just to assess and observe their collective and separate existences more accurately. Something about them was certainly... intriguing. They already knew exactly which one they were the least fond of... And may have stared a little too long in that direction, wondering if they were missing something.

[edgar-percival]

Madam Shelley took a dignified sip of her wine. “Hmph… Madam Shelley Steevenzon.” She responded as she raised a brow, somewhat displeased that Aslik didn’t already know who she was.

The spindly Chronicler and the scrawny Glukkon were talking amongst themselves. “Dr. Frankenn’s one of the most ruthless surgeons out there.” Sir Albert said with a snicker. “I wish we could see how it’s goin’.”

Sir Howard grunted quietly. “Mm… I would much rather be down there then be up here. Those screams are much more entertaining.”

“Do stop complaining.”

A gruff voice boomed from directly behind Ahlu. “We so rarely hold events such as this, so please try to enjoy it.” Sir Albert and Sir Howard sighed and nodded. “Yes, Lord Bramm…” Groaned Sir Albert as he trudged away along with Sir Howard.

The Glukkon, over 10ft, was the first and only Steevenzon to notice Ahlu. He was looming over them, making direct eye contact. “…Captain Ahlu Cartier, is it?” Lord Bramm spoke. His voice was strong, powerful; yet there was a dangerous softness, a warmth, almost.

[ahlu-the-mercenary]

Aslik released a quiet gasp and nodded once, twice, as if he hadn't totally screwed up at all. Bulldozing over his mistakes with confidence usually seemed to work out anyway, so he said, "Yes, yes, of course! How foolish of me, my deepest apologies Madam. You just look so much younger in person. You must be doing so well for yourself!"

Picking up on exactly what the two were chattering about, Ahlu felt a sharp spike of rage and copious amounts of worry stab through their gut like a thousand knives. They knew best not to show it on their face in any manner, but it took every ounce of skill they had just to shove it right back down and act like everything was perfectly fine and lovely. Hearing people take delight in someone's torture was painful enough, but... No, hearing them rejoice specifically in Edgar's pain was... Was...!

Their thoughts were cut short the instant that powerful voice hit their ears. Being aware of the presence was one thing, actually turning to see the glukkon towering over them by approximately a whole 4ft and more (even in these boots which made Ahlu 5'9) was another. They were used to their enemies being taller than them, sure, but that height paired with his voice and generally imposing nature...? Then the fact they already had negative preconceived notions of him before they'd even met face-to-face like this?

It did not do them well, mentally. Too many reminders of something they could never fix. Something they had to shove even further down than the rage and the worry and the prickle of fear... with even greater difficulty.

Despite this and the sinking feeling in their chest, they responded as expected, never giving more information than needed and with a sure sense of self, "Ah... That would be correct, My Lord. Captain Ahlu Cartier, at your service and behest." They flashed a polite smile at the glukkon lord and gave him their best royally-influenced bow. They stood back up with their posture in check and a more charming smile in tow with it, "Forgive me, am I in your way?"

[edgar-percival]

Madam Shelley forced out a chuckle. “Why thank you! You look like you could benefit from the products I use, I’d just love to make you look nice and pretty sometime!” She said, resting her face on her wrinkled manicured hand.

The Lord watched Ahlu with a spark of intrigue in his eyes, and his steely expression almost softened a little as they spoke. He examined their behaviour closely. He always had a soft spot for Mudokons, and this one behaved in such a way that delighted Bramm.

“Not at all.” He said, giving a small bow to them in return, briefly close enough to Ahlu for them to be able to smell his expensive fragrance. “It is a pleasure to meet you. I must say that I have never been in the presence of a Mudokon who is this sophisticated and well-behaved.” The colossal Glukkon commented.

[ahlu-the-mercenary]

When Aslik processed fully what Madam Shelley had implied, he had to remind himself that he was in polite company. He wasn't exactly fond of being insulted in such a passive manner, though, and had to follow up, "Oh, yes, well we all need a little pick-me-up now and again. Some of us more often than others... But I suppose I am a little over-due for my monthly skin-care regime. I would just love to know your secrets, Madam." Somehow he could just feel Fernando holding back a laugh deep somewhere in that tiny slig form... Aslik was just thankful Ahlu wasn't there to make it worse by agreeing with Madam Shelley, either. Wait, where had they run off to? Oh, whatever.

Now, Ahlu hadn't expected Bramm to bow back at them. In fact, it had been a while since someone had actually done so in the slightest outside of their own family. What had really distracted them was whatever cologne he had on. Whatever it was, it seemed not to be as offensive as most other over-priced scents they were used to. For a fleeting moment they felt their face flush.

Not cool. Although, hearing the phrase 'well-behaved' certainly and immediately knocked back any accidental favor the intimidating glukkon had just gained. It also reminded them why they were actually here.

Yet, they kept their composure and even threw in another, more timid smile paired with a bashful glance away. They brought their hands forward to cross neatly in front of them in a proper pose they didn't even realize was yet another trait of their upbringing, "Oh...? That's quite a compliment, My Lord. But, please don't think too much of it, it is merely how I was raised. I'm sure there must be others you've met that are just as, if not more, well-mannered."

[ahlu-the-mercenary]

I smell... Conflicting romantic feels? :)

[edgar-percival]

Prompt arrival was top priority on Aslik's list for the party, namely because Ahlu had been very adamant about arriving on time just as well, which had given Aslik the excuse to ignore his natural desire to be 'fashionably late'. With how often they reminded him that he could easily be the center of attention with his sparkling, flawless maroon suit and black fur collar, he felt it necessary to be there as long as possible, and therefore arrive right on time... Thank goodness for his Captain. Upon their arrival, Ahlu felt the need to come across less steely the usual. Something about the atmosphere told them they needed to appear somewhat approachable, otherwise, they may not fit in just right. They'd keep some of their cold demeanor, but they also wouldn't be hesitant to greet anyone with a pleasant, graceful, refined smile and bow, which they had rehearsed hundreds upon hundreds of times in their youth... And, well, it would show. But when Aslik didn't hesitate even in the slightest to approach the Steevonzons directly without even checking with his Captain for advice, Ahlu rushed over to be at his side, prepared to do any kind of damage control the moment he opened his big mouth. "Oh, my goodness, hello, hello! Its a delight to see the lot of you!" Aslik said in a voice that Ahlu hated hearing. It was so... fake. At least to them, even if only because they knew better.

Not many guests had arrived just yet, and the Steevenzons had not yet split apart from each other. Albert and Howard were talking when suddenly none other than Ludwig Von Aslik showed up, interrupting their conversation. The two sirs pretended not to hear the obnoxious Glukkon, but Madam Shelley, after pouring herself a glass of wine, grinned and scampered up to him, her heels clacking loudly on the floor. “Ohh hello! You must be Ludwig! You’re even more, ehh… handsome? In person!” She greeted. Expensive jewels were worn on her head to hide the bandages underneath.

[ahlu-the-mercenary]

Aslik's expression fell for just a brief second when he thought no one at all had heard him, but then perked right back up when the jewel-adorned Madam gave him acknowledgement, "Yes, yes, that would be me. And you are...?" Aslik gave his best grin, full of all the charisma he could muster, and none of the restraint. Ahlu made it a point to side step as quietly as possible away from their boss, keeping an eye on both Aslik and his assistant slig, Fernando, as they did so. The two seemed to remain in place, which gave them a moment to safely move away.

They weren't about to try and make nice with these people if they didn't have to, so avoiding conversation without coming across as rude was favorable. Once they were away from the general vicinity of Aslik and his unwitting conversational victim partner, they stood tall, hands behind their back as they slowly scanned the area, noting every potential entrance, exit, any potential threat, and... Hm. Their gaze fell upon the Steevonzons, of which they made a mental note of their current location, before looking away again. There weren't many people around just yet, no, but that actually made it far easier for the Captain to be spotted if they tried to slip away... For now, they had to remain alert and appear relaxed.

For some reason or another, they glanced back over to the Steevonzons again, this time trying to either overhear what they were talking about, or just to assess and observe their collective and separate existences more accurately. Something about them was certainly... intriguing. They already knew exactly which one they were the least fond of... And may have stared a little too long in that direction, wondering if they were missing something.

[edgar-percival]

Madam Shelley took a dignified sip of her wine. “Hmph… Madam Shelley Steevenzon.” She responded as she raised a brow, somewhat displeased that Aslik didn’t already know who she was.

The spindly Chronicler and the scrawny Glukkon were talking amongst themselves. “Dr. Frankenn’s one of the most ruthless surgeons out there.” Sir Albert said with a snicker. “I wish we could see how it’s goin’.”

Sir Howard grunted quietly. “Mm… I would much rather be down there then be up here. Those screams are much more entertaining.”

“Do stop complaining.”

A gruff voice boomed from directly behind Ahlu. “We so rarely hold events such as this, so please try to enjoy it.” Sir Albert and Sir Howard sighed and nodded. “Yes, Lord Bramm…” Groaned Sir Albert as he trudged away along with Sir Howard.

The Glukkon, over 10ft, was the first and only Steevenzon to notice Ahlu. He was looming over them, making direct eye contact. “…Captain Ahlu Cartier, is it?” Lord Bramm spoke. His voice was strong, powerful; yet there was a dangerous softness, a warmth, almost.

[ahlu-the-mercenary]

Aslik released a quiet gasp and nodded once, twice, as if he hadn't totally screwed up at all. Bulldozing over his mistakes with confidence usually seemed to work out anyway, so he said, "Yes, yes, of course! How foolish of me, my deepest apologies Madam. You just look so much younger in person. You must be doing so well for yourself!"

Picking up on exactly what the two were chattering about, Ahlu felt a sharp spike of rage and copious amounts of worry stab through their gut like a thousand knives. They knew best not to show it on their face in any manner, but it took every ounce of skill they had just to shove it right back down and act like everything was perfectly fine and lovely. Hearing people take delight in someone's torture was painful enough, but... No, hearing them rejoice specifically in Edgar's pain was... Was...!

Their thoughts were cut short the instant that powerful voice hit their ears. Being aware of the presence was one thing, actually turning to see the glukkon towering over them by approximately a whole 4ft and more (even in these boots which made Ahlu 5'9) was another. They were used to their enemies being taller than them, sure, but that height paired with his voice and generally imposing nature...? Then the fact they already had negative preconceived notions of him before they'd even met face-to-face like this?

It did not do them well, mentally. Too many reminders of something they could never fix. Something they had to shove even further down than the rage and the worry and the prickle of fear... with even greater difficulty.

Despite this and the sinking feeling in their chest, they responded as expected, never giving more information than needed and with a sure sense of self, "Ah... That would be correct, My Lord. Captain Ahlu Cartier, at your service and behest." They flashed a polite smile at the glukkon lord and gave him their best royally-influenced bow. They stood back up with their posture in check and a more charming smile in tow with it, "Forgive me, am I in your way?"

[edgar-percival]

Prompt arrival was top priority on Aslik's list for the party, namely because Ahlu had been very adamant about arriving on time just as well, which had given Aslik the excuse to ignore his natural desire to be 'fashionably late'. With how often they reminded him that he could easily be the center of attention with his sparkling, flawless maroon suit and black fur collar, he felt it necessary to be there as long as possible, and therefore arrive right on time... Thank goodness for his Captain. Upon their arrival, Ahlu felt the need to come across less steely the usual. Something about the atmosphere told them they needed to appear somewhat approachable, otherwise, they may not fit in just right. They'd keep some of their cold demeanor, but they also wouldn't be hesitant to greet anyone with a pleasant, graceful, refined smile and bow, which they had rehearsed hundreds upon hundreds of times in their youth... And, well, it would show. But when Aslik didn't hesitate even in the slightest to approach the Steevonzons directly without even checking with his Captain for advice, Ahlu rushed over to be at his side, prepared to do any kind of damage control the moment he opened his big mouth. "Oh, my goodness, hello, hello! Its a delight to see the lot of you!" Aslik said in a voice that Ahlu hated hearing. It was so... fake. At least to them, even if only because they knew better.

Not many guests had arrived just yet, and the Steevenzons had not yet split apart from each other. Albert and Howard were talking when suddenly none other than Ludwig Von Aslik showed up, interrupting their conversation. The two sirs pretended not to hear the obnoxious Glukkon, but Madam Shelley, after pouring herself a glass of wine, grinned and scampered up to him, her heels clacking loudly on the floor. “Ohh hello! You must be Ludwig! You’re even more, ehh… handsome? In person!” She greeted. Expensive jewels were worn on her head to hide the bandages underneath.

[ahlu-the-mercenary]

Aslik's expression fell for just a brief second when he thought no one at all had heard him, but then perked right back up when the jewel-adorned Madam gave him acknowledgement, "Yes, yes, that would be me. And you are...?" Aslik gave his best grin, full of all the charisma he could muster, and none of the restraint. Ahlu made it a point to side step as quietly as possible away from their boss, keeping an eye on both Aslik and his assistant slig, Fernando, as they did so. The two seemed to remain in place, which gave them a moment to safely move away.

They weren't about to try and make nice with these people if they didn't have to, so avoiding conversation without coming across as rude was favorable. Once they were away from the general vicinity of Aslik and his unwitting conversational victim partner, they stood tall, hands behind their back as they slowly scanned the area, noting every potential entrance, exit, any potential threat, and... Hm. Their gaze fell upon the Steevonzons, of which they made a mental note of their current location, before looking away again. There weren't many people around just yet, no, but that actually made it far easier for the Captain to be spotted if they tried to slip away... For now, they had to remain alert and appear relaxed.

For some reason or another, they glanced back over to the Steevonzons again, this time trying to either overhear what they were talking about, or just to assess and observe their collective and separate existences more accurately. Something about them was certainly... intriguing. They already knew exactly which one they were the least fond of... And may have stared a little too long in that direction, wondering if they were missing something.

[ahlu-the-mercenary]

If you see me avoiding my boss... No you didn't. Fernando (The Slig) can take care of him... I have better things to do.

[ahlu-the-mercenary]

Okay. Just breathe. You've done this a hundred times. This is nothing new.

[ahlu-the-mercenary]

[[ Okay so there's this scene from Addam's Family Values that I absolutely had to draw as Edgar ( @edgar-percival ) and Ahlu because it felt like such a them scene jdkfhsjdh

While Ahlu wouldn't be saying it in the same light as Wednesday (more so "I want us to be equals please/you're better than that" and not "I'm going to kill you") it did give me the perfect excuse to draw Edgar 🤣 ]]

[ahlu-the-mercenary]

do you like being a mercenary? if you could have any other job, what would it be?

Do I like...

Uh... Hm. I don't really think about it too much. I mean, I'm doing fine and it keeps my family safe. It also keeps me moving, it's a great distraction. But do I like it? I... Think so? Usually. Most days. More often than not. It could be worse. It's what I need right now, I can't see myself doing much else in my current situation... I get to utilize my skill set, and I'm paid very well.

I guess if I had to be anything else, I'd probably enjoy being a painter. I mean, I am, but in this sense I mean professionally as a career. I've also had an interest in fashion design for a while now, so I think that would also work. I have always leaned more towards the artsy side of things, not sure why. I've even wondered how it would be like as a model (But I have too many scars and I'd worry about people recognizing me or taking advantage) or— don't laugh— a rockstar (but same issue, and that was fleeting and unrealistic, I don't think I can sing and I was only daydreaming after Kirah popped into my head one day.) So... Yeah. Most realistically, probably a painter or designer.

[ahlu-the-mercenary]

Does your muse fall for someone quickly, or does it take a bit to win their heart?

[[ Whew okay that's a bit of a toughie. I guess it depends on the type of person and why Ahlu is falling for them. Thing is, they tend to not notice they even like someone unless that person is also already into them and is open about it. If someone has been flirting with them and has made their intent clear, they will realize much faster if they like them or not. That said, they aren't too fond of people from the get-go, so I suppose it may take a little time either way... Unless it's a certain type of person. They're not exactly afraid of rejection, so once things get going they get going... Just depends on what's going and why.

For every illogical reason imaginable (in their opinion, despite it being a pretty common reaction); Ahlu sometimes falls for the wrong people. People, generally, who remind them in some ways of Virab tend to have an upper hand on them emotionally/mentally. If Ahlu is: intimidated by, attracted to, and in close proximity of a person similar to him... They often find themselves instantly fawning, whether they like it or not. They usually avoid these people like the plague or already have an upper hand in some way by being such a notorious mercenary, which is why they do so well in the industry... But sometimes, certain powerful people can manipulate them with greater ease than others. Or even coax them into being with them. Ahlu logically knows how stupid it is, but the subconscious desire to find a proxy in which they can fix the broken relationship they once had with Virab by fawning for someone just like him, is a very powerful thing... Not to mention, even if it's dangerous, there is a longed-for type of safety and protection that would come from being with someone just as powerful as Virab— because then they could be protected from just going right back to him.

Unfortunately, this also means they accept genuine love with greater difficulty. They're used to being lied to and manipulated and controlled... So when someone shows genuine care and adoration, sometimes it freaks them out. Like, 'what is this person after? Did I do something wrong? When are they going to lash out? They're being too nice they obviously want something right? They can't genuinely like me can they?' This ends up causing even greater anxiety than just being in a situation they're familiar, and sadly, comfortable with. It sounds illogical, and they're fully aware, but trauma does a lot of shit to our brains that we can't control.

Tl;Dr: If they like someone too fast, they might be fawning and it'll probably end up being a toxic relationship. If they like someone genuinely in a way that's healthy, they will experience more hesitation and question what they're feeling for a while longer.]]

[ahlu-the-mercenary]

Is your muse smooth when it comes to flirting? How do they handle being flirted with?

[[ Ahlu is actually a natural flirt, mostly due to how they were raised. A lot of the time when they started to get older, flirting was pretty much the only way they could get some of the freedom they desired to not be trapped inside all day. They could get away with things more frequently and undermined their parents control over them by saying the right things to the guards.

So the habit has stuck with them, and they're aware of it so they use it to their advantage or just for fun sometimes. They don't often try to flirt with friends or acquaintances unless they have genuine interest, but there's a difference in the way they flirt when they're genuine versus when they're trying to manipulate someone.

For example; There's one friend they flirt with that they haven't quite met in person yet. They do have genuine feelings for this person (whether they themself are aware of it or not is irrelevant) When their flirting is reciprocated or the person flirts with them first... They tend to get quite nervous and even flustered, especially when flirted with in a respectful, kind, and/or sophisticated manner. Being called a slew of pet names or seeing someone be pushy is much more of a turn-off for them than anything.

Now when they're being manipulative, they usually won't get flustered or anything. Sometimes, their plan does backfire, if the target flirts back and does so either a little too smoothly or in an unexpected but favorable manner. They have ended up liking someone they initially tried to manipulate, that ended up matching their energy in just the right way (*coughLukecough*.) But otherwise, they tend to be bolder and remain calm if they have no interest in the other person.]]

[ahlu-the-mercenary]

12. Does your muse enjoy giving/receiving grand gestures of love?

[[ I think honestly it would depend on the gesture. Something like a public proposal or anything that brings several other people/strangers into it would probably be a bad idea. But something like coming to their rescue in a dire situation is appreciated, but also something that terrifies them. Meanwhile something like spending all week planning out their birthday party or something (provided it doesn't interfere with their work) would be taken very well. They also wouldn't mind their partner openly proclaiming they care for them around others so long as they trust the people involved. They really wouldn't want strangers or the public involved because it could compromise the safety of their partner just by being with them.

As for giving, the same rules apply. They'd rather keep things between them and their partner... But if they need to do something extremely dangerous to save someone they care about, they will do so without hesitation whether their partner likes it or not. ]]

[ahlu-the-mercenary]

18. Does your muse find the idea of a secret admirer charming or off-putting?

19. Would your muse prefer a spontaneous date night, or a planned night out?

[[ The idea of a secret admirer both scares the crap out of Ahlu and excited them at the same time. They don't like the anxiety behind dealing with the mystery, wondering if it's someone they aren't fond of or dealing with unrequited feelings... But the idea of a mysterious stranger pining for them at a distance is also strangely appealing, especially if any shown gestures are favorable.

I think they prefer planned dates over spontaneous events as their life can get very busy; or at least they'd prefer a partner that plans right for a surprise. Like if their partner knows they have no plans (and they aren't exhausted) and said partner makes a nice set of date plans for them, then they'd appreciate it. They like a thoughtful person, spontaneous or not.]]

[ahlu-the-mercenary]

Does your muse tend to get jealous when in a relationship? Do they like it when their partner gets jealous over them?

[[ Ahlu is unfortunately very quick to jealousy, but they do their best to hide it. They're very protective of their relationships, so if someone gets too close to their partner, they tend to take it personally. They don't usually get mad at their partner for it, but rather the other person... Unless said partner is clearly not setting any boundaries and is allowing/encouraging such behavior, then they have no issue telling them how they feel.

Somewhat paradoxically, they tend to not enjoy being treated like they can't handle themself in a situation that involves other people, and would rather be trusted to manage any issues that come from external sources. They would rather not see their partner get mad at them over someone else's actions. Though, on the other hand, sometimes seeing a little bit of possessiveness in their partner can be reassuring. They would never go out of their way to try and make their partner jealous or envious, but on the occasion that something happens that neither of them expect (and both agree that the third-party was trying to cause issues), they don't mind some reassurance that they're very much still wanted in the relationship by seeing some possessiveness.]]