beauty & the beast.

affiliated golden deer student marianne von edmund.

[bltgang]

tracker. / stats and inventory. / interview. / monthly plotting call.

notes underneath the cut !

hi, hello ! my name is jelena, you may know me from before since i did join a month or two prior with a different muse. i am once more trying to tip my toes back in fe roleplay, so ofcourse i had to pick up darling marianne.

i can most easiest be reached through tumblr ims and through discord ( @ sneeuwengel ) if you wish to plot or simply chat ! i'm momentarily not part of the group discord, though that might change in the near future.

i have to admit my fe knowledge is limited: i only played the more recent games, starting from awakening. so while i might not be familiar with majority of the characters, i would love to meet them by writing them with marianne !

feel free to continue any answered ask of mine, i have no specific preference whether it's made in a new post or continued in the same one.

[rigelprinceofdespair]

Voice in your head? Been there!

aphotic | shadow god

[rigelprinceofdespair]

Berkut listened carefully, trying to pay attention to what reactions Marianne was having. Watching as she wrung her hands together, the way she backed off. A smirk crossed his face at he words, and he couldn’t stop it. “I have a feeling that leaving right now would do more harm than good. Besides, I tend to not listen to orders from those who don’t have rank over me anyways. Apologies.” 

Still he didn’t approach further, not wanting to set off whatever was happening to her. Though as soon as she uttered those last words, he froze for a moment. Instantly he was catapulted back, all the way to those finale moments. The dark voice that called out to him, beseeching him to call upon that power. 

All in exchange for one sacrifice. 

Shaking his head, he forced himself to focus on Marianne. Quashing the instinctive urge to lash out once more, instead nodding. “I see. This voice… it can be no coincidence. Has it been speaking too you for long?” 

Wracking his mind, he tried to think of what could possibly have triggered this. This continent had one goddess, and while he refused to attend any prayers or visit the temple out of spite, nothing from what he overheard had indicated anything close to resembling the type of worship that Duma had demanded. Yet hadn’t he recently heard of something, just a few days-

“That book. The one that you found in the library, just a few days ago. It must have been that thing. Even picking it up may have placed some sort of dark curse on you. I’ve hard experience with the filth that enjoyed to curse others.” For a moment his hand clenched, wishing he could have buried his lance into one of those Faithful even now. Still he forced himself to focus, Marianne was in need of help. 

“Well, now I definitely can’t leave. After all, I saw that book as well. Who knows, perhaps this curse will affect me next. Besides, while I am not the most experienced in faith magic, I do have practice in the darker side. Though I think you are already doing well. You’re resisting it already, no doubt have been doing so for some time. That means you are stronger than it already.” Berkut encouraged, daring to take a step closer. Trying to think of some way he could banish it. Duma was a physical god, able to be killed by a blade. Yet how could they deal with some being, a curse brought about by a book?

"Marianne... did you leave the book behind, or is there any chance you went back to get it?"

[bltgang]

There's a shake of her head at his question. " Um, no. It only started.. yesterday? Two or three days ago? I'm not sure, I'm sorry.. " A frown is now visible upon her troubled, ghoulish features. She doesn't remember, the past day — or was it days at this point? — is all one blur.

All she remembers is the sudden pounding of her head, the feeling of how full it felt like and the constant presence of a voice in her head. She didn't even notice it until it was too late, until she went from staring at a knife to the student beside it, how the voice in her mind kept telling her — pressuring her — to simply pick it up and stab. She'd ran. It was hard but she was able to convince her legs to move and run.

" I'm.. not so sure. It's difficult.. " A whispered admittance, before she continued: " At times.. I feel myself being guided.. I suddenly end up in another room, or suddenly have something in my hands I do not recall grabbing. " And it only seemed to grow the longer she refused to obey its orders. " It's quiet now.. but when it's speaking.. I - I... I'm terrified I cannot stop myself. " A sob accompanied her, devastated at the thought of being unable to control herself, unable to reject the voice and do something that would ruin not only her own, but others' lives too — something that would bloody her hands.

" I.. I left it. I think.. " Her memories are scrambled. She remembered leaving the library with two books. She placed it away, didn't she? Two books is all she took. " I left it.. but.. I.. I had a dream I went back and read it. I read something from it. I don't.. I don't know if it really was a dream or not. " A shake of her head, hands rose to grasp the side of her bangs. Is this what insanity felt like?

Part of her didn't believe it was from the book. That it wasn't a terrible shadow god taking over her mind, and that it was just the prophecy of the Crest of Maurice being fulfilled: that she would turn into a man - killing beast, feral and destructive and mindless with only bloodlust on its mind.

H̶̭͔̖͔͎͉͇̐̓̈́̀͘e̸̘̗̜͙̪̳̦̾̈́̐̏͂̚͝'̸͍̫͚͚̰̀̑̀s̴̖̑ ̴̢̳͚̒̑̓̈́̈́̍̆͜g̶͉̒̎̑͐͌̍͘ḙ̶̡̭̖̂̀̉t̴̨̥̺͇̑t̸̢̛͖̳̩̱̋̊̒͘í̵̙̻̩̻̩̿̈̂̓̋ṅ̴̘̹̘̘̹͓̒͆̎͗̕g̵̘̗̭͗́̎́̕͝ ̸͖̩̦̹͖̫́͒q̶̛̰̬͕̖̌̉̓̉́͝ụ̴͒̋̕͜ī̶̡̧̦̗̯͒̎̃̿̈͠ͅt̵̡̡͙̞̄̈́̃̓é̸͚̌̒̈͋͛ ̴̛̟̠̻̗̱̎̒͌̚a̵̰̘͉͐̓̾̀͑͜n̶̨̼͓̤̖̠̓n̴̢͆́o̸̡̮͙̮̝͍̦͒̅͗̊̊̄̕y̴͙̩̣̐́̄̎̏͝i̶̟̻͝n̷͙̤̈́̈́̚ǵ̸̟͠,̵̙̲̓̄̊̽͝ ̸̦͙̹̬̼̠̍̒̀͛̈́͛̋ĩ̵̢͉̰̀̾͒̀s̸̼̭̼͖̿̒͛͋̿̀n̵̥͒'̸̝̜̮̭̤̓͑̍̈́́͘ͅͅt̶̨͈̪͍̗͕͑ͅ ̴͍͋̒̆̔h̴̦͙̠̱̍͗͑̎͘͜ͅȩ̶̛̥̜̲͍̰̰̓͑̏̂̓?̸̤̫̲͎̆͛

Her eyes widened while staring at him, like a scared doe staring straight into the eyes of its predator. The voice returned..

" I think you really should go.. the voice.. it doesn't seem to like you. I - I don't want to risk anything. " Because as much as Berkut might claim he'd be fine, or that she couldn't do anything to harm him: who knows what this shadow god might be capable of.

[encantresse]

[ ♫ ]  ─  * 𝐰𝐡𝐢𝐜𝐡 𝐜𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐝𝐨 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐤 𝐰𝐢𝐥𝐥𝐲 𝐰𝐨𝐧𝐤𝐚 𝐡𝐚𝐝?

epidemic / +1 gauntlet

[encantresse]

there's no way of knowing what exactly this stefanelli's entails, other than the facts she does know: it's new to town, and suddenly all the rage among the student body. and—more tantalizing still, beyond the posters and promises—dorothea had caught wind of the bountiful drama accompanying this overnight sensation from the gossip slipped in between rounds of tea.

( so and so gifted chocolates to xyz! but then, xyz turned around only to give you-know-who those very chocolates instead! the scandal of it all! but plot twist: what's-their-name found out about this and took so-and-so out for a chocolate-making session themselves! and would you believe that xyz had the nerve—the audacity!—to act like they hadn't started it all? )

tantalizing!

so can dorothea be blamed, then, when she ropes in a classmate on her way there? these sort of things are better spent with company, anyhow, and for all their fleeting (and painfully brief) interactions, she's grown curious about the mysterious marianne. "it'll be fun!" she promises, giving the other girl a gentle nudge forward. "i don't know if i'll be any good at it, but i'm a quick study. it really can't be that hard, right? i mean, what's chocolate but milk, and sugar, and..."

she trails off in real time, realizing just how little she actually knows about the process to begin with. oops! "anyway," dorothea pivots, "i think it's a romantic gesture. making a treat for someone you like...have you got anyone in mind, marianne?"

  @bltgang !

[bltgang]

Going out to make chocolates was on the entire other side of the spectrum of what Marianne usually would do. She wasn't social, preferrably avoiding any and all, and wouldn't attend an event like that herself. Would she visit the store itself? Sure. But to partake in a social event that would also require her to hand the chocolates to someone else? Absolutely not.

Yet she couldn't sway Dorothea to pick someone else to tag along. Her usual " Um .. me? Are you certain, I'm no fun " and " I think I prefer not to " were not convincing enough and soon enough, Marianne found herself nudged forward towards Stefanelli's.

Listening to Dorothea, Marianne simply silently glanced towards the ground and giving an occasional nod in agreement. " Um, yeah, I guess so.. " Sure enough, creating chocolate itself shouldn't be too hard ( or so she hoped ), but it didn't mean it would be easy. Hopefully there would be clear enough instructions provided, lest a chocolate-y catastrophe would ensue.

" Um.. not really. " A shake of her head followed. Sure, she'd gotten acquaintanced with a couple students over the past month — more than she'd prefer — but there was no one in particular she liked enough to gift chocolates to, especially not in the way that Dorothea meant. Besides, she still preferred to keep a distance between herself and others: gifting someone something would definitely close a gap she wasn't yet ready to cross. " I don't really know anyone well enough to really like them. " Marianne did admit.

" Um.. what about you? You must have someone in mind if you wanted to go make chocolates. " Perhaps it was bold to assume and question it, but Marianne couldn't help but be a tiny bit curious. Dorothea was beautiful and got along with many, so there was no doubt she must have atleast one admirer.. and perhaps, someone that did catch her eye.

Standing in front of their destination, Marianne slowly entered the store that contained the chocolate workshop: the sweet and flavorful aroma of hazelnut, cocoa and sweetness itself welcoming the two. Marianne couldn't help but glance around in admiration: there were chocolates and sweets displayed everywhere, with benches in the back that were covered with numerous ingredients, pots and shapes.

[bltgang]

marianne, just as quiet as bernadetta if not even quieter, is on the easier side to approach. bernadetta thinks of her, of course—for all of her kindness, for all of her patience. if bernadetta is simply deluding herself into thinking they had quickly gotten along, then marianne has been polite enough not to burst her bubble yet.

"um... marianne?"  she fidgets, but not for long. another beat and her palms reveal what they are cradling: a bundle of chocolates, adorned with a small bow.  "th-these are for you. i wanted to share some of the ones i made, so i hope you don't completely hate them!"

A familiar voice made her glance up from her book that she was reading upon a bench in the courtyard. It was unusual to see Bernadetta out and about, even less so to see her being social ( though admittedly, she'd seen her talking to other students occasionally, perhaps she was faring better than Marianne in the social aspect ).

Marianne cannot help the faint pink color that dusts her otherwise ghoulish cheeks as the other presents her a box of chocolates with an adorable red bow wrapped around them. " Um.. for me..? " She questioned aloud, unsure if she was certain that it was meant for her. Sure enough, the two had bonded over time and Marianne would even dare to call the other a friend. Regardless, it didn't mean that it was possible that Bernadetta perhaps mistook her box of chocolates meant for someone else and gave it to her.

Quickly standing upright, causing her book to slide from her lap unto the ground, Marianne reached over to accept the treat. " Um.. if you're absolutely certain..! " She couldn'y deny how het heart beat a bit faster to be thought of, to be considered. She couldn't remember the last time she got a gift — if she ever even got one before. Holding the box of chocolate closely to her chest, to her heart, Marianne gave her the warmest smile she could muster. " Thank you, Bernadetta. I really do appreciate it. "

" I feel bad I cannot give you anything in return, I - I didn't expect to be given chocolates. " A pause as she glanced down at the chocolates clutched to her chest. " I'll make sure to give you something in return.. thank you, once more. "

[rigelprinceofdespair]

Voice in your head? Been there!

aphotic | shadow god

[rigelprinceofdespair]

For a moment, he pauses, eyes widening in surprise at the tone and actions of Marianne. While he would freely admit he didn't know her well, from what brief encounters they have had before, this did not seem like Marianne. The way she was speaking... it raised every warning sign Berkut had.

Eye's narrowing, he refused to leave. Lifting his hands up so they were in view. Still he wouldn't leave it at that. While he took no enjoyment of the classes in magic, he wouldn't put to waste what he had been taught. The affinity for dark magic could be a useful skill. Especially when dealing with it's effects on other people.

"Easy there Marianne... as much as I normally would oblige such a request, I don't think I will this time." Channelling his own magic briefly, he winced. There it was. Some sort of dark magic that was clinging to her. A smirk crossed his face. "Leaving you alone right now seems to be a bad idea. Though perhaps we should get out of the sun."

[ DAYS BEFORE ]

Berkut winced a bit, knowing he should have dialed back his own outburst. Still he couldn't help but grow a bit interested in the book. From every description Marianne was giving, it definitely seemed out of place. Some dark god, possessing others in a cruel way? Now that sounded more familiar than any other faith he had heard about so far.

"I see. I've heard rumours that the church of this land had banned books before, perhaps this was some act of rebellion. If the book is discovered by one of the staff members no doubt it would simply get locked or thrown away." Eyeing the book for a moment, he is tempted to ask for it. Perhaps studying it could give him some clues towards how such beings operate.

Weighing the decision he sighs. Being discovered with such a book before he got back to Abyss would be troublesome. Maybe he could simply find a copy down there already. "Perhaps it would be best to just leave it for one of the librarians to discover and get rid of. I imagine you wouldn't want to attract their displeasure being found with the book."

Giving a light laugh, he gives Marianne a small bow of farewell. "I must be off. Apologies once more for my own outburst before. A pleasure to talk to you once more." With that, he turns, heading off. Back to disappear into the Abyss for his own studies.

[bltgang]

Marianne could feel her heart pounding faster — not in the way of a blossoming romance, of butterflies within her stomach and the girlish giggles. No, in a nervous and terrified manner. As if she was running of a terrible monster that would soon catch up to her and drag her to a bottomless wallowing pit of darkness. Why wasn't he leaving?

Hands wrung together more and more, finger nails digging within the skin of her palm and of her wrist as if to ground herself. She felt hopeless, hopeless enough that she was on the edge of screaming, to tell him to bugger off and leave her be. To cry and wail, to beg him to make the ever - present voice within her head disappear. " Why.. Why won't you just leave?! " There was no anger, just frustration — not particularly aimed at Berkut.

Her head was pounding, causing her to wince some — retracting from him when he rose his hands, all to avoid him potentially reaching over to her. All she could do to maintain and create distance, she would do. Even if the voice told her to get closer. Even if it whispered many things to her.

" I.. I don't think that will help.. " Her voice was a whisper now, soft and as if she was about to give up. The voice was suspiciously quiet now, which made Marianne nervous and suspicious. As if it was the calm before the storm. She hadn't felt nor noticed Berkut's magic, but perhaps it was the reason why it went quiet: a futile attempt to hide itself, to prevent it from being known.

Maybe this was her chance, while her head didn't feel like it could be torn apart, with nothing in her head making her want to do terrible things. " Berkut.. " Marianne's voice was but a trembling whisper, as if trying to hold back tears. Yet the courage to tell him failed her for a moment, terrified of any possible consequences that might happen. But for a split second, she managed to gather all of her courage, allowing her to tell him: " I - I... A voice.. it's in my head.. telling me to do awful things. " Was this Maurice, finally bearing his curse down to his descendent, the wearer of his Crest?

[ DAYS BEFORE ]

" I guess you are right. " She replied upon hearing his explanation. It made sense. A book like this, it could be awfully dangerous in the wrong hands. Goddess above, it could already be a terrible thing that she found it. What if she unknowingly got cursed? .. But that would be ridiculously foolish, no?

With a nod, Marianne pushed the book away from her towards the center of her table. It really did look malicious just from the cover of it.. She didn't know what made her reach for it in the first place — she doesn't even remember seeing the book on one of the shelves and taking it, it simply was in her stack. And while it was fascinating, Marianne had to admit reading through it gave her a feeling of awful dread.

Perhaps Berkut was right. But also .. what if someone else found this book? What if she had to keep it safe? Safe.

A shake of her head, it was a ridiculous thought. Standing upright, she'd nod towards Berkut. Grabbing a book or two to lend out and bring towards her room, she clasped them and kept them closely to her chest. " Um... don't worry about it, I didn't take it personal. It was.. um, it was a pleasure to talk with you once more, too. " With that, she'd gave him the tiniest smile before dropping her gaze. Returning the remaining books to their original spot, her eyes lingered a tad on the book about the Shadow God before putting it back, leaving soon after.

[bltgang]

February's activity check.

Status: passed.

+1 from monthly activity check.

Total acquired: 1.

Faith C+, 1/2 -> 2/2

[bltgang]

Do you think this fish will deliver my message?

( Marianne & Edelgard / Epidemic mission board )

[bltgang]

There was an unspoken art in patience. One Marianne was getting quite advanced in. Sitting down on a bench nearby the pond, she'd intently stare at it from time to time, awaiting the glittering shimmer of the Goddess Messenger. Many students crowded the pond, fishing line in hand as they were hooking bait onto it and tossing the line into the water, nearby where it had last been spotted.

As much as Marianne liked fish for supper, she never quite attempted fishing itself. And at the very moment, there was a kind of fear of trying it right now with such a crowd gathered.

Yet, there was still a desire to atleast see the fish for herself, even if from afar if someone else managed to hook it. There was a wonder of why this fish was called like that. It could've gotten any other name, yet it had the name of Goddess Messenger. A rare fish species.. it made her wonder.

Turning her head for a moment, she spotted Edelgard coming in her direction — or rather, the fishing pond's direction. Yet, regardless, Marianne rose herself and spoke once the other passed her : " Oh, um, Lady Edelgard.. ! " Eyes darted downwards immediately, fingers fumbling together as if both uncertain and embarassed to have called out to her like that. The two never had really spoken before, was it odd to just simply call out to her like that ..?

" Are you, um, also here to catch the Goddess Messenger.. ? " Marianne's curiosity peaked: Edelgard did not seem like one who would go fishing. But then again, she merely went off on first impressions — maybe Edelgard was quite a great fisher without her knowing.

@hresvelged

[bltgang]

A haunted house? That's so last month

( Marianne & Ike / Aphotic mission board : Authority +1 )

[radiantpaths]

She was clearly terrified. Ike wasn't going to make fun of her: it was brave of her to push on, even if he thought someone popping out with a white sheet over their head would kill the poor girl. Part of being brave was doing it while scared.

The steps groaned under his weight, the old wood unhappy to accommodate him. As long as it didn't snap, he didn't care.

Marianne did not want to go in first. Ike may not be great with social situations, but even he could tell this much. "I've got it." He touched the door, and it gave way, opening into a gaping maw.

Whoever owned this place needed to take better care of their front door.

Inside was a barren home. A couple of pieces of furniture were left behind, knocked over. A thin layer of dust coated the floor, the smattering of furniture, and filled the air. Ike choked on the stuff, holding his cape over his mouth and nose.

"I think-" Hack. Wheeze. "-only thing we're in danger of here is choking to death." He took a breath to steady himself. "Come on, you're safe." He was gentle, at least, in his demand.

[bltgang]

It'd be a lie if she said she wasn't relieved the other didn't seem to be making fun of her fears. Relief settled once he climbed the steps; he was going to take the lead. While she felt like a coward for hiding behind him, she simply couldn't take the first step to open the door and step inside. A 'thank you' was silently mouthed behind his back: even if he could not see nor hear her gratitude, she still felt like it was a decent manner to do so.

Marianne hesitantly peered from behind him once he opened the door, daring to atleast take a first glance ( albeit with an immense effort and self - conviction ) inside.

It seemed.. surprisingly ordinary inside. She'd expected more.. chaos. Tossed furniture, bloody handprints, cobwebs and hauntingly scary paintings. But there was none of it. Atleast as far as she could see.

" Um, o- okay.. " Very careful did she step inside the building, though ensuring she was right beside him and not too far. Glancing more around, she noticed a handful of lamps adorning the wall. The sun behind her provided enough light to be able to spot a switch nearby. Very carefully, step per step, did she inch closer towards the presumed lightswitch. Once close enough, she'd flip it: the lamps —only two, the other seemed to be either broken or were unable to be turned on — slowly flickered on and exposed the grand, extremely dusty hallway in a warm light.

With even more caution did she step around the hallway, looking around ( and nearly jumping everytime she heard something ) to see if there was anything suspicious, anything that pointed towards ghosts or demons or monsters. Yet so far, everything seemed normal for an old abandoned mansion.

" Um.. this mansion seems quite grand. D-do you think it's better to split up or should we, um, stay together.. ? " She wasn't certain why she asked, much preferring to stick together than to be foolish and split up. " Maybe it's more wise to stick together, in case there really is something here.. ? " Eyes darted around the spacious entrance hall, before wandering to the unopened doors lined along the wall, as well as the grand staircase in the middle, leading towards a pit of darkness.

[hermidetta]

*⚘ so me and oomf have a linked attack bonus but no supports?

⠀ aphotic ⚘ faith +1 ⠀

[hermidetta]

bernadetta's hands have never been meant for healing—they are hardly even any good for any regular helping. from the time she had mistaken disinfectant for drinking water to the time she had shattered an armful of vulnerary vials, her track record left little to be desired; bernadetta von varley was in the business of nurturing flowers, never people, for the latter could never hope to be as gentle as the former.

marianne, however, comes remarkably close. for all of the catastrophes and absurdities bernadetta could spin alive in her head, her quintessential paranoia runs just a pinch quieter in today's company. but whether it was because of marianne's unimposing demeanor or her talent for taming skittish little animals, who could say?

"um, so..."  bernadetta starts, dutifully holding out the tray of medical supplies for the other. she does not think she has ever picked up a stave in her life, and even dressing wounds is a task she cannot trust herself to do proper. all she can do is fetch this and that, supply marianne with whatever she needs, and hopefully pick up a thing or two about white magic along the way. bernadetta doubts she will ever have the intelligence or the faith for it, but there is no denying its utility in a pinch.

"th-thanks for coming with me, marianne."  her voice picks up, not exactly confident but easing into a genuine effort.  "the church was sending a bunch of eagles to this port, but i don't know the first thing about healing. or patching up injuries... just getting them! i-i'm not getting in your way, am i?" / @bltgang

[bltgang]

Today was a day quite full of surprises. First of all, Marianne had never expected anyone to come up to her to tag along for a mission. Second of all, she never expected the other to be Bernadette. As avoidant as Marianne was, Bernadette seemed to be twice — no, make that thrice — the amount.

Marianne's hands, and spells, were luckily used to taking care of and healing others. Perhaps this was why Bernadetta had invited her along ; not only because they were alike in maintaining distance, but because this was Marianne's specialty.

Kneeling beside one of the more gravely wounded sailors that still laid on deck of the ship, Marianne's tender pale digits had a glistening crimson tint, needle held tightly between thumb and index. There was only so much a spell could do to heal - while it could do enough to prevent certain death for a moment, traumatic wounds still required actual medical care to ensure the survival of said person.

Not requiring any additional aid in the form of magics for the moment, her tome laid beside her upon the wooden floor. " Oh.. don't, um.. don't mention it. I'm honored you asked me to accompany you. " Her eyes dared to glance up at the other for a moment, giving her a small yet genuine smile. " Um, no.. not at all! " Marianne reassured her almost hastily, accompanied with a shake of her head. " I'm glad you're here.. it allows me to focus more on the patients than to get or look for the equipment I need. "

Healing comes naturally — caring comes naturally — to Marianne. Healing hands given to she with the crest of Maurice. Isn't it ironic? Yet she never hesitated, never faltered in what she does best. Even if one day these hands will undo what they once did best.

" Can you hand me the bandages and the gauze? I'm about to be finished with him. " Her focus unwavering, gaze glued to skillfully stitch the deep wound of the sailor. " Patching up injuries is quite easy, I can show you if you want.. You don't need much skill to disinfect and bandage common injuries."

[bltgang]

PLOTTING CALL.

Hi, hello, it's me, your friendly neighbour Marianne knocking at your window for some threads!! Listed below are the prompts who caught my eye, but feel free to poke me about others! Feel free to dm on here or on discord @ timebattle , since I am not currently in the server. :)

BLUE LIONS REQUIRED.

[Axe +1]: Feeling bad for those who'd been caught by epidemic and hating to see their crops go to waste, Marianne offers to go help out.

[Keep them indoors!]: Deciding to help people out who seem to need things urgently, Marianne offers to help out the church by going door to door with necessities.

[Bow +1]: She's not the greatest with bows (not at all..), but she'll give it a shot!

NON-MISSION BOARD.

[Goddess Messenger]: A Messenger of the Goddess herself? Ofcourse Marianne's interest has been piqued and so she decides to go check it out. Taken by Edelgard.

[Gauntlet +1]: Please, this'd be so cute.. Help her make some chocolates.. she has no one to gift it to, so she'll give it to your muse as a thanks... Taken by Dorothea.

[bltgang]

Activity check.

Status: passed.

+1 from December's activity check +1 from January's activity check.

Total acquired: 2.

Faith C -> Faith C+

[bltgang]

A guide on how to befriend horses

( Marianne & Hortensia / continued from here )

[bltgang]

It was little to say that Hortensia's enthusiasm took Marianne aback, it was entirely unexpected. With how Marianne tried to distance herself as best as she could from anyone, it was little to say that someone being enthusiastic to spend time together ( albeit for the other to be taught something ) was something she hadn't ever expected.

" Um.. teach me something in return? " Although Marianne was originally quite flustered about the entire ordeal, she couldn't help but feel.. happy about it. Happy to be included, happy to be bonding with someone in a way she never expected.

Part of her wanted to ask how to be like her; to be so social and carefree, to have an air of presence. Though, Marianne opted out of that idea; a contradiction of what she'd been doing ever since she arrived at the Academy.

" Is there something you're really good at? " She eventually asked, unsure of what Hortensia could possibly teach her. That, plus, well, she simply didn't know the girl all too well — appearance aside. " If you want, I am free tomorrow afternoon. We can, um, go to the stables if you have time? " Her fork nervously pricked into a vegetable, eyes momentarily darting towards her momentarily untouched plate before looking back at @asperants again.

[bltgang]

A haunted house? That's so last month

( Marianne & Ike / Aphotic mission board : Authority +1 )

[radiantpaths]

Ike had taken a few interesting jobs in his time. He had to admit, going to investigate a spooky haunted house was a new one. Ike wasn’t sure it was real; there were many explanations for what could have happened, but it wasn’t a ghost.

He’d seen plenty of crazy crap on the road, he’d even killed a divine being. Ghosts? That was where he drew the line, simply because he had not seen them. Ike was a realist.

It seemed the student he’d been assigned to might have been less of a skeptic. She seemed quite dour, eyes to the floor, like she was going to her own execution. Poor girl. What kind of students did that school take on?

“I am the precaution.” Too many idiotic students got themselves killed by something, so now they were sending in a professional. “If it’s a ghost, we don’t need to worry - ghosts can’t do anything.” One, because they weren’t real. Two, because according to the lore, myth, whatever one wanted to call it: a ghost couldn’t touch solid materials.

“There’s nothing supernatural here, they probably got themselves trapped somewhere, or lost.” Whether or not that meant those kids were alive, Ike didn’t know, but the girl seemed scared enough. “We’ll be fine, unless you want to get holy water or something.” He regretted the words as soon as they came out; so much for not scaring the girl.

“If you’re scared, I can take you back to the academy and finish off the job. I don’t think we’ll find anything like ghosts here, but it’s your choice.” He stopped at the bottom of the steps. “There’s nothing wrong with knowing where your limits are.” He sat his hand on his sword. “You’re safe with me: I won’t let anything happen to you.”

He waited for her answer, but honestly, he was waiting for her to ask to return.

[bltgang]

" They cannot.. ? " It was almost a childlike wonder, a revelation to her. Gears turned in her head, trying to make sense of it all. " But.. what's been haunting this manor, then? " Perhaps it was a bit childish of her, to believe in such a ridiculous thing as ghosts. But at that moment, to Marianne, it seemed like the only possible explanation of why so many seemed to go missing, why so many returned horrified of whatever events took place within.

" I, um, appreciate your words. But.. getting lost or stuck somewhere seems highly unlikely.. " How big are the chances that so many people went inside, and majority of them got stuck, or lost, or whichever? Perhaps it was some kind of terribly drawn - out prank, or scare, they tried to perform. But one of this scale? It seemed insane and very unlikely to her.

Holy water.. ? Perhaps that really could be of some use, yes! Even if it wasn't a ghost, surely it would be useful to whatever other supernatural being was residing within! " Um.. " Though despite wanting to agree that yes, perhaps holy water would be a good idea, she couldn't help but shake the feeling of him not having meant what he said ( or perhaps she was simply imagining it ).

" No, I'm fine. I said I'd go investigate.. so I will do so. " A deep breath was taken as she gathered her courage, fingers digging into the fabric of her skirt while trying to ground herself. Ghosts did not exist, ghosts did not exist, ghosts did not exist...

Finally taking the stairs that lead to the front door, she reached out to the doorknob to open the door — only to find it left open, creaking open with the faintest push of her fingers. A nervous glance back was taken towards her companion, before uttering the words: " The, um.. the door was still open.. " A subtle ( pleading ) hint for him to enter first.

[rigelprinceofdespair]

Voice in your head? Been there!

aphotic | shadow god

[rigelprinceofdespair]

Every action spoke of something being off. Berkut looked over the kind girl, never before had he seen her look like this. At first he assumed she was sick, yet that didn't seem quite right to what he was witnessing. Glancing around, there didn't seem to be anyone else around who could be of assistance.

For a moment he raised a hand, but hesitated. Instead he looked around. "Marianne, you look like you need some rest. Come on, there's a bench over here, please sit down." Trying his best to be gentle, he carefully brings his hand to her shoulder to try and guide her towards it. "Are you sick? Perhaps I could get someone... surely there must be someone of use in this Monastery who could tend to you."

[Days Before]

Berkut had started to nod. Understanding not being interested in anything to do with Faith besides curiosity. However, the moment the word possession is thrown out, he freezes. For a moment everything fades away, even Marianne in front of him.

"Heed me... Heed me you who thirst for power."

"Call to me... accept me unto your soul."

With a flash he is back in that moment. Making that most terrible choice. A shudder fills him, and even as he is thrust back into the present, he looks down at Marianne. Not able to stop the scowl from appearing on his face.

"An evil god that possesses others? No wonder such foulness only has a few cultists to it. Then again, even those deities of popular faiths tend to have hidden agendas or powers..." His tone is laced with bitterness, torn between the present and his own memories. However as he glances at Marianne he shifts.

"...my apologies. I do not mean to imply anything. I'm surprised such a tome is allowed in this place." He gives a small bow of apology for his words. Partly because of his concern that he may have upset her, and partly as he remembers where exactly he is. Truly he needs to watch his words more carefully in the future.

[bltgang]

Hands were clenched upon each other, a cold sweat formed upon her brow. Her gaze seemed often to dash left, right, left again ; as if she was scared, keeping an eye on someone who might just pounce from the bushes or from behind the corner or from behind her or perhaps even from the sky or..

" N-no.. I'm, uh, I- I'm fine.. " Marianne nearly stumbled over saying an easy sentence, her mind too full of a presence that doesn't belong there. Maurice.. are you finally here to claim me?

H̶̛̝͎̎è̵̡̜̹̌ ̵̹̩̐̓s̴̛͕̯͙̃̋e̶̡͈̞͙͙̎̾͋̓̏e̶̢̊̔̚̕m̷̨̼͔̲̉̉̓͘͘ş̶̻̰̻̭̐͌ ̶̘̭̘̇̀e̶̝̯͊̿a̷̭͔͆̏͛g̷̢̨̪͇̽̉ê̸̢͇͎̭̓̀̄̄ŗ̸̯̰̺͍̄̃̿ ̴̝̝̦͇̊̈́t̸̻̱̿͛ơ̵̝ ̷͚̗̃̈́b̸̳̙̏̈́ë̸̼͕́̏ ̸̜̉́̚y̶͍͙̯̜̰̆̈́̏̑̕ó̶̢͍͖̓̾u̸̢̻͐̚r̵̻͔̒̓͋̕ ̴̤̀̊̇̋̎f̸̹̰͎̬̀́̚i̸̬̐̔̕r̸̨̡̤̪͕͝s̵̯̻͌̒ṫ̷̫̮̞͙͗͂̚.̴̢̦̻̻̰̕͝.̷̨̣̰̈̏̈̽͑ ̴͙͍̫̰͂n̶̗̼̓͝o̴̩̰̳͔͉͌?̶̲̪̔̅͗́

" Leave me .. ! " Her voice rose, higher and louder than she'd ever do as she almost stumbled back, away from his touch. Was she talking to him, or to the voice in her head.. ? She didn't even know anymore. But no matter, she couldn't risk him being close to her, to touch her. Who knows what might happen.

" Just.. stay away from me. It's for the best.. " Her gaze was avoidant, not wanting to cross his eyes - not wanting to see the worry p̸͕̈́̉̔ͅi̷̼̪̎͘t̷̨̪̒y̴͎͔͕̮̏̇̿̍ he had for her.

[ DAYS BEFORE. ]

Hearing his reaction, the seemingly anger that rose within him caused her to stir and glance up to him, only to quickly avert her eyes once he returned her gaze.

" Um, no.. don't worry about it. I understand, are you.. um, are you alright? " A small pause, before she continued: " A god who possesses one.. it seems like a vile and cruel thing. " Another pause, her digit lightly messing with the corner of the page, before making herself stop. " I cannot imagine how terrible it must be, to be forced to do awful things that are not within your control. "

Her eyes remained on the words written upon the page, letting his words sink in. " I .. I assume it is not allowed. This book, I mean. It.. just feels wrong, reading all of this. Like it doesn't belong here. "

Her head now turned to Berkut, gazing up to him. " So far, the books about religion here are mainly about The Goddess and other gods and holy figures from different continents. But.. this one.. I think someone snuck this in. The more I read.. I just feel like this is forbidden knowledge not meant to be seen. "

A moment of hesitation as she skimmed the pages of the book, the ones that had been left untouched. The book had been dusty and hidden, perhaps it really was never meant to be discovered. Stopping at a certain page — for no reason, truly — her eyes lingered upon the written words:

If thou hast read this far, know that it is too late. Thou hast invoked Him, awoken Him. Knowledge of His existence is enough to infiltrate and feed on thine mind and soul.

More erratically scribbled writing — it wasn't writing, really, more like incoherent words and drawings — filled the page, leaving whatever else what might've been written there unreadable. It was enough to make a shiver go down her spine, to creep Marianne out. With haste, she quickly shut the book.

" Um.. I think I might've read enough for now.. " Had she really, though?

[bltgang]

Strange fish in the pond...‎ ‎  Dreamy knights...‎ ‎  The ideal relationship...‎ ‎ 

“I'm not very good at fighting, so I've been trying to help out with cooking. It hasn't gone so well,”  Joachim self-deprecatingly admits after the initial greetings. Despite this, he still wears a smile on his face as he continues,  “I can cook, but I don't know the flavor preferences of the people here since I'm too new.”

It takes time for any cook worth their salt to learn the palates of the people they prepare meals for, and there'd be obvious regional differences from his home to a whole different continent here.

“I heard they caught some unique fish from the pond this morning. Can I hear your thoughts? Is that the kind of thing you'd like to eat or would you like something else? When I make dinner tonight, I'd like to make it something at least one person can enjoy if I can.” 

It was a feeling she knew all too well: not being good at something. At fighting. It was something she preferred to avoid, healing was more her forte ( though it didn't mean she didn't know any spells that could do some damage ). But for a moment, it allowed her to be able to place herself in someone else's shoes: to know how they felt.

" Um.. I'm not too familiar with people's taste, honestly.. " Her voice softly reached out, almost hesitant to disappoint the other with her answer. However, hearing that ( unless she understood wrongly ) he was interested in her taste, made her cheeks darken slightly, soon followed suit by a turn of her head.

" Oh.. um.. I do enjoy fish.. " Perhaps that was an understatement; Marianne liked quite some recipes that required fish, such as herring tart, fish sauté, herring stew, spicy fish dango, ... The more she thought about how much she did enjoy fish, the more embarrassed she became.

" But.. if you wish to play it more safely, I'd opt for meat. Not everyone here enjoys fish.. especially more uncommon ones. " A pause before she added in a soft voice, as if she didn't want the other to hear: " Though I'd like to try it if you did make it.. "

[rigelprinceofdespair]

Voice in your head? Been there!

aphotic | shadow god

[rigelprinceofdespair]

Walking through the monastery, Berkut had been hoping to get some training done. It had been too long since he had last tested himself. Even if the training partners at this Academy were sub par, it was better then practising by himself underground. However he stopped as he spotted someone he recognized.

"Marianne." It was a simple greeting, though as he approached he couldn't help but feel like something was... off. She looked drained in some way. "Are you alright?" As he got closer, it only confirmed his suspicions. Something definitely looked different compared to when he had last seen her...

A few days ago

It was somewhat of a rare opportunity to come up and visit the proper library at Garreg Mach. Normally he was stuck with Abyss’ though it had it’s own share of enjoyable material. Clearly not as sanitized, though the main library definitely had more resources available. Still it appeared they may not have exactly what he was looking for this time. 

Yet as he turned to head to the exit, he spotted a familiar face. For a moment he wracked his brain for her name, it was during that tea event. Ah yes, Marianne. It had been a rare circumstance, where the brief time had actually been somewhat tolerable. Compared to some of the other personalities he had met at this Academy at least. 

For a moment he wondered if he should approach her. Perhaps she would prefer to not be disturbed when perusing for a book. Still, it could be useful at least to have some acquaintances beyond those found in his own house.

 “Greetings Marianne.” Approaching, he gave a small nod, not getting too close. He scanned the shelves nearby, and a scowl briefly appeared at the topics. Books on about worship and the goddess, what a waste of time. Still he tried his best to not let his distaste for such things show up too much. 

“I didn’t expect to run into you so soon after having tea.” Side eyeing the shelf once more he turned his attention back to her. “Are you interested in readings of the faith? Admittedly it is not something I personally take much interest in, though perhaps I haven’t found a book intriguing enough to catch my eye.” 

@bltgang

[bltgang]

There'd been an awful migraine pounding against her temple, her view at times becoming hazy and as if the world was trembling.

W̵̯̺̩̘̞̳̳̽̎ͣ̂ͮ̽̈́ͪ͊͑ͥ̆͜͠ͅh͔͔͕̮͎̝͔̳͗̏͑̈́̀̃̾̄̕ͅy̴̡̹̳̖̗̖͆̄ͤ̐̅̏̈́͘͢͞͡_̮ͩ͊ ḑ̷̸̸̗̲̭̳̩͙̫̮̰̓̐ͪ̃̓̆̀ͫ́̃̕͠ͅo̲̖͖̥̱ͤn̢̹̑̕'̶̶̷̡̛̺̭̠̮̗͎͍̼ͧ͛͑͌̏͗ͥͯ̉̽̓̇́͐ͫ͛̑̀͂͌͘͟͜t̨ y̨̖̖_̧̬̠̣̺̉̓ͫ̔̃ͪo̷̡̲̲̜̖̖̩͚͓͎̗ͤͭ̌̿͐ͩͪ͋͢u͕̖̯̺̯̓̅̌̇ͨ͜_̸̣̫́͐͐͆̃̚ u̳ň̶̴̳͉̦̭̠͉͖̻̰̰̮͍̘̩̲̞̘͎̑͌̒ͪ̉ͧ̄̅ͫ́̈́ͭ̊̂̚͞͡l̴̴̴̷̳̖͎̩̦̖̩̪̬̒̏ͮͤͮ̿̇̀͗ͮ́ę̷̵̡̨̼̣͓̝͎̮̟͕͚͈͉̞͍̫̽̑̉̽̃ͤ̊͑ͫͫ̀͋̉̅̈̌͠͝ͅa̯͖̟̞̼ͯͥ͌̓̆ͮ͒š̴̙͓̟͖̻̘͑̿̀ͮ͟͞͞h̛͓͇̖̣̲̬͖͍͉͐͐ͣ̋̇́ͫ͑͟_̧̛͇̼̤͈́ͨ̽ͮͯ͜ t̐h_̷̵̹̝̱̺͈͕́ͮ̄ͩͮ́ͩ̕͢͡e̡̢̡̲͇̠͕̟̼̥̤̞͚͚ͮ̌̆́̕͝͠͡_̱ͩ b̧̟͖ͥe͚̪̘͉͆̌ͣͮ̈́̔͞ḁ̷̙̗̳͇̹̦̦̅̋͌ͦ̅ͤ̏̿͂̐̀ͩͬͩ̔́ͫͣͧ͜͞͡s̶̖̰̀̎̍̒̽ͬ̏̈ͩͥ̂̅͗̅̓ͮ̚͘͜͜͞_̡̲͓̱̇́̒̈́͋ͬ̽̈́͢t̝̖͕̤͍̻̹̻̲̳ͩͤ͛̾́ͭ̿ͪͫ̈́̔ͯ͂ͧ̍͂̔ͥ̏͜͝͠ ẇ̷̨̗̔̓_̸̨̨̻͕̞͆͑ͣͫ̏ͬͅi̶̶̡̢̡̯̜̦̰̜͐́̄ͫ̅̈́̏̓ͮ͂̔ͯ͟t̡͇̺̰̠̙̉̉́̊ͬ͡ḩ̸̨̡̛̮̻͕̪̣͍͓͉͍̘̝̼̥̖́̽ͧ̒̓ͫ̊͛̃̀̍̑̀͐́͋ͥ͗̎̈́͘͢͜͠_̉̚ǐ̴̴̧̼̘̯̟̭̯͓̰̯͉̗̻̬̜̞͚̽ͬ̈̆̐ͬ̿͊ͬ͐̌̉̄ͩͫ̓̍ͧ͊͂͆͘͢͝ņ̱̪̟͚̝̤ͮ̓̌̑̆̈́̒͘͟?̵̵̳͎͎̘͈͕ͨ̊̃̊ͮ̿͗̍̍ͨ̓͛̐͟͡͡

A thought? A voice? She wasn't certain anymore of what it was, aside from it having gotten more frequent and present over the days. What once started as a background thought, a whisper was now a booming echo, a voice so loud it took over her thoughts. She knew no silence, no peace, all she heard was noise and noise and pounding and scratching at the inside of her head and it was driving her crazy that it made her wanna cry and she could not. get. any. rest.

"Marianne." A voice that she, although not having heard too often prior, had grown to known since they first met. A friendly face. A friendly voice.

As depressing as she once looked before, it was mothing compared to the grown and darkened bags underneath her eyes, her skin a tint too pale. Her hand dropped, she doesn't remember clutching her head in pain.

" Um.. yeah.. " More than before, she avoided his eyes, body leaning away more than she'd ever done before.

I̱̽ͨͮͫ̇̎̚s̨̬̫̰̈́ͦ̆ͦ͋͛͝͞͡n̷̨̪͔͓ͬ̇͐͛͒ͤ̀͂̎͊̑ͩ̃͒̚̚_̫̤̋̆ͮ́͋̽͡'̷̵̷̧̧̧̺̺͍̣̹͖̻̬̝̭̯̞̥͍̜̥͎̜̫̘̌̄ͣ̿̐͗́̈́ͬ̃͗̿͗̄̂ͅt̵̷̫͕̝̯ͩ̈͐̃́͆͋̑̚͘͘͢͟ͅ h͎̖͕̝̙̊̀͌̅̀͒ͯ̈̉͌̂̅ͫͣ̒̊̚͟͟_͓̮̌_̬̋ͯͬ̅̑͌e̙̘̯ͩ̓̀̌͋̈́ͩ a̶̡̝͇̩͉͙̖͇̻̭̩͈̰̺̳ͧ͐̽̊ͣ̀ͪ́͒ͦͦ͌̑̌̀̐̈́̈́͒ͪ͒̚̚͢͜͝ n̡̛̛̻̠̱͍̝̫̭̉̅ͥ̊̚͡_͖͕̰̬̪͉ͮ̉ͦͬ̈̌̽̌_̂̐i_c̴̡̧͈̭̜͔͎̘̤̙̼̤̄̆̃ͭ̒̔̋ͅe̷̡̢̯̯̙͕̳̹̻̜̙͈͓͖̲̦̖̠̲ͥ̍̊̂ͮ̓̌ͭ̈̌͘͘͜ͅ v̸̵̷̴̴̨͉̦͖̫̗̠̳̙̣̩͈̉͆̓̍͐̆̔̔͋͡i̮͓͜c̙̼͖̹̀ͤͥ͑̚ṱ̻͈̙̲͍̙̘̩́̎ͭͨ̈́̑̍͋̆́͗̍ͬ͘̚͜͢͜͡͝i̸̧̨̨̛̮͎͖̠͉̯̳̲̗͙̖̥̪͌̔̆ͫ̐̎͆̀̏͊ͫ̓̈̎̆̊̆̎͋̕̚͜ͅm?̟̊͞

Nervous clutching of her hands, sweat visibly glistening beneath her bangs.

B̡̧̨͚̻̝͎̭̭̞̼ͪ͛̅̍́̃̄̃͛͊ͤͅL̛̛̞̙̲̗͖̈́͟͢͞_̸̧̳̤̮͋͐͋̓ͩ̈́͐͊̽͗̋ͩ̂̆͆ͬ̅͡Ö̵̸̳̝̺̭̗̮̟̥̦̣̰͕̦̦̠́̔̉ͫ̐̾͒̋͢͜͟͠O̬͓̯͇͌ͣ̔̎̈̈́̂͊͆ͩ͡_̪̞͈̟͔̥̟͑̀ͯ͒́̈́͆̌͛̏͂̚͟͜͞͞͝͠͡ͅḒ̵̛͊̃ͣ̎ͪ̕͝ͅ.̸̢̨̡̧̦͇͇͇͉̟̯̗̹̦̣̭̹̙̜͉̼̆̇ͨ̂̑ͧ̂ͩ͆ͫ͒͑̉̄͋͢͞ͅ

[ DAYS BEFORE. ]

She'd been digging through the books of the library, having stacked a couple together in piles upon a table nearby. They were all books concerning the Goddess, faith and belief. A false attempt to research if perhaps, She, in some way, could give her salvation from her Crest. There was still so much mystery concerning the Goddess! Maybe, even if for only one, specific sentence in all those books, would reference anything, something about it.

" Berkut! Um.. hello. " An unexpected visitor which had startled her for a bit as she already was nosedeep in one of the books. Though, unlike when they had first met, she dared to keep eyecontact for a bit longer.

" Um, I don't.. necessarily am. I was just curious about something. " Intentionally keeping it vague what she precisely was looking for, she'd carefully finger the corner of a page. " It's quite fascinating, actually. "

Her gaze lowered to the book she'd just discovered. " Apparently, there's a God none really seems to worship in all the continents aside from a couple individuals. " A tap to the page to indicate she'd been reading about it. " Apparently, um.. it's an evil God? Gets into your head and makes you do awful things. It almost sounds like, um, He posesses people somehow. "

[bltgang]

A haunted house? That's so last month

( Marianne & Ike / Aphotic mission board : Authority +1 )

[bltgang]

Everyone had heard about the haunted manor hidden deeply in one of the side alleys that ran deep within Garreg Mach. It's one where you normally wouldn't go: it had no stores, it didn't have a sneaky shortcuts to reach the monastery, church or courtyard faster. It was simply a dead - end alley. At the end of the alley, was a manor. Some of them thought someone important resided there: rich but secluded, not wanting to be seen by the public. Others thought it was simply abandoned, especially after its cruel, bloody history.

Until a couple students decided to sneak in at night, their curiousity having grown into something loud that they simply couldn't ignore any longer.

It's said that not all of them returned, and that the few who did, were traumatized. Their courage having been ripped out by whatever had happened there. 'Ghosts', 'monsters', 'spirits' and 'supernatural beings' were what the students were telling each other. And every night, foolishly brave groups went to venture in to see it for themselves: only for more to either end up missing, or to return silently, their foolish bravery taken from them.

[ A COUPLE WEEKS LATER. ]

" Um... do you really think there are some kind of ghosts.. er, spirits, here.. ? " Marianne dared to ask to her companion, her eyes rather nervously darting over to the terribly intimidating manor looming in, before back to the man beside her.

She wasn't certain why she specifically opted for this assignment. She'd signed up as a fill-in, in case it was absolutely necessary and no one else was available. Ofcourse it was just her luck that others changed their mind ( and chickened out at that futile moment ) days before they were assigned to visit this manor. The faculty had acknowledged the situation and had decided to send small, but reliable groups of students to the scene. Today, the last group — or, rather, the last duo would be dispatched. One of them, however, wasn't a student but a mercenary: something the academy deemed fit as their last measure. If they would turn up with naught.. well, it'd be a sign for them to handle it themselves.

Though perhaps, Marianne was in a way lucky — the other seemed dependable. Although she hated the idea of being dependent on and being a bother, it was better than to be put together with someone as anxious about it as her.

Her eyes dropped to the steps leading up to the manor's door right before her, a small hint of hesitation visible on her to even climb those steps. " I heard others went missing when they were sent to investigate. Do you think we should, um, take some kind of precaution first ? "

@radiantpaths