➸ strike true

Some answers won't come no matter how much you think.

[lanvalendearing]

"Leon...?"

"It can't be. I... I refuse to believe..."

[ironyofhate]

「 I know that I promised that I would do anything for you, bocchan, but… to ask me to serve as a witness to your death not once, but twice is simply too cruel. 」 

「 Please come back. 」

[lanvalendearing]

What happened here...?

Blood splattered nearby a discarded blade... one that looked familiar... Natalia couldn't place where. Quietly, with careful hands, she lifted it to get a closer look. Something is... different... something is wrong. 

[lanvalendearing]

zealouswilder replied to your post: "Stop this!" Natalia tore the tear ga...

ooc: actually you could call that a thread starter tbh

yeah you know i realized this just now what was i smoking. let me change it }}

[lanvalendearing]

฿reaking point | event open

"Stop this!"

Natalia tore the tear gas instrument out of the hands of a soldier nearby. "Do you not see the condition these people are in?! You fool!" she tosses it away, grasping the man's collar. "We are not meant to do this! We are armed to protect, not to harm!" She found herself almost screaming. This was a horrible, horrible outcome she couldn't have imagined in her most wild nightmares.

"I will find a commanding officer, and they will answer for this cruelty! Lay down your arms, and attempt to find supplies for these people!" Her hands trembled as she shoved the man away and marched on without looking back, bow drawn and readied. I will find our general himself if I must! I will stop this!

[zealouswilder]

"I guess. It’s not like I’d call it home really, but I don’t absolutely hate it…" It was only a matter of time until someone decided to rough up the great Zelos Wilder for being so full of himself, though.

[lanvalendearing]

"That's good." Natalia smiled a little. "I suppose I feel the same way. The longer I stay here, the more I've learned to adjust. However..."

"Do you not think that something is... wrong, here? This place is unsettling. They keep so many secrets from us, and treat the poor so terribly. I feel more and more inclined to do something..." Why was he saying all this? And in public, too... she hoped no one nearby had overheard. But by now, did it really matter? "... and I feel less and less inclined to punish those who steal, those who rebel. I'm beginning to see things in much less black and white, but I am not sure what to do with the knowledge I have." she sighed, tossing more garbage into the bag. "I don't suppose you feel restless yourself, do you?"

[lanvalendearing]

Paper Moon ☽ | Magoichi

[redbellmurder]

Given the bounty nestled upon her head, Magoichi was none too keen about giving out too much information. Yet she had been the one to seek out the military herself, and that alone would place her at an advantage - no one would suspect her of being a criminal. Resisting arrest? Bah. As if she had done anything wrong. Those men had tried to manipulate her, and she was merely retaliating out of self defense.

"You tell me. What services are you able to offer civilians?"

[lanvalendearing]

What a question. It caught Natalia a little off guard, but she would answer for certain. "As a soldier, I guide those who are lost to their destination, and protect those in danger from harm."

"... and as a person, I will do this and anything else I must in order to seek peace."

It was a little too philosophical maybe, but Natalia had been in a pondering mood, after all. "If you are lost or hungry, I would be glad to help you."

[lanvalendearing]

5, 19, 26, 38, 39

5. cleanliness habits (personal, workspace, etc.)

Natalia probably keeps her space clean, not one to condone any mess or chaos for too long. She would scold anyone who left their own clothes out for too long, and is likely the type of person who would pick them up, fold them, and put them away while making eye contact with the slob in question.

19. what do they think about before falling asleep at night?

The responsibilities that go along with her role probably keep Natalia awake at night. Wondering how much she's done and can continue to do for her people, for her loved ones...

26: do they have any plans for the future? Any contingency plans if things don’t workout?

Here in Thalassia, Natalia now hopes to uncover the secrets of the walls, both within them and outside them. After some deep conversations with people here, she's decided that living the life of a soldier has a darker undertone to it that she would rather not, but may be forced to reconcile with. She's hoping to start finding answers for her own on the inside, and then getting them to those who can help her solve the mystery. She believes there's a greater good out there, beyond all this and above all the problems she faces.

38: what recharges them when they’re feeling drained?

Natalia isn't really one for relaxing for too long, but if you really had her stop thinking and unwind, she might enjoy taking a warm bubble bath, curling up with a good book, or maybe some gentle target practice with her bow, if she's in need of some catharsis. 

39. would you say that they have a superiority-complex? inferiority-complex? neither?

I don't think Natalia has any kind of complex like that, but she does have a tendency to think she knows the answer and no one else does at times, which dips just a little into the realm of superiority. But Natalia has always strived to be kind and relatable to her people, so she would never put her needs or suggestions before theirs.

[lanvalendearing]

☛ GET INSIDE YOUR CHARACTER'S HEAD

1: What does their bedroom look like?

2: Do they have any daily rituals?

3: Do they exercise, and if so, what do they do? How often?

4: What would they do if they needed to make dinner but the kitchen was busy?

5: Cleanliness habits (personal, workspace, etc.)

6: Eating habits and sample daily menu

7: Favorite way to waste time and feelings surrounding wasting time

8: Favorite indulgence and feelings surrounding indulging

9: Makeup?

10: Neuroses? Do they recognize them as such?

11: Intellectual pursuits?

12: Favorite book genre?

13: Sexual Orientation? And, regardless of own orientation, thoughts on sexual orientation in general?

14: Physical abnormalities? (Both visible and not, including injuries/disabilities, long-term illnesses, food-intolerances, etc.)

15: Biggest and smallest short term goal?

16: Biggest and smallest long term goal?

17: Preferred mode of dress and rituals surrounding dress

18: Favorite beverage?

19: What do they think about before falling asleep at night?

20: Childhood illnesses? Any interesting stories behind them?

21: Turn-ons? Turn-offs?

22: Given a blank piece of paper, a pencil, and nothing to do, what would happen?

23: How organized are they? How does this organization/disorganization manifest in their everyday life?

24: Is there one subject of study that they excel at? Or do they even care about intellectual pursuits at all?

25: How do they see themselves 5 years from today?

26: Do they have any plans for the future? Any contingency plans if things don’t workout?

27: What is their biggest regret?

28: Who do they see as their best friend? Their worst enemy?

29: Reaction to sudden extrapersonal disaster (eg The house is on fire! What do they do?)

30: Reaction to sudden intrapersonal disaster (eg close family member suddenly dies)

31: Most prized possession?

32: Thoughts on material possessions in general?

33: Concept of home and family?

34: Thoughts on privacy? (Are they a private person, or are they prone to ‘TMI’?)

35: What activities do they enjoy, but consider to be a waste of time?

36: What makes them feel guilty?

37: Are they more analytical or more emotional in their decision-making?

38: What recharges them when they’re feeling drained?

39: Would you say that they have a superiority-complex? Inferiority-complex? Neither?

40: How misanthropic are they?

41: Hobbies?

42: How far did they get in formal education? What are their views on formal education vs self-education?

43: Religion?

44: Superstitions or views on the occult?

45: Do they express their thoughts through words or deeds?

46: If they were to fall in love, who (or what) is their ideal?

47: How do they express love?

48: If this person were to get into a fist fight, what is their fighting style like?

49: Is this person afraid of dying? Why or why not?

[lanvalendearing]

✿ flower questions ✿

Daisy: How old were you when you had your first kiss?

Carnation: If I handed you a concert ticket right now, who would you want to be the performer?

Jasmine: What color looks best on you?

foxglove: Name three facts about your family?

Allium: What's the best thing you can cook?

Orange Blossom: If you could pick the gender and appearance of your child, would you?

Calla Lily: If you died right now, what song would you want to play at your funeral?

Poinsettia: Favorite holiday dish?

Oxlip: Would you ever get into a long distance relationship?

Primrose: Favorite kind of soup?

Daffodil: What's the most thoughtful present you've ever received?

Rose: Are you currently in love with someone?

Amsonia: Would you ever become a vegan?

Peony: What's your favorite hot beverage?

Tulip: For your birthday, what kind of cake do you ask for?

Myrtle: Do you like going on airplanes?

Hibiscus: Did you ever play an instrument? If so what?

Zinnia: Who was your best friend when you were six years old?

Poppy: What color was your childhood home?

Hydrangea: Starbucks order?

Violet: Do you like where you're from?

Locust: What was your favorite book as a child?

Rhododendron: What's the scariest dream you've ever had?

Queen Anne's Lace: Would you rather carve pumpkins or wrap presents?

Magnolia: Favorite kind of candy?

Aster: Would you rather be cold or hot?

Marigold: Do you listen to what's on the radio?

Heliconia: Do you like when it rains?

Azalea: What's a movie you cried while watching?

Dandelion: Do you think you're important?

[lanvalendearing]

✿ flower questions ✿

Daisy: How old were you when you had your first kiss?

Carnation: If I handed you a concert ticket right now, who would you want to be the performer?

Jasmine: What color looks best on you?

foxglove: Name three facts about your family?

Allium: What's the best thing you can cook?

Orange Blossom: If you could pick the gender and appearance of your child, would you?

Calla Lily: If you died right now, what song would you want to play at your funeral?

Poinsettia: Favorite holiday dish?

Oxlip: Would you ever get into a long distance relationship?

Primrose: Favorite kind of soup?

Daffodil: What's the most thoughtful present you've ever received?

Rose: Are you currently in love with someone?

Amsonia: Would you ever become a vegan?

Peony: What's your favorite hot beverage?

Tulip: For your birthday, what kind of cake do you ask for?

Myrtle: Do you like going on airplanes?

Hibiscus: Did you ever play an instrument? If so what?

Zinnia: Who was your best friend when you were six years old?

Poppy: What color was your childhood home?

Hydrangea: Starbucks order?

Violet: Do you like where you're from?

Locust: What was your favorite book as a child?

Rhododendron: What's the scariest dream you've ever had?

Queen Anne's Lace: Would you rather carve pumpkins or wrap presents?

Magnolia: Favorite kind of candy?

Aster: Would you rather be cold or hot?

Marigold: Do you listen to what's on the radio?

Heliconia: Do you like when it rains?

Azalea: What's a movie you cried while watching?

Dandelion: Do you think you're important?

[lanvalendearing]

Paper Moon ☽ | Magoichi

[redbellmurder]

War was a constant like the cycle of day and night. Without it, Magoichi would have no livelihood. Though its wrath decimated populations and razed the ground, it lined the coffers of those strong enough to withstand its might. She had done what was necessary to survive. To put an end to the violence would require strength beyond the scope of her Crows. Or at least, that was what she believed.

From a nearby rooftop, she perched, observing the woman whom she had learned to be a member of the military. Natalia’s exploits reached a sizable audience and people seemed to recognize the woman for her naivety if nothing else. Magoichi wondered what an idealist like her thought she could accomplish.

[lanvalendearing]

Staring out for so long finally gave way to the realization someone might be nearby. Natalia, princess though she was, was also a trained archer and combatant. She looked out to the rooftops, meeting the gaze of a woman she hadn't seen before. How did she get up there? And why?

"Good evening." Natalia called. "Is there something I may do for you?"

[zealouswilder]

Talk about getting owned. Zelos let himself be pushed around as Natalia rambled, knowing full well that he’d never be able to get out of this. “I can’t believe you’re making me do government dirty work. Isn’t that some kind of oxymoron? Yeesh.” Whatever. He started picking up whatever trash she had missed.

As for the note, Zelos was at an absolute loss. How could she not know what it meant? “Um. Yeah, I dunno. It’s probably some kinda medical term. Ask Jude.”

[lanvalendearing]

"Thank you very much." Natalia smiled, picking up trash here and there as well and depositing it into a bag.

"Hm. And I suppose I will have to ask Jude, then. I'll try to find him later on in the day." She tucked the note into her pocket. Poor Jude. "What a strange thing to write and leave on the street."

"... but how have you been? Are you becoming more acclimated to the city?" Can I really say I am, myself? No matter how long I stay here...  She stabbed a paper clump, stuffing it into the trash bag.

[youmustbekirijoking-deactivated]

"…"

"Actually, I’ve…been hoping to talk to you about that later. But for now, I’m alright. It’s a nice day, after all."

[lanvalendearing]

"It certainly is. I'm quite lucky I was sent to patrol near the marketplace."

"It's so lively here. It feels wonderful to be around so many-- sir!"

"Put that back where you took it from this instant!"

Fwing! One arrow in the ground later, he complied. "Thank you."

"... I am glad to hear you're well. And if you would like to talk, I would be glad to." she smiled.

[lanvalendearing]

Paper Moon ☽ | Magoichi

Not so long ago, it felt like, Natalia had been looking up into this sky, these stars, and dreaming of a world without war. No poverty. No struggle. No hardship for the ones she loved and the ones she had not yet met... all sworn on childhood pinky promises.

Staring up now on the latest patrol shift she had been given in a month or so, she found herself curving back into those memories along the line of the crescent moon in the sky.

"Luke... I haven't forgotten what we promised. Not even here." 

Not even now... with so little...

She held onto the metal railing overlooking the docks, standing on an elevated street on a farther-up part of the city. The coast, the tides, the pier, it all came into focus beneath the sky, moonlight setting pale flame to the water's dark surface. Little flickers, little sparks of what wasn't and what isn't. What can't be. The sight itself somehow pulled her into deeper melancholy.

In this place, there was only hardship, only poverty, the gap between people and their wealth deepened and deepening still like an ugly, festering gash, bleeding out through all the cracks in the pavement here. In all this, throwing in the threat of those demons beyond the walls... was it not war already? What could peace really mean, in a place like this?

All Natalia could do was look out, and look up. Even that proved to be difficult, now. She kicked a stone down under the rail, watching it topple to the street below.

[youmustbekirijoking-deactivated]

"Please be careful not to overtax yourself, Natalia."

[lanvalendearing]

"Oh! Of course, Mitsuru."

"I've been careful, I assure you... how have you been?"

[lanvalendearing]

"If anyone should require any assistance, I will be glad to provide it! Please, don't be shy... excuse me!"

"Please be careful! Do not run so close to the stands, you'll knock them over!"

[zealouswilder]

"Um, Princess…"

[lanvalendearing]

"Oh, Zelos!"

"It's certainly good to see you! And you're just in time-- will you assist me in picking up some of this garbage?" she jabbed her garbage pick into the ground in front of her with all the fervor of a high school honors student doing a community service project. No low-ranking soldier would probably be as fervent as Natalia, about something like this.

"Oh! And while you're here..." she unfolded the paper again, and pushed it closer to his face. "What do you suppose this means? I'm quite curious. People write such strange messages in graffiti... I did not think the trend would carry onto paper. Perhaps it's a code." she turned it back around to survey it, squinting. "I'm not quite sure. But regardless, we must finish up here." she walked over to a bench nearby, handing Zelos another pick. "My parter's shift has ended for the day. I would be flattered if you were to take their place." The tone of her voice carried a slight... friendly command, if you will.