My heart will be the judge.

Irene. Iberian Inquisition Messenger at Rhodes Island.

[libersacer]

[ About ] [ OOC/Rules ] [ Pictures of Irene (mostly reblogged fanart)]

[maleficare-deactivated20250424]

The Iberians once spoke of conquering both land and sea. But those ambitious words dissipated into nothingness, and its golden age was smothered in silence. The eye of dry land, too, sank into slumber, engulfed by the dark tides. But now it once again opens and casts its gaze far and wide.

[hulizi]

Hydda, @jujulebee decided she wanted to do my hair and make up today after helping her with some issues so have a selfie. She picked out the outfit too.

((Wonderful art by @jujulebee I'm going to cry again. Jjfjfja))

[thalassarche]

Leach's Storm-Petrel (Hydrobates leucorhous) - photo by Stephen Daly | Daly Wildlife

[nadegami]

biting can be a love language

[libersacer]

Irene, you've traveled a lot as well with Rhodes Island, right? Where's your favorite place you've been? Are the folks there friendly? Do you have a lot of friends?

My joining of the organization wasn't that long ago, actually. The sights have certainly been interesting, though I've seldom left the landship.

Siesta is probably my best answer to this question, though the history behind that nomadic city is uncomfortable, to say the least. It's a tourist spot, though, so perhaps this answer rings somewhat hollow. It's practically designed to be enjoyed.

I didn't spend too much with the people there. Largely, my time was spent with my colleagues the last time I was there—and before that, solely with mi maestro and his colleagues at the time. The only one from there that I know about as much as the Mayor of Siesta is his daughter, Doctor Doykos, a fellow Liberi, now assistant researcher to Doctor Kal'tsit. There's also Operator Shwarz who seems to shadow her, but I know even less about her, and I don't actually think she's from Siesta. Very strange woman, possibly an alcoholic. I met her briefly when meeting the other instructors aboard the Rhodes Island, but she's a sharpshooter so we had little overlap.

I don't think I'm in a position where I can say I have a lot of friends. Certainly a lot of acquaintances. I'm trying to be friendlier, but it's been slow-going. I'm not used to interacting with others outside of duties. I didn't have very strong relationships in the Inquisition either, so this is new territory for me.

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@penofdamocles

¡Buenas noches! I’m Irene, the Inquisition Messenger at Rhodes Island. Thank you for following, I hope this message finds you well.

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b4nelord​:

that’s fucked. i like machines to be machines thank you very much, even if they’re machines for magic. miss me with anything more convoluted than that. how many lost civilizations is your planet rocking anyways you keep gesturing pretty cryptically to the past so i’ll take the bait i guess

i mean you can open requests for information with shit like “would you be comfortable telling me about X” and as long as it’s clear that part is genuine you’re usually fine unless you’re somehow asking just THE MOST insensitive shit ever and you don’t do it super often.

well it’s a long story on that one. you see, i wanted to be good with measurements

I imagine you would be very frustrated with many of the things aboard this landship. Not understanding something doesn’t prevent people from using things on here quite often. The sheer amount of security risks I have come to known since boarding is staggering. Also, my apologies if I seem to be repeating myself too often, I didn’t mean to “bait” out a question. Our world is formed above countless civilizations that we know next to nothing about besides some of the tools and weapons they left behind. It’s a fact of life, and mentioning them was relevant to the conversation about my handcannon, that’s all.

You’re right, I can’t deny any of that. I suppose I should... befriend them first, before asking personal questions like that, even if it’s just innocent curiosity. There’s an etiquette about these things, no?

Follow-up question: did it help?

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asmallredlight​:

you meant literally

i hope they are not actively antagonistic

that sounds very stressful

i have no practiced skill

no desire to cultivate

i was not born to harm

the reliance i understand

my girlfriend is the same

admirably

she works very hard 

but often to her detriment

remember

no lesser than the importance of them

is the importance of you

Oh, they’re certainly not my enemies. I’ve never fought Captain Gladiia, in all fairness, and I only fought Skadi because of severe miscommunication... and my own prejudices at the time. We are firmly allies, and the last line of defense against a great enemy.

I’m, admittedly, quite jealous of the power of the Abyssal Hunters. My desire to cultivate my skill is quite large.

I’ll keep that in mind, Sheer. Similarly, my mentor told me often that dying for my cause is only glorification. I need to live if I want to save people. I’m important too. Strange to type, but I’ll do my best to remember it.

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shinebox​:

Hey, I don’t think half the people I met could, but that shouldn’t stop you from doing it anyway if that’s really what you want for your life - goes for anything all the same, really - she was a real saint, except she didn’t go to church much so I don’t think they’d canonize her if she’s not already on the books. My kid brother, Francis, he’s trying to be a priest or something and he tells me that’s how it works, you gotta sign up before they put your name in lights.

Sarcasm? Hey, c'mon, we just met, I can’t bust your chops like that, kid, I’ll hurt your feelings and that won’t be good for either of us, you know what I mean? I’m not trying to make enemies here, I’m a nice fella - or at least folks tell me I am, anyway - so I try to keep my best foot forward. I’m real lucky I got two of ‘em. You dance at all? I love dancing, but I’ve got kind of a goofy step to most of 'em, never learned how to do it properly but I’d rather have a good time than a proper time, I think. Sometimes, anyway. You’re government too, huh? I keep meeting more and more of you folks, makes me worry if I paid my taxes or not, haha!

I don’t have a lick of a clue what LMD is but if somebody uses it for currency I can probably find somebody else that’ll take it, sure, what’s it backed by? We got a gold standard here, big reserves in Iebrium, they tell us, you’d have to sink the fleet twice over to gut that vault, and that’s a pretty big fleet, I tell ya.

Yeah? Lonesome? You got any liminal spaces, curiously portal-like passageways, rogue mages, sanctioned mages, rune-engraved stones (I think they gotta be specific ones though, I’m not one of those magic types so I don’t know for sure), or eerily calm bodies of water on that island? We could make one of those work, I think, I know a guy that might still be awake. You like wine? I got a bottle here and I think the best time to open these things is with a good occasion, and I don’t know about you but I’m feeling occasioned, alright. Hell of a ride, this site, hell of a ride. Liberi, hey? That’s a fancy name, wonder who thought of that. Real fitting, sounds good on you. Bird-parts, though, usually when folks around here have animals parts, they really, really got 'em. Look at me, for example, I look like one of those online furries, you know what I mean, I got fur for days and my couch agrees. If I get any more catlike I’ll be hackin’ up furballs, I tell ya.

Is that so? There’s never been a canonization of a Saint since I’ve been alive. Ever since the Profound Silence, I imagine there never will be another again, at least not until Iberia rebuilds to what it once was, or something better. Only one Saint remains, at least in regards to the Inquisition. Lord Carmen has lived a long time—my mentor was his eighth student. I was almost his student, but I decided to leave the position of Inquisitor to join Rhodes Island.

I’ll take your word that weren’t being sarcastic, Charlie. I assure you, I wouldn’t have my feelings hurt by mere words. I do enjoy dancing, though I have a long way to go before I can consider myself a dancer.

I’m fairly certain that it’s backed by gold, but it’s honestly the Lungmen Dollar become quite the necessary currency to do business throughout the world. A financial crisis has that effect.

Liminal spaces, portal-like passageways... no, I don’t believe the landship has anything like that. While the ship is quite large, it’s fairly cramped, and every room has a use and a number of personnel within it. It’s honestly almost its own town. There are a number of people capable of Arts, including myself, but traveling via Arts sounds quite dangerous. I don’t believe I’ve ever had wine, however. 

What is a furry?

[in-inertia]

Siesta. 09:27.

"Our communications with Mayor Doykos have been consistent and amicable. They are to remain this way, despite any personal feelings that Rhodes Island and its operators may have. His efforts to protect the infected are a significant boon to our primary cause as an organization."

Gladiia's gaze drifts across the horizon. The inland sea can't revitalize her the way the ocean can, but the salty air at least makes it easier for her to breathe. The nomadic tourist city of Siesta has come to rest here on its shores, flanked by a scenic mountain range. It's an idyllic paradise: a worry-free, prosperous city where even the infected are welcome.

"I loathe him. I suspect you might have conflicting feelings, yourself. This beautiful city, after all, was built upon a river of blood. While the ancestral home of the Taraks may be buried now in volcanic rock, the legacy of their exploitation is alive all around us. You can rebuild your city atop originium-powered plates, but you cannot change its history. You can change the foundations, but your legacy is written into every stone."

She looks to the young Liberi next to her. Their footprints dot the white sands. Somehow, though she's much larger than Irene, Gladiia's are more shallow.

"But there's nothing to do about that, is there? Siesta, for all its faults, is a valuable ally. Our enduring partnership with Rhodes Island is more important than our feelings on this matter. Does that mean we've sided with the infected over the Tarak tribe? Have we decided the hopes of those masses are more important than the livelihoods of the few trampled by this city?"

She pulls out a pocketwatch.

"At 18:00, there is work for me to do. I shan't be long. Perhaps, by the time I finish, Laurentina will have joined us. That means we have around eight and a half hours to ourselves, to spend however we may want in this city. Though its splendor was bought with blood, would you like to enjoy it with me, Irene?"

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It takes a few seconds before Irene realizes she’s been put on the spot; her mind is elsewhere, her eyes constantly on the waters. When her glances find the sand at her feet, she imagines deeper tracks in place of Gladiia’s, the world a little larger and worrisome. The last time she was around Siesta was with her mentor, and she didn’t even know why.

In a way, little has changed. She walks with someone whose power dwarfs her own by uncountable measures, she knows little as to why she’s here, and her unease remains. 

No. No, that’s wrong. What is this spot of weakness, where did it come from? Is it that fatigue a few people warned her of finally hitting her? There’s plenty different now. 

Her uniform now finds more in common with the white sands she trudges through, she walks with an Ægir of all people—a true ally at that—and her worries are unfounded. Rhodes Island has come to a rest nearby, and there’s no doubt that any interactions between the organization and Herman Doykos’ new city will strengthen their relationship—something that she should be considerate of now that she is part of Rhodes Island. She represents not only the pharmaceutical organization but Iberian interests too. No matter how uncomfortable the decisions that led to Siesta’s rebuilding make her, she has a duty to R.I. and its continued survival.

She looks again to the inland. Ah, that’s why. With no threat to hang over her like a storm cloud, with no pressure to keep her distracted and focused at the same time, her mind has begun to wander.

Gladiia is right. There’s nothing to do about any of this, and it makes her antsy, and—

“Oh! Um, what was—did you say Laurentina bought blood eight hours ago?!” Irene asks incredulously, her mind having failed to pay attention properly to Gladiia’s request. Realizing how absolutely absurd she sounds, she shakes head. “Tch. I apologize, Captain, I wasn’t... I have no excuse, my mind drifted,” she admonishes herself. “It seems I still don’t know how to handle free time too well.”

[libersacer]

I think I should head back inside and continue my training. I’ll speak with everyone again soon.

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shinebox​:

Irene? That’s a beautiful name, you know a girl I was sweet on - her mother’s name was Irene. Real noble lady, real sweet, and always so dang sure of herself. Besides my own ma, I reckon she was probably one of best ladies I ever met. Great lady, great name. My friends call me Charlie, and it’s damn fine to meet you.

Inquisition, huh, at Rhodes Island? I just met another gal from that place, Gladiia, you probably saw the post in the time I took to reply - I like that about you, Irene, you’re a quick one, real quick. I don’t suppose you’re from Iebrium? We got an Inquisition here too but most of the time you never see ‘em on account of they’re supposed to be kinda hush-hush like. I’m a cobbler, I deal in footwear, and if you’re in ever need of the best shine this side of the river - and the other side too - at a price you can sleep easy over, this cat’s got you covered for whatever inspection you got coming up, scout’s honor.

Me, though, I’m doing just dandy, hey, today’s been a sun-kissed peach in the grand scheme of things, so I got nothing to piss and moan over, and I hope the same right back atcha. And if you do, well, it’ll get better, always does. I like your hair, that’s really something - really feathery-like. That come natural or do you have the best stylist in town for a 'do like that? Strikes me as real professional work.

Well, I don’t know if I can live up to this woman’s reputation, but at least the name puts me in a positive light without much work from me. I hope it’s a pleasure to make your acquaintance, Charlie.

I did, indeed, see you conversing with the Captain! Thank you for the compliment—though I think that was sarcasm or a joke? Unfortunately, I’ve never heard of this Iebrium. The Iberian Inquisition is fairly public, far from hush-hush, as you say. They represent the Law in Iberia and are its de-facto government, defending it and managing it against all threats, especially those from the sea.

I’ll definitely keep you in mind, Charlie, if I ever need my boots looking their best. Do you accept LMD? That’s the only currency I have access to at the moment.

I’ve had a quite evening, so it’s been enjoyable, if... lonesome. I’m sure that’ll change in time aboard this landship, it’s seldom ever quiet. Thank you again, though, it does indeed come natural. Those are my feathers. I’m one of the Liberi, we hold many avian features.

[libersacer]

asmallredlight​:

how so if i may ask

i know nothing of these hunters

ah

my violent skirmishes have been

brief

and few

and i am not proud of them

with somebody from whom i now desire peace

For one, I’m fairly certain Captain Gladiia could spear her hand through my chest at a twenty meter distance before I could even draw my handcannon. The last time I fought Skadi, she deflected every single one of my attacks with a weapon case. I’ve made great progress, but not nearly enough. Moving through shadows would be a little helpful.

I take it you prefer pacifism, Sheer. That’s understandable. I wish I could be afforded the opportunity to never have to fight again, but too many people are relying on me. I hope that altercation is behind you both.

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asmallredlight​:

i have made my peace with it

the movement is important

the rest

if i even were violently inclined

i am not hard to deter physically

and

ultimately hallucinations will cause no bodily harm

they can be very distressing

but they can be overcome with only the right courage

i think most would take a horrible vision over third degree burns

You certainly make a good argument! Still, I’m envious over that shadowy ability. If I had that, it would certainly reduce the gap between the Abyssal Hunters and I, though only marginally. 

Have you ever had to face off against someone? Or has your life largely been peaceful?

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asmallredlight​:

ah

i have no say in the matter

it is not just preference

i am only supposed to be perceived

by one

when there are more and when there are none it is

wrong

viscerally

travel is good. and easy with the right tricks or friends

i wish you luck

i can go anywhere

darkness connects all spaces

i can alter my form to a degree

i can read and manifest fears

I can see the logic there. That’s unfortunate, but I imagine you’re comfortable with the situation. Thank you for the well wishes, by the way.

You say I have a higher ceiling of power potentially, but I certainly cannot go anywhere my own two legs can’t take me. The only fears I can manifest are the fear of sharp objects and the fear of fire!

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jujulebee​:

haha thank you! i try 2 b kind 2 every1, really. the worlds like so shit all the time so like, y would i add 2 that? i can afford 2 b happy so ill try 2 spread that bit'a sunshine 2 others

things r going like supes gr8! im at a beach w some of my friends and im rly enjoying it tbh, i dont get 2 go 2 the beach v often! stargazing was deffo not planned but its a nice surprise and its got me even more excited 4 like, a visit i have planned w my friend higgs like SPECIF 4 stargazing

I’ve been trying to be kinder too. My profession left little room for such things, which is one of the reasons why I did away with it when I realized just how far I was from my ideals. I tend to have others yelling at me nearly every day (it is just one person), so it has been a learning process.

I’ve never visited a beach recreationally. It sounds very entertaining with company. I wish I could appreciate stargazing myself, but they’re too erratic. What has prevented you from beach-going?