* A GOLDEN DAGGER IN HER HAND.

𝔱𝔥𝔢 𝔪𝔞𝔯𝔱𝔶𝔯 𝔬𝔣 𝔪𝔬𝔫𝔰 𝔠𝔞𝔩𝔳𝔲𝔰.

[martyrshe]

AN OWL IS THE WISEST OF ALL BIRDS, BECAUSE THE MORE IT SEES THE LESS IT TALKS. // hello,  i’m  vicky  (23,  she/her)  and  this  is  an  independent  blog  for  PHILIPPA  EILHART  from  the  the  witcher  franchise. NOVELS BASED,  with  videogames  and  headcanons  references.  this  blog  is  private  (mutuals  only)  and  highly  selective.  canon  compliant  with  somewhat  canon  divergences  at  times. affiliated with @moresaints.

established on feb. 2020. remade feb. 2023.

hiatus till further notice.

martyr saint. someone who suffers persecution and death for advocating, renouncing, refusing to renounce, or refusing to advocate a religious belief or cause as demanded by an external party.

warning.  mature  themes  ahead,  proceed  with  caution. 18+  only.  if you expect me to be fast, this is not the place for you. using xkit rewritten + beta editor.

CARRD. AES. SIDEBLOG. MEMES. PINTEREST. PROMO.

[martyrshe]

honestly the reason why I've been procrastinating on getting here is that this blog does not spark ✨joy✨ so ig I will be on hiatus until further notice

[martyrshe]

planned to be here these days but i genuinely did not consider that my birthday is in the way so! i'll be here next week ig c:

[edenmemes]

the witcher s2 sentence starters

contains spoilers. some quotes are slightly altered to fit better.

❝ let’s play a drinking game. ❞ ❝ faith’s a simple medicine for desperate souls. ❞ ❝ you don’t frighten easily. ❞ ❝ it’s what eats you alive. loneliness. ❞ ❝ i heard it all. fire, screams and death. ❞ ❝ you’ve become a lightweight, old friend. ❞ ❝ how are you not heartbroken? ❞ ❝ people do stupid things when they think they are trapped in a corner. ❞ ❝ are you a monster because you are different? ❞ ❝ this must be our secret. ❞ ❝ all you care about is your damn duty. ❞ ❝ i’ve lived through a whole dark age and three supposed end of days. ❞ ❝ that’s a tale requiring wine. ❞ ❝ do what you do best. stay and fight. ❞ ❝ fear is an illness. if you leave it untreated, it can consume you. ❞ ❝ you have taken something from me. someone i care about deeply. ❞ ❝ there’s times to stand still, and there’s times to keep moving. ❞ ❝ you’re panting like a dying mammoth. ❞ ❝ you’d rather be blind than see the truth. ❞ ❝ when you have power like yours, you never apologize. ❞ ❝ you have the social graces of a wild boar. ❞ ❝ last time we saw each other, you basically told me to fuck off. ❞ ❝ what would you have me do? ❞ ❝ promise me something. if we get seperated, remember what you have. ❞ ❝ all you have to do is keep your sword close and keep running. ❞ ❝ you were never one to go quietly, were you? ❞ ❝ i am here for you. i won’t let anybody hurt you. ❞ ❝ the path to true strength lies not in humble faith, but in believing in oneself. ❞ ❝ you would not know talent if i shoved it up your ass. ❞ ❝ you can tell me anything. ❞ ❝ it’s just ‘yap, yap, yap’ with you sometimes. ❞ ❝ my faith brought me this far. i’ll see how much further it can take me. ❞ ❝ power. that’s what you live for. ❞ ❝ i know this is dangerous, but now is not the time to be weak. it is the time to be strong. ❞ ❝ nowhere’s safe now. you can’t run from the world. ❞ ❝ i don’t want revenge. i want justice. ❞ ❝ your stomach’s growling loud enough to wake the dead. ❞ ❝ less than perfect means death. ❞ ❝ you can either be too strong to fail or too weak to try. ❞ ❝ you are always so emotional. ❞ ❝ we don’t kill out of fear. ❞ ❝ like father, like daughter. ❞ ❝ i understand that you are in pain and you can drown that pain with whatever you want. just not here. ❞ ❝ humans do bad things to everybody. ❞ ❝ i tell you no word of a lie. ❞ ❝ that was the first and last time…i saw my father proud of me. ❞ ❝ that’s quite barbarous, even for me. ❞ ❝ i’m not going anywhere, all right? i’m staying right here. ❞ ❝ and you call yourself a leader? ❞ ❝ magic. it’s lodged in you. like a spiked arrow. ❞ ❝ you bring terror and death wherever you are. ❞ ❝ do what you have to do to seize your destiny. ❞ ❝ it’s as if you’re determined to do the opposite of the thing that’ll keep you safe. ❞ ❝ remember what you have. magic. ❞ ❝ i’m hoping there is a grain of truth to fairytales. ❞ ❝ this place was meant for no one. ❞ ❝ i’m not having this conversation unless i’m drinking. ❞ ❝ you did what you had to do. ❞ ❝ all the people i loved in this world were taken from me. ❞ ❝ i would not wish that fate on my worst enemy. ❞ ❝ it came from the heart. perhaps a broken one. ❞ ❝ what’s it like? being alone because of what you are? ❞ ❝ all curses have cures. ❞ ❝ you pick up a thing or two while in hiding. ❞ ❝ how about we scout the property? make sure it’s safe for the night. ❞ ❝ my war is your war. ❞ ❝ you thought you were special. ❞ ❝ i wish i could go back in time. save everyone. ❞ ❝ something has changed. the world’s acting of its own strange accord these days. ❞ ❝ how did you spend your days when you first came here? ❞ ❝ i value the bond we have. ❞ ❝ i know what you are. an old wives’ tale for children. ❞ ❝ do you humans ever stop talking? ❞ ❝ if only you’d think of yourself instead of licking other’s boots. ❞ ❝ sometimes it doesn’t seem real. ❞ ❝ that’s your play? it’s rather desperate. ❞ ❝ i was hoping you’d do what i say. ❞ ❝ you’re the desperate one. the most. ❞ ❝ the path forward will be harder still. ❞ ❝ i’ve never met anyone alone in the heart like you. different. ❞ ❝ it is not in my nature to be cruel. ❞ ❝ stay with me tonight. let’s not be alone. ❞ ❝ do you think i’m asking because i personally give a shit? ❞ ❝ what is destined cannot be avoided. ❞ ❝ scary storoies don’t really work on me. ❞ ❝ you were wrong. or lied. neither’s a shock. ❞ ❝ what has been need not always be. ❞ ❝ we should keep moving. ❞ ❝ are you all right? you look like day-old shit. ❞ ❝ you don’t seem like a monster to me. ❞ ❝ thieving a thief merely makes you the latest thief. ❞ ❝ you can find power and purpose. a chance to survive the horror. ❞ ❝ i’ve fantasized about going back. ❞ ❝ the only certainty in this place, is that no one is ever what they seem. ❞ ❝ this is what you call free? ❞ ❝ you still have time to turn back. it’s not too late. ❞ ❝ it’s not a question of price. it’s a matter of cost. ❞ ❝ tell me what you want. ❞ ❝ sometimes i think i’m still a person. but…i know what i really am. ❞ ❝ i deserve my destiny. ❞ ❝ why help? what’s in it for you? ❞ ❝ i can smell your desires like rotten meat. ❞ ❝ it’s funny how quickly people forget about you when you are no longer any use to them, isn’t it? ❞ ❝ trust the path you choose, and it will protect you. ❞ ❝ move beyond the pain, the fear, the failure, until you become one with a killer. ❞ ❝ you can do anything. doesn’t mean you have to. ❞ ❝ what is lost is lost. ❞ ❝ you are all alone in a world that hates you with no way to protect ourselves. ❞ ❝ thankfully, men remain simple. ❞ ❝ verbose when i need you to be quiet. silent and stubborn when i need you to talk. ❞ ❝ even traitors speak the truth. ❞ ❝ shared dreams are a powerful omen. ❞ ❝ our most trusted advisors are becoming less and less trustworthy. ❞ ❝ i think there’s something wrong with me. ❞ ❝ nightmares are common after battle. ❞ ❝ when i say run, you run. when i say hide, you hide. ❞ ❝ i’ve never met anyone alone in the heart, like you. ❞ ❝ i know who you truly are. what are you hiding now? ❞ ❝ you’re eager to please. easy to wound. ❞ ❝ that all you got? ❞ ❝ your true power resides in more than your blood. ❞ ❝ hatred is an endless cycle of fear and desperation. ❞ ❝ perhaps we were meant to find each other. ❞ ❝ no matter how hard i train, no matter what i do, i’ll never be enough. ❞ ❝ shocking. we have to do it your way again. ❞ ❝ your heart has been beating fast this whole time. you’re nervous. ❞ ❝ do you like the dress i left for you? ❞ ❝ oh. that’s a look of a person who’s worried they’ve lost their touch. ❞ ❝ it doesn’t matter if it’s true. it only matters if the people believe it. ❞ ❝ i’m sick of feeling lost. ❞ ❝ i’ve had leaders, followers…but i’ve never had a partner before. ❞ ❝ i want to be indifferent to the past. to the lies. to the things i’ve done. ❞ ❝ don’t flatter yourself. i’m saving me. ❞ ❝ did you not think of the consequences? what if you were killed? ❞ ❝ we can leave under the cover of darkness. ❞ ❝ don’t be afraid. nothing can hurt you here. ❞ ❝ you are important to me. you always will be. ❞ ❝ yes, well, i’m topped off on magical mystery at the moment. ❞ ❝ you are already enough. you are extraordinary. ❞ ❝ you don’t get to play damsel in distress. that’s my job. ❞ ❝ i’ve destroyed so many things. please, let me heal things for once. ❞ ❝ the truth is you are choosing to be an asshole, aren’t you? ❞ ❝ i have nothing to hide. ❞ ❝ i owe you as much as you owe me. nothing more, nothing less. ❞ ❝ legends aren’t science. ❞ ❝ who are we, when we can no longer do what we were put on this planet to do? ❞ ❝ some wounds cannot be healed. i understand that more than you know. ❞ ❝ i can’t be what you want. what you deserve. ❞ ❝ you need to let me take care of your wound. ❞ ❝ everyone answers to someone eventually. even you, i suspect. ❞ ❝ you pretend to not have emotions, but you do. ❞ ❝ love and blood. they both possess a mighty power. ❞ ❝ prison didn’t exactly do you any favors. ❞ ❝ monsters are more than just horrid looks and claws and teeth. monsters are born of deeds done. unforgivable ones. ❞ ❝ i hope that in your search to feel again, you feel your value. ❞ ❝ i’m too hopeless to stop anything. ❞ ❝ i sleep like shit too. ❞ ❝ you don’t really give a shit about what i want. ❞ ❝ those who died…i say their names out loud at night so i don’t forget. ❞ ❝ something dark lies ahead of you. i can feel it. ❞ ❝ no one’s on our side, you trusting idiot. ❞ ❝ i’m not abandoning you. i’ll stay and fight. ❞ ❝ explain to me how you’re not deadweight. ❞ ❝ we’ll reach our destination by sundown. ❞ ❝ i see your wounds have improved, but your manners have not. ❞ ❝ don’t be scared. i’m not going to hurt you. ❞ ❝ hesitation will draw danger to you like fire. ❞ ❝ don’t flatter yourself. i’m saving me. ❞ ❝ you have the ability to break the cycle of hatred once and for all. ❞ ❝ sensitive questions are my favourite. ❞ ❝ sometimes we assume the worst because we fear to hope. ❞ ❝ it is in blindness we find our true strength. ❞ ❝ i know you know how dangerous this is. ❞ ❝ were you attacked because you’re different? ❞ ❝ who knows, maybe we’ll be friends again. ❞ ❝ i won’t let anything happen to you. ❞ ❝ you can fight battles and wear dresses. you can do both. ❞ ❝ holy men are the most depraved. ❞ ❝ watch me burn all the memories of you. ❞ ❝ what’s the difference between you and a heap of shit? eventually, the shit will stop smelling. ❞ ❝ you’re offering me up as sacrifice? ❞ ❝ our best chance is to kill the hatred we hold on to and move on. ❞ ❝ everywhere i go, people die. ❞ ❝ sometimes i feel like i could burn the whole world. ❞ ❝ was it worth it? ❞ ❝ you are brave, but let me help you. ❞ ❝ there is only death here. ❞ ❝ unlike you, i’m not one to waste power on such frivolous nonsense. ❞ ❝ the battle must have really taken it out of you. ❞ ❝ i know. i know you want to scream. ❞ ❝ that’s the problem. no one knows anything about you. who you are, what you are, where you are, what you want. ❞ ❝ my friend, you are very far from fine. ❞ ❝ i look a tad different since you saw me last. ❞ ❝ we both need to keep a low profile, it seems. ❞ ❝ we won. but barely. ❞ ❝ i hope there’s a plaque to commemerate your greatness. ❞ ❝ i will not let us down. ❞ ❝ i’ve never known a human to give out of the kindness of their heart. ❞ ❝ every day increases the risk of being found. ❞ ❝ forget faith. we’ve got power. ❞ ❝ your precious leader’s after something. you are a pawn to get it. ❞ ❝ are you my inquisitor or my executioner? ❞ ❝ you are a hero to me and many others. ❞ ❝ we’re only staying until the storm dies. ❞ ❝ so i’m your destiny? whatever that means. ❞ ❝ i won’t be here forever to protect you. ❞ ❝ faith sustains us all in dark times. ❞ ❝ your pain is my pain. ❞ ❝ everything i was told my whole life was a lie. ❞ ❝ after everything we did, what we saw…you turned your back on me. ❞ ❝ we all have our time in the sun. ❞ ❝ if you have an ulterior motive, you can tell me. ❞ ❝ from the moment we met, you have been trying to fill a void. ❞ ❝ history does have a way of repeating itself, doesn’t it? ❞ ❝ they’re desperate. which means they’re dangerous. ❞ ❝ i’m doing everything i can to keep you safe. ❞ ❝ i said don’t touch me. ❞ ❝ i’m one of the lucky ones. depending on your definition of luck. ❞ ❝ i don’t see any side upon which you are not entirely fucked. ❞ ❝ there are forces at play larger than we know. ❞ ❝ you will destroy us all. ❞ ❝ i don’t know who you are, but come any closer and you’ll regret it. ❞ ❝ i…dreamed about you once. ❞ ❝ it’s been a difficult few months…but things seem to be finally turning a corner. ❞ ❝ what is it with men lurking about this place? ❞ ❝ oh, what’s the hurry? ❞ ❝ ___. it’s nice to finally put a face to the name. ❞ ❝ in times of war, hard decisions must be made. ❞ ❝ if you free me, perhaps we can work together. ❞ ❝ you remind me of an old friend. ❞ ❝ i was stupid, and i was selfish. ❞ ❝ i have always considered you my equal partner. i wish i could prove to you that i’m worthy of the same. ❞ ❝ what are you doing out here in the middle of east bloody nowhere? ❞ ❝ family, blood…that’s the only bond that can’t be broken. ❞ ❝ when i’m with you, i don’t feel alone anymore. ❞ ❝ are you all right? who did this? ❞ ❝ what i’m really asking you is…is this what pleases you? ❞ ❝ we could be entangled in a war again before we know it. ❞ ❝ why do you want this so badly? ❞ ❝ there are those obsessed with finding power, and those who know their place. ❞ ❝ i’m asking you for help. for once, will you give me it? ❞ ❝ you dare show your face here? ❞ ❝ i wasn’t sure you’d make it. ❞ ❝ i wouldn’t ask you if it wasn’t unnecessary. ❞ ❝ your aim’s gone to shit. ❞ ❝ i pay you to solve my problems, not fill my head with piling bad news. ❞ ❝ the monsters aren’t new. they’re just new to here. ❞ ❝ i have some wounds that refuse to heal. ❞ ❝ you were having a nightmare. i came to check on you. ❞ ❝ please stay. don’t go. ❞

[nightprompts]

&. 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐝𝐚𝐦𝐚𝐠𝐞𝐝, 𝐬𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐬.

(  you  know  that  dynamic  of  the  emotionally  closed  off  one  &  the  kind  one  they  have  a  soft  spot  for?  yeah,  that’s  the  vibe.  )

said from the lone wolf.

❛ you think you know me, but the truth is, you don’t. ❜

❛ going home isn’t an option anymore. ❜

❛ i’m fine. there’s nothing for you to worry about. ❜ 

❛ do you wish i was different? ❜ 

❛ i just, i don’t want anything bad to happen to you. ❜ 

❛ you deserve better than what you’ve got. ❜

❛ i guess we both lost something we were fond of. ❜ 

❛ i’m not leaving you out here alone. ❜ 

❛ you don’t have to keep me company, i’m fine by myself. ❜ 

❛ coming here to see you is the only place i could go. ❜

❛ i’m afraid of losing you, okay? ❜ 

❛ i know you probably hate me right now, and i get it. ❜

❛ what is with your weird fascination with me? ❜ 

❛ yeah, you keep on telling yourself that bullshit. ❜ 

❛ i didn’t mean to hurt your feelings, i just have a lot on my plate. ❜ 

❛ you’re lucky you got away with only a scratch. ❜ 

❛ if i could be a different person, i promise you, i would be. ❜

❛ people like us don’t get to decide when we’re done. ❜

❛ i’ve never had anything good happen to me when i trusted others. ❜

❛ you won’t survive out there. they tear all good things apart. ❜

❛ i don’t know what’s the truth or what’s a lie anymore. ❜ 

❛ you got guts, i’ll give you that. ❜ 

❛ the more you know, the shorter your life will be. ❜ 

❛ for the first time in years, i felt something that i thought had been lost to me. ❜ 

❛ what you think you’re going through is nothing to what i have been through. ❜ 

said from the soft spot. 

❛ you’re not as bad as everyone says you are. ❜

❛ how is it that you’re never scared? ❜

❛ you think i’m weak because i’m not like you. ❜

❛ you wanted to be left alone, right? ❜ 

❛ how do you make the pain go away? ❜

❛ you shouldn’t smoke, you know. ❜

❛ destroy what is destroying you. ❜

❛ i hope you find the peace you’re searching for. ❜

❛ you know my door is always open to you. ❜

❛ i look at you and my heart breaks because all i see is loneliness. ❜

❛ you’re avoiding the subject and you know it. what are you hiding from me? ❜ 

❛ you’re not at war anymore, you can come home. ❜

❛ it feels like you’ve been avoiding me. ❜

❛ what are you so afraid of? ❜

❛ you shouldn’t be out here by yourself. ❜ 

❛ why do you care? you could have just walked away. ❜ 

❛ i know you. how else do you think i found you so easily? ❜

❛ if it was the other way around, would you have come back for me? ❜ 

❛ i just thought you’d like some company. ❜ 

❛ are you jealous? want me all to yourself, do you? ❜

❛ i knew you had a heart. ❜ 

❛ can you look at me? please? ❜

❛ i don’t think i’ve ever seen you smile. ❜

❛ if you won’t take care of yourself, then who will? ❜

❛ you have something beautiful inside of you. it’s hard for some people to tell, but it’s there. ❜

[tatisources]

- 𝐖𝐄𝐃𝐍𝐄𝐒𝐃𝐀𝐘 𝐒𝐄𝐍𝐓𝐄𝐍𝐂𝐄 𝐒𝐓𝐀𝐑𝐓𝐄𝐑

❝ Being your friend should come with a warning label. ❞

❝ It’s amateurs like you who give kidnapping a bad game. ❞

❝ Are you mansplaining my power? ❞

❝ Emotion isn’t exactly your strong suit. ❞

❝ I don’t believe in heaven or hell, but I do believe in revenge. ❞

❝ Those who forget history are doomed to repeat it. ❞

❝ There’s nothing quite like the feeling of being proven right. ❞

❝  Because trust and cooperation have always been the hallmarks of our relationship. ❞

❝  Anytime I grow nauseous at the sight of a rainbow or hear a pop song that makes my ears bleed, I’ll think of you. ❞

❝ I’ve learned so much from you. Part of it is admittedly criminal behavior. ❞

❝ Not hugging is kind of our thing. ❞

❝ When the dance floor calls, you gotta answer. ❞

❝ Typically I have great admiration for well-executed revenge plots, but yours was a bit extreme, even for my high standards.  ❞

❝ Except I won’t cry and whine like a child. ❞

❝ I can’t believe you were in a secret society and didn’t tell me. ❞

❝ You brought a gun to a sword fight. Probably the first smart decision you’ve made today. ❞

❝ Emotion equals weakness. ❞

❝ I find social media to be a soul sucking void of meaningless affirmation. ❞

❝ These are all traits of great writers. And serial killers. ❞

❝ Sometimes I act like I don’t care if people like me. Deep down, I secretly enjoy it. ❞

❝ I like to win. Is that so wrong? ❞

❝ For the record, I don’t believe that I’m better than everyone else, just that I’m better than you. ❞

❝ Use the words ‘little’ and ‘girl’ to address me again and I can’t guarantee your safety. ❞

❝ If he breaks your heart, I’ll nail gun his. ❞

❝ You guys are making me nauseous. Not in a good way. ❞

❝ When I look at you, the following emojis come to mind: rope, shovel, hole. ❞

❝ You know the old saying, never bring a knife to a sword fight. Unless it’s concealed. ❞

❝ Secrets are like zombies, they never truly die. ❞

❝ Tears don’t fix anything. So I vowed to never do it again. ❞

❝ Please, flattery will get you nowhere. ❞

❝ I’m not friend material, let alone more-than-friend material. I will ignore you, stomp on your heart, and always put my needs and interests first. ❞

❝ Every day is all about me. This one just comes with cake and a bad song. ❞

❝ Emotions are a gateway trait. They lead to feelings, which trigger tears. I don’t do tears.❞

❝ It’s either they write our story or we do. You can’t have it both ways. ❞

❝ I don’t need your help or your pity. I already have a mother and a therapist. That’s enough torture, even for me. ❞

❝ I don’t bury hatchets. I sharpen them. ❞

❝ Friends are a liability and can be exploited. That makes them weaknesses. ❞

[moogle-resources]

𝐉𝐈𝐌 𝐇𝐄𝐍𝐒𝐎𝐍'𝐒 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐃𝐀𝐑𝐊 𝐂𝐑𝐘𝐒𝐓𝐀𝐋: 𝐀𝐆𝐄 𝐎𝐅 𝐑𝐄𝐒𝐈𝐒𝐓𝐀𝐍𝐂𝐄. 𝐄𝐏 𝟏-𝟓

slightly tweaked in some parts for ease of interaction . feel free to change pronouns and such as necessary ! ❝ i have ruled for an age and will rule for all ages yet to come . ❞ ❝ i did not build an empire only to watch it turn to dust . ❞ ❝ how do i know these aren’t poisoned ? ❞ ❝ i didn’t take anything ! see ? ❞ ❝ do you remember the first time we came up here ? ❞ ❝ i remember everything about that night. ❞ ❝ i used every trick i had to try and impress you . ❞ ❝ i was distracted , all i could think about was kissing you . ❞ ❝ when one of us fails in our duty , we all fail . ❞ ❝ that was just a bit of fun ! ❞ ❝ perhaps one day you’ll prove worthy of taking up my mantle . ❞ ❝ have you tried these ? they’re fantastic ! ❞ ❝ how’s my BEST FRIEND today ?  ❞ ❝ don’t embarrass me this time . ❞ ❝ little things have a habit of being stepped on by … big things . ❞ ❝ that knowledge is forbidden . ❞ ❝ i may not always be here to save you . ❞ ❝ this happens every time . you say: ‘ let’s have an adventure ⸻ it’ll be great fun , ‘ but it never is ! ❞ ❝ i thought i heard something creeping about . ❞ ❝ don’t go down this path . ❞ ❝ nothing good will come of this . ❞ ❝ i think they’re hiding something , and i want to know what . ❞ ❝ i demand you stop ! ❞ ❝ i demand the truth ! ❞ ❝ you read too many stories . ❞ ❝ it’s easy to have nothing when no one depends on you for anything . ❞ ❝ you’ll see soon enough ⸻ a whole new world awaits you . ❞ ❝ will snacks be served ? ❞ ❝ don’t you ever think of anything but your next meal ? ❞ ❝ don’t fight . give me your fear . your love . your secrets . ❞ ❝ what have you done !? ❞ ❝ you’ll die for this . ❞ ❝ unhand me ! i do not need your help . ❞ ❝ you were a child when last i laid my eyes upon you . ❞ ❝ get help ? I AM HELP ! ❞ ❝ let us see them try to ask their questions through broken teeth . ❞ ❝ keep them looking over their shoulder , and they won’t ever see what’s right in front of them . ❞ ❝ what happened ? i waited ! ❞ ❝ everyone’s gone mad ! ❞ ❝ i need your help to escape . ❞ ❝ i don’t know what to believe . ❞ ❝ you have to see the truth for yourself . ❞ ❝ i have a plan … but you’re not gonna like it . ❞ ❝ i shouldn’t have run away and left you all alone . ❞ ❝  i don’t need your terrible apology . i need answers . ❞ ❝ what can i do for you ? a potion , perhaps , to make someone notice you , or something to make your hair shine ? ❞ ❝ do you know what this symbol means ? ❞ ❝ when i see it , i sense the end of all things . ❞ ❝ i guess soothsayers can’t see everything . ❞ ❝ but i see the chance for a new beginning . ❞ ❝ end . begin . death . life . it’s all the same circle . ❞ ❝ i’ve seen the dark signs . ❞ ❝ our world is dying . ❞ ❝ you were right about one thing : i don’t like this plan at all . ❞ ❝ genius cannot be rushed . ❞ ❝ things have already gone too far . it cannot end well . ❞ ❝ even a princess is not above the law . ❞ ❝ please , you can’t send me away ! ❞ ❝ flog me ! scold me ! i am riddled with shame ! such shame ! ❞ ❝ why do we play these ridiculous games ? we are wasting precious time . ❞ ❝ i never met a princess before . i always imagined them having shinier hair . ❞ ❝ jingle - jangle , time to put on the hat ! ❞ ❝ i always thought i’d make a fantastic princess . ❞ ❝ they’re toughest on you because you have the hardest path ahead . ❞ ❝ i don’t feel strong . ❞ ❝ getting along may be hard at first , but like anything else in life , it just takes time to adjust . ❞ ❝ i was thinking that you and them are more alike than you realize . ❞ ❝ the bonds of sisterhood/brotherhood can be tested, but never broken . ❞ ❝ go crawl back in the nest you came from ! ❞ ❝ you’re wasting your time . i won’t tell you anything . ❞ ❝ i’ve seen uglier . ❞ ❝ i’m here . i’m always here . ❞ ❝ you and i are better than that . ❞ ❝ i will not tolerate heresy from a murderer . ❞ ❝ your condition is worse than i feared . ❞ ❝ let me help , then everything can go back to the way it was . ❞ ❝ you are my father/mother , why don’t you ever believe me ?! ❞ ❝ so go back to your travels , then i can go back to caring for the ones you left behind . ❞ ❝ i was a fool to entrust you with this . ❞ ❝ how do i make this right ? tell me ! ❞ ❝ i see many endings lain before us ; diverging paths through an endless forest . ❞ ❝ you’re not so scary . ❞ ❝ i’m sorry ! i didn’t mean to scare you ! ❞ ❝ i thought you might need some help with your fire . ❞ ❝ you’re … not scared of me ? ❞ ❝ they all think that i’m a monster . ❞ ❝ they’re all too scared to see the truth , even when it’s right in front of them . ❞ ❝ how can one person know so much and so little all at once ? ❞ ❝ you’ll give everyone nightmares with that wailing . ❞ ❝ true balance will be found when natural order is sound . ❞ ❝ it’s a puzzle ! oh , i love puzzles ! ❞ ❝ my strength wanes by the day . ❞ ❝ it’s MY party ! talk about ME ! ❞ ❝ it’s a good thing we’re not all so weak as to be scared of a single person . ❞ ❝ you are reckless . you lead us into war ! ❞ ❝ i welcome war . ❞ ❝ forgiveness is for the feeble . ❞ ❝ more time , more words , more nothing ! ❞ ❝ everything grows old . everything passes on . ❞ ❝ you should’ve seen your face . you were SO scared ! ❞ ❝ so many stars … it goes on and on . ❞ ❝ such prey would make quite the trophy . ❞ ❝ i will take your lying tongue . ❞ ❝ i will be handling your interrogation from this point forward . ❞ ❝ i won’t kill you . i’ll just drain the defiance out of you . ❞ ❝ but … i didn’t order this . ❞ ❝ no thank you , i’m not much of a dancer . ❞ ❝ don’t move . hands on the table . ❞ ❝ i’m not here for a fight . ❞ ❝ perhaps you should take a deep , calming breath . ❞ ❝ you’re in over your head . ❞ ❝ they may rule the land , but they do not rule my heart . ❞ ❝ if i come out of this crazy , the last thing i’ll do before i lose my mind is take your life . ❞ ❝ i’m sorry i didn’t believe you . ❞ ❝ it really must be end times . ❞ ❝ you’ll stop at nothing to keep your secrets . ❞ ❝ pathetic . you hunt a chair ? ❞ ❝ you have your trophy , i have mine . ❞ ❝ the world will decide your/their fate , as it decides all our fates . ❞ ❝ i’m not scared . i’m scared for you . ❞ ❝ i want to protect you . ❞ ❝ i’m not a hero . i’m nobody . ❞ ❝ but if you ask me , you’re already a hero . ❞ ❝ struggling is pointless , but you’re welcome to try , if it helps you pass the time . ❞ ❝ don’t play with your food , coward . just kill me now . ❞ ❝ kill you ? you’re no good to me dead . i need you alive . ❞ ❝ i’ll make sure that all the world knows what you truly are . ❞ ❝ delightful ! how am i evil ? ❞ ❝ all things kill . ❞ ❝ all living things consume other things to survive . it is not evil . it is natural . ❞ ❝ death is unnatural . death is a cruel joke . ❞ ❝ death mocks life . it mocks me . ❞ ❝ you would do the same in my place . ❞ ❝ we are nothing alike . ❞ ❝ you ran , yes ? you saved yourself . ❞ ❝ all those people , dead ⸻  just so you could run . ❞ ❝ i tried ! i just couldn’t save them ! ❞ ❝ you couldn’t save them … but what if you could save all the rest ? ❞ ❝ you make it sound SO much more nefarious than it actually is . ❞ ❝ is it them you’re worried about , or their crown ?  ❞ ❝ you have defied me time and again . ❞ ❝ but you do mean to disrespect me , and anyone who values tradition over self - righteous disobedience . ❞ ❝ you must silence these whispers of rebellion , and stop this war before it starts . ❞ ❝ is a slave a slave if it does not know it is a slave ? ❞ ❝ i am not your pet . ❞ ❝ the choice is to be my pet or my enemy . choose wisely . ❞ ❝ go then , run ! have your war . ❞ ❝ it will be on your head when everyone dies because you chose to run . again . ❞ ❝ it’s difficult being the voice of reason in such a crazed world . ❞ ❝ you’re always beautiful . ❞ ❝ it’s not about size ; it’s about vigor . ❞ ❝ and i made broth ! ❞ ❝ you spin quite the tale . but do you offer any proof ? ❞ ❝ when was the last time you washed your hands ? ❞ ❝ QUIET ! i’m not done . ❞ ❝ we all have a part to play in restoring the balance and destroying this evil . ❞ ❝ we are nothing without our lords . ❞ ❝ remember who you serve . ❞ ❝ traitors are conspiring against you . ❞ ❝ stand and prove the strength of your weapon by my side . ❞ ❝ i have turned a blind eye and said nothing while you stole from us . no more . ❞ ❝ i have allowed you to buy my loyalty with cheap trinkets . no more . ❞ ❝ i have bowed my head and called you lord/s while you slaughtered us . but . NO . MORE .  ❞ ❝ it’s all your fault . ❞ ❝ you are no sister/brother of mine . ❞ ❝ justice must be served . ❞

[wilczmin]

❛        ah        i  figured  it  would  be  something  of  the  sort  .        ❜        elusiveness  was  the  magician’s  forté  ,    after  all  .    even  geralt  couldn’t  discern  what  she  plotted  in  that  head  of  hers  a  majority  of  the  time  .    he  didn’t  necessarily  think  he  wanted  to  in  the  first  place  :    to  be  privy  to  the  machinations  of  her  mind  seemed  akin  to  stepping  into  a  minefield  .    no  matter  how  much  he  wished  to  know  every  plan  set  in  place  ,    in  which  he  was  involved  ,    sometimes  ignorance  truly  was  bliss  .        ❛        i  hope  you  know  those  men  have  probably  fled  by  now  ,    and  are  long  gone  .        ❜        was  he  proud  that  he  had  been  the  cause  of  that  ?    not  necessarily  .    neither  did  he  feel  very  guilty  .    she  was  clever  :    even  geralt  had  to  admit  to  that  .    she  would  find  them  again  on  her  own  ,    if  she  wanted  to  .        ❛        i’ll  not  ask  what  your  plans  are  .    but  whatever  they  were  ,    if  i’ve  become  a  player  in  it  ,    i  would  rather  you  tell  me  now  .    it  might  save  you  some  hurt  ,    should  i  happen  to  barrel  into  one  of  your  plans  again  .        ❜

then  he  shifted  where  he  sat  ,    and  hissed  a  breath  through  his  teeth  .    his  leg  throbbed  with  pressure  in  places  that  were  supposed  to  hurt  .    unfortunately  ,    it  also  throbbed  with  pressure  in  places  that  were  not  supposed  to  hurt  ,    given  the  circumstances  and  where  he  remembered  being  hit  .    he  briefly  wondered  if  something  was  broken  inside  his  leg  that  he  simply  couldn’t  feel  .    he  could  move  it  fine  ,    for  the  most  part  .    feeling  no  pain  ,    it  seemed  ,    did  about  as  many  favours  for  him  as  it  did  create  more  troublesome  questions  .    but  his  pride  was  a  resilient  thing  .    in  the  witcher’s  mind  ,    accepting  aid  from  philippa  eilhart    (  or  indeed  ,    any  of  the  sorceresses  of  the  lodge  )    would  be  to  lower  himself  in  the  eyes  of  every  mage  that  traversed  the  continent          even  moreso  when  it  came  to  this  one  ,    with  whom  he  he  hardly  had  a  favourable  rapport  and  would  rather  toss  smart  comments  and  thinly  veiled  insults  than  come  too  near  .

but  he  was  also  no  fool  .    if  something  was  broken  inside  his  leg  ,    he  would  do  better  to  have  it  checked  as  soon  as  possible  .    he  would  rather  not  have  any  semblance  of  a  repeat  with  his  right  leg  as  he  had  with  his  left  ,    which  pained  him  to  this  day  and  left  him  completely  incapacitated  on  his  worst  days  .

and  so  the  witcher  let  out  sigh  as  reluctant  as  the  philippa’s  own  offer  .        ❛        very  well  ,    then  .    i  can’t  see  the  harm  in  your  fixing  my  leg  .    in  fact  ,    i  think  i  might  possibly  have  fractured  something  in  it  .    i  would  rather  have  the  ability  to  walk  sooner  rather  than  later  .        ❜        after  a  moment  ,    he  said  ,    evermore  gruffly  ,    so  as  not  to  be  mistaken  as  subdued  or  compliant  :      ❛        thank  you  .        ❜

he  scooted  himself  back  to  lean  against  a  crate  just  behind  himself  ,    wounded  leg  outstretched  and  bad  leg  half-extended  in  a  feeble  attempt  at  crossing  .    he  rested  his  arms  across  his  stomach  ,    gazing  at  one  of  the  walls  of  the  safehouse  .    a  scowl  suddenly  crossed  his  brow  .        ❛        next  time  ,    you  could  hoot  to  warn  me  .        ❜

[martyrshe]

She seeths with simmering anger as the minutes tick away since their escape. It isn't that she doubts her ability to track them down again - there are few things she can't accomplish, after all - but it irks her that she has to, for a seemingly futile cause. Nevertheless, she merely wrinkles her nose in response, tilting her head slightly as she regards Geralt. "Don't be ridiculous," she retorts, her voice laced with a mixture of annoyance and caution. "I have no reason to trust you, considering your past actions, Geralt. I do appreciate your principles, though. We may differ in our views on certain matters, but I can't deny their validity."

Perching herself on her haunches, her gaze drifts down to Geralt's injured leg. For a fleeting moment, she entertains the idea of playfully poking it but quickly dismisses the thought; getting stabbed for a jest isn't really on her agenda. Instead, she decides to offer her assistance, albeit with some reservations. "As I mentioned, I'm no healer," she admits, her tone laced with candor. "What I can do is provide temporary relief, a crutch to help you move, but you should really seek a proper healer – perhaps a druid. They excel in this sort of magic. I, on the other hand, am more inclined to attack than to mend."

Her eyes remain fixated on his leg as she extends her hand over it. A faint white glow envelopes her hand as she murmures words in the elder speech, her concentration deepening as she hoveres her hand along the length of his leg. Pausing briefly at his knee, her brows furrow for a moment before she continues toward his foot. When she reaches the end, the glow subsides, and she opens her eyes, wearing a concerned expression as she looks up at Geralt.

"I can't fathom how you're managing to endure this without screaming in agony," she remarks, genuine astonishment in her voice. "Your knee is in a wretched state." She contemplates it for a moment, before tightening her lips in a thin line. "This is going to be painful." She offers as a sole warning, before lowering her hand onto his injured knee, the warmth of her touch accompanied by another incantation. The magic flows from her hand, subtly repositioning the fractured bones, not enough for a complete healing but sufficient to allow him to walk on it. Her brow furrows in concentration, a lone bead of sweat tracing a path down her temple. Her healing skills are indeed rusty.

"Why were you even pursuing them, Geralt?" she inquires, her voice laced subtly with curiosity. "I thought witchers were primarily monster hunters, not hired killers."

[spakona]

The melody being croaked out on her hurdy gurdy pauses, nothing but amusement on her face, undeterred by the heckler that has come her way during this performance. The root of a long life of experience, longer than it should be, and yet it's all the same reaction.

Perhaps it's the wrong thing to do, but it doesn't stop her -- Sian laughs, head tossed back and eyes shut, bemused and good natured. An invitation to slit her throat. An invitation to stab through the thin leather of her corset.

"It is no poetics, no hyperbole, no metaphor. Some might call it a cry for help," Hardly -- her smile is wide, eyes dark and vacant voids, "I cannot die, owl eyes. Surely you can smell the rot, see the blood blackened in my veins. There is nothing grand about a life that is unable to end."

Delicate fingers linger atop the body of her instrument. There is a genuine curiosity in those soulless eyes, "Now another, still quite literal, question: do you feel bigger when dismissing someone else's experiences? For all the blood on your hands, for all your ambition, do you still feel as if you have not done enough? Do your deeds matter? Will they once you die?"

Bone marionettes sit at her side on the blanket at which she busks, "Would you like me to tell you, owl heart?"

[martyrshe]

Philippa doesn't flinch in the face of Sian's unsettling behavior. Yet, an undeniable unease claws at her composure, causing the fine hairs on her neck to stand on end. Her lips tighten into a thin line, her gaze oscillating between Sian's peculiar eyes and her enigmatic demeanor. There was something profoundly disconcerting in what she could see within Sian's gaze, or rather the absence of it, and it sets her on edge.

With an attempt to mask her discomfort, Philippa takes a subtle step back, never breaking her outward poise. The way the other laughed, however, sends an icy shiver down her spine, triggering an instinctive desire to snap at this anomaly, to implore her to act like a semblance of a normal person, even though she realizes the concept of normalcy was a fleeting notion. Especially for them. What even is normal?

A sense of vulnerability flickers across her eyes, a rare moment of raw emotion. "I've played the game of power and politics for centuries, and the weight of my deeds is a burden I carry every day." She admits, brows furrowing for a moment before she smooths it out. Her voice hardens. "But I do not need your pity, nor do I need your cryptic tales."

Philippa straightens, her tone regaining some of its usual composure. "So, if you have something to share, share it, but spare me the riddles. Time is precious, even for those who can't escape it."

[vanbredevoort]

For someone who despised the mere idea of being touched, Lydia did a good job at remaining still. Fear tended to overpower discomfort, and if there was someone she feared--- it was Philippa. Few people were as powerful as this woman. Few people's voices sounded like sweet soft velvet enveloping a sharp and cold dagger, like hers. Few people's names can make knees fail, sweat form and heartbeat spike: like the name Philippa. It means everything: it's a promise of thunder and lightning, of honey and fire-- while Lydia means nothing.

And Lydia plays right into her hand. Remains still like a willing TOY, allowing her to play, to touch, to tease. When she draws closer, Lydia shivers and it's a form of surrender by itself.

'I'm not that interesting, Lady Eilhart. Your curiousness is a trait best put to the wonders your magic and your mind can achieve, and not wasted on whatever secrets I may be keeping', she whispers inside Philippa's mind. Her telephatic voice is cold and she's happy for it, because, were it her TRUE sounds, they would crack and stutter and all in all act as yet another defeat--- like the sigh of relief Lydia lets out as Philippa leaned back. Fingers entwine at her own lap, assistant-like. 'Yet sometimes time wears down far too much, enough to turn everything to ashes. Defenses. Secrets. People. Castles crumble, religions become forgotten, and secrets die with their masters'

[martyrshe]

Her lips curl up briefly in a cold smile, and a small, calculated chuckle escapes as she clasps her own hands behind her back, deliberately increasing the distance between them. A mysterious glint dances in her eyes. "Nice try, Lydia" she purrs, her tone carrying a distinct staccato rhythm. She omits the use of titles and formalities, addressing the other by her first name and despite the informality, Philippa's voice remains icy, matching the chill in her gaze. "I think I'll be the one deciding where my curiosity leads." Her lips retain their curled-up position, but there's an unmistakable frigidity in her demeanor, both in her voice and in the way her eyes bore into Lydia's.

"You see," she begins, gracefully taking a step to the side, then another, circling the other sorceress like a predator stalking its prey. "Time is indeed a relentless force, with the power to erode even the mightiest of fortresses and conceal the most profound of secrets in obscurity. Perhaps that would hold true if you and I were mere mortals, but regrettably for you, we are not." She lets out a condescending tut, her head shaking as if she was reprimanding a wayward child. "You must not underestimate the tenacity of those who cling to their convictions," She warns, offering a pointed stare that speaks volumes. It's a foolish assumption, especially considering Lydia's choice of alliances. Despite Philippa's disdain for it, the parallels between her and him are unmistakable to anyone with eyes to see.

"We, as sorceresses, possess the means to transcend the confines of time itself. Venturing into forbidden realms, even death itself would fail to safeguard those secrets." Philippa's voice holds a mesmerizing allure, her eyes locked onto the other, her chin raised regally as if addressing a court. She pauses momentarily, allowing the weight of her words to settle, her gaze unflinching. "Rest assured, such methods are not my inclination. Necromancy is a path I hold in disdain." Though the words can be construed as threatening, Philippa offers no apology or clarification; her indifference toward any potential discomfort in her words is palpable.

[spakona]

Safeguarding the individual’s essence – that part, for a moment, gives her pause. No doubt the corpse of the dark spawn he’d been reduced to has gone back to join the dirt surrounding it, food for the worms and the soil and the tree that lives above it. The other part of her clinging so desperately to the first emotion she’s felt since she can remember insists that since he fought past the corruption to beg for his life to end, perhaps that criteria has been met.

Stop this, part of her screams. This is enough wondering. But it threatens to haunt her; if there is a way to help the Grey Wardens, then this is worth exploring. To test it on a corpse is far more humane, isn’t it? That is, even if there is a corpse left.

How desperate she must be. When she looks at Philippa once more it’s with both resolve and regret. There isn’t going back now – not for her, anyway. Not when this has been her intention all along. There is another option here, one that reunites her with him regardless of outcome.

“I should like to try,” she murmurs, spoken only for the both of them, “We shall use me at a test subject. If worse comes to pass, we shall use me as a test subject,” if she volunteers, then it must be permissible magic. There are no unwilling test subjects or cruel experiments done against one’s will, “Please - help me.”

[martyrshe]

She knows what is in her gaze, it's one thing she's seen reflected in her own more times than she can count. Of course, the Warden is no less, not when it's a race against time to avoid becoming a mindless husk of what she once was. She gives only a resolute nod, lips tightening imperceptibly, before she looks around, wary of who might be listening in. It is not forbidden magic, per se - and she's not even from Ferelden - but it is best if they speak about it privately.

Still, she furrows her brows once the Warden proposes herself. "No." She says, sterner than she perhaps means. It's only after a moment that she backtracks, a deep sigh heaving from her lungs. "Wardens are already rare as it is, I won't risk you dying, not with the Blight destroying the lands as we speak." It's not that she's not willing, but Philippa's always been a practical woman. Besides, this will work as incentive for the Warden to stop the Blight, if she's so desperate to find a cure.

"You know where I am, Warden. You can come back once you've done your job. In the meanwhile, I'll get my bearings, and do some more research." Perhaps a few experiments, she adds in her head, but she doesn't voice that particular thought. "I will help you, but this is not the way to go through with it. You need to understand my point of view, Mahariel. You're asking me to risk the continent."

[martyrshe]

❛ 𝚢𝚘𝚞 𝚑𝚞𝚖𝚊𝚗𝚜 𝚊𝚛𝚎 𝚖𝚘𝚜𝚝 𝚊𝚖𝚞𝚜𝚒𝚗𝚐. ❜

Philippa doesn't like to feel like she's being belittled, as if she's being treated as inferior. There is a noticeable shift in her demeanor. Her usual air of confidence and calculated responses gives way to a more genuine and curious expression. She leans closer for a moment, fixing her dark gaze upon @vulpesse. Perhaps it's not the other's intentions, but she cannot help the deep scowl that momentarly etches itself on her features, before she wipes it away.

Her expression settles into one of contemplation. "Amusing is certainly not what we usually hear, I'd say." She mumbles, head canted to the side slightly, voice carrying a touch of self-reflection. Sometimes she forgets she counts as humans as well. Philippa has always been acutely aware of the complexities surrounding her own identity, as a sorceress and as someone who has transcended many human limitations. She is far from an ordinary human, but she still identifies with the species and its many facets. "Cunning, evil, power hungry perhaps, but never amusing." She twirls a strand of raven hair around her finger, eyes lifting briefly to the ears sitting atop the other's head, to every single unique feature who enlightens how she is definitely not human.

Still, she supposes it's a new point of view she had not considered. How others may percieve them, how different they may be from each other. Her eyes twinkle lightly. "Naturally, many non-humans are often captivated by the complexities of human nature," she offers with a touch of smugness, a small challenge hidden in her tone. "It's only natural."

[martyrshe]

the feminine urge to get another tatoo

[martyrshe]

I think it’s a testament to your portrayal and writing that you made me as invested in Philippa as you have. I don’t say this to flatter you. You have such a good way of balancing her voice that she feels so well rounded and real. I don’t have to like her, but I can follow her reasoning, I can see how and why she acts and I think that’s really difficult especially with characters like her. Love your portrayal, keep up the good work 👏🏻♥️ !!!

「   ASK MEME :   HOW’S MY PORTRAYAL?   」

thank you!!!! she is not a likeable person by any means and sometimes I genuinely write her reply and then shudder because she can and she WILL be nasty, but! thank you for recognizing that I try, people don't have to like her but if you all can understand her reasoning behind her actions then I did my job 🫶🏻

[nightprompts]

&. 𝐦𝐞𝐝𝐢𝐞𝐯𝐚𝐥 / 𝐟𝐚𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐬𝐲 𝐬𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐬.

(  various  dialogue  prompts  for  all  your  medieval  /  fantasy  /  d&d  inspired  threads  and  aus!  feel  free  to  change  how  you  seem  fit.  )

❛ i hope this raven finds you well… ❜

❛ you carry a sword, yet you are not a knight. ❜

❛ the gods must be angry. i sense a storm brewing. ❜ 

❛ there’s no place i’d rather be than by your side. ❜ 

❛ nobility is defined by what you do, not who you are. ❜

❛ i know how to keep my life and my crown. and i will. ❜ 

❛ well, i’m not a knight. not yet. ❜

❛ at least we’ll die with honor. ❜

❛ i’ve never seen a dragon before, what are they like? ❜

❛ this knife is laced with venom, any sudden movements and you’re dead. ❜ 

❛ of all the idiots in the realm, i’m trapped with you. ❜ 

❛ shed no tears for me. i will be back before you know it. ❜ 

❛ i’m sorry, but i’m to be married to someone else. ❜ 

❛ here’s a copper for your thoughts. and a silver not to tell them. ❜ 

❛ you humans are most amusing. ❜ 

❛ may i have this dance? ❜ 

❛ you were made to be ruled. ❜ 

❛ i will protect you. it is my duty, knight or not. ❜

❛ my kingdom is in danger. i’ve come to ask for your aid. ❜ 

❛ i’ve got a date with destiny, and it won’t end in a kiss. unfortunately. ❜ 

❛ keep your sword up and your back straight. ❜

❛ you’re asking me to commit treason. ❜

❛ you will make a fine ruler one day. ❜ 

❛ no curse of mine shall befall you from my dying breath. ❜

❛ you should see me in a crown. ❜ 

❛ bury me shallow, i will be back. ❜

❛ bard! play something a little more upbeat. ❜ 

❛ i warn you, i’ve been trained to kill since birth. ❜

❛ my magic is useless against them. i’ve never felt so powerless. ❜ 

❛ how can it be my destiny to protect someone who hates me? ❜ 

❛ i am at your mercy, your grace. ❜ 

❛ do not be afraid, little one. i will not hurt you. ❜ 

❛ any man who must say ‘i am the king’ is no true king. ❜

❛ knights must prevail with steel and sinew alone. ❜

❛ impudent of you to assume i will meet a mortal end. ❜

❛ spare me the ‘i’ve come to slay you’ speech and let’s get on with it. ❜ 

❛ it is my duty to protect the last of the dragons. ❜

❛ do i look like the kind of person who dies? ❜

❛ we are king and queen, chained together like prisoners in a dungeon. ❜ 

❛ for every great ruler, there is an equally great assassin poised to kill. ❜

❛ my bloodline was wiped out before my eyes. i’m the last heir. ❜ 

❛ you look better in your wanted posters. ❜ 

❛ you don’t need a king. a knight can make another knight. ❜

❛ violence for violence is the rule for beasts. ❜

❛ fear cuts deeper than swords. ❜

❛ pick a god and pray to it. ❜

❛ i’d rather die than marry you. ❜ 

❛ my duty is to my people. ❜ 

❛ glad to see you haven’t become food for the vultures. ❜ 

❛ i will paint the throne red with your blood. ❜ 

❛ what’s a life threatening quest without a bit of music? ❜ 

❛ some of us may not survive, but the ones that do will get the ultimate reward… paid. ❜

[saovaene-moved]

𝐀𝐒𝐈𝐃𝐄 𝐏𝐄𝐑𝐇𝐀𝐏𝐒 𝐅𝐑𝐎𝐌 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐃𝐀𝐈𝐒𝐘, there is hardly a sorceress iorveth would be less thrilled to see than her, mistress of intrigue with a tongue sharp as a knife. oh, he despises her tone, the human arrogance in her eyes, and how she has woven herself into matters that ought not be hers to begin with. iorveth trusts saskia deeply, yet this choice of allyship he hardly appreciates.

❛   i'll not play your games, snake, nor entertain your arrogance. neither you or i are interested in pleasantries, so make no show of this when there is no one else here to fool.   ❜ there is a fire alight in his eye when he leans with his palms onto the table between them, and bends down ever so slightly to glower at philippa. ❛   you think this a dance, another pot to stir, with no mind for our goals.   ❜ you toy with the only hope we have. he forbids himself from thinking it, lest she read it in his mind, though he cannot disguise the hatred within, picking up on the threat she makes little effort to conceal. it does very little to aid his image of her.

fingers curling into a fist, the elf refuses to be shaken by this quiet rage that threatens to burn them up. they lift themself upright and raise their right hand from the table, pointing a finger as if to underline their words. ❛   i will be watching you until i figure out what it is you really want here.   ❜

[martyrshe]

Philippa simply shrugs, curling her lips subtly in a venomous smile, barely holding back a snark. It's funny, Iorveth's attempts to ruffle her feathers only amuse her. The Brotherhood has always been a den of snakes, and Aretuza was no better - it was only a matter of time before she became one of them herself. She had faced far more formidable adversaries than an angry elf.

She bends her neck, head tilting back to hold eye contact with the elf now towering over her, but she's not afraid of him. She can defend herself, if she ever needs, but she knows he won't lift a finger. Not as long as she holds Saskia's approval. "My, my, Iorveth, such passion. I've always admired your dedication to your cause. You see, our interests align, even if you might not see it that way just yet. "

She glances around the dimly lit room, ensuring they were indeed alone, before continuing. "You seem to think I'm here to toy with you or undermine your goals, but you misunderstand me. I'm not one to openly reveal my intentions. Yes, I have my own agenda, but it intersects nicely with the cause you and your champions are fighting for, so valiantly."

She looks at the finger now in her face, before staring at him, unblinking. Her head tilts to the side, almost impereceptibly. "Do you think you can?" She says, tone laced with amusement, but her face betrays nothing, not one single emotion. "Don't delude yourself. You'll only discover what I want you to."

[spakona]

Of all the people to be garnering advice from, one Philippa Eilhart is a questionable choice. The sarcasm earns a harsh wrinkle of the Swallow's nose, a petulant display of distaste that doesn't fully disappear even as Philippa pontificates. Sure, it eases, but Ciri's guard is raised as it always is. There's no helping that.

But, Ciri supposes, the sorceress is one of the best people to get nothing but brusque answers from. No softness or coddling like some others might, even if they only mean the best. This will be direct, and regardless the lioness of Cintra is free to make her own choices regardless.

There are so many other questions that Cirilla should ask instead. About Avallac'h, about the deal that Yennefer has struck with Emhyr. All alliances without the blessing of friendship. It calls to her mind the sisterhood of sorceresses, the sleeping around with a white haired wolf despite their sisterhood with the raven haired sorceress.

Where does trust exist then? How is there room for cooperation despite the small moments where such is meant to bloom? Ciri crosses her arms, thinks, and then lets her obstinance get the better of her.

''Were they ever friends -- those who met the end of their lives at the coup on Thanedd?" Accusatory, but reserved -- it lacks a sharpness that implies her bite is more of a gnaw. Despite all of the edge, there's sincerity in her next words, thoughtful, even in her fear of attachment, "I merely wonder what it is that might constitute a friendship to you. To your Lodge."

[martyrshe]

Philippa fixes her gaze on Cirilla, her sharp eyes seeming to pierce through the young lioness's defensive posture. There's a glint of amusement in her expression, as if she finds the question intriguing despite its accusatory tone. "Friendship," Philippa begins, her voice carrying a tone of hilarity, mixed with borderline incredulity. "A quaint concept, isn't it? In our world of politics, power, and secrets, it's a rare gem, indeed." She leans back, resting her fingers thoughtfully on her chin. "But let me indulge your curiosity, my dear."

"To the Lodge of Sorceresses, friendship is a luxury we seldom afford ourselves. We are bound not by the ties of companionship or affection but by shared goals and interests. It's a pragmatic alliance, one born of necessity in a world where magic and politics are inextricably intertwined."

The sorceress's gaze softens slightly, a hint of a wistful smile playing on her lips. "But don't mistake that for heartlessness. There is a deep camaraderie among sorceresses, a shared understanding of the trials and tribulations we face in a world that often fears and resents us. We may not be friends in the traditional sense, but we are allies, sisters in magic, and often confidantes in the darkness."

She shifts in her seat, her gaze never leaving Ciri's if not for a brief moment, where she stares at her hands. If one only looked closer, they could see a spark of guilt in her eyes, but it's gone as soon as it appeared. "As for those who met their end at Thanedd, it was a tragedy, to be sure. Some were colleagues, some were rivals, but in that moment, they were united by a common threat. It's the way of our world, my dear." Loyalties shift like the tides, and alliances are forged and broken in the blink of an eye.