Bright Like A Devouring Star

MORRIGAN SILVERWIND || 36 || NORDEN || HEALER "She wears strength and darkness equally well, the woman has always been half goddess, half hell."

[morrigansilverwind]

nerodumont:

once the woman said she’d take nero’s help, he immediately held his hands out so he could take the rolls of fabric from her. it felt good to be slightly useful for once – even if it was just to carry something for a stranger. ‘ nineteen years, a long time to live in a place you don’t call home. ’ once he’d arranged the rolls of fabric easily in his arms, ‘ you can lead the way to where you need these and i’ll follow. though it does make me curious. nineteen years and you are to leave so you can start another life in dracborough? what is there to make you leave this place? besides considerably more favorable weather. ’ 

Morrigan gratefully handed off the fabrics as she shrugged at his comment. “It was home once, I admit. But things happen and circumstances change and now it’s not home anymore.” She felt much more unencumbered now that her arms were free. The healer sets off on a familiar route that she’s taken countless times in the past, and she wonders briefly if she’ll miss it when she’s gone. The man’s question makes Morrigan feel sad and uneasy. What is she to tell him? That her secret affair with King Henry has come to an end, and her daughter is dead so there is more reason to stay? In fact, there are only reasons to leave, the biggest being her eagerness to leave a place that only serves as a painful reminder of all that she has lost. “I suppose I’m just ready for a change,” Morrigan replies eventually. “My life here has become what some would call stagnant, and I’d very much like to find purpose again.”

[morrigansilverwind]

kinghenrymontague:

The voice of his former mistress did not catch him off guard, as it would have at one time in the past. It was pleasant, actually, to hear her with raised spirits; after such a tragedy it was rare to see one even come close to smile. Henry raised his head and turned, setting his eyes on her with a soft, reminiscent smile, that did not hold the same meaning as it used to — but it was still graced with fondness. “And unfortunately I count myself as one of them,” he said. “I nearly sweat to death in Dracborough — and Teshayra was no different.” He glanced downward, if only for a second, before speaking again. “I would say welcome home, but I fear it may not feel like home anymore.”

Morrigan adjusted her cloak so it sat more comfortably around her shoulders and slowly raised her amber eyes to meet his gaze. She did not smile in return, for there was no desire in her heart or soul to do so. Perhaps Persephone’s death still smothered many attempts to feel anything other than gloomy, or perhaps it was simply because Henry’s presence was no longer something the woman welcomed. Once upon a time it had been one of the few things she ardently desired, but King Nathaniel saw to the end of that. “Then perhaps you can find some sympathy for the complainers since you found yourself in their shoes not that long ago?” Morrigan looked around them, at the imposing castle, and at the blanket of snow that had always made her feel peaceful. “Norden is no longer home, there is nothing for me here. I’ll stay only until the plague is gone.”

[morrigansilverwind]

nerodumont:

‘ norden born or norden adaptive? ’ the question came out like an instinct as he moved so the woman had more room, trying to accommodate her. the amount of things in her arms made him curious, holding out his hands towards her. ‘ do you need some help, miss? that seems like a lot to carry on your own. are you a seamstress of sorts? or just collecting fabric for your personal use? ’ it felt weird for nero to be asking so many questions, but he didn’t have company for very long and it was nice to have something. even if for a moment and fleeting it would be. 

“Norden adoptive.“ Came the woman’s reply as she used her hip to push the heavy wooden door closed again, stopping the cold breeze and stray snowflakes from chilling the hall any more than it already was. “I’ve been here for about nineteen years, give or take.” And if it wasn’t for the damned plague, Morrigan wouldn’t be spending another moment here. “I’d welcome the help, if you wouldn’t mind? I’d hate to tear you away from your grumbling. I’m not a seamstress, no. I’m a healer. The fabric is so that I can make clothes more suited to living in Dracborough.”

[morrigansilverwind]

TASK #5 - Character Tropes

Glamorous Single Mother -  Because viewing audiences tend not to like being reminded of how tough things can be, TV land has given us the Glamorous Single Mother — a character who juggles children, personal life, and work life expertly with little trouble or complications.

The Runaway -  The Runaway is a child or teenager who runs away from their home and parents or guardians. They can do this for a variety of reasons, but for Morrigan it was to get away from her neglectful and mean father and to save Alexander the shame of having a bastard.

Mama Bear -  Bears usually won't attack humans — but get between a mother bear and her cub, and she'll tear straight through you. Threaten her children, and you are in for a world of hurt.

Raven Hair, Ivory Skin -  Dark hair and pale skin as an indication that a character is beautiful. In western culture, this is a once-dead, now reviving trope, thanks to the Goth and Retro movements bringing an increased awareness of this and the 1950's pin-up style regaining popularity.

Hospital Hottie -  Exactly what it says on the tin, medical personnel who are attractive. Makes you just wanna shout: "Helloooo, nurse!"

The Mistress -  She is usually a girlfriend of sorts of an already married man. Sometimes the affair is public, but just as often it is not.

The Medic -  Funny thing about adventure; people tend to get hurt, especially the heroes. Injuries are terribly inconvenient for questing, resulting in time lost recuperating at best. So it's wonderfully convenient to have someone in the party who can make the hurting stop. Enter the Medic.

Street Smart -  A term with dual meaning, a "street smart" person is one who "knows the streets" of a heavily-populated, urban area. It is also often used to mean a character with an extremely pragmatic and insightful mentality that is applied to being able to survive the mean streets by dealing with other people. For many characters, both traits are combined at the same time — possessed of a survivalist sense well-suited to the city but with insight often equally applicable in other areas.

[morrigansilverwind]

kinghenrymontague:

outside the castle at last, henry was roaming the courtyard and reveling in the snow on his shoulders and tangled in his hair. footsteps crunched underfoot behind him, but he did not turn around — instead, he predicted a complaint of the weather, and spoke without looking. “ i have already seen countless people proclaim their hatred for the snow — and they have only seen one minor blizzard. do they know not of where they are ? ”

With feet clad in her old snow boots, Morrigan was making the most of her remaining time in Norden. Who knew when the plague would burn out and it would be safe to go back to Dracborough? It could be tomorrow, or it could be a year from now. Like everyone else, she was hoping for the former. The healer was on her way back to her room after spending the day in town, eyes cast downward to try and catch any patches of ice before she slipped and fell. Morrigan hadn’t registered that she was walking behind Henry, but his all-too-familiar voice made her halt. The woman briefly considered fleeing and not answering the king at all, but her better judgment urged otherwise. “People like to complain, they did the same in Dracborough, somehow shocked that it was so hot there.”

[morrigansilverwind]

nerodumont:

the snow was dreadful. nero knew that there was a very important reason for them to be sequestered away so far in the snow, but that didn’t make the weather anymore agreeable to him. his eyes, no eye, was focused on the white falling outside the windows. it was a bleak sort of weather to match his already bleak demeanor. he heard the castle doors open near the window he was standing close to, looking at the person coming in from the snow. ‘ how could you stand to do anything out there? the snow is insufferable. ’

Some would say that making the trip beyond the castle and into town wasn’t a particularly good idea, at least no so soon after a snow storm when the road was still considered somewhat treacherous. But Morrigan was restless and well acquainted with the terrain that so many people loved to voice their hatred over, so she was not too worried about any misfortune befalling her on the journey there or back. The brunette slipped back inside the castle some time later, arms laden with rolls of fabric and a basket filled with herbs. The sound of the man’s voice caught her off guard as she shook snowflakes out of her hair. “It isn’t quite as bad as people would have you believe. In any case, I’m used to it after having spent half my life here.”

[morrigansilverwind]

brynmallory:

new boots squeaked on the polished floor, and a perfectly-tailored coat was straightened onto proudly squared, wide shoulders. the newly appointed duke was making his way to the dining hall for breakfast — something he had never done before. he had always eaten in the stables, or in the kitchens; not because he wasn’t allowed to eat in the castle, but because he didn’t like the looks of disdain his presence would bring. he entered the hall with a smile and his chin held high — even though he wasn’t at all sure all of the reactions to his change in status would be positive. he sat down without worrying about who was near him, and he smiled in their direction. “good morning to you. a beautiful day, aye?”

The last time Morrigan had set eyes on Bryn, it had been in the New World and he had been lying in bed suffering due to a badly injured leg. He was --for lack of a better word-- a mess. Given that, the healer could be forgiven for not immediately recognizing the man as he took a seat close by. Her hazel eyes flicked upwards to give him a cursory glance and not until he actually spoke did her hands still in surprise and recognition. Again, Morrigan’s gaze moved upwards, though this time she regarded Bryn more carefully. Yes, it was him. He was cleaner and far better dressed, but it was definitely the man she had treated in the New World. “Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, I suppose. Judging by your appearance though, I assume today is quite beautiful to you indeed.”

[morrigansilverwind]

daphne-savoy:

“Well a few months back I would have probably thought that they were legends too but since I have seen dragons now, I am more open to believing legends  now.”

Morrigan gave a nod of acknowledgement to what Daphne was saying. “You bring up a valid point, my lady. But weren’t dragons well known throughout Zenan and only went extinct for a brief time? Yetis.... I cannot think of any true recorded sightings.”

[morrigansilverwind]

adrian-calvierri:

Before she could hurry on ahead, Adrian took her arm so they could walk together. “And hopefully that quiet corner won’t be far from where you’ve made your own sleeping arrangements. It’s been too long and I’d like it if we could sit and talk for a while.” What they would talk about, he didn’t know. Both of them were dealing with things they’d probably rather not talk about - he wanted to discuss Cat ending their relationship again about as much as she wanted to talk about the loss of her daughter, he assumed.

“If that’s what you want, then I’ll do what I can to oblige.“ The thought of conversation wasn’t very enticing to Morrigan, for as of late she preferred silence and solitude. Or perhaps she didn’t prefer it. Perhaps the gloomy air that surrounded her repelled most of the people who would normally seek to converse with her. But the healer would pass the time and speak with Adrian if that is what he wished, not only because she was quite fond of the young man, but because she was trying to make a conscious effort not to push everyone away. Morrigan weaved through the room, which wasn’t overly crowded yet but would likely only get worse as people continued to arrive. At the very end, closer to where the shelves were stacked with supplies, her own bed roll lay waiting. “This is where I’ve set up, you can claim your own space wherever.”

[morrigansilverwind]

charlotteofbearoria:

“Thank you…I have a book but I don’t think it will entertain me for too long. Maybe I should try talking to preople.” She would look for Bryn but Silas was around and it could only bring them trouble to be seen together by him.

“That sounds like a marvelous idea, my lady. Nothing forms friendships faster than being forced to stay in a room with a plethora of strangers for an unknown length of time.“ Morrigan paused for a moment and shrugged her shoulders. “Or you may come across a bard and he can entertain you and everyone else.”

[morrigansilverwind]

minstrelhadrian:

Hadrian truly didn’t think Norden could get any worse. A blizzard had not once crossed his mind. In fact, it surprised him that the constant flurry of snow since he’d arrived was not a storm, until he saw what a snowstorm actually looked like. The bard was pleased to take refuge in the infirmary, where the walls were solid and any and all available heat was trapped inside. “Morrigan.” He nodded in greeting, smiling at the familiar face. He hadn’t seen her since fleeing Dracborough, and it was genuinely nice to see that she’d made it there as well. “I’m so glad to see you. I’m not sure that I need any help at the moment, however, I would like to inform you that I hate this place just as much as I thought I would.”

“It’s good to see you too, Hadrian.“ It was always nice to see that someone she knew had made it out of Dracborough without being touched by the plague. What Morrigan found less surprising was his dour attitude towards Norden. She had heard a similar sentiment from a plethora of other Dracborough natives. If the healer had been in better spirits, she would have laughed. “Think of it this way: Being cold and inconvenienced up here is better than dying disgustingly and painfully down south.” Morrigan snagged a bed roll from the table beside her and held it out to Hadrian. “Do you want me to see if I can find you a quiet area, or perhaps scrounge up some wine?”

[morrigansilverwind]

rudraksh-cassius:

“So, I figured. However, in the event of me not knowing your name it’s only polite to address you as such,” he said genially, smiling properly for the first time since he’d heard the news about being locked up in a room full of people. He listened with a light smile upon his lips, nodding every now and then. “Pardon me, but then, why such measures could not be employed at the castle? I have heard and read of such measures in great detail. No less in the library of this very castle, during my stay here. Don’t you think that it’d have been much better than putting so many people together in the same room? Especially after they’ve all just fled a plague. Who knows who is infected.”

“Forgive me for the oversight, my lord. My name is Morrigan.“ The brunette mustered a small smile and dipped into a graceful curtsy. “Well...” She was now moving closer to guesswork in an effort to apply reason for why so many people were ushered into the infirmary to wait out the snow storm. Morrigan wasn’t privy to the decisions made and the reasoning behind them but she would try her best to fill in the blanks, if only to ease the doubt and discomfort of the man before her. “Blizzards often come suddenly and without warning. With so many people staying at the castle now, it just means more rooms with windows that need boarding and there just isn’t time to get through them all before the storm hits. Here in the infirmary the doors are thick and heavy, and there are no windows to worry about. My guess is that the royal council is being economic and careful. As for the plague, if anyone here was infected they would have already started displaying symptoms.”

[morrigansilverwind]

rudraksh-cassius:

Rudraksh let the lady have her moment, merely nodding along at her words. He understood the feeling all too well. His own tenure in the court of Kradaeca was long yet, it seemed like only yesterday when he’d joined the court as an advisor. His brow quirked when the lady mentioned that the infirmary wasn’t the usual safe haven in such times. “I’m not surprised that a snowstorm has hit us. I might live near the sea but, I’m quite aware of the northern climate and it’s unpredictable nature, m’lady. Though, yes, it’d do us good to hope that this ordeal lasts for not more than a few hours,” he spoke amicably though his usually calm and happy demeanor was still not perfectly in place. “No matter… did you not mention that the infirmary isn’t usually the place people bed down in? Pray tell what do the people of Norden usually do in such times?”

“Oh, I’m not a lady, my lord. I’m just a healer.“ Morrigan knew that people sometimes used titles just because they wanted to be polite or respectful or kind, but it never ceased to feel weird when someone referred to her with a title she was undeserving of. The urge to make the correction regarding her status was immediate, like a knee-jerk reaction. ”Well it’s not usually the place the masses bed down. Certainly not commoners. Usually people will have wooden boards the use to cover up the windows, and old cloth is used to wedge in the gaps underneath doors so there isn’t a draft. After that they keep a fire lit and hot water on hand and hope for the best.”

[morrigansilverwind]

adrian-calvierri:

Stepping through the doors to see Morrigan was somewhat a relief. In some ways she had become almost a mother-like figure to him, but after the death of her real daughter, they hadn’t seen each other. Adrian had offered his condolences at the time but since then had allowed Morrigan the space he thought she needed to grieve. “If you can point me somewhere that hasn’t been claimed yet, I’d be grateful for that.” He shifted the bedroll under his arm and looked around the crowded infirmary. “Ideally somewhere I won’t be trod on in the night.”

The arrival of a familiar face was very welcome, especially in a sea of strangers. Morrigan was glad to see Adrian not only because it was proof he hadn’t succumbed to the plague but to also make up for the last time they had spoken. Well, the last time Adrian had spoken to Morrigan to be specific. In the days and weeks following Persephone’s death any and all visitors had been met with silence, hostility or rushed replies used to get people to leave her alone. Truthfully, she couldn’t remember what version Adrian had been subjected to. “Of course, come with me and I’ll see if I can find you a quiet corner.”

[morrigansilverwind]

charlotteofbearoria:

Charlotte sighed as she found a bed to sit on, when she heard that a blizzard was coming for a second she thought they would be able to stay in their rooms, she was explained that wasn’t possible and now everyone was locked in the same place for who knew how long. “I suppose all that is left is find something to pass the time.”

Morrigan shifted the box she was holding so it rested more comfortably on her hip. “I know this is all terribly inconvenient, my lady, but I assure you this will all pass soon. If you would like, I think there are some board games being passed around. Or I can fetch you a book if that is more to you tastes?”

[morrigansilverwind]

daphne-savoy:

“I hope so…but will the castle and the town will be alright?” She asked, sure the Norden natives knew how to deal with this, but still she was concerned about it all “And the yetis?”

“The people of Norden are hearty folk, I assure you. They’ll weather the blizzard the same as the rest of us.“ Though Morrigan knew some injuries were likely, not all buildings were as sturdy as the castle or as insulated as the infirmary. However, since the lady was already troubled enough as it is, Morrigan decided not to tell her that. “Do you believe in Yeti’s, my lady? Most usually write them off as stories used to scare children.”

[morrigansilverwind]

ofgravcs:

                  soft fingers reached out towards MORRIGAN, imposing eyes landing on the surface of the green eyes she spoke to. “ my apologies, ser       but you will need to find your own way around it seems. i have business with this one. will you excuse us ? ”  there was a small, gentle tug at morrigan’s arm. 

Morrigan looked apologetically, but what she really wanted to do was roll her eyes at her friend. “I hope you’ll forgive the intrusion, ser. Everyone is spread so thin at the moment.” She took his arm and gently turned him to face the other side of the room and pointed. “Do you see that red-haired girl? Her name is Gianna, and she’ll gladly give you the help you need.” Morrigan watched him wander purposefully away before returning her attention to Odette. “I wonder if you actually have business with me or if you’re just meddling to keep yourself entertained.”