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@mrknightside
Referred to as: Helm
Gender: Agender (it/its in a Thing way)
Sexuality: Yes
Helpful clarification: Anything said [in brackets] is in character. Anything said ((in double parenthesis)) is ooc. Anything said (in singular parenthesis) is in character. Anything said normally is in character.
((Don't worry about answering until you're caught up with other rp as much as you aim to be ^^!))
(Helm sees Aurorian clearly drunk, staying off to the side of the masquerade, hand on a wall to help her stay stably upright as she walks around. It sounds like she's grinding her teeth together a little, maybe out of some level of anxiety still getting through the alcohol to her.)
(She's wearing a masquerade mask with white wolf fur smoothly brushed over it and ears on the corners. A purple swirling pattern brings it into the fancier style of the rest. Her dress is the same from the day of the jousts and other competitions, a dark blue one that goes over one shoulder and touches the floor, showing off half the aurora-patterned tattoo over her upper chest.)
(It had tried to stick near the edges of the masquerade, nursing a non-alcoholic drink. It wears the same armor it (almost) always does, though it's not like Aurorian has seen it in gear before. The only difference to its gear is that it sports a new helmet, a frogmouth build for battle instead of a joust. Interesting that for the only celebration it attended, it wears a battle helmet, and for battle, it wears a celebration helmet.)
Ser Aurorian. (It greets, pulling the straw out of its helmet so it can "properly" talk.") Lovely to see you here.
Oh fuck, it's you. (she sounds more surprised than miffed)
(She looks up at it, wavering only a little on her feet.)
Why're you in that? (her words do sound more casual and slightly slurred by the drunkenness, though)
Wow, rude when you're drunk, aren't you? Missing your armor, too. (It tuts, setting its drink on a nearby table so it can hold her up if needed.) This is my armor, the set I wear almost every day except for this past week. The, uh, helmet is new, though.
Sorry, ser. (she mumbles)
Fulgere wanted me inna fancy getup for the- the dance thing. (she motions at her dress with the hand that was on the wall and wavers again, now unsupported)
Helmet looks good. Fresher. Can't belieeve I've never gotten t'see your armour before? Guess it makes y'more intimidating. Hells, 's spinnny.
Well, thank you, then. Your dress looks lovely as well, ser. (It preens at the praise, slipping into a Proper Knight Posture.) Fulgere did well, didn't they?
(She blinks, seeming to try to connect the dots in her brain) Ohh.. oh, thank you, an' yes I think she did? D'you mean on the masks an' ouutfitting? (her face has gotten a little rosier, either from blushing or the alcohol - both? Both.)
(She slowly tips forward, about to unceremoniously fall flat on her face.)
I do, yes. You look lovely, ser. (It steps forward and wraps an arm around Aurorian's waist, holding her up.)
How much have you had to drink?
(She makes a serene sound and basically goes limp against it, done trying to hold herself up while this drunk.)
'unno, could be a lot, th'menu wasn't standrdized. (she hums for a moment) At least three or four big cuppsss. Prob'ly.
Ah. (For a moment it hesitates, then kneels down and picks her up like a sack of flour.)
Where's your, uh, boss? Fulgere? Surely your boss would be worried about where you've gone, right?
(She kicks her legs a little, but is overall wholly too uncoordinated to get out of being held like a sack of flour at the moment)
Nyo. She doesn't caare. She's probably trying to eat someone right 'bout now.
Aou, even better reason to find her! Let us feast together!
(It marches out into the masquerade proper, looking around for any faeries eating people- and/or Fulgere.)
Bec's gonnaa gett you if y'eat someone again...
(It probably gets a few looks from masquerade-goers for how it's got Aurorian over its shoulder.)
(Fulgere is chatting up as many people as she can, a couple of whom seem dazed. Some snap out of it, though, so so far she's mainly got one person listening who hasn't seemed to catch on to anything amiss.)
Yes so you just go towards the woods that way and you'll see fieldcaps in a circle! Just step in there, trust me!- Oh, hello you. (Fulgere looks up at it.) You have my knight?
I think Bec is gonna kill me for somethin else. (It mutters, marching up to Fulgere.) Your, uh, majesty. Your knight is drunk. Apologies for carryin her like this, I don't want her vomitin on my front.
Oh! Okay! You can keep her. I have things to do!!
Tollldd you. M'ybe if I turn into a wolf it'll put thre alcohol allll through my bigger bloodstream an' I'll get not drunk.
Your majesty please Aurorian is wanting to turn into a wolf in the middle of the masquerade please take her
The KPS handled it fine last time!! Just ask them again, it'll be alright!
(Fulgere starts scurrying off, though she is comically short with a much smaller stride than Helm.)
Wait. wait please. Fulgere. Monarch. Your highness. Your majesty I do not want to take care of a drunk knight your grace this is not my job.
(It follows Fulgere, of course. It does tend to follow people, it seems.)
(She starts flitting her wings) What is your job, then?
I current work for the Fae Prince Carnelian, your, uh, honor. They hired me. Since I'm a sellsword. Your uhm. Faerie-ness. My job is whatever they tell me to do. Which is Not to get vomited on.
Aurorian doesn't vomit! And she's met Fae Prince Carnelian, what a nice fellow they are, so I see no problem with this!
YOUR MAJESTY I AM NOT A BABYSITTER.
But you can be a petsitter!! Okay byebye have fun! (her wings get bigger and she flaps up into the rafters, scurrying across the ceiling away from Helm and her responsibilities.)
(It stares at the rafters, mildly horrified.) I CAN CLIMB, YOU DICK. COME DEAL WITH YOUR KNIGHT
Noooope!
(And then it loses sight of her as she either leaves or uses her fae magic to evade it.)
(Aurorian props herself up with her hands on Helm's back.)
See what I meamn?
Gods damn it, Aurorian. I don't know where your room is so either you gotta start being more helpful or you gotta come to mine because I ain't gonna stay here with a drunk knight.
Helplful. is not in my covabulary. Unless I'mmm sober because sober knights gotsa be helpful. (she smiles at it and pokes the top of its helmet) Do you feel things through yourr armrour like skin or not?
I- I can, yes. It acts as very tough skin. I suppose I'll take you to my room, then. (It starts walking, leaving the ballroom with muttered apologies to the other guests.)
Hopefully my frog is still alive...
(She gently pats the top of its helmet) Must feel weirdd in there sometimes but 's like probably better when you bonk your head 'cause its'extra safe.
Yeah, yeah, very safe. I haven't been concussed ever.
That sheems improbable. (she narrows her eyes at it and tilts her head) Never? I think Bec conus- concusssed me the other day, even.
It is Not Great that you are drunk then, I think. Drinking makes me feel like shit even when I am not injured.
(It walks through the halls, counting doors.)
I'veee been thriuygh worse.
Yeah well I died and look where we are. (It snaps, pulling open a non descript door and entering the most empty personal room that possibly exists in this castle. There are exactly three things that belong to Helm; a tank with a frog, a caged rat king, and the clothes it's worn over the duration of the ball folded neatly on the empty desk.)
(It drops Aurorian onto the bed and makes a point of dusting off its shoulder. It pauses, then starts undoing the bolts holding its pauldrons on.)
Im eantt my past, not comparin' t'you.
(She tilts her head and observes it with a slightly delirious look.)
Shut up I'm right an you're wrong an I'm workin
(She blushes and blinks in confusion) 'kaayyy...
Why are you blushing? I'm just stripping. (It pauses, eyeing the knight on its bed.)
You'rejust very avssertive. (she fidgets with her hands and crosses her legs)
(It resumes its movement, ripping the pauldron off with a rather painful squelch.) I can be worse.
(she sticks her tongue out a little [like a blep] in a kneejerk disgust reaction to the squelch)
Whas that imply?
(It pauses, then drops the pauldron with a clatter. Blood drips down the maille. It reaches up to remove its helmet, undoing the latches.) I am dead, Aurorian. I don't have morals. How drunk are you? Will you remember any of this tomorrow?
(She pauses and her expression slowly becomes worried)
....Pretty drunk.. whadd'you mean?
Would you remember a confession, ser?
...Maybe not?
I died, Aurorian. (It pulls the helmet off, allowing that too to drop to the ground. It starts on the other pauldron, peeling pieces and pieces of its armor off.) I'm stuck in this GODS DAMNED FUCKING BODY FOR EVER AND EVER AND EVER AND THEY WON'T LET ME DIE.
D'you want t'find a way t'die?
I can't. I just wake up a day or a week or a month later like nothing ever happened. I don't- GODS, Aurorian, I'm ROTTING. I'm stuck like this day after day after month after year after decades and decades and death after death.
(It gestures aggressively to its body as it manages to peel off the chestplates.) This thing, I can't- I didn't want it. I've made pacts and deals and promises and it doesn't WORK. And that's not even the worst part! I can't-
I don't care about what I do. I get upset. I get guilty. I stop caring after a week.
(She tenses up and seems nervous as she places her feet on the floor.)
..Yes, your lack of- of morals, that's what you're worried about? Your state makes you not care?
Stop moving, Aurorian. You're drunk, aren't you? We don't want you getting hurt.
...I know I am. Just nervous.
Don't be. Why would I hurt you? I like you, Aurorian, and I don't often hurt people I like. Look at me, Aurorian. What do you see?
Um, lots of gore?
Do you see a person, Aurorian? Because I don't.
I'd see you as a person if you wanted to be seen as one. I don't know what you want to be seen as, though...
It's easier to be a Thing, isn't it? Just to pretend I'm [nothing] and nobody really cares. I can take what I want and say whatever I want and do whatever I want and nobody will ever care.
I don't- I- Gods, I fucking HATE [everything]. Everything's a gods damned lie! I pretend! I fake it all! (It peels off another plate and throws it to the ground. It's loud.) I'M NOT REal...
So..... do you think you'd be held accountable easier if you were seen as a person and not just a monster creature thing?
(She flinches hard at the loud sound.)
I'm [nobody] if I'm not a Thing. (It stills, staring down at the various plates on the ground.)
(She brings her knees up to her chest to hold and stay in a tiny ball as she looks at it.)
I'm sorry.
Please don't be sorry. I'm sorry. I shouldn't have yelled.
(It slowly sinks to the ground.)
Is there anything I can do to help?
I don't think so. I'm sorry. You should just [go to sleep]. You'll forget it tomorrow.
(She inhales as if about to respond, but is interrupted by what sounds like someone slamming the flat side of a sword hard against the stone of the castle, repeatedly, as they walk down the hall. Firm steps in heavy boots accompany it.)
(Aurorian looks like she's trying to remember where she recognizes that from. She's also clearly agitated by this new loud sound and covers her ears.)
(It drags itself to its feet and lunges for the dagger on the belt it had dropped. Even if it's just a random guard, it doesn't like being unarmed. It also tosses its old, faded cloak over itself, hiding the exposed flesh.)
(There's a single, hard knock on the door.)
Open up.
Wrong room. Guest bedrooms are down the hall.
I will slam my sword through this door, so help me God. Open up, knight.
It's Parker.
You'll have to talk to the baron about replacing it then, [fucker].
(It grinds its teeth together, wincing slightly when a fang catches a bit of loose flesh. Slowly, it draws its bollocks dagger.)
Who the fuck is Parker.
Fine by me. (A sword slams through the wood of the door, creating a vertical split down it.)
Oh dear. Um, Queen Fulgere's tactician and sometimes unwilling general. He's a vampire.
HELLO THIS IS MY ROOM THE FUCK YOU MEAN HE'S A VAMPIRE??
I don't know!! He just is!
(The sword is twisted, creating another large break in the wood.)
Could you shut up and open this door already, bastard?
NO??? THIS IS MY ROOM!!
And you have Queen Fulgere's royal knight in there with you. So, it's Wildnis Faerie jurisdiction now.
(The door is kicked in completely.)
(A man who looks to be in his 30s is standing there in a dark green cloak with vine and floral patterns across the shoulders, and some leather armour secured spottily across his body, with a dark tunic underneath and tall black boots. His eyes are silver, his hair's dark brown & slightly grown out with facial hair to match, and his skin is pale. Also, his accent from when he's been speaking is very distinctly Irish.)
Hand over the knight.
My door...
(It doesn't move from where it stands in roughly in the middle of the room, dagger drawn and pointed vaguely at this intruder. Its other hand comes up to tug its hood further down, hiding its face (or lack thereof.) It clears its throat.)
Ser Aurorian came willingly.
Ser Aurorian is drunk. (he doesn't resheath his sword.)
(Aurorian stays curled up sitting on the bed, eyes darting between the two.)
That... is true. If you want her, take her. I only brought her here because I don't know where her room is.
(He grumbles and walks over to the bed, grabbing Aurorian and pulling her to her feet. She collapses against him. He wraps his cloak around her and holds her upright.)
Sorry about your door. Maybe. I’ll figure out how sorry I am when Aurorian tells us what she remembers.
Fine. Whatever. The baron will care more than I do. (It shoves its dagger back into the sheathe and takes a step back.)
(Parker narrows his eyes at it and partially picks up Aurorian with one arm, enough to not be dragging her as he steps back through the doorway.)
Right. Have a nice rest of your evening.
(And then Parker leaves almost in a blink, far faster than a human ever could.)
...ok then.
*Bec's people are currently tearing the castle apart looking for Helm and Aurorian. It probably should duck out and keep a low profile.*
Worrying! I do think Bec is looking for me for other reasons, though, but that is a good idea, random voice. Back to the stables with me :]
((Don't worry about answering until you're caught up with other rp as much as you aim to be ^^!))
(Helm sees Aurorian clearly drunk, staying off to the side of the masquerade, hand on a wall to help her stay stably upright as she walks around. It sounds like she's grinding her teeth together a little, maybe out of some level of anxiety still getting through the alcohol to her.)
(She's wearing a masquerade mask with white wolf fur smoothly brushed over it and ears on the corners. A purple swirling pattern brings it into the fancier style of the rest. Her dress is the same from the day of the jousts and other competitions, a dark blue one that goes over one shoulder and touches the floor, showing off half the aurora-patterned tattoo over her upper chest.)
(It had tried to stick near the edges of the masquerade, nursing a non-alcoholic drink. It wears the same armor it (almost) always does, though it's not like Aurorian has seen it in gear before. The only difference to its gear is that it sports a new helmet, a frogmouth build for battle instead of a joust. Interesting that for the only celebration it attended, it wears a battle helmet, and for battle, it wears a celebration helmet.)
Ser Aurorian. (It greets, pulling the straw out of its helmet so it can "properly" talk.") Lovely to see you here.
Oh fuck, it's you. (she sounds more surprised than miffed)
(She looks up at it, wavering only a little on her feet.)
Why're you in that? (her words do sound more casual and slightly slurred by the drunkenness, though)
Wow, rude when you're drunk, aren't you? Missing your armor, too. (It tuts, setting its drink on a nearby table so it can hold her up if needed.) This is my armor, the set I wear almost every day except for this past week. The, uh, helmet is new, though.
Sorry, ser. (she mumbles)
Fulgere wanted me inna fancy getup for the- the dance thing. (she motions at her dress with the hand that was on the wall and wavers again, now unsupported)
Helmet looks good. Fresher. Can't belieeve I've never gotten t'see your armour before? Guess it makes y'more intimidating. Hells, 's spinnny.
Well, thank you, then. Your dress looks lovely as well, ser. (It preens at the praise, slipping into a Proper Knight Posture.) Fulgere did well, didn't they?
(She blinks, seeming to try to connect the dots in her brain) Ohh.. oh, thank you, an' yes I think she did? D'you mean on the masks an' ouutfitting? (her face has gotten a little rosier, either from blushing or the alcohol - both? Both.)
(She slowly tips forward, about to unceremoniously fall flat on her face.)
I do, yes. You look lovely, ser. (It steps forward and wraps an arm around Aurorian's waist, holding her up.)
How much have you had to drink?
(She makes a serene sound and basically goes limp against it, done trying to hold herself up while this drunk.)
'unno, could be a lot, th'menu wasn't standrdized. (she hums for a moment) At least three or four big cuppsss. Prob'ly.
Ah. (For a moment it hesitates, then kneels down and picks her up like a sack of flour.)
Where's your, uh, boss? Fulgere? Surely your boss would be worried about where you've gone, right?
(She kicks her legs a little, but is overall wholly too uncoordinated to get out of being held like a sack of flour at the moment)
Nyo. She doesn't caare. She's probably trying to eat someone right 'bout now.
Aou, even better reason to find her! Let us feast together!
(It marches out into the masquerade proper, looking around for any faeries eating people- and/or Fulgere.)
Bec's gonnaa gett you if y'eat someone again...
(It probably gets a few looks from masquerade-goers for how it's got Aurorian over its shoulder.)
(Fulgere is chatting up as many people as she can, a couple of whom seem dazed. Some snap out of it, though, so so far she's mainly got one person listening who hasn't seemed to catch on to anything amiss.)
Yes so you just go towards the woods that way and you'll see fieldcaps in a circle! Just step in there, trust me!- Oh, hello you. (Fulgere looks up at it.) You have my knight?
I think Bec is gonna kill me for somethin else. (It mutters, marching up to Fulgere.) Your, uh, majesty. Your knight is drunk. Apologies for carryin her like this, I don't want her vomitin on my front.
Oh! Okay! You can keep her. I have things to do!!
Tollldd you. M'ybe if I turn into a wolf it'll put thre alcohol allll through my bigger bloodstream an' I'll get not drunk.
Your majesty please Aurorian is wanting to turn into a wolf in the middle of the masquerade please take her
The KPS handled it fine last time!! Just ask them again, it'll be alright!
(Fulgere starts scurrying off, though she is comically short with a much smaller stride than Helm.)
Wait. wait please. Fulgere. Monarch. Your highness. Your majesty I do not want to take care of a drunk knight your grace this is not my job.
(It follows Fulgere, of course. It does tend to follow people, it seems.)
(She starts flitting her wings) What is your job, then?
I current work for the Fae Prince Carnelian, your, uh, honor. They hired me. Since I'm a sellsword. Your uhm. Faerie-ness. My job is whatever they tell me to do. Which is Not to get vomited on.
Aurorian doesn't vomit! And she's met Fae Prince Carnelian, what a nice fellow they are, so I see no problem with this!
YOUR MAJESTY I AM NOT A BABYSITTER.
But you can be a petsitter!! Okay byebye have fun! (her wings get bigger and she flaps up into the rafters, scurrying across the ceiling away from Helm and her responsibilities.)
(It stares at the rafters, mildly horrified.) I CAN CLIMB, YOU DICK. COME DEAL WITH YOUR KNIGHT
Noooope!
(And then it loses sight of her as she either leaves or uses her fae magic to evade it.)
(Aurorian props herself up with her hands on Helm's back.)
See what I meamn?
Gods damn it, Aurorian. I don't know where your room is so either you gotta start being more helpful or you gotta come to mine because I ain't gonna stay here with a drunk knight.
Helplful. is not in my covabulary. Unless I'mmm sober because sober knights gotsa be helpful. (she smiles at it and pokes the top of its helmet) Do you feel things through yourr armrour like skin or not?
I- I can, yes. It acts as very tough skin. I suppose I'll take you to my room, then. (It starts walking, leaving the ballroom with muttered apologies to the other guests.)
Hopefully my frog is still alive...
(She gently pats the top of its helmet) Must feel weirdd in there sometimes but 's like probably better when you bonk your head 'cause its'extra safe.
Yeah, yeah, very safe. I haven't been concussed ever.
That sheems improbable. (she narrows her eyes at it and tilts her head) Never? I think Bec conus- concusssed me the other day, even.
It is Not Great that you are drunk then, I think. Drinking makes me feel like shit even when I am not injured.
(It walks through the halls, counting doors.)
I'veee been thriuygh worse.
Yeah well I died and look where we are. (It snaps, pulling open a non descript door and entering the most empty personal room that possibly exists in this castle. There are exactly three things that belong to Helm; a tank with a frog, a caged rat king, and the clothes it's worn over the duration of the ball folded neatly on the empty desk.)
(It drops Aurorian onto the bed and makes a point of dusting off its shoulder. It pauses, then starts undoing the bolts holding its pauldrons on.)
Im eantt my past, not comparin' t'you.
(She tilts her head and observes it with a slightly delirious look.)
Shut up I'm right an you're wrong an I'm workin
(She blushes and blinks in confusion) 'kaayyy...
Why are you blushing? I'm just stripping. (It pauses, eyeing the knight on its bed.)
You'rejust very avssertive. (she fidgets with her hands and crosses her legs)
(It resumes its movement, ripping the pauldron off with a rather painful squelch.) I can be worse.
(she sticks her tongue out a little [like a blep] in a kneejerk disgust reaction to the squelch)
Whas that imply?
(It pauses, then drops the pauldron with a clatter. Blood drips down the maille. It reaches up to remove its helmet, undoing the latches.) I am dead, Aurorian. I don't have morals. How drunk are you? Will you remember any of this tomorrow?
(She pauses and her expression slowly becomes worried)
....Pretty drunk.. whadd'you mean?
Would you remember a confession, ser?
...Maybe not?
I died, Aurorian. (It pulls the helmet off, allowing that too to drop to the ground. It starts on the other pauldron, peeling pieces and pieces of its armor off.) I'm stuck in this GODS DAMNED FUCKING BODY FOR EVER AND EVER AND EVER AND THEY WON'T LET ME DIE.
D'you want t'find a way t'die?
I can't. I just wake up a day or a week or a month later like nothing ever happened. I don't- GODS, Aurorian, I'm ROTTING. I'm stuck like this day after day after month after year after decades and decades and death after death.
(It gestures aggressively to its body as it manages to peel off the chestplates.) This thing, I can't- I didn't want it. I've made pacts and deals and promises and it doesn't WORK. And that's not even the worst part! I can't-
I don't care about what I do. I get upset. I get guilty. I stop caring after a week.
(She tenses up and seems nervous as she places her feet on the floor.)
..Yes, your lack of- of morals, that's what you're worried about? Your state makes you not care?
Stop moving, Aurorian. You're drunk, aren't you? We don't want you getting hurt.
...I know I am. Just nervous.
Don't be. Why would I hurt you? I like you, Aurorian, and I don't often hurt people I like. Look at me, Aurorian. What do you see?
Um, lots of gore?
Do you see a person, Aurorian? Because I don't.
I'd see you as a person if you wanted to be seen as one. I don't know what you want to be seen as, though...
It's easier to be a Thing, isn't it? Just to pretend I'm [nothing] and nobody really cares. I can take what I want and say whatever I want and do whatever I want and nobody will ever care.
I don't- I- Gods, I fucking HATE [everything]. Everything's a gods damned lie! I pretend! I fake it all! (It peels off another plate and throws it to the ground. It's loud.) I'M NOT REal...
So..... do you think you'd be held accountable easier if you were seen as a person and not just a monster creature thing?
(She flinches hard at the loud sound.)
I'm [nobody] if I'm not a Thing. (It stills, staring down at the various plates on the ground.)
(She brings her knees up to her chest to hold and stay in a tiny ball as she looks at it.)
I'm sorry.
Please don't be sorry. I'm sorry. I shouldn't have yelled.
(It slowly sinks to the ground.)
Is there anything I can do to help?
I don't think so. I'm sorry. You should just [go to sleep]. You'll forget it tomorrow.
(She inhales as if about to respond, but is interrupted by what sounds like someone slamming the flat side of a sword hard against the stone of the castle, repeatedly, as they walk down the hall. Firm steps in heavy boots accompany it.)
(Aurorian looks like she's trying to remember where she recognizes that from. She's also clearly agitated by this new loud sound and covers her ears.)
(It drags itself to its feet and lunges for the dagger on the belt it had dropped. Even if it's just a random guard, it doesn't like being unarmed. It also tosses its old, faded cloak over itself, hiding the exposed flesh.)
(There's a single, hard knock on the door.)
Open up.
Wrong room. Guest bedrooms are down the hall.
I will slam my sword through this door, so help me God. Open up, knight.
It's Parker.
You'll have to talk to the baron about replacing it then, [fucker].
(It grinds its teeth together, wincing slightly when a fang catches a bit of loose flesh. Slowly, it draws its bollocks dagger.)
Who the fuck is Parker.
Fine by me. (A sword slams through the wood of the door, creating a vertical split down it.)
Oh dear. Um, Queen Fulgere's tactician and sometimes unwilling general. He's a vampire.
HELLO THIS IS MY ROOM THE FUCK YOU MEAN HE'S A VAMPIRE??
I don't know!! He just is!
(The sword is twisted, creating another large break in the wood.)
Could you shut up and open this door already, bastard?
NO??? THIS IS MY ROOM!!
And you have Queen Fulgere's royal knight in there with you. So, it's Wildnis Faerie jurisdiction now.
(The door is kicked in completely.)
(A man who looks to be in his 30s is standing there in a dark green cloak with vine and floral patterns across the shoulders, and some leather armour secured spottily across his body, with a dark tunic underneath and tall black boots. His eyes are silver, his hair's dark brown & slightly grown out with facial hair to match, and his skin is pale. Also, his accent from when he's been speaking is very distinctly Irish.)
Hand over the knight.
My door...
(It doesn't move from where it stands in roughly in the middle of the room, dagger drawn and pointed vaguely at this intruder. Its other hand comes up to tug its hood further down, hiding its face (or lack thereof.) It clears its throat.)
Ser Aurorian came willingly.
Ser Aurorian is drunk. (he doesn't resheath his sword.)
(Aurorian stays curled up sitting on the bed, eyes darting between the two.)
That... is true. If you want her, take her. I only brought her here because I don't know where her room is.
(He grumbles and walks over to the bed, grabbing Aurorian and pulling her to her feet. She collapses against him. He wraps his cloak around her and holds her upright.)
Sorry about your door. Maybe. I’ll figure out how sorry I am when Aurorian tells us what she remembers.
Fine. Whatever. The baron will care more than I do. (It shoves its dagger back into the sheathe and takes a step back.)
Aurorian was seen with Helm while she was really drunk and then both of them disappeared from the masquerade by the way if you needed to be concerned about Helm's whereabouts and such even more than you already were?
FUCK.
Donot worry about that
@mrknightside started following you
Why hello there, good sir knight! I don’t think I’ve run into you yet this ball. How have you been enjoying the festivities?
Hello, miss! I arrived late and I've spent most of my time avoiding the host, I fear. I haven't done much besides talk to some comrades both old and new (and some other things a lady doesn't need to hear about). Either way, I do like how the baron has cleaned up the place! It would be nice if it were like this all the time, but alas.
Well, that seems like a perfectly good way to spend a ball! It’s not often you have a chance to socialize with so many friends at once. I too have mostly just been gabbing this whole week!
So then, are you saying you know the baron and his castle already? If that is the case, why would you want to avoid him..?
Ah, yeah, I worked for him for a bit. He fired me, and I think we're lovers? I haven't properly asked, though. I did, uh, strangle him right before the ball, though, and I did work with the army outside the gates for a while. I quit, though. Currently only work for a certain fae prince.
O-oh! I see then. So your personal history is quite…fraught! I understand.
Well! I had best be on my way! Plenty still to see and do! You enjoy yourself!
Have fun, miss!
I love my raw chicken
((Don't worry about answering until you're caught up with other rp as much as you aim to be ^^!))
(Helm sees Aurorian clearly drunk, staying off to the side of the masquerade, hand on a wall to help her stay stably upright as she walks around. It sounds like she's grinding her teeth together a little, maybe out of some level of anxiety still getting through the alcohol to her.)
(She's wearing a masquerade mask with white wolf fur smoothly brushed over it and ears on the corners. A purple swirling pattern brings it into the fancier style of the rest. Her dress is the same from the day of the jousts and other competitions, a dark blue one that goes over one shoulder and touches the floor, showing off half the aurora-patterned tattoo over her upper chest.)
(It had tried to stick near the edges of the masquerade, nursing a non-alcoholic drink. It wears the same armor it (almost) always does, though it's not like Aurorian has seen it in gear before. The only difference to its gear is that it sports a new helmet, a frogmouth build for battle instead of a joust. Interesting that for the only celebration it attended, it wears a battle helmet, and for battle, it wears a celebration helmet.)
Ser Aurorian. (It greets, pulling the straw out of its helmet so it can "properly" talk.") Lovely to see you here.
Oh fuck, it's you. (she sounds more surprised than miffed)
(She looks up at it, wavering only a little on her feet.)
Why're you in that? (her words do sound more casual and slightly slurred by the drunkenness, though)
Wow, rude when you're drunk, aren't you? Missing your armor, too. (It tuts, setting its drink on a nearby table so it can hold her up if needed.) This is my armor, the set I wear almost every day except for this past week. The, uh, helmet is new, though.
Sorry, ser. (she mumbles)
Fulgere wanted me inna fancy getup for the- the dance thing. (she motions at her dress with the hand that was on the wall and wavers again, now unsupported)
Helmet looks good. Fresher. Can't belieeve I've never gotten t'see your armour before? Guess it makes y'more intimidating. Hells, 's spinnny.
Well, thank you, then. Your dress looks lovely as well, ser. (It preens at the praise, slipping into a Proper Knight Posture.) Fulgere did well, didn't they?
(She blinks, seeming to try to connect the dots in her brain) Ohh.. oh, thank you, an' yes I think she did? D'you mean on the masks an' ouutfitting? (her face has gotten a little rosier, either from blushing or the alcohol - both? Both.)
(She slowly tips forward, about to unceremoniously fall flat on her face.)
I do, yes. You look lovely, ser. (It steps forward and wraps an arm around Aurorian's waist, holding her up.)
How much have you had to drink?
(She makes a serene sound and basically goes limp against it, done trying to hold herself up while this drunk.)
'unno, could be a lot, th'menu wasn't standrdized. (she hums for a moment) At least three or four big cuppsss. Prob'ly.
Ah. (For a moment it hesitates, then kneels down and picks her up like a sack of flour.)
Where's your, uh, boss? Fulgere? Surely your boss would be worried about where you've gone, right?
(She kicks her legs a little, but is overall wholly too uncoordinated to get out of being held like a sack of flour at the moment)
Nyo. She doesn't caare. She's probably trying to eat someone right 'bout now.
Aou, even better reason to find her! Let us feast together!
(It marches out into the masquerade proper, looking around for any faeries eating people- and/or Fulgere.)
Bec's gonnaa gett you if y'eat someone again...
(It probably gets a few looks from masquerade-goers for how it's got Aurorian over its shoulder.)
(Fulgere is chatting up as many people as she can, a couple of whom seem dazed. Some snap out of it, though, so so far she's mainly got one person listening who hasn't seemed to catch on to anything amiss.)
Yes so you just go towards the woods that way and you'll see fieldcaps in a circle! Just step in there, trust me!- Oh, hello you. (Fulgere looks up at it.) You have my knight?
I think Bec is gonna kill me for somethin else. (It mutters, marching up to Fulgere.) Your, uh, majesty. Your knight is drunk. Apologies for carryin her like this, I don't want her vomitin on my front.
Oh! Okay! You can keep her. I have things to do!!
Tollldd you. M'ybe if I turn into a wolf it'll put thre alcohol allll through my bigger bloodstream an' I'll get not drunk.
Your majesty please Aurorian is wanting to turn into a wolf in the middle of the masquerade please take her
The KPS handled it fine last time!! Just ask them again, it'll be alright!
(Fulgere starts scurrying off, though she is comically short with a much smaller stride than Helm.)
Wait. wait please. Fulgere. Monarch. Your highness. Your majesty I do not want to take care of a drunk knight your grace this is not my job.
(It follows Fulgere, of course. It does tend to follow people, it seems.)
(She starts flitting her wings) What is your job, then?
I current work for the Fae Prince Carnelian, your, uh, honor. They hired me. Since I'm a sellsword. Your uhm. Faerie-ness. My job is whatever they tell me to do. Which is Not to get vomited on.
Aurorian doesn't vomit! And she's met Fae Prince Carnelian, what a nice fellow they are, so I see no problem with this!
YOUR MAJESTY I AM NOT A BABYSITTER.
But you can be a petsitter!! Okay byebye have fun! (her wings get bigger and she flaps up into the rafters, scurrying across the ceiling away from Helm and her responsibilities.)
(It stares at the rafters, mildly horrified.) I CAN CLIMB, YOU DICK. COME DEAL WITH YOUR KNIGHT
Noooope!
(And then it loses sight of her as she either leaves or uses her fae magic to evade it.)
(Aurorian props herself up with her hands on Helm's back.)
See what I meamn?
Gods damn it, Aurorian. I don't know where your room is so either you gotta start being more helpful or you gotta come to mine because I ain't gonna stay here with a drunk knight.
Helplful. is not in my covabulary. Unless I'mmm sober because sober knights gotsa be helpful. (she smiles at it and pokes the top of its helmet) Do you feel things through yourr armrour like skin or not?
I- I can, yes. It acts as very tough skin. I suppose I'll take you to my room, then. (It starts walking, leaving the ballroom with muttered apologies to the other guests.)
Hopefully my frog is still alive...
(She gently pats the top of its helmet) Must feel weirdd in there sometimes but 's like probably better when you bonk your head 'cause its'extra safe.
Yeah, yeah, very safe. I haven't been concussed ever.
That sheems improbable. (she narrows her eyes at it and tilts her head) Never? I think Bec conus- concusssed me the other day, even.
It is Not Great that you are drunk then, I think. Drinking makes me feel like shit even when I am not injured.
(It walks through the halls, counting doors.)
I'veee been thriuygh worse.
Yeah well I died and look where we are. (It snaps, pulling open a non descript door and entering the most empty personal room that possibly exists in this castle. There are exactly three things that belong to Helm; a tank with a frog, a caged rat king, and the clothes it's worn over the duration of the ball folded neatly on the empty desk.)
(It drops Aurorian onto the bed and makes a point of dusting off its shoulder. It pauses, then starts undoing the bolts holding its pauldrons on.)
Im eantt my past, not comparin' t'you.
(She tilts her head and observes it with a slightly delirious look.)
Shut up I'm right an you're wrong an I'm workin
(She blushes and blinks in confusion) 'kaayyy...
Why are you blushing? I'm just stripping. (It pauses, eyeing the knight on its bed.)
You'rejust very avssertive. (she fidgets with her hands and crosses her legs)
(It resumes its movement, ripping the pauldron off with a rather painful squelch.) I can be worse.
(she sticks her tongue out a little [like a blep] in a kneejerk disgust reaction to the squelch)
Whas that imply?
(It pauses, then drops the pauldron with a clatter. Blood drips down the maille. It reaches up to remove its helmet, undoing the latches.) I am dead, Aurorian. I don't have morals. How drunk are you? Will you remember any of this tomorrow?
(She pauses and her expression slowly becomes worried)
....Pretty drunk.. whadd'you mean?
Would you remember a confession, ser?
...Maybe not?
I died, Aurorian. (It pulls the helmet off, allowing that too to drop to the ground. It starts on the other pauldron, peeling pieces and pieces of its armor off.) I'm stuck in this GODS DAMNED FUCKING BODY FOR EVER AND EVER AND EVER AND THEY WON'T LET ME DIE.
D'you want t'find a way t'die?
I can't. I just wake up a day or a week or a month later like nothing ever happened. I don't- GODS, Aurorian, I'm ROTTING. I'm stuck like this day after day after month after year after decades and decades and death after death.
(It gestures aggressively to its body as it manages to peel off the chestplates.) This thing, I can't- I didn't want it. I've made pacts and deals and promises and it doesn't WORK. And that's not even the worst part! I can't-
I don't care about what I do. I get upset. I get guilty. I stop caring after a week.
(She tenses up and seems nervous as she places her feet on the floor.)
..Yes, your lack of- of morals, that's what you're worried about? Your state makes you not care?
Stop moving, Aurorian. You're drunk, aren't you? We don't want you getting hurt.
...I know I am. Just nervous.
Don't be. Why would I hurt you? I like you, Aurorian, and I don't often hurt people I like. Look at me, Aurorian. What do you see?
Um, lots of gore?
Do you see a person, Aurorian? Because I don't.
I'd see you as a person if you wanted to be seen as one. I don't know what you want to be seen as, though...
It's easier to be a Thing, isn't it? Just to pretend I'm [nothing] and nobody really cares. I can take what I want and say whatever I want and do whatever I want and nobody will ever care.
I don't- I- Gods, I fucking HATE [everything]. Everything's a gods damned lie! I pretend! I fake it all! (It peels off another plate and throws it to the ground. It's loud.) I'M NOT REal...
So..... do you think you'd be held accountable easier if you were seen as a person and not just a monster creature thing?
(She flinches hard at the loud sound.)
I'm [nobody] if I'm not a Thing. (It stills, staring down at the various plates on the ground.)
(She brings her knees up to her chest to hold and stay in a tiny ball as she looks at it.)
I'm sorry.
Please don't be sorry. I'm sorry. I shouldn't have yelled.
(It slowly sinks to the ground.)
Is there anything I can do to help?
I don't think so. I'm sorry. You should just [go to sleep]. You'll forget it tomorrow.
(She inhales as if about to respond, but is interrupted by what sounds like someone slamming the flat side of a sword hard against the stone of the castle, repeatedly, as they walk down the hall. Firm steps in heavy boots accompany it.)
(Aurorian looks like she's trying to remember where she recognizes that from. She's also clearly agitated by this new loud sound and covers her ears.)
(It drags itself to its feet and lunges for the dagger on the belt it had dropped. Even if it's just a random guard, it doesn't like being unarmed. It also tosses its old, faded cloak over itself, hiding the exposed flesh.)
(There's a single, hard knock on the door.)
Open up.
Wrong room. Guest bedrooms are down the hall.
I will slam my sword through this door, so help me God. Open up, knight.
It's Parker.
You'll have to talk to the baron about replacing it then, [fucker].
(It grinds its teeth together, wincing slightly when a fang catches a bit of loose flesh. Slowly, it draws its bollocks dagger.)
Who the fuck is Parker.
Fine by me. (A sword slams through the wood of the door, creating a vertical split down it.)
Oh dear. Um, Queen Fulgere's tactician and sometimes unwilling general. He's a vampire.
HELLO THIS IS MY ROOM THE FUCK YOU MEAN HE'S A VAMPIRE??
I don't know!! He just is!
(The sword is twisted, creating another large break in the wood.)
Could you shut up and open this door already, bastard?
NO??? THIS IS MY ROOM!!
And you have Queen Fulgere's royal knight in there with you. So, it's Wildnis Faerie jurisdiction now.
(The door is kicked in completely.)
(A man who looks to be in his 30s is standing there in a dark green cloak with vine and floral patterns across the shoulders, and some leather armour secured spottily across his body, with a dark tunic underneath and tall black boots. His eyes are silver, his hair's dark brown & slightly grown out with facial hair to match, and his skin is pale. Also, his accent from when he's been speaking is very distinctly Irish.)
Hand over the knight.
My door...
(It doesn't move from where it stands in roughly in the middle of the room, dagger drawn and pointed vaguely at this intruder. Its other hand comes up to tug its hood further down, hiding its face (or lack thereof.) It clears its throat.)
Ser Aurorian came willingly.
Ser Aurorian is drunk. (he doesn't resheath his sword.)
(Aurorian stays curled up sitting on the bed, eyes darting between the two.)
That... is true. If you want her, take her. I only brought her here because I don't know where her room is.
((Don't worry about answering until you're caught up with other rp as much as you aim to be ^^!))
(Helm sees Aurorian clearly drunk, staying off to the side of the masquerade, hand on a wall to help her stay stably upright as she walks around. It sounds like she's grinding her teeth together a little, maybe out of some level of anxiety still getting through the alcohol to her.)
(She's wearing a masquerade mask with white wolf fur smoothly brushed over it and ears on the corners. A purple swirling pattern brings it into the fancier style of the rest. Her dress is the same from the day of the jousts and other competitions, a dark blue one that goes over one shoulder and touches the floor, showing off half the aurora-patterned tattoo over her upper chest.)
(It had tried to stick near the edges of the masquerade, nursing a non-alcoholic drink. It wears the same armor it (almost) always does, though it's not like Aurorian has seen it in gear before. The only difference to its gear is that it sports a new helmet, a frogmouth build for battle instead of a joust. Interesting that for the only celebration it attended, it wears a battle helmet, and for battle, it wears a celebration helmet.)
Ser Aurorian. (It greets, pulling the straw out of its helmet so it can "properly" talk.") Lovely to see you here.
Oh fuck, it's you. (she sounds more surprised than miffed)
(She looks up at it, wavering only a little on her feet.)
Why're you in that? (her words do sound more casual and slightly slurred by the drunkenness, though)
Wow, rude when you're drunk, aren't you? Missing your armor, too. (It tuts, setting its drink on a nearby table so it can hold her up if needed.) This is my armor, the set I wear almost every day except for this past week. The, uh, helmet is new, though.
Sorry, ser. (she mumbles)
Fulgere wanted me inna fancy getup for the- the dance thing. (she motions at her dress with the hand that was on the wall and wavers again, now unsupported)
Helmet looks good. Fresher. Can't belieeve I've never gotten t'see your armour before? Guess it makes y'more intimidating. Hells, 's spinnny.
Well, thank you, then. Your dress looks lovely as well, ser. (It preens at the praise, slipping into a Proper Knight Posture.) Fulgere did well, didn't they?
(She blinks, seeming to try to connect the dots in her brain) Ohh.. oh, thank you, an' yes I think she did? D'you mean on the masks an' ouutfitting? (her face has gotten a little rosier, either from blushing or the alcohol - both? Both.)
(She slowly tips forward, about to unceremoniously fall flat on her face.)
I do, yes. You look lovely, ser. (It steps forward and wraps an arm around Aurorian's waist, holding her up.)
How much have you had to drink?
(She makes a serene sound and basically goes limp against it, done trying to hold herself up while this drunk.)
'unno, could be a lot, th'menu wasn't standrdized. (she hums for a moment) At least three or four big cuppsss. Prob'ly.
Ah. (For a moment it hesitates, then kneels down and picks her up like a sack of flour.)
Where's your, uh, boss? Fulgere? Surely your boss would be worried about where you've gone, right?
(She kicks her legs a little, but is overall wholly too uncoordinated to get out of being held like a sack of flour at the moment)
Nyo. She doesn't caare. She's probably trying to eat someone right 'bout now.
Aou, even better reason to find her! Let us feast together!
(It marches out into the masquerade proper, looking around for any faeries eating people- and/or Fulgere.)
Bec's gonnaa gett you if y'eat someone again...
(It probably gets a few looks from masquerade-goers for how it's got Aurorian over its shoulder.)
(Fulgere is chatting up as many people as she can, a couple of whom seem dazed. Some snap out of it, though, so so far she's mainly got one person listening who hasn't seemed to catch on to anything amiss.)
Yes so you just go towards the woods that way and you'll see fieldcaps in a circle! Just step in there, trust me!- Oh, hello you. (Fulgere looks up at it.) You have my knight?
I think Bec is gonna kill me for somethin else. (It mutters, marching up to Fulgere.) Your, uh, majesty. Your knight is drunk. Apologies for carryin her like this, I don't want her vomitin on my front.
Oh! Okay! You can keep her. I have things to do!!
Tollldd you. M'ybe if I turn into a wolf it'll put thre alcohol allll through my bigger bloodstream an' I'll get not drunk.
Your majesty please Aurorian is wanting to turn into a wolf in the middle of the masquerade please take her
The KPS handled it fine last time!! Just ask them again, it'll be alright!
(Fulgere starts scurrying off, though she is comically short with a much smaller stride than Helm.)
Wait. wait please. Fulgere. Monarch. Your highness. Your majesty I do not want to take care of a drunk knight your grace this is not my job.
(It follows Fulgere, of course. It does tend to follow people, it seems.)
(She starts flitting her wings) What is your job, then?
I current work for the Fae Prince Carnelian, your, uh, honor. They hired me. Since I'm a sellsword. Your uhm. Faerie-ness. My job is whatever they tell me to do. Which is Not to get vomited on.
Aurorian doesn't vomit! And she's met Fae Prince Carnelian, what a nice fellow they are, so I see no problem with this!
YOUR MAJESTY I AM NOT A BABYSITTER.
But you can be a petsitter!! Okay byebye have fun! (her wings get bigger and she flaps up into the rafters, scurrying across the ceiling away from Helm and her responsibilities.)
(It stares at the rafters, mildly horrified.) I CAN CLIMB, YOU DICK. COME DEAL WITH YOUR KNIGHT
Noooope!
(And then it loses sight of her as she either leaves or uses her fae magic to evade it.)
(Aurorian props herself up with her hands on Helm's back.)
See what I meamn?
Gods damn it, Aurorian. I don't know where your room is so either you gotta start being more helpful or you gotta come to mine because I ain't gonna stay here with a drunk knight.
Helplful. is not in my covabulary. Unless I'mmm sober because sober knights gotsa be helpful. (she smiles at it and pokes the top of its helmet) Do you feel things through yourr armrour like skin or not?
I- I can, yes. It acts as very tough skin. I suppose I'll take you to my room, then. (It starts walking, leaving the ballroom with muttered apologies to the other guests.)
Hopefully my frog is still alive...
(She gently pats the top of its helmet) Must feel weirdd in there sometimes but 's like probably better when you bonk your head 'cause its'extra safe.
Yeah, yeah, very safe. I haven't been concussed ever.
That sheems improbable. (she narrows her eyes at it and tilts her head) Never? I think Bec conus- concusssed me the other day, even.
It is Not Great that you are drunk then, I think. Drinking makes me feel like shit even when I am not injured.
(It walks through the halls, counting doors.)
I'veee been thriuygh worse.
Yeah well I died and look where we are. (It snaps, pulling open a non descript door and entering the most empty personal room that possibly exists in this castle. There are exactly three things that belong to Helm; a tank with a frog, a caged rat king, and the clothes it's worn over the duration of the ball folded neatly on the empty desk.)
(It drops Aurorian onto the bed and makes a point of dusting off its shoulder. It pauses, then starts undoing the bolts holding its pauldrons on.)
Im eantt my past, not comparin' t'you.
(She tilts her head and observes it with a slightly delirious look.)
Shut up I'm right an you're wrong an I'm workin
(She blushes and blinks in confusion) 'kaayyy...
Why are you blushing? I'm just stripping. (It pauses, eyeing the knight on its bed.)
You'rejust very avssertive. (she fidgets with her hands and crosses her legs)
(It resumes its movement, ripping the pauldron off with a rather painful squelch.) I can be worse.
(she sticks her tongue out a little [like a blep] in a kneejerk disgust reaction to the squelch)
Whas that imply?
(It pauses, then drops the pauldron with a clatter. Blood drips down the maille. It reaches up to remove its helmet, undoing the latches.) I am dead, Aurorian. I don't have morals. How drunk are you? Will you remember any of this tomorrow?
(She pauses and her expression slowly becomes worried)
....Pretty drunk.. whadd'you mean?
Would you remember a confession, ser?
...Maybe not?
I died, Aurorian. (It pulls the helmet off, allowing that too to drop to the ground. It starts on the other pauldron, peeling pieces and pieces of its armor off.) I'm stuck in this GODS DAMNED FUCKING BODY FOR EVER AND EVER AND EVER AND THEY WON'T LET ME DIE.
D'you want t'find a way t'die?
I can't. I just wake up a day or a week or a month later like nothing ever happened. I don't- GODS, Aurorian, I'm ROTTING. I'm stuck like this day after day after month after year after decades and decades and death after death.
(It gestures aggressively to its body as it manages to peel off the chestplates.) This thing, I can't- I didn't want it. I've made pacts and deals and promises and it doesn't WORK. And that's not even the worst part! I can't-
I don't care about what I do. I get upset. I get guilty. I stop caring after a week.
(She tenses up and seems nervous as she places her feet on the floor.)
..Yes, your lack of- of morals, that's what you're worried about? Your state makes you not care?
Stop moving, Aurorian. You're drunk, aren't you? We don't want you getting hurt.
...I know I am. Just nervous.
Don't be. Why would I hurt you? I like you, Aurorian, and I don't often hurt people I like. Look at me, Aurorian. What do you see?
Um, lots of gore?
Do you see a person, Aurorian? Because I don't.
I'd see you as a person if you wanted to be seen as one. I don't know what you want to be seen as, though...
It's easier to be a Thing, isn't it? Just to pretend I'm [nothing] and nobody really cares. I can take what I want and say whatever I want and do whatever I want and nobody will ever care.
I don't- I- Gods, I fucking HATE [everything]. Everything's a gods damned lie! I pretend! I fake it all! (It peels off another plate and throws it to the ground. It's loud.) I'M NOT REal...
So..... do you think you'd be held accountable easier if you were seen as a person and not just a monster creature thing?
(She flinches hard at the loud sound.)
I'm [nobody] if I'm not a Thing. (It stills, staring down at the various plates on the ground.)
(She brings her knees up to her chest to hold and stay in a tiny ball as she looks at it.)
I'm sorry.
Please don't be sorry. I'm sorry. I shouldn't have yelled.
(It slowly sinks to the ground.)
Is there anything I can do to help?
I don't think so. I'm sorry. You should just [go to sleep]. You'll forget it tomorrow.
(She inhales as if about to respond, but is interrupted by what sounds like someone slamming the flat side of a sword hard against the stone of the castle, repeatedly, as they walk down the hall. Firm steps in heavy boots accompany it.)
(Aurorian looks like she's trying to remember where she recognizes that from. She's also clearly agitated by this new loud sound and covers her ears.)
(It drags itself to its feet and lunges for the dagger on the belt it had dropped. Even if it's just a random guard, it doesn't like being unarmed. It also tosses its old, faded cloak over itself, hiding the exposed flesh.)
(There's a single, hard knock on the door.)
Open up.
Wrong room. Guest bedrooms are down the hall.
I will slam my sword through this door, so help me God. Open up, knight.
It's Parker.
You'll have to talk to the baron about replacing it then, [fucker].
(It grinds its teeth together, wincing slightly when a fang catches a bit of loose flesh. Slowly, it draws its bollocks dagger.)
Who the fuck is Parker.
Fine by me. (A sword slams through the wood of the door, creating a vertical split down it.)
Oh dear. Um, Queen Fulgere's tactician and sometimes unwilling general. He's a vampire.
HELLO THIS IS MY ROOM THE FUCK YOU MEAN HE'S A VAMPIRE??
I don't know!! He just is!
(The sword is twisted, creating another large break in the wood.)
Could you shut up and open this door already, bastard?
NO??? THIS IS MY ROOM!!
And you have Queen Fulgere's royal knight in there with you. So, it's Wildnis Faerie jurisdiction now.
(The door is kicked in completely.)
(A man who looks to be in his 30s is standing there in a dark green cloak with vine and floral patterns across the shoulders, and some leather armour secured spottily across his body, with a dark tunic underneath and tall black boots. His eyes are silver, his hair's dark brown & slightly grown out with facial hair to match, and his skin is pale. Also, his accent from when he's been speaking is very distinctly Irish.)
Hand over the knight.
My door...
(It doesn't move from where it stands in roughly in the middle of the room, dagger drawn and pointed vaguely at this intruder. Its other hand comes up to tug its hood further down, hiding its face (or lack thereof.) It clears its throat.)
Ser Aurorian came willingly.
((Don't worry about answering until you're caught up with other rp as much as you aim to be ^^!))
(Helm sees Aurorian clearly drunk, staying off to the side of the masquerade, hand on a wall to help her stay stably upright as she walks around. It sounds like she's grinding her teeth together a little, maybe out of some level of anxiety still getting through the alcohol to her.)
(She's wearing a masquerade mask with white wolf fur smoothly brushed over it and ears on the corners. A purple swirling pattern brings it into the fancier style of the rest. Her dress is the same from the day of the jousts and other competitions, a dark blue one that goes over one shoulder and touches the floor, showing off half the aurora-patterned tattoo over her upper chest.)
(It had tried to stick near the edges of the masquerade, nursing a non-alcoholic drink. It wears the same armor it (almost) always does, though it's not like Aurorian has seen it in gear before. The only difference to its gear is that it sports a new helmet, a frogmouth build for battle instead of a joust. Interesting that for the only celebration it attended, it wears a battle helmet, and for battle, it wears a celebration helmet.)
Ser Aurorian. (It greets, pulling the straw out of its helmet so it can "properly" talk.") Lovely to see you here.
Oh fuck, it's you. (she sounds more surprised than miffed)
(She looks up at it, wavering only a little on her feet.)
Why're you in that? (her words do sound more casual and slightly slurred by the drunkenness, though)
Wow, rude when you're drunk, aren't you? Missing your armor, too. (It tuts, setting its drink on a nearby table so it can hold her up if needed.) This is my armor, the set I wear almost every day except for this past week. The, uh, helmet is new, though.
Sorry, ser. (she mumbles)
Fulgere wanted me inna fancy getup for the- the dance thing. (she motions at her dress with the hand that was on the wall and wavers again, now unsupported)
Helmet looks good. Fresher. Can't belieeve I've never gotten t'see your armour before? Guess it makes y'more intimidating. Hells, 's spinnny.
Well, thank you, then. Your dress looks lovely as well, ser. (It preens at the praise, slipping into a Proper Knight Posture.) Fulgere did well, didn't they?
(She blinks, seeming to try to connect the dots in her brain) Ohh.. oh, thank you, an' yes I think she did? D'you mean on the masks an' ouutfitting? (her face has gotten a little rosier, either from blushing or the alcohol - both? Both.)
(She slowly tips forward, about to unceremoniously fall flat on her face.)
I do, yes. You look lovely, ser. (It steps forward and wraps an arm around Aurorian's waist, holding her up.)
How much have you had to drink?
(She makes a serene sound and basically goes limp against it, done trying to hold herself up while this drunk.)
'unno, could be a lot, th'menu wasn't standrdized. (she hums for a moment) At least three or four big cuppsss. Prob'ly.
Ah. (For a moment it hesitates, then kneels down and picks her up like a sack of flour.)
Where's your, uh, boss? Fulgere? Surely your boss would be worried about where you've gone, right?
(She kicks her legs a little, but is overall wholly too uncoordinated to get out of being held like a sack of flour at the moment)
Nyo. She doesn't caare. She's probably trying to eat someone right 'bout now.
Aou, even better reason to find her! Let us feast together!
(It marches out into the masquerade proper, looking around for any faeries eating people- and/or Fulgere.)
Bec's gonnaa gett you if y'eat someone again...
(It probably gets a few looks from masquerade-goers for how it's got Aurorian over its shoulder.)
(Fulgere is chatting up as many people as she can, a couple of whom seem dazed. Some snap out of it, though, so so far she's mainly got one person listening who hasn't seemed to catch on to anything amiss.)
Yes so you just go towards the woods that way and you'll see fieldcaps in a circle! Just step in there, trust me!- Oh, hello you. (Fulgere looks up at it.) You have my knight?
I think Bec is gonna kill me for somethin else. (It mutters, marching up to Fulgere.) Your, uh, majesty. Your knight is drunk. Apologies for carryin her like this, I don't want her vomitin on my front.
Oh! Okay! You can keep her. I have things to do!!
Tollldd you. M'ybe if I turn into a wolf it'll put thre alcohol allll through my bigger bloodstream an' I'll get not drunk.
Your majesty please Aurorian is wanting to turn into a wolf in the middle of the masquerade please take her
The KPS handled it fine last time!! Just ask them again, it'll be alright!
(Fulgere starts scurrying off, though she is comically short with a much smaller stride than Helm.)
Wait. wait please. Fulgere. Monarch. Your highness. Your majesty I do not want to take care of a drunk knight your grace this is not my job.
(It follows Fulgere, of course. It does tend to follow people, it seems.)
(She starts flitting her wings) What is your job, then?
I current work for the Fae Prince Carnelian, your, uh, honor. They hired me. Since I'm a sellsword. Your uhm. Faerie-ness. My job is whatever they tell me to do. Which is Not to get vomited on.
Aurorian doesn't vomit! And she's met Fae Prince Carnelian, what a nice fellow they are, so I see no problem with this!
YOUR MAJESTY I AM NOT A BABYSITTER.
But you can be a petsitter!! Okay byebye have fun! (her wings get bigger and she flaps up into the rafters, scurrying across the ceiling away from Helm and her responsibilities.)
(It stares at the rafters, mildly horrified.) I CAN CLIMB, YOU DICK. COME DEAL WITH YOUR KNIGHT
Noooope!
(And then it loses sight of her as she either leaves or uses her fae magic to evade it.)
(Aurorian props herself up with her hands on Helm's back.)
See what I meamn?
Gods damn it, Aurorian. I don't know where your room is so either you gotta start being more helpful or you gotta come to mine because I ain't gonna stay here with a drunk knight.
Helplful. is not in my covabulary. Unless I'mmm sober because sober knights gotsa be helpful. (she smiles at it and pokes the top of its helmet) Do you feel things through yourr armrour like skin or not?
I- I can, yes. It acts as very tough skin. I suppose I'll take you to my room, then. (It starts walking, leaving the ballroom with muttered apologies to the other guests.)
Hopefully my frog is still alive...
(She gently pats the top of its helmet) Must feel weirdd in there sometimes but 's like probably better when you bonk your head 'cause its'extra safe.
Yeah, yeah, very safe. I haven't been concussed ever.
That sheems improbable. (she narrows her eyes at it and tilts her head) Never? I think Bec conus- concusssed me the other day, even.
It is Not Great that you are drunk then, I think. Drinking makes me feel like shit even when I am not injured.
(It walks through the halls, counting doors.)
I'veee been thriuygh worse.
Yeah well I died and look where we are. (It snaps, pulling open a non descript door and entering the most empty personal room that possibly exists in this castle. There are exactly three things that belong to Helm; a tank with a frog, a caged rat king, and the clothes it's worn over the duration of the ball folded neatly on the empty desk.)
(It drops Aurorian onto the bed and makes a point of dusting off its shoulder. It pauses, then starts undoing the bolts holding its pauldrons on.)
Im eantt my past, not comparin' t'you.
(She tilts her head and observes it with a slightly delirious look.)
Shut up I'm right an you're wrong an I'm workin
(She blushes and blinks in confusion) 'kaayyy...
Why are you blushing? I'm just stripping. (It pauses, eyeing the knight on its bed.)
You'rejust very avssertive. (she fidgets with her hands and crosses her legs)
(It resumes its movement, ripping the pauldron off with a rather painful squelch.) I can be worse.
(she sticks her tongue out a little [like a blep] in a kneejerk disgust reaction to the squelch)
Whas that imply?
(It pauses, then drops the pauldron with a clatter. Blood drips down the maille. It reaches up to remove its helmet, undoing the latches.) I am dead, Aurorian. I don't have morals. How drunk are you? Will you remember any of this tomorrow?
(She pauses and her expression slowly becomes worried)
....Pretty drunk.. whadd'you mean?
Would you remember a confession, ser?
...Maybe not?
I died, Aurorian. (It pulls the helmet off, allowing that too to drop to the ground. It starts on the other pauldron, peeling pieces and pieces of its armor off.) I'm stuck in this GODS DAMNED FUCKING BODY FOR EVER AND EVER AND EVER AND THEY WON'T LET ME DIE.
D'you want t'find a way t'die?
I can't. I just wake up a day or a week or a month later like nothing ever happened. I don't- GODS, Aurorian, I'm ROTTING. I'm stuck like this day after day after month after year after decades and decades and death after death.
(It gestures aggressively to its body as it manages to peel off the chestplates.) This thing, I can't- I didn't want it. I've made pacts and deals and promises and it doesn't WORK. And that's not even the worst part! I can't-
I don't care about what I do. I get upset. I get guilty. I stop caring after a week.
(She tenses up and seems nervous as she places her feet on the floor.)
..Yes, your lack of- of morals, that's what you're worried about? Your state makes you not care?
Stop moving, Aurorian. You're drunk, aren't you? We don't want you getting hurt.
...I know I am. Just nervous.
Don't be. Why would I hurt you? I like you, Aurorian, and I don't often hurt people I like. Look at me, Aurorian. What do you see?
Um, lots of gore?
Do you see a person, Aurorian? Because I don't.
I'd see you as a person if you wanted to be seen as one. I don't know what you want to be seen as, though...
It's easier to be a Thing, isn't it? Just to pretend I'm [nothing] and nobody really cares. I can take what I want and say whatever I want and do whatever I want and nobody will ever care.
I don't- I- Gods, I fucking HATE [everything]. Everything's a gods damned lie! I pretend! I fake it all! (It peels off another plate and throws it to the ground. It's loud.) I'M NOT REal...
So..... do you think you'd be held accountable easier if you were seen as a person and not just a monster creature thing?
(She flinches hard at the loud sound.)
I'm [nobody] if I'm not a Thing. (It stills, staring down at the various plates on the ground.)
(She brings her knees up to her chest to hold and stay in a tiny ball as she looks at it.)
I'm sorry.
Please don't be sorry. I'm sorry. I shouldn't have yelled.
(It slowly sinks to the ground.)
Is there anything I can do to help?
I don't think so. I'm sorry. You should just [go to sleep]. You'll forget it tomorrow.
(She inhales as if about to respond, but is interrupted by what sounds like someone slamming the flat side of a sword hard against the stone of the castle, repeatedly, as they walk down the hall. Firm steps in heavy boots accompany it.)
(Aurorian looks like she's trying to remember where she recognizes that from. She's also clearly agitated by this new loud sound and covers her ears.)
(It drags itself to its feet and lunges for the dagger on the belt it had dropped. Even if it's just a random guard, it doesn't like being unarmed. It also tosses its old, faded cloak over itself, hiding the exposed flesh.)
(There's a single, hard knock on the door.)
Open up.
Wrong room. Guest bedrooms are down the hall.
I will slam my sword through this door, so help me God. Open up, knight.
It's Parker.
You'll have to talk to the baron about replacing it then, [fucker].
(It grinds its teeth together, wincing slightly when a fang catches a bit of loose flesh. Slowly, it draws its bollocks dagger.)
Who the fuck is Parker.
Fine by me. (A sword slams through the wood of the door, creating a vertical split down it.)
Oh dear. Um, Queen Fulgere's tactician and sometimes unwilling general. He's a vampire.
HELLO THIS IS MY ROOM THE FUCK YOU MEAN HE'S A VAMPIRE??
I don't know!! He just is!
(The sword is twisted, creating another large break in the wood.)
Could you shut up and open this door already, bastard?
NO??? THIS IS MY ROOM!!
((Don't worry about answering until you're caught up with other rp as much as you aim to be ^^!))
(Helm sees Aurorian clearly drunk, staying off to the side of the masquerade, hand on a wall to help her stay stably upright as she walks around. It sounds like she's grinding her teeth together a little, maybe out of some level of anxiety still getting through the alcohol to her.)
(She's wearing a masquerade mask with white wolf fur smoothly brushed over it and ears on the corners. A purple swirling pattern brings it into the fancier style of the rest. Her dress is the same from the day of the jousts and other competitions, a dark blue one that goes over one shoulder and touches the floor, showing off half the aurora-patterned tattoo over her upper chest.)
(It had tried to stick near the edges of the masquerade, nursing a non-alcoholic drink. It wears the same armor it (almost) always does, though it's not like Aurorian has seen it in gear before. The only difference to its gear is that it sports a new helmet, a frogmouth build for battle instead of a joust. Interesting that for the only celebration it attended, it wears a battle helmet, and for battle, it wears a celebration helmet.)
Ser Aurorian. (It greets, pulling the straw out of its helmet so it can "properly" talk.") Lovely to see you here.
Oh fuck, it's you. (she sounds more surprised than miffed)
(She looks up at it, wavering only a little on her feet.)
Why're you in that? (her words do sound more casual and slightly slurred by the drunkenness, though)
Wow, rude when you're drunk, aren't you? Missing your armor, too. (It tuts, setting its drink on a nearby table so it can hold her up if needed.) This is my armor, the set I wear almost every day except for this past week. The, uh, helmet is new, though.
Sorry, ser. (she mumbles)
Fulgere wanted me inna fancy getup for the- the dance thing. (she motions at her dress with the hand that was on the wall and wavers again, now unsupported)
Helmet looks good. Fresher. Can't belieeve I've never gotten t'see your armour before? Guess it makes y'more intimidating. Hells, 's spinnny.
Well, thank you, then. Your dress looks lovely as well, ser. (It preens at the praise, slipping into a Proper Knight Posture.) Fulgere did well, didn't they?
(She blinks, seeming to try to connect the dots in her brain) Ohh.. oh, thank you, an' yes I think she did? D'you mean on the masks an' ouutfitting? (her face has gotten a little rosier, either from blushing or the alcohol - both? Both.)
(She slowly tips forward, about to unceremoniously fall flat on her face.)
I do, yes. You look lovely, ser. (It steps forward and wraps an arm around Aurorian's waist, holding her up.)
How much have you had to drink?
(She makes a serene sound and basically goes limp against it, done trying to hold herself up while this drunk.)
'unno, could be a lot, th'menu wasn't standrdized. (she hums for a moment) At least three or four big cuppsss. Prob'ly.
Ah. (For a moment it hesitates, then kneels down and picks her up like a sack of flour.)
Where's your, uh, boss? Fulgere? Surely your boss would be worried about where you've gone, right?
(She kicks her legs a little, but is overall wholly too uncoordinated to get out of being held like a sack of flour at the moment)
Nyo. She doesn't caare. She's probably trying to eat someone right 'bout now.
Aou, even better reason to find her! Let us feast together!
(It marches out into the masquerade proper, looking around for any faeries eating people- and/or Fulgere.)
Bec's gonnaa gett you if y'eat someone again...
(It probably gets a few looks from masquerade-goers for how it's got Aurorian over its shoulder.)
(Fulgere is chatting up as many people as she can, a couple of whom seem dazed. Some snap out of it, though, so so far she's mainly got one person listening who hasn't seemed to catch on to anything amiss.)
Yes so you just go towards the woods that way and you'll see fieldcaps in a circle! Just step in there, trust me!- Oh, hello you. (Fulgere looks up at it.) You have my knight?
I think Bec is gonna kill me for somethin else. (It mutters, marching up to Fulgere.) Your, uh, majesty. Your knight is drunk. Apologies for carryin her like this, I don't want her vomitin on my front.
Oh! Okay! You can keep her. I have things to do!!
Tollldd you. M'ybe if I turn into a wolf it'll put thre alcohol allll through my bigger bloodstream an' I'll get not drunk.
Your majesty please Aurorian is wanting to turn into a wolf in the middle of the masquerade please take her
The KPS handled it fine last time!! Just ask them again, it'll be alright!
(Fulgere starts scurrying off, though she is comically short with a much smaller stride than Helm.)
Wait. wait please. Fulgere. Monarch. Your highness. Your majesty I do not want to take care of a drunk knight your grace this is not my job.
(It follows Fulgere, of course. It does tend to follow people, it seems.)
(She starts flitting her wings) What is your job, then?
I current work for the Fae Prince Carnelian, your, uh, honor. They hired me. Since I'm a sellsword. Your uhm. Faerie-ness. My job is whatever they tell me to do. Which is Not to get vomited on.
Aurorian doesn't vomit! And she's met Fae Prince Carnelian, what a nice fellow they are, so I see no problem with this!
YOUR MAJESTY I AM NOT A BABYSITTER.
But you can be a petsitter!! Okay byebye have fun! (her wings get bigger and she flaps up into the rafters, scurrying across the ceiling away from Helm and her responsibilities.)
(It stares at the rafters, mildly horrified.) I CAN CLIMB, YOU DICK. COME DEAL WITH YOUR KNIGHT
Noooope!
(And then it loses sight of her as she either leaves or uses her fae magic to evade it.)
(Aurorian props herself up with her hands on Helm's back.)
See what I meamn?
Gods damn it, Aurorian. I don't know where your room is so either you gotta start being more helpful or you gotta come to mine because I ain't gonna stay here with a drunk knight.
Helplful. is not in my covabulary. Unless I'mmm sober because sober knights gotsa be helpful. (she smiles at it and pokes the top of its helmet) Do you feel things through yourr armrour like skin or not?
I- I can, yes. It acts as very tough skin. I suppose I'll take you to my room, then. (It starts walking, leaving the ballroom with muttered apologies to the other guests.)
Hopefully my frog is still alive...
(She gently pats the top of its helmet) Must feel weirdd in there sometimes but 's like probably better when you bonk your head 'cause its'extra safe.
Yeah, yeah, very safe. I haven't been concussed ever.
That sheems improbable. (she narrows her eyes at it and tilts her head) Never? I think Bec conus- concusssed me the other day, even.
It is Not Great that you are drunk then, I think. Drinking makes me feel like shit even when I am not injured.
(It walks through the halls, counting doors.)
I'veee been thriuygh worse.
Yeah well I died and look where we are. (It snaps, pulling open a non descript door and entering the most empty personal room that possibly exists in this castle. There are exactly three things that belong to Helm; a tank with a frog, a caged rat king, and the clothes it's worn over the duration of the ball folded neatly on the empty desk.)
(It drops Aurorian onto the bed and makes a point of dusting off its shoulder. It pauses, then starts undoing the bolts holding its pauldrons on.)
Im eantt my past, not comparin' t'you.
(She tilts her head and observes it with a slightly delirious look.)
Shut up I'm right an you're wrong an I'm workin
(She blushes and blinks in confusion) 'kaayyy...
Why are you blushing? I'm just stripping. (It pauses, eyeing the knight on its bed.)
You'rejust very avssertive. (she fidgets with her hands and crosses her legs)
(It resumes its movement, ripping the pauldron off with a rather painful squelch.) I can be worse.
(she sticks her tongue out a little [like a blep] in a kneejerk disgust reaction to the squelch)
Whas that imply?
(It pauses, then drops the pauldron with a clatter. Blood drips down the maille. It reaches up to remove its helmet, undoing the latches.) I am dead, Aurorian. I don't have morals. How drunk are you? Will you remember any of this tomorrow?
(She pauses and her expression slowly becomes worried)
....Pretty drunk.. whadd'you mean?
Would you remember a confession, ser?
...Maybe not?
I died, Aurorian. (It pulls the helmet off, allowing that too to drop to the ground. It starts on the other pauldron, peeling pieces and pieces of its armor off.) I'm stuck in this GODS DAMNED FUCKING BODY FOR EVER AND EVER AND EVER AND THEY WON'T LET ME DIE.
D'you want t'find a way t'die?
I can't. I just wake up a day or a week or a month later like nothing ever happened. I don't- GODS, Aurorian, I'm ROTTING. I'm stuck like this day after day after month after year after decades and decades and death after death.
(It gestures aggressively to its body as it manages to peel off the chestplates.) This thing, I can't- I didn't want it. I've made pacts and deals and promises and it doesn't WORK. And that's not even the worst part! I can't-
I don't care about what I do. I get upset. I get guilty. I stop caring after a week.
(She tenses up and seems nervous as she places her feet on the floor.)
..Yes, your lack of- of morals, that's what you're worried about? Your state makes you not care?
Stop moving, Aurorian. You're drunk, aren't you? We don't want you getting hurt.
...I know I am. Just nervous.
Don't be. Why would I hurt you? I like you, Aurorian, and I don't often hurt people I like. Look at me, Aurorian. What do you see?
Um, lots of gore?
Do you see a person, Aurorian? Because I don't.
I'd see you as a person if you wanted to be seen as one. I don't know what you want to be seen as, though...
It's easier to be a Thing, isn't it? Just to pretend I'm [nothing] and nobody really cares. I can take what I want and say whatever I want and do whatever I want and nobody will ever care.
I don't- I- Gods, I fucking HATE [everything]. Everything's a gods damned lie! I pretend! I fake it all! (It peels off another plate and throws it to the ground. It's loud.) I'M NOT REal...
So..... do you think you'd be held accountable easier if you were seen as a person and not just a monster creature thing?
(She flinches hard at the loud sound.)
I'm [nobody] if I'm not a Thing. (It stills, staring down at the various plates on the ground.)
(She brings her knees up to her chest to hold and stay in a tiny ball as she looks at it.)
I'm sorry.
Please don't be sorry. I'm sorry. I shouldn't have yelled.
(It slowly sinks to the ground.)
Is there anything I can do to help?
I don't think so. I'm sorry. You should just [go to sleep]. You'll forget it tomorrow.
(She inhales as if about to respond, but is interrupted by what sounds like someone slamming the flat side of a sword hard against the stone of the castle, repeatedly, as they walk down the hall. Firm steps in heavy boots accompany it.)
(Aurorian looks like she's trying to remember where she recognizes that from. She's also clearly agitated by this new loud sound and covers her ears.)
(It drags itself to its feet and lunges for the dagger on the belt it had dropped. Even if it's just a random guard, it doesn't like being unarmed. It also tosses its old, faded cloak over itself, hiding the exposed flesh.)
(There's a single, hard knock on the door.)
Open up.
Wrong room. Guest bedrooms are down the hall.
I will slam my sword through this door, so help me God. Open up, knight.
It's Parker.
You'll have to talk to the baron about replacing it then, [fucker].
(It grinds its teeth together, wincing slightly when a fang catches a bit of loose flesh. Slowly, it draws its bollocks dagger.)
Who the fuck is Parker.
Fine by me. (A sword slams through the wood of the door, creating a vertical split down it.)
Oh dear. Um, Queen Fulgere's tactician and sometimes unwilling general. He's a vampire.
HELLO THIS IS MY ROOM THE FUCK YOU MEAN HE'S A VAMPIRE??
((Don't worry about answering until you're caught up with other rp as much as you aim to be ^^!))
(Helm sees Aurorian clearly drunk, staying off to the side of the masquerade, hand on a wall to help her stay stably upright as she walks around. It sounds like she's grinding her teeth together a little, maybe out of some level of anxiety still getting through the alcohol to her.)
(She's wearing a masquerade mask with white wolf fur smoothly brushed over it and ears on the corners. A purple swirling pattern brings it into the fancier style of the rest. Her dress is the same from the day of the jousts and other competitions, a dark blue one that goes over one shoulder and touches the floor, showing off half the aurora-patterned tattoo over her upper chest.)
(It had tried to stick near the edges of the masquerade, nursing a non-alcoholic drink. It wears the same armor it (almost) always does, though it's not like Aurorian has seen it in gear before. The only difference to its gear is that it sports a new helmet, a frogmouth build for battle instead of a joust. Interesting that for the only celebration it attended, it wears a battle helmet, and for battle, it wears a celebration helmet.)
Ser Aurorian. (It greets, pulling the straw out of its helmet so it can "properly" talk.") Lovely to see you here.
Oh fuck, it's you. (she sounds more surprised than miffed)
(She looks up at it, wavering only a little on her feet.)
Why're you in that? (her words do sound more casual and slightly slurred by the drunkenness, though)
Wow, rude when you're drunk, aren't you? Missing your armor, too. (It tuts, setting its drink on a nearby table so it can hold her up if needed.) This is my armor, the set I wear almost every day except for this past week. The, uh, helmet is new, though.
Sorry, ser. (she mumbles)
Fulgere wanted me inna fancy getup for the- the dance thing. (she motions at her dress with the hand that was on the wall and wavers again, now unsupported)
Helmet looks good. Fresher. Can't belieeve I've never gotten t'see your armour before? Guess it makes y'more intimidating. Hells, 's spinnny.
Well, thank you, then. Your dress looks lovely as well, ser. (It preens at the praise, slipping into a Proper Knight Posture.) Fulgere did well, didn't they?
(She blinks, seeming to try to connect the dots in her brain) Ohh.. oh, thank you, an' yes I think she did? D'you mean on the masks an' ouutfitting? (her face has gotten a little rosier, either from blushing or the alcohol - both? Both.)
(She slowly tips forward, about to unceremoniously fall flat on her face.)
I do, yes. You look lovely, ser. (It steps forward and wraps an arm around Aurorian's waist, holding her up.)
How much have you had to drink?
(She makes a serene sound and basically goes limp against it, done trying to hold herself up while this drunk.)
'unno, could be a lot, th'menu wasn't standrdized. (she hums for a moment) At least three or four big cuppsss. Prob'ly.
Ah. (For a moment it hesitates, then kneels down and picks her up like a sack of flour.)
Where's your, uh, boss? Fulgere? Surely your boss would be worried about where you've gone, right?
(She kicks her legs a little, but is overall wholly too uncoordinated to get out of being held like a sack of flour at the moment)
Nyo. She doesn't caare. She's probably trying to eat someone right 'bout now.
Aou, even better reason to find her! Let us feast together!
(It marches out into the masquerade proper, looking around for any faeries eating people- and/or Fulgere.)
Bec's gonnaa gett you if y'eat someone again...
(It probably gets a few looks from masquerade-goers for how it's got Aurorian over its shoulder.)
(Fulgere is chatting up as many people as she can, a couple of whom seem dazed. Some snap out of it, though, so so far she's mainly got one person listening who hasn't seemed to catch on to anything amiss.)
Yes so you just go towards the woods that way and you'll see fieldcaps in a circle! Just step in there, trust me!- Oh, hello you. (Fulgere looks up at it.) You have my knight?
I think Bec is gonna kill me for somethin else. (It mutters, marching up to Fulgere.) Your, uh, majesty. Your knight is drunk. Apologies for carryin her like this, I don't want her vomitin on my front.
Oh! Okay! You can keep her. I have things to do!!
Tollldd you. M'ybe if I turn into a wolf it'll put thre alcohol allll through my bigger bloodstream an' I'll get not drunk.
Your majesty please Aurorian is wanting to turn into a wolf in the middle of the masquerade please take her
The KPS handled it fine last time!! Just ask them again, it'll be alright!
(Fulgere starts scurrying off, though she is comically short with a much smaller stride than Helm.)
Wait. wait please. Fulgere. Monarch. Your highness. Your majesty I do not want to take care of a drunk knight your grace this is not my job.
(It follows Fulgere, of course. It does tend to follow people, it seems.)
(She starts flitting her wings) What is your job, then?
I current work for the Fae Prince Carnelian, your, uh, honor. They hired me. Since I'm a sellsword. Your uhm. Faerie-ness. My job is whatever they tell me to do. Which is Not to get vomited on.
Aurorian doesn't vomit! And she's met Fae Prince Carnelian, what a nice fellow they are, so I see no problem with this!
YOUR MAJESTY I AM NOT A BABYSITTER.
But you can be a petsitter!! Okay byebye have fun! (her wings get bigger and she flaps up into the rafters, scurrying across the ceiling away from Helm and her responsibilities.)
(It stares at the rafters, mildly horrified.) I CAN CLIMB, YOU DICK. COME DEAL WITH YOUR KNIGHT
Noooope!
(And then it loses sight of her as she either leaves or uses her fae magic to evade it.)
(Aurorian props herself up with her hands on Helm's back.)
See what I meamn?
Gods damn it, Aurorian. I don't know where your room is so either you gotta start being more helpful or you gotta come to mine because I ain't gonna stay here with a drunk knight.
Helplful. is not in my covabulary. Unless I'mmm sober because sober knights gotsa be helpful. (she smiles at it and pokes the top of its helmet) Do you feel things through yourr armrour like skin or not?
I- I can, yes. It acts as very tough skin. I suppose I'll take you to my room, then. (It starts walking, leaving the ballroom with muttered apologies to the other guests.)
Hopefully my frog is still alive...
(She gently pats the top of its helmet) Must feel weirdd in there sometimes but 's like probably better when you bonk your head 'cause its'extra safe.
Yeah, yeah, very safe. I haven't been concussed ever.
That sheems improbable. (she narrows her eyes at it and tilts her head) Never? I think Bec conus- concusssed me the other day, even.
It is Not Great that you are drunk then, I think. Drinking makes me feel like shit even when I am not injured.
(It walks through the halls, counting doors.)
I'veee been thriuygh worse.
Yeah well I died and look where we are. (It snaps, pulling open a non descript door and entering the most empty personal room that possibly exists in this castle. There are exactly three things that belong to Helm; a tank with a frog, a caged rat king, and the clothes it's worn over the duration of the ball folded neatly on the empty desk.)
(It drops Aurorian onto the bed and makes a point of dusting off its shoulder. It pauses, then starts undoing the bolts holding its pauldrons on.)
Im eantt my past, not comparin' t'you.
(She tilts her head and observes it with a slightly delirious look.)
Shut up I'm right an you're wrong an I'm workin
(She blushes and blinks in confusion) 'kaayyy...
Why are you blushing? I'm just stripping. (It pauses, eyeing the knight on its bed.)
You'rejust very avssertive. (she fidgets with her hands and crosses her legs)
(It resumes its movement, ripping the pauldron off with a rather painful squelch.) I can be worse.
(she sticks her tongue out a little [like a blep] in a kneejerk disgust reaction to the squelch)
Whas that imply?
(It pauses, then drops the pauldron with a clatter. Blood drips down the maille. It reaches up to remove its helmet, undoing the latches.) I am dead, Aurorian. I don't have morals. How drunk are you? Will you remember any of this tomorrow?
(She pauses and her expression slowly becomes worried)
....Pretty drunk.. whadd'you mean?
Would you remember a confession, ser?
...Maybe not?
I died, Aurorian. (It pulls the helmet off, allowing that too to drop to the ground. It starts on the other pauldron, peeling pieces and pieces of its armor off.) I'm stuck in this GODS DAMNED FUCKING BODY FOR EVER AND EVER AND EVER AND THEY WON'T LET ME DIE.
D'you want t'find a way t'die?
I can't. I just wake up a day or a week or a month later like nothing ever happened. I don't- GODS, Aurorian, I'm ROTTING. I'm stuck like this day after day after month after year after decades and decades and death after death.
(It gestures aggressively to its body as it manages to peel off the chestplates.) This thing, I can't- I didn't want it. I've made pacts and deals and promises and it doesn't WORK. And that's not even the worst part! I can't-
I don't care about what I do. I get upset. I get guilty. I stop caring after a week.
(She tenses up and seems nervous as she places her feet on the floor.)
..Yes, your lack of- of morals, that's what you're worried about? Your state makes you not care?
Stop moving, Aurorian. You're drunk, aren't you? We don't want you getting hurt.
...I know I am. Just nervous.
Don't be. Why would I hurt you? I like you, Aurorian, and I don't often hurt people I like. Look at me, Aurorian. What do you see?
Um, lots of gore?
Do you see a person, Aurorian? Because I don't.
I'd see you as a person if you wanted to be seen as one. I don't know what you want to be seen as, though...
It's easier to be a Thing, isn't it? Just to pretend I'm [nothing] and nobody really cares. I can take what I want and say whatever I want and do whatever I want and nobody will ever care.
I don't- I- Gods, I fucking HATE [everything]. Everything's a gods damned lie! I pretend! I fake it all! (It peels off another plate and throws it to the ground. It's loud.) I'M NOT REal...
So..... do you think you'd be held accountable easier if you were seen as a person and not just a monster creature thing?
(She flinches hard at the loud sound.)
I'm [nobody] if I'm not a Thing. (It stills, staring down at the various plates on the ground.)
(She brings her knees up to her chest to hold and stay in a tiny ball as she looks at it.)
I'm sorry.
Please don't be sorry. I'm sorry. I shouldn't have yelled.
(It slowly sinks to the ground.)
Is there anything I can do to help?
I don't think so. I'm sorry. You should just [go to sleep]. You'll forget it tomorrow.
(She inhales as if about to respond, but is interrupted by what sounds like someone slamming the flat side of a sword hard against the stone of the castle, repeatedly, as they walk down the hall. Firm steps in heavy boots accompany it.)
(Aurorian looks like she's trying to remember where she recognizes that from. She's also clearly agitated by this new loud sound and covers her ears.)
(It drags itself to its feet and lunges for the dagger on the belt it had dropped. Even if it's just a random guard, it doesn't like being unarmed. It also tosses its old, faded cloak over itself, hiding the exposed flesh.)
(There's a single, hard knock on the door.)
Open up.
Wrong room. Guest bedrooms are down the hall.
I will slam my sword through this door, so help me God. Open up, knight.
It's Parker.
You'll have to talk to the baron about replacing it then, [fucker].
(It grinds its teeth together, wincing slightly when a fang catches a bit of loose flesh. Slowly, it draws its bollocks dagger.)
Who the fuck is Parker.
((Don't worry about answering until you're caught up with other rp as much as you aim to be ^^!))
(Helm sees Aurorian clearly drunk, staying off to the side of the masquerade, hand on a wall to help her stay stably upright as she walks around. It sounds like she's grinding her teeth together a little, maybe out of some level of anxiety still getting through the alcohol to her.)
(She's wearing a masquerade mask with white wolf fur smoothly brushed over it and ears on the corners. A purple swirling pattern brings it into the fancier style of the rest. Her dress is the same from the day of the jousts and other competitions, a dark blue one that goes over one shoulder and touches the floor, showing off half the aurora-patterned tattoo over her upper chest.)
(It had tried to stick near the edges of the masquerade, nursing a non-alcoholic drink. It wears the same armor it (almost) always does, though it's not like Aurorian has seen it in gear before. The only difference to its gear is that it sports a new helmet, a frogmouth build for battle instead of a joust. Interesting that for the only celebration it attended, it wears a battle helmet, and for battle, it wears a celebration helmet.)
Ser Aurorian. (It greets, pulling the straw out of its helmet so it can "properly" talk.") Lovely to see you here.
Oh fuck, it's you. (she sounds more surprised than miffed)
(She looks up at it, wavering only a little on her feet.)
Why're you in that? (her words do sound more casual and slightly slurred by the drunkenness, though)
Wow, rude when you're drunk, aren't you? Missing your armor, too. (It tuts, setting its drink on a nearby table so it can hold her up if needed.) This is my armor, the set I wear almost every day except for this past week. The, uh, helmet is new, though.
Sorry, ser. (she mumbles)
Fulgere wanted me inna fancy getup for the- the dance thing. (she motions at her dress with the hand that was on the wall and wavers again, now unsupported)
Helmet looks good. Fresher. Can't belieeve I've never gotten t'see your armour before? Guess it makes y'more intimidating. Hells, 's spinnny.
Well, thank you, then. Your dress looks lovely as well, ser. (It preens at the praise, slipping into a Proper Knight Posture.) Fulgere did well, didn't they?
(She blinks, seeming to try to connect the dots in her brain) Ohh.. oh, thank you, an' yes I think she did? D'you mean on the masks an' ouutfitting? (her face has gotten a little rosier, either from blushing or the alcohol - both? Both.)
(She slowly tips forward, about to unceremoniously fall flat on her face.)
I do, yes. You look lovely, ser. (It steps forward and wraps an arm around Aurorian's waist, holding her up.)
How much have you had to drink?
(She makes a serene sound and basically goes limp against it, done trying to hold herself up while this drunk.)
'unno, could be a lot, th'menu wasn't standrdized. (she hums for a moment) At least three or four big cuppsss. Prob'ly.
Ah. (For a moment it hesitates, then kneels down and picks her up like a sack of flour.)
Where's your, uh, boss? Fulgere? Surely your boss would be worried about where you've gone, right?
(She kicks her legs a little, but is overall wholly too uncoordinated to get out of being held like a sack of flour at the moment)
Nyo. She doesn't caare. She's probably trying to eat someone right 'bout now.
Aou, even better reason to find her! Let us feast together!
(It marches out into the masquerade proper, looking around for any faeries eating people- and/or Fulgere.)
Bec's gonnaa gett you if y'eat someone again...
(It probably gets a few looks from masquerade-goers for how it's got Aurorian over its shoulder.)
(Fulgere is chatting up as many people as she can, a couple of whom seem dazed. Some snap out of it, though, so so far she's mainly got one person listening who hasn't seemed to catch on to anything amiss.)
Yes so you just go towards the woods that way and you'll see fieldcaps in a circle! Just step in there, trust me!- Oh, hello you. (Fulgere looks up at it.) You have my knight?
I think Bec is gonna kill me for somethin else. (It mutters, marching up to Fulgere.) Your, uh, majesty. Your knight is drunk. Apologies for carryin her like this, I don't want her vomitin on my front.
Oh! Okay! You can keep her. I have things to do!!
Tollldd you. M'ybe if I turn into a wolf it'll put thre alcohol allll through my bigger bloodstream an' I'll get not drunk.
Your majesty please Aurorian is wanting to turn into a wolf in the middle of the masquerade please take her
The KPS handled it fine last time!! Just ask them again, it'll be alright!
(Fulgere starts scurrying off, though she is comically short with a much smaller stride than Helm.)
Wait. wait please. Fulgere. Monarch. Your highness. Your majesty I do not want to take care of a drunk knight your grace this is not my job.
(It follows Fulgere, of course. It does tend to follow people, it seems.)
(She starts flitting her wings) What is your job, then?
I current work for the Fae Prince Carnelian, your, uh, honor. They hired me. Since I'm a sellsword. Your uhm. Faerie-ness. My job is whatever they tell me to do. Which is Not to get vomited on.
Aurorian doesn't vomit! And she's met Fae Prince Carnelian, what a nice fellow they are, so I see no problem with this!
YOUR MAJESTY I AM NOT A BABYSITTER.
But you can be a petsitter!! Okay byebye have fun! (her wings get bigger and she flaps up into the rafters, scurrying across the ceiling away from Helm and her responsibilities.)
(It stares at the rafters, mildly horrified.) I CAN CLIMB, YOU DICK. COME DEAL WITH YOUR KNIGHT
Noooope!
(And then it loses sight of her as she either leaves or uses her fae magic to evade it.)
(Aurorian props herself up with her hands on Helm's back.)
See what I meamn?
Gods damn it, Aurorian. I don't know where your room is so either you gotta start being more helpful or you gotta come to mine because I ain't gonna stay here with a drunk knight.
Helplful. is not in my covabulary. Unless I'mmm sober because sober knights gotsa be helpful. (she smiles at it and pokes the top of its helmet) Do you feel things through yourr armrour like skin or not?
I- I can, yes. It acts as very tough skin. I suppose I'll take you to my room, then. (It starts walking, leaving the ballroom with muttered apologies to the other guests.)
Hopefully my frog is still alive...
(She gently pats the top of its helmet) Must feel weirdd in there sometimes but 's like probably better when you bonk your head 'cause its'extra safe.
Yeah, yeah, very safe. I haven't been concussed ever.
That sheems improbable. (she narrows her eyes at it and tilts her head) Never? I think Bec conus- concusssed me the other day, even.
It is Not Great that you are drunk then, I think. Drinking makes me feel like shit even when I am not injured.
(It walks through the halls, counting doors.)
I'veee been thriuygh worse.
Yeah well I died and look where we are. (It snaps, pulling open a non descript door and entering the most empty personal room that possibly exists in this castle. There are exactly three things that belong to Helm; a tank with a frog, a caged rat king, and the clothes it's worn over the duration of the ball folded neatly on the empty desk.)
(It drops Aurorian onto the bed and makes a point of dusting off its shoulder. It pauses, then starts undoing the bolts holding its pauldrons on.)
Im eantt my past, not comparin' t'you.
(She tilts her head and observes it with a slightly delirious look.)
Shut up I'm right an you're wrong an I'm workin
(She blushes and blinks in confusion) 'kaayyy...
Why are you blushing? I'm just stripping. (It pauses, eyeing the knight on its bed.)
You'rejust very avssertive. (she fidgets with her hands and crosses her legs)
(It resumes its movement, ripping the pauldron off with a rather painful squelch.) I can be worse.
(she sticks her tongue out a little [like a blep] in a kneejerk disgust reaction to the squelch)
Whas that imply?
(It pauses, then drops the pauldron with a clatter. Blood drips down the maille. It reaches up to remove its helmet, undoing the latches.) I am dead, Aurorian. I don't have morals. How drunk are you? Will you remember any of this tomorrow?
(She pauses and her expression slowly becomes worried)
....Pretty drunk.. whadd'you mean?
Would you remember a confession, ser?
...Maybe not?
I died, Aurorian. (It pulls the helmet off, allowing that too to drop to the ground. It starts on the other pauldron, peeling pieces and pieces of its armor off.) I'm stuck in this GODS DAMNED FUCKING BODY FOR EVER AND EVER AND EVER AND THEY WON'T LET ME DIE.
D'you want t'find a way t'die?
I can't. I just wake up a day or a week or a month later like nothing ever happened. I don't- GODS, Aurorian, I'm ROTTING. I'm stuck like this day after day after month after year after decades and decades and death after death.
(It gestures aggressively to its body as it manages to peel off the chestplates.) This thing, I can't- I didn't want it. I've made pacts and deals and promises and it doesn't WORK. And that's not even the worst part! I can't-
I don't care about what I do. I get upset. I get guilty. I stop caring after a week.
(She tenses up and seems nervous as she places her feet on the floor.)
..Yes, your lack of- of morals, that's what you're worried about? Your state makes you not care?
Stop moving, Aurorian. You're drunk, aren't you? We don't want you getting hurt.
...I know I am. Just nervous.
Don't be. Why would I hurt you? I like you, Aurorian, and I don't often hurt people I like. Look at me, Aurorian. What do you see?
Um, lots of gore?
Do you see a person, Aurorian? Because I don't.
I'd see you as a person if you wanted to be seen as one. I don't know what you want to be seen as, though...
It's easier to be a Thing, isn't it? Just to pretend I'm [nothing] and nobody really cares. I can take what I want and say whatever I want and do whatever I want and nobody will ever care.
I don't- I- Gods, I fucking HATE [everything]. Everything's a gods damned lie! I pretend! I fake it all! (It peels off another plate and throws it to the ground. It's loud.) I'M NOT REal...
So..... do you think you'd be held accountable easier if you were seen as a person and not just a monster creature thing?
(She flinches hard at the loud sound.)
I'm [nobody] if I'm not a Thing. (It stills, staring down at the various plates on the ground.)
(She brings her knees up to her chest to hold and stay in a tiny ball as she looks at it.)
I'm sorry.
Please don't be sorry. I'm sorry. I shouldn't have yelled.
(It slowly sinks to the ground.)
Is there anything I can do to help?
I don't think so. I'm sorry. You should just [go to sleep]. You'll forget it tomorrow.
(She inhales as if about to respond, but is interrupted by what sounds like someone slamming the flat side of a sword hard against the stone of the castle, repeatedly, as they walk down the hall. Firm steps in heavy boots accompany it.)
(Aurorian looks like she's trying to remember where she recognizes that from. She's also clearly agitated by this new loud sound and covers her ears.)
(It drags itself to its feet and lunges for the dagger on the belt it had dropped. Even if it's just a random guard, it doesn't like being unarmed. It also tosses its old, faded cloak over itself, hiding the exposed flesh.)
(There's a single, hard knock on the door.)
Open up.
Wrong room. Guest bedrooms are down the hall.
((Don't worry about answering until you're caught up with other rp as much as you aim to be ^^!))
(Helm sees Aurorian clearly drunk, staying off to the side of the masquerade, hand on a wall to help her stay stably upright as she walks around. It sounds like she's grinding her teeth together a little, maybe out of some level of anxiety still getting through the alcohol to her.)
(She's wearing a masquerade mask with white wolf fur smoothly brushed over it and ears on the corners. A purple swirling pattern brings it into the fancier style of the rest. Her dress is the same from the day of the jousts and other competitions, a dark blue one that goes over one shoulder and touches the floor, showing off half the aurora-patterned tattoo over her upper chest.)
(It had tried to stick near the edges of the masquerade, nursing a non-alcoholic drink. It wears the same armor it (almost) always does, though it's not like Aurorian has seen it in gear before. The only difference to its gear is that it sports a new helmet, a frogmouth build for battle instead of a joust. Interesting that for the only celebration it attended, it wears a battle helmet, and for battle, it wears a celebration helmet.)
Ser Aurorian. (It greets, pulling the straw out of its helmet so it can "properly" talk.") Lovely to see you here.
Oh fuck, it's you. (she sounds more surprised than miffed)
(She looks up at it, wavering only a little on her feet.)
Why're you in that? (her words do sound more casual and slightly slurred by the drunkenness, though)
Wow, rude when you're drunk, aren't you? Missing your armor, too. (It tuts, setting its drink on a nearby table so it can hold her up if needed.) This is my armor, the set I wear almost every day except for this past week. The, uh, helmet is new, though.
Sorry, ser. (she mumbles)
Fulgere wanted me inna fancy getup for the- the dance thing. (she motions at her dress with the hand that was on the wall and wavers again, now unsupported)
Helmet looks good. Fresher. Can't belieeve I've never gotten t'see your armour before? Guess it makes y'more intimidating. Hells, 's spinnny.
Well, thank you, then. Your dress looks lovely as well, ser. (It preens at the praise, slipping into a Proper Knight Posture.) Fulgere did well, didn't they?
(She blinks, seeming to try to connect the dots in her brain) Ohh.. oh, thank you, an' yes I think she did? D'you mean on the masks an' ouutfitting? (her face has gotten a little rosier, either from blushing or the alcohol - both? Both.)
(She slowly tips forward, about to unceremoniously fall flat on her face.)
I do, yes. You look lovely, ser. (It steps forward and wraps an arm around Aurorian's waist, holding her up.)
How much have you had to drink?
(She makes a serene sound and basically goes limp against it, done trying to hold herself up while this drunk.)
'unno, could be a lot, th'menu wasn't standrdized. (she hums for a moment) At least three or four big cuppsss. Prob'ly.
Ah. (For a moment it hesitates, then kneels down and picks her up like a sack of flour.)
Where's your, uh, boss? Fulgere? Surely your boss would be worried about where you've gone, right?
(She kicks her legs a little, but is overall wholly too uncoordinated to get out of being held like a sack of flour at the moment)
Nyo. She doesn't caare. She's probably trying to eat someone right 'bout now.
Aou, even better reason to find her! Let us feast together!
(It marches out into the masquerade proper, looking around for any faeries eating people- and/or Fulgere.)
Bec's gonnaa gett you if y'eat someone again...
(It probably gets a few looks from masquerade-goers for how it's got Aurorian over its shoulder.)
(Fulgere is chatting up as many people as she can, a couple of whom seem dazed. Some snap out of it, though, so so far she's mainly got one person listening who hasn't seemed to catch on to anything amiss.)
Yes so you just go towards the woods that way and you'll see fieldcaps in a circle! Just step in there, trust me!- Oh, hello you. (Fulgere looks up at it.) You have my knight?
I think Bec is gonna kill me for somethin else. (It mutters, marching up to Fulgere.) Your, uh, majesty. Your knight is drunk. Apologies for carryin her like this, I don't want her vomitin on my front.
Oh! Okay! You can keep her. I have things to do!!
Tollldd you. M'ybe if I turn into a wolf it'll put thre alcohol allll through my bigger bloodstream an' I'll get not drunk.
Your majesty please Aurorian is wanting to turn into a wolf in the middle of the masquerade please take her
The KPS handled it fine last time!! Just ask them again, it'll be alright!
(Fulgere starts scurrying off, though she is comically short with a much smaller stride than Helm.)
Wait. wait please. Fulgere. Monarch. Your highness. Your majesty I do not want to take care of a drunk knight your grace this is not my job.
(It follows Fulgere, of course. It does tend to follow people, it seems.)
(She starts flitting her wings) What is your job, then?
I current work for the Fae Prince Carnelian, your, uh, honor. They hired me. Since I'm a sellsword. Your uhm. Faerie-ness. My job is whatever they tell me to do. Which is Not to get vomited on.
Aurorian doesn't vomit! And she's met Fae Prince Carnelian, what a nice fellow they are, so I see no problem with this!
YOUR MAJESTY I AM NOT A BABYSITTER.
But you can be a petsitter!! Okay byebye have fun! (her wings get bigger and she flaps up into the rafters, scurrying across the ceiling away from Helm and her responsibilities.)
(It stares at the rafters, mildly horrified.) I CAN CLIMB, YOU DICK. COME DEAL WITH YOUR KNIGHT
Noooope!
(And then it loses sight of her as she either leaves or uses her fae magic to evade it.)
(Aurorian props herself up with her hands on Helm's back.)
See what I meamn?
Gods damn it, Aurorian. I don't know where your room is so either you gotta start being more helpful or you gotta come to mine because I ain't gonna stay here with a drunk knight.
Helplful. is not in my covabulary. Unless I'mmm sober because sober knights gotsa be helpful. (she smiles at it and pokes the top of its helmet) Do you feel things through yourr armrour like skin or not?
I- I can, yes. It acts as very tough skin. I suppose I'll take you to my room, then. (It starts walking, leaving the ballroom with muttered apologies to the other guests.)
Hopefully my frog is still alive...
(She gently pats the top of its helmet) Must feel weirdd in there sometimes but 's like probably better when you bonk your head 'cause its'extra safe.
Yeah, yeah, very safe. I haven't been concussed ever.
That sheems improbable. (she narrows her eyes at it and tilts her head) Never? I think Bec conus- concusssed me the other day, even.
It is Not Great that you are drunk then, I think. Drinking makes me feel like shit even when I am not injured.
(It walks through the halls, counting doors.)
I'veee been thriuygh worse.
Yeah well I died and look where we are. (It snaps, pulling open a non descript door and entering the most empty personal room that possibly exists in this castle. There are exactly three things that belong to Helm; a tank with a frog, a caged rat king, and the clothes it's worn over the duration of the ball folded neatly on the empty desk.)
(It drops Aurorian onto the bed and makes a point of dusting off its shoulder. It pauses, then starts undoing the bolts holding its pauldrons on.)
Im eantt my past, not comparin' t'you.
(She tilts her head and observes it with a slightly delirious look.)
Shut up I'm right an you're wrong an I'm workin
(She blushes and blinks in confusion) 'kaayyy...
Why are you blushing? I'm just stripping. (It pauses, eyeing the knight on its bed.)
You'rejust very avssertive. (she fidgets with her hands and crosses her legs)
(It resumes its movement, ripping the pauldron off with a rather painful squelch.) I can be worse.
(she sticks her tongue out a little [like a blep] in a kneejerk disgust reaction to the squelch)
Whas that imply?
(It pauses, then drops the pauldron with a clatter. Blood drips down the maille. It reaches up to remove its helmet, undoing the latches.) I am dead, Aurorian. I don't have morals. How drunk are you? Will you remember any of this tomorrow?
(She pauses and her expression slowly becomes worried)
....Pretty drunk.. whadd'you mean?
Would you remember a confession, ser?
...Maybe not?
I died, Aurorian. (It pulls the helmet off, allowing that too to drop to the ground. It starts on the other pauldron, peeling pieces and pieces of its armor off.) I'm stuck in this GODS DAMNED FUCKING BODY FOR EVER AND EVER AND EVER AND THEY WON'T LET ME DIE.
D'you want t'find a way t'die?
I can't. I just wake up a day or a week or a month later like nothing ever happened. I don't- GODS, Aurorian, I'm ROTTING. I'm stuck like this day after day after month after year after decades and decades and death after death.
(It gestures aggressively to its body as it manages to peel off the chestplates.) This thing, I can't- I didn't want it. I've made pacts and deals and promises and it doesn't WORK. And that's not even the worst part! I can't-
I don't care about what I do. I get upset. I get guilty. I stop caring after a week.
(She tenses up and seems nervous as she places her feet on the floor.)
..Yes, your lack of- of morals, that's what you're worried about? Your state makes you not care?
Stop moving, Aurorian. You're drunk, aren't you? We don't want you getting hurt.
...I know I am. Just nervous.
Don't be. Why would I hurt you? I like you, Aurorian, and I don't often hurt people I like. Look at me, Aurorian. What do you see?
Um, lots of gore?
Do you see a person, Aurorian? Because I don't.
I'd see you as a person if you wanted to be seen as one. I don't know what you want to be seen as, though...
It's easier to be a Thing, isn't it? Just to pretend I'm [nothing] and nobody really cares. I can take what I want and say whatever I want and do whatever I want and nobody will ever care.
I don't- I- Gods, I fucking HATE [everything]. Everything's a gods damned lie! I pretend! I fake it all! (It peels off another plate and throws it to the ground. It's loud.) I'M NOT REal...
So..... do you think you'd be held accountable easier if you were seen as a person and not just a monster creature thing?
(She flinches hard at the loud sound.)
I'm [nobody] if I'm not a Thing. (It stills, staring down at the various plates on the ground.)
(She brings her knees up to her chest to hold and stay in a tiny ball as she looks at it.)
I'm sorry.
Please don't be sorry. I'm sorry. I shouldn't have yelled.
(It slowly sinks to the ground.)
Is there anything I can do to help?
I don't think so. I'm sorry. You should just [go to sleep]. You'll forget it tomorrow.
(She inhales as if about to respond, but is interrupted by what sounds like someone slamming the flat side of a sword hard against the stone of the castle, repeatedly, as they walk down the hall. Firm steps in heavy boots accompany it.)
(Aurorian looks like she's trying to remember where she recognizes that from. She's also clearly agitated by this new loud sound and covers her ears.)
(It drags itself to its feet and lunges for the dagger on the belt it had dropped. Even if it's just a random guard, it doesn't like being unarmed. It also tosses its old, faded cloak over itself, hiding the exposed flesh.)
((Don't worry about answering until you're caught up with other rp as much as you aim to be ^^!))
(Helm sees Aurorian clearly drunk, staying off to the side of the masquerade, hand on a wall to help her stay stably upright as she walks around. It sounds like she's grinding her teeth together a little, maybe out of some level of anxiety still getting through the alcohol to her.)
(She's wearing a masquerade mask with white wolf fur smoothly brushed over it and ears on the corners. A purple swirling pattern brings it into the fancier style of the rest. Her dress is the same from the day of the jousts and other competitions, a dark blue one that goes over one shoulder and touches the floor, showing off half the aurora-patterned tattoo over her upper chest.)
(It had tried to stick near the edges of the masquerade, nursing a non-alcoholic drink. It wears the same armor it (almost) always does, though it's not like Aurorian has seen it in gear before. The only difference to its gear is that it sports a new helmet, a frogmouth build for battle instead of a joust. Interesting that for the only celebration it attended, it wears a battle helmet, and for battle, it wears a celebration helmet.)
Ser Aurorian. (It greets, pulling the straw out of its helmet so it can "properly" talk.") Lovely to see you here.
Oh fuck, it's you. (she sounds more surprised than miffed)
(She looks up at it, wavering only a little on her feet.)
Why're you in that? (her words do sound more casual and slightly slurred by the drunkenness, though)
Wow, rude when you're drunk, aren't you? Missing your armor, too. (It tuts, setting its drink on a nearby table so it can hold her up if needed.) This is my armor, the set I wear almost every day except for this past week. The, uh, helmet is new, though.
Sorry, ser. (she mumbles)
Fulgere wanted me inna fancy getup for the- the dance thing. (she motions at her dress with the hand that was on the wall and wavers again, now unsupported)
Helmet looks good. Fresher. Can't belieeve I've never gotten t'see your armour before? Guess it makes y'more intimidating. Hells, 's spinnny.
Well, thank you, then. Your dress looks lovely as well, ser. (It preens at the praise, slipping into a Proper Knight Posture.) Fulgere did well, didn't they?
(She blinks, seeming to try to connect the dots in her brain) Ohh.. oh, thank you, an' yes I think she did? D'you mean on the masks an' ouutfitting? (her face has gotten a little rosier, either from blushing or the alcohol - both? Both.)
(She slowly tips forward, about to unceremoniously fall flat on her face.)
I do, yes. You look lovely, ser. (It steps forward and wraps an arm around Aurorian's waist, holding her up.)
How much have you had to drink?
(She makes a serene sound and basically goes limp against it, done trying to hold herself up while this drunk.)
'unno, could be a lot, th'menu wasn't standrdized. (she hums for a moment) At least three or four big cuppsss. Prob'ly.
Ah. (For a moment it hesitates, then kneels down and picks her up like a sack of flour.)
Where's your, uh, boss? Fulgere? Surely your boss would be worried about where you've gone, right?
(She kicks her legs a little, but is overall wholly too uncoordinated to get out of being held like a sack of flour at the moment)
Nyo. She doesn't caare. She's probably trying to eat someone right 'bout now.
Aou, even better reason to find her! Let us feast together!
(It marches out into the masquerade proper, looking around for any faeries eating people- and/or Fulgere.)
Bec's gonnaa gett you if y'eat someone again...
(It probably gets a few looks from masquerade-goers for how it's got Aurorian over its shoulder.)
(Fulgere is chatting up as many people as she can, a couple of whom seem dazed. Some snap out of it, though, so so far she's mainly got one person listening who hasn't seemed to catch on to anything amiss.)
Yes so you just go towards the woods that way and you'll see fieldcaps in a circle! Just step in there, trust me!- Oh, hello you. (Fulgere looks up at it.) You have my knight?
I think Bec is gonna kill me for somethin else. (It mutters, marching up to Fulgere.) Your, uh, majesty. Your knight is drunk. Apologies for carryin her like this, I don't want her vomitin on my front.
Oh! Okay! You can keep her. I have things to do!!
Tollldd you. M'ybe if I turn into a wolf it'll put thre alcohol allll through my bigger bloodstream an' I'll get not drunk.
Your majesty please Aurorian is wanting to turn into a wolf in the middle of the masquerade please take her
The KPS handled it fine last time!! Just ask them again, it'll be alright!
(Fulgere starts scurrying off, though she is comically short with a much smaller stride than Helm.)
Wait. wait please. Fulgere. Monarch. Your highness. Your majesty I do not want to take care of a drunk knight your grace this is not my job.
(It follows Fulgere, of course. It does tend to follow people, it seems.)
(She starts flitting her wings) What is your job, then?
I current work for the Fae Prince Carnelian, your, uh, honor. They hired me. Since I'm a sellsword. Your uhm. Faerie-ness. My job is whatever they tell me to do. Which is Not to get vomited on.
Aurorian doesn't vomit! And she's met Fae Prince Carnelian, what a nice fellow they are, so I see no problem with this!
YOUR MAJESTY I AM NOT A BABYSITTER.
But you can be a petsitter!! Okay byebye have fun! (her wings get bigger and she flaps up into the rafters, scurrying across the ceiling away from Helm and her responsibilities.)
(It stares at the rafters, mildly horrified.) I CAN CLIMB, YOU DICK. COME DEAL WITH YOUR KNIGHT
Noooope!
(And then it loses sight of her as she either leaves or uses her fae magic to evade it.)
(Aurorian props herself up with her hands on Helm's back.)
See what I meamn?
Gods damn it, Aurorian. I don't know where your room is so either you gotta start being more helpful or you gotta come to mine because I ain't gonna stay here with a drunk knight.
Helplful. is not in my covabulary. Unless I'mmm sober because sober knights gotsa be helpful. (she smiles at it and pokes the top of its helmet) Do you feel things through yourr armrour like skin or not?
I- I can, yes. It acts as very tough skin. I suppose I'll take you to my room, then. (It starts walking, leaving the ballroom with muttered apologies to the other guests.)
Hopefully my frog is still alive...
(She gently pats the top of its helmet) Must feel weirdd in there sometimes but 's like probably better when you bonk your head 'cause its'extra safe.
Yeah, yeah, very safe. I haven't been concussed ever.
That sheems improbable. (she narrows her eyes at it and tilts her head) Never? I think Bec conus- concusssed me the other day, even.
It is Not Great that you are drunk then, I think. Drinking makes me feel like shit even when I am not injured.
(It walks through the halls, counting doors.)
I'veee been thriuygh worse.
Yeah well I died and look where we are. (It snaps, pulling open a non descript door and entering the most empty personal room that possibly exists in this castle. There are exactly three things that belong to Helm; a tank with a frog, a caged rat king, and the clothes it's worn over the duration of the ball folded neatly on the empty desk.)
(It drops Aurorian onto the bed and makes a point of dusting off its shoulder. It pauses, then starts undoing the bolts holding its pauldrons on.)
Im eantt my past, not comparin' t'you.
(She tilts her head and observes it with a slightly delirious look.)
Shut up I'm right an you're wrong an I'm workin
(She blushes and blinks in confusion) 'kaayyy...
Why are you blushing? I'm just stripping. (It pauses, eyeing the knight on its bed.)
You'rejust very avssertive. (she fidgets with her hands and crosses her legs)
(It resumes its movement, ripping the pauldron off with a rather painful squelch.) I can be worse.
(she sticks her tongue out a little [like a blep] in a kneejerk disgust reaction to the squelch)
Whas that imply?
(It pauses, then drops the pauldron with a clatter. Blood drips down the maille. It reaches up to remove its helmet, undoing the latches.) I am dead, Aurorian. I don't have morals. How drunk are you? Will you remember any of this tomorrow?
(She pauses and her expression slowly becomes worried)
....Pretty drunk.. whadd'you mean?
Would you remember a confession, ser?
...Maybe not?
I died, Aurorian. (It pulls the helmet off, allowing that too to drop to the ground. It starts on the other pauldron, peeling pieces and pieces of its armor off.) I'm stuck in this GODS DAMNED FUCKING BODY FOR EVER AND EVER AND EVER AND THEY WON'T LET ME DIE.
D'you want t'find a way t'die?
I can't. I just wake up a day or a week or a month later like nothing ever happened. I don't- GODS, Aurorian, I'm ROTTING. I'm stuck like this day after day after month after year after decades and decades and death after death.
(It gestures aggressively to its body as it manages to peel off the chestplates.) This thing, I can't- I didn't want it. I've made pacts and deals and promises and it doesn't WORK. And that's not even the worst part! I can't-
I don't care about what I do. I get upset. I get guilty. I stop caring after a week.
(She tenses up and seems nervous as she places her feet on the floor.)
..Yes, your lack of- of morals, that's what you're worried about? Your state makes you not care?
Stop moving, Aurorian. You're drunk, aren't you? We don't want you getting hurt.
...I know I am. Just nervous.
Don't be. Why would I hurt you? I like you, Aurorian, and I don't often hurt people I like. Look at me, Aurorian. What do you see?
Um, lots of gore?
Do you see a person, Aurorian? Because I don't.
I'd see you as a person if you wanted to be seen as one. I don't know what you want to be seen as, though...
It's easier to be a Thing, isn't it? Just to pretend I'm [nothing] and nobody really cares. I can take what I want and say whatever I want and do whatever I want and nobody will ever care.
I don't- I- Gods, I fucking HATE [everything]. Everything's a gods damned lie! I pretend! I fake it all! (It peels off another plate and throws it to the ground. It's loud.) I'M NOT REal...
So..... do you think you'd be held accountable easier if you were seen as a person and not just a monster creature thing?
(She flinches hard at the loud sound.)
I'm [nobody] if I'm not a Thing. (It stills, staring down at the various plates on the ground.)
(She brings her knees up to her chest to hold and stay in a tiny ball as she looks at it.)
I'm sorry.
Please don't be sorry. I'm sorry. I shouldn't have yelled.
(It slowly sinks to the ground.)
Is there anything I can do to help?
I don't think so. I'm sorry. You should just [go to sleep]. You'll forget it tomorrow.
((Don't worry about answering until you're caught up with other rp as much as you aim to be ^^!))
(Helm sees Aurorian clearly drunk, staying off to the side of the masquerade, hand on a wall to help her stay stably upright as she walks around. It sounds like she's grinding her teeth together a little, maybe out of some level of anxiety still getting through the alcohol to her.)
(She's wearing a masquerade mask with white wolf fur smoothly brushed over it and ears on the corners. A purple swirling pattern brings it into the fancier style of the rest. Her dress is the same from the day of the jousts and other competitions, a dark blue one that goes over one shoulder and touches the floor, showing off half the aurora-patterned tattoo over her upper chest.)
(It had tried to stick near the edges of the masquerade, nursing a non-alcoholic drink. It wears the same armor it (almost) always does, though it's not like Aurorian has seen it in gear before. The only difference to its gear is that it sports a new helmet, a frogmouth build for battle instead of a joust. Interesting that for the only celebration it attended, it wears a battle helmet, and for battle, it wears a celebration helmet.)
Ser Aurorian. (It greets, pulling the straw out of its helmet so it can "properly" talk.") Lovely to see you here.
Oh fuck, it's you. (she sounds more surprised than miffed)
(She looks up at it, wavering only a little on her feet.)
Why're you in that? (her words do sound more casual and slightly slurred by the drunkenness, though)
Wow, rude when you're drunk, aren't you? Missing your armor, too. (It tuts, setting its drink on a nearby table so it can hold her up if needed.) This is my armor, the set I wear almost every day except for this past week. The, uh, helmet is new, though.
Sorry, ser. (she mumbles)
Fulgere wanted me inna fancy getup for the- the dance thing. (she motions at her dress with the hand that was on the wall and wavers again, now unsupported)
Helmet looks good. Fresher. Can't belieeve I've never gotten t'see your armour before? Guess it makes y'more intimidating. Hells, 's spinnny.
Well, thank you, then. Your dress looks lovely as well, ser. (It preens at the praise, slipping into a Proper Knight Posture.) Fulgere did well, didn't they?
(She blinks, seeming to try to connect the dots in her brain) Ohh.. oh, thank you, an' yes I think she did? D'you mean on the masks an' ouutfitting? (her face has gotten a little rosier, either from blushing or the alcohol - both? Both.)
(She slowly tips forward, about to unceremoniously fall flat on her face.)
I do, yes. You look lovely, ser. (It steps forward and wraps an arm around Aurorian's waist, holding her up.)
How much have you had to drink?
(She makes a serene sound and basically goes limp against it, done trying to hold herself up while this drunk.)
'unno, could be a lot, th'menu wasn't standrdized. (she hums for a moment) At least three or four big cuppsss. Prob'ly.
Ah. (For a moment it hesitates, then kneels down and picks her up like a sack of flour.)
Where's your, uh, boss? Fulgere? Surely your boss would be worried about where you've gone, right?
(She kicks her legs a little, but is overall wholly too uncoordinated to get out of being held like a sack of flour at the moment)
Nyo. She doesn't caare. She's probably trying to eat someone right 'bout now.
Aou, even better reason to find her! Let us feast together!
(It marches out into the masquerade proper, looking around for any faeries eating people- and/or Fulgere.)
Bec's gonnaa gett you if y'eat someone again...
(It probably gets a few looks from masquerade-goers for how it's got Aurorian over its shoulder.)
(Fulgere is chatting up as many people as she can, a couple of whom seem dazed. Some snap out of it, though, so so far she's mainly got one person listening who hasn't seemed to catch on to anything amiss.)
Yes so you just go towards the woods that way and you'll see fieldcaps in a circle! Just step in there, trust me!- Oh, hello you. (Fulgere looks up at it.) You have my knight?
I think Bec is gonna kill me for somethin else. (It mutters, marching up to Fulgere.) Your, uh, majesty. Your knight is drunk. Apologies for carryin her like this, I don't want her vomitin on my front.
Oh! Okay! You can keep her. I have things to do!!
Tollldd you. M'ybe if I turn into a wolf it'll put thre alcohol allll through my bigger bloodstream an' I'll get not drunk.
Your majesty please Aurorian is wanting to turn into a wolf in the middle of the masquerade please take her
The KPS handled it fine last time!! Just ask them again, it'll be alright!
(Fulgere starts scurrying off, though she is comically short with a much smaller stride than Helm.)
Wait. wait please. Fulgere. Monarch. Your highness. Your majesty I do not want to take care of a drunk knight your grace this is not my job.
(It follows Fulgere, of course. It does tend to follow people, it seems.)
(She starts flitting her wings) What is your job, then?
I current work for the Fae Prince Carnelian, your, uh, honor. They hired me. Since I'm a sellsword. Your uhm. Faerie-ness. My job is whatever they tell me to do. Which is Not to get vomited on.
Aurorian doesn't vomit! And she's met Fae Prince Carnelian, what a nice fellow they are, so I see no problem with this!
YOUR MAJESTY I AM NOT A BABYSITTER.
But you can be a petsitter!! Okay byebye have fun! (her wings get bigger and she flaps up into the rafters, scurrying across the ceiling away from Helm and her responsibilities.)
(It stares at the rafters, mildly horrified.) I CAN CLIMB, YOU DICK. COME DEAL WITH YOUR KNIGHT
Noooope!
(And then it loses sight of her as she either leaves or uses her fae magic to evade it.)
(Aurorian props herself up with her hands on Helm's back.)
See what I meamn?
Gods damn it, Aurorian. I don't know where your room is so either you gotta start being more helpful or you gotta come to mine because I ain't gonna stay here with a drunk knight.
Helplful. is not in my covabulary. Unless I'mmm sober because sober knights gotsa be helpful. (she smiles at it and pokes the top of its helmet) Do you feel things through yourr armrour like skin or not?
I- I can, yes. It acts as very tough skin. I suppose I'll take you to my room, then. (It starts walking, leaving the ballroom with muttered apologies to the other guests.)
Hopefully my frog is still alive...
(She gently pats the top of its helmet) Must feel weirdd in there sometimes but 's like probably better when you bonk your head 'cause its'extra safe.
Yeah, yeah, very safe. I haven't been concussed ever.
That sheems improbable. (she narrows her eyes at it and tilts her head) Never? I think Bec conus- concusssed me the other day, even.
It is Not Great that you are drunk then, I think. Drinking makes me feel like shit even when I am not injured.
(It walks through the halls, counting doors.)
I'veee been thriuygh worse.
Yeah well I died and look where we are. (It snaps, pulling open a non descript door and entering the most empty personal room that possibly exists in this castle. There are exactly three things that belong to Helm; a tank with a frog, a caged rat king, and the clothes it's worn over the duration of the ball folded neatly on the empty desk.)
(It drops Aurorian onto the bed and makes a point of dusting off its shoulder. It pauses, then starts undoing the bolts holding its pauldrons on.)
Im eantt my past, not comparin' t'you.
(She tilts her head and observes it with a slightly delirious look.)
Shut up I'm right an you're wrong an I'm workin
(She blushes and blinks in confusion) 'kaayyy...
Why are you blushing? I'm just stripping. (It pauses, eyeing the knight on its bed.)
You'rejust very avssertive. (she fidgets with her hands and crosses her legs)
(It resumes its movement, ripping the pauldron off with a rather painful squelch.) I can be worse.
(she sticks her tongue out a little [like a blep] in a kneejerk disgust reaction to the squelch)
Whas that imply?
(It pauses, then drops the pauldron with a clatter. Blood drips down the maille. It reaches up to remove its helmet, undoing the latches.) I am dead, Aurorian. I don't have morals. How drunk are you? Will you remember any of this tomorrow?
(She pauses and her expression slowly becomes worried)
....Pretty drunk.. whadd'you mean?
Would you remember a confession, ser?
...Maybe not?
I died, Aurorian. (It pulls the helmet off, allowing that too to drop to the ground. It starts on the other pauldron, peeling pieces and pieces of its armor off.) I'm stuck in this GODS DAMNED FUCKING BODY FOR EVER AND EVER AND EVER AND THEY WON'T LET ME DIE.
D'you want t'find a way t'die?
I can't. I just wake up a day or a week or a month later like nothing ever happened. I don't- GODS, Aurorian, I'm ROTTING. I'm stuck like this day after day after month after year after decades and decades and death after death.
(It gestures aggressively to its body as it manages to peel off the chestplates.) This thing, I can't- I didn't want it. I've made pacts and deals and promises and it doesn't WORK. And that's not even the worst part! I can't-
I don't care about what I do. I get upset. I get guilty. I stop caring after a week.
(She tenses up and seems nervous as she places her feet on the floor.)
..Yes, your lack of- of morals, that's what you're worried about? Your state makes you not care?
Stop moving, Aurorian. You're drunk, aren't you? We don't want you getting hurt.
...I know I am. Just nervous.
Don't be. Why would I hurt you? I like you, Aurorian, and I don't often hurt people I like. Look at me, Aurorian. What do you see?
Um, lots of gore?
Do you see a person, Aurorian? Because I don't.
I'd see you as a person if you wanted to be seen as one. I don't know what you want to be seen as, though...
It's easier to be a Thing, isn't it? Just to pretend I'm [nothing] and nobody really cares. I can take what I want and say whatever I want and do whatever I want and nobody will ever care.
I don't- I- Gods, I fucking HATE [everything]. Everything's a gods damned lie! I pretend! I fake it all! (It peels off another plate and throws it to the ground. It's loud.) I'M NOT REal...
So..... do you think you'd be held accountable easier if you were seen as a person and not just a monster creature thing?
(She flinches hard at the loud sound.)
I'm [nobody] if I'm not a Thing. (It stills, staring down at the various plates on the ground.)
(She brings her knees up to her chest to hold and stay in a tiny ball as she looks at it.)
I'm sorry.
Please don't be sorry. I'm sorry. I shouldn't have yelled.
(It slowly sinks to the ground.)
((Don't worry about answering until you're caught up with other rp as much as you aim to be ^^!))
(Helm sees Aurorian clearly drunk, staying off to the side of the masquerade, hand on a wall to help her stay stably upright as she walks around. It sounds like she's grinding her teeth together a little, maybe out of some level of anxiety still getting through the alcohol to her.)
(She's wearing a masquerade mask with white wolf fur smoothly brushed over it and ears on the corners. A purple swirling pattern brings it into the fancier style of the rest. Her dress is the same from the day of the jousts and other competitions, a dark blue one that goes over one shoulder and touches the floor, showing off half the aurora-patterned tattoo over her upper chest.)
(It had tried to stick near the edges of the masquerade, nursing a non-alcoholic drink. It wears the same armor it (almost) always does, though it's not like Aurorian has seen it in gear before. The only difference to its gear is that it sports a new helmet, a frogmouth build for battle instead of a joust. Interesting that for the only celebration it attended, it wears a battle helmet, and for battle, it wears a celebration helmet.)
Ser Aurorian. (It greets, pulling the straw out of its helmet so it can "properly" talk.") Lovely to see you here.
Oh fuck, it's you. (she sounds more surprised than miffed)
(She looks up at it, wavering only a little on her feet.)
Why're you in that? (her words do sound more casual and slightly slurred by the drunkenness, though)
Wow, rude when you're drunk, aren't you? Missing your armor, too. (It tuts, setting its drink on a nearby table so it can hold her up if needed.) This is my armor, the set I wear almost every day except for this past week. The, uh, helmet is new, though.
Sorry, ser. (she mumbles)
Fulgere wanted me inna fancy getup for the- the dance thing. (she motions at her dress with the hand that was on the wall and wavers again, now unsupported)
Helmet looks good. Fresher. Can't belieeve I've never gotten t'see your armour before? Guess it makes y'more intimidating. Hells, 's spinnny.
Well, thank you, then. Your dress looks lovely as well, ser. (It preens at the praise, slipping into a Proper Knight Posture.) Fulgere did well, didn't they?
(She blinks, seeming to try to connect the dots in her brain) Ohh.. oh, thank you, an' yes I think she did? D'you mean on the masks an' ouutfitting? (her face has gotten a little rosier, either from blushing or the alcohol - both? Both.)
(She slowly tips forward, about to unceremoniously fall flat on her face.)
I do, yes. You look lovely, ser. (It steps forward and wraps an arm around Aurorian's waist, holding her up.)
How much have you had to drink?
(She makes a serene sound and basically goes limp against it, done trying to hold herself up while this drunk.)
'unno, could be a lot, th'menu wasn't standrdized. (she hums for a moment) At least three or four big cuppsss. Prob'ly.
Ah. (For a moment it hesitates, then kneels down and picks her up like a sack of flour.)
Where's your, uh, boss? Fulgere? Surely your boss would be worried about where you've gone, right?
(She kicks her legs a little, but is overall wholly too uncoordinated to get out of being held like a sack of flour at the moment)
Nyo. She doesn't caare. She's probably trying to eat someone right 'bout now.
Aou, even better reason to find her! Let us feast together!
(It marches out into the masquerade proper, looking around for any faeries eating people- and/or Fulgere.)
Bec's gonnaa gett you if y'eat someone again...
(It probably gets a few looks from masquerade-goers for how it's got Aurorian over its shoulder.)
(Fulgere is chatting up as many people as she can, a couple of whom seem dazed. Some snap out of it, though, so so far she's mainly got one person listening who hasn't seemed to catch on to anything amiss.)
Yes so you just go towards the woods that way and you'll see fieldcaps in a circle! Just step in there, trust me!- Oh, hello you. (Fulgere looks up at it.) You have my knight?
I think Bec is gonna kill me for somethin else. (It mutters, marching up to Fulgere.) Your, uh, majesty. Your knight is drunk. Apologies for carryin her like this, I don't want her vomitin on my front.
Oh! Okay! You can keep her. I have things to do!!
Tollldd you. M'ybe if I turn into a wolf it'll put thre alcohol allll through my bigger bloodstream an' I'll get not drunk.
Your majesty please Aurorian is wanting to turn into a wolf in the middle of the masquerade please take her
The KPS handled it fine last time!! Just ask them again, it'll be alright!
(Fulgere starts scurrying off, though she is comically short with a much smaller stride than Helm.)
Wait. wait please. Fulgere. Monarch. Your highness. Your majesty I do not want to take care of a drunk knight your grace this is not my job.
(It follows Fulgere, of course. It does tend to follow people, it seems.)
(She starts flitting her wings) What is your job, then?
I current work for the Fae Prince Carnelian, your, uh, honor. They hired me. Since I'm a sellsword. Your uhm. Faerie-ness. My job is whatever they tell me to do. Which is Not to get vomited on.
Aurorian doesn't vomit! And she's met Fae Prince Carnelian, what a nice fellow they are, so I see no problem with this!
YOUR MAJESTY I AM NOT A BABYSITTER.
But you can be a petsitter!! Okay byebye have fun! (her wings get bigger and she flaps up into the rafters, scurrying across the ceiling away from Helm and her responsibilities.)
(It stares at the rafters, mildly horrified.) I CAN CLIMB, YOU DICK. COME DEAL WITH YOUR KNIGHT
Noooope!
(And then it loses sight of her as she either leaves or uses her fae magic to evade it.)
(Aurorian props herself up with her hands on Helm's back.)
See what I meamn?
Gods damn it, Aurorian. I don't know where your room is so either you gotta start being more helpful or you gotta come to mine because I ain't gonna stay here with a drunk knight.
Helplful. is not in my covabulary. Unless I'mmm sober because sober knights gotsa be helpful. (she smiles at it and pokes the top of its helmet) Do you feel things through yourr armrour like skin or not?
I- I can, yes. It acts as very tough skin. I suppose I'll take you to my room, then. (It starts walking, leaving the ballroom with muttered apologies to the other guests.)
Hopefully my frog is still alive...
(She gently pats the top of its helmet) Must feel weirdd in there sometimes but 's like probably better when you bonk your head 'cause its'extra safe.
Yeah, yeah, very safe. I haven't been concussed ever.
That sheems improbable. (she narrows her eyes at it and tilts her head) Never? I think Bec conus- concusssed me the other day, even.
It is Not Great that you are drunk then, I think. Drinking makes me feel like shit even when I am not injured.
(It walks through the halls, counting doors.)
I'veee been thriuygh worse.
Yeah well I died and look where we are. (It snaps, pulling open a non descript door and entering the most empty personal room that possibly exists in this castle. There are exactly three things that belong to Helm; a tank with a frog, a caged rat king, and the clothes it's worn over the duration of the ball folded neatly on the empty desk.)
(It drops Aurorian onto the bed and makes a point of dusting off its shoulder. It pauses, then starts undoing the bolts holding its pauldrons on.)
Im eantt my past, not comparin' t'you.
(She tilts her head and observes it with a slightly delirious look.)
Shut up I'm right an you're wrong an I'm workin
(She blushes and blinks in confusion) 'kaayyy...
Why are you blushing? I'm just stripping. (It pauses, eyeing the knight on its bed.)
You'rejust very avssertive. (she fidgets with her hands and crosses her legs)
(It resumes its movement, ripping the pauldron off with a rather painful squelch.) I can be worse.
(she sticks her tongue out a little [like a blep] in a kneejerk disgust reaction to the squelch)
Whas that imply?
(It pauses, then drops the pauldron with a clatter. Blood drips down the maille. It reaches up to remove its helmet, undoing the latches.) I am dead, Aurorian. I don't have morals. How drunk are you? Will you remember any of this tomorrow?
(She pauses and her expression slowly becomes worried)
....Pretty drunk.. whadd'you mean?
Would you remember a confession, ser?
...Maybe not?
I died, Aurorian. (It pulls the helmet off, allowing that too to drop to the ground. It starts on the other pauldron, peeling pieces and pieces of its armor off.) I'm stuck in this GODS DAMNED FUCKING BODY FOR EVER AND EVER AND EVER AND THEY WON'T LET ME DIE.
D'you want t'find a way t'die?
I can't. I just wake up a day or a week or a month later like nothing ever happened. I don't- GODS, Aurorian, I'm ROTTING. I'm stuck like this day after day after month after year after decades and decades and death after death.
(It gestures aggressively to its body as it manages to peel off the chestplates.) This thing, I can't- I didn't want it. I've made pacts and deals and promises and it doesn't WORK. And that's not even the worst part! I can't-
I don't care about what I do. I get upset. I get guilty. I stop caring after a week.
(She tenses up and seems nervous as she places her feet on the floor.)
..Yes, your lack of- of morals, that's what you're worried about? Your state makes you not care?
Stop moving, Aurorian. You're drunk, aren't you? We don't want you getting hurt.
...I know I am. Just nervous.
Don't be. Why would I hurt you? I like you, Aurorian, and I don't often hurt people I like. Look at me, Aurorian. What do you see?
Um, lots of gore?
Do you see a person, Aurorian? Because I don't.
I'd see you as a person if you wanted to be seen as one. I don't know what you want to be seen as, though...
It's easier to be a Thing, isn't it? Just to pretend I'm [nothing] and nobody really cares. I can take what I want and say whatever I want and do whatever I want and nobody will ever care.
I don't- I- Gods, I fucking HATE [everything]. Everything's a gods damned lie! I pretend! I fake it all! (It peels off another plate and throws it to the ground. It's loud.) I'M NOT REal...
So..... do you think you'd be held accountable easier if you were seen as a person and not just a monster creature thing?
(She flinches hard at the loud sound.)
I'm [nobody] if I'm not a Thing. (It stills, staring down at the various plates on the ground.)
