Alight With Passion

Independent Fantasy OCs || Private + Semi-Selective || Multi-Verse + Multi-Ship || Penned by Bryn

[nobleburn]

Hi, I’m Bryn (she/her), I’m 31, longtime tumblr rp veteran, thanks for stopping by! This blog features a pair of D&D/fantasy OCs. I’m multi-ship and multi-verse, OC-friendly, all those nice things. My Rules are here, as is my Muse List, my Verses Page, and my Mun Page. Please enjoy your stay!

[nobleburn]

(praying to sothis that a new game brings the fe fandom back to life)

[quickdeaths]

[timebattle-a]

Was she truly as popular as Nikolette claimed? It never crossed her mind, nor did she exactly pay attention to such a thing - too occupied, too many things that were more important than popularity. Ofcourse, having a well-maintained reputation was important, which she did attempt her best to maintain. She tried to be approachable for fellow students, but some of them were understandably intimidated by the heir and thus future emperor of the Adrastian Empire. Luckily, she atleast managed to make herself less intimidating for those of the Black Eagles class.

" I wish I could easily say I am popular, but I find that many seem intimidated by the idea of who I am. " Not that she blamed them. While most of the noble students did seem to more easily approach her - albeit merely for their own benefit and to make connections with the future emperor - , she'd noticed that those of lower social classes found it more challenging.

The sudden question about her gloves caught her off-guard. Usually not one for mere small talk, there was a certain awkwardness following her. " My gloves.. ? " Perhaps Nikolette paid more attention to her than she had thought before. " Well - " Barely able to bring a word in before Nikolette came to her own conclusion, Edelgard couldn't help the faintest chuckle escaping her. " It is indeed someone - or rather, a generational business the Royal Family has hired. The daughter recently took over her father's position. I think, in fact, this was one of her first pieces as the official Royal Glover. " Her gaze went down to her own gloves, carefully inspecting the details as if it was the first time. " If you'd like, I can ask if she wouldn't mind making a pair of gloves for you. I'm certain she'd be honored to do so on recommendation of me. " A friendly smile was given to her current company.

The aroma of numerous dishes being prepared could have been noticed from afar, but now nearing the building ( of which the doors were opened, since the temperature finally started to warm up ) it was hard to ignore the countless smells. It was enough to make Edelgard's stomach groan softly in anticipation of the sauteed pheasant Nikolette had mentioned earlier. Stepping within the dining hall, a hand outstretched and gestured to the tables. " Take a seat, I will do the honors of getting our lunch. Was there something else you'd like? "

[nobleburn]

Nikolette hummed to herself at Edelgard's countering claim - that rather than popularity, perhaps what she had instead was a sort of infamy due to the intimidating quality of her presence. Well, there was nothing wrong with that, was there? It was important for certain people to understand the disparity between their place, and that of a noble, and if one wanted to call that intimidating, then so be it. "I suppose it's all a matter of perspective," she replied diplomatically, giving a small shrug of her shoulders. "Though, I don't see any reason for someone like myself to be intimidated." Indeed, Nikolette's opinion was that few people were truly above her in any status. Politics and the appropriate amount of deference were important, naturally, but she wasn't one to lower herself without proper cause.

Throughout the other girl's explanation, Nikolette nodded along. Her intuition had been correct, it seemed. Considering how many staff members her own family had on retainer, it was no surprise to know that Adrestia's Imperial Family might have even more. "I'd greatly appreciate it," came Nikolette's answer, paired with an assured nod. "So long as it's no great disruption to any existing demands upon her time, of course." While a single pair wouldn't exactly satisfy her need for a backup supplier, there were certain benefits to having a set crafted by the princess's own glover. If nothing else, it was a unique aesthetic in comparison to her own, and one could never have too much variety.

Once they'd entered the dining hall, Nikolette followed the direction of Edelgard's outstretched hands with her eyes. "If you're sure," she replied, though making no attempt at arguing the point. "I'll have the same, just the pheasant is fine. Though, should there be few plates left, I wouldn't mind a Daphnel Stew, either." Her own favorite dish was pheasant, though of the roasted variety, with a berry reduction, but she wouldn't complain so long as Edelgard enjoyed the meal.

As Edelgard left to grab the dishes, Nikolette found a space for the two of them to sit - somewhere without enough open space that they wouldn't be crowded, and could talk at their leisure. Nikolette was sure that her own aura created a comfortable bubble for herself, and Edelgard's presence would only add to it. Save for someone like Sylvain deciding to insert himself into the conversation, she doubted they'd be bothered. As she preferred it, of course. If she was going to spend time with the likes of Edelgard von Hresvelg, she'd rather it be bother private and uninterrupted.

[timebattle-a]

Edelgard   was   a   diligent   student   —   noting   down   whatever   she   so   deemed   important,   ensuring   to   pay   careful   attention   to   the   professor's   words.   She   was   not   one   for   slacking,   especially   not   on   her   studies,   even   despite   everything   she   was   planning   behind   -   the   -   scenes.   If   anything,   it   was   an   even   bigger   motivation   for   her   to   do   her   utmost   best.   To   become   a   promising   emperor.   One   who   can   free   her   —   no,   Fódlan's   people   from   the   Church   and   its   influence.   To   put   an   end   to   Rhea's   reign   along   with   that   fake   Goddess   of   hers.   To   put   an   end   to   Those   Who   Slither   in   The   Dark.   To   give   everyone   freedom.   No   more   superior   Church.

Stepping   outside   the   classroom   after   the   last   lecture   of   her   morning,   she   soon   came   to   a   halt   upon   hearing   her   name.   It   was   a   voice   that,   although   not   foreign,   was   one   she   wasn't   used   to   hearing   -   atleast   not   calling   her   name.   "   Oh,   Nikolette.   "   Her   eyebrows   rose   ever   so   slightly,   if   anything   to   display   her   surprise   upon   being   approached   by   her.   She's   heard   whispers   and   gossips   around   her   concerning   her   fellow   student   standing   before   her   -   how   she   oft   came   across   as   viewing   other   girls   as   her   rivals   in   love.   Though   who   she   had   her   eye   on   -   Edelgard   did   not   know,   people   liked   to   spread   misinformation   and   rumors   all   the   time.   Plus,   love   was   one   subject   that   Edelgard   was   disinterested   in   and   was,   quite   honestly,   oblivious   to.   "   You   were   looking   for   me?   "   A   repeat   of   her   previous   statement   in   surprise   and   disbelief.

Her   surprise,   though   hiding   it   from   the   other,   only   grew   upon   hearing   the   other's   proposal.   Although   she   occasionally   saw   students   from   different   classes   mingling   with   one   another,   she   very   rarely   ever   got   the   invite   herself.   Rarely   from   one   of   her   own,   much   less   those   from   the   others   (   not   that   she   minded,   she   preferred   maintaining   a   distance   from   the   others   ).   Perhaps   Nikolette   had   a   motivation   of   her   own   to   invite   Edelgard   to   tea?   Lunch   nonetheless?

Intriguing.   "   You   have   perfect   timing,   in   that   case.   I   was   just   about   to   head   to   the   dining   hall.   Having   some   company   sounds   quite   nice,   actually.   "     It   wouldn't   hurt   to   have   some   fun   and   a   nice   chitchat   with   a   fellow   student,   after   all.   A   soft   smile   softened   Edelgard's   usually   stoic   features,   before   starting   her   path   towards   the   dining   hall.

 It   was   odd   to   hear   someone   mention   getting to know her   to   her,   but   not   entirely   unwelcome.   "   Well..   it   doesn't   exactly   seem   unappealing   to   have   someone   I   can   refer   to   as   more   than   just   a   mere   acquaintance.   "   Although   she   wasn't   entirely   too   sure   about   the   entire   'getting   to   know   her'   aspect.   "   Spending   some   time   with   you   does   sound   quite   nice.   "   She   admitted,   honestly.   Perhaps,   if   it   ever   got   that   far,   having   atleast   one   friend   wouldn't   be   quite   bad.

[nobleburn]

Nikolette smiled and gave an assured nod. "Perfect timing indeed, then!" As planned, and as befitting someone as brilliant as herself. With confident strides, she walked alongside Edelgard, before giving a gentle shake of her head. "Come now, Edelgard, there's no reason to be modest. I'm sure you're quite popular among all sorts of people. I'd find it hard to believe you have anything less than an abundance of people wishing to be referred to as 'friend,' yes?"

Even if few of those offered anything in the way of genuine friendship. Ah, the hardships of nobility - so many sycophants groveling at one's feet for their own benefit. Alas, there simply was nothing to be done of it - a position such as her own, or Edelgard's, demonstrated considerable talent and moral quality, so it was natural for one to have such hangers-on. Things really were easier when one stuck to one's own social class. There was no guessing at such things when among true peers.

"Ah," she started, tapping at her cheek as they walked, "I had meant to ask you - who is your glover? I've noticed your gloves are always of such exceptional quality." With a raised hand, Nikolette lightly tugged at the cuff of her own glove. Back in her room, she likely had two dozen pairs for all manner of activities - swordplay, horse riding, daily activities, even swimming. The marks upon her palms weren't to be seen, after all - how unsightly that would be. Another craftsman who could handle her specifications would be good to know, should she need replacement pairs on short notice.

That was, unless... "Oh, if it's someone who knows your measurements, doubtlessly it'd be someone who works for your family directly, wouldn't it?" She'd barely given Edelgard the time to answer the question properly before forming her own conclusion. "Well, that's quite alright if it's kept secret, then. It wouldn't do were just anyone able to know such intimate details about a lady." Even one's ring size could cause some manner of scandal were some knave to walk around claiming to have measured it personally. Simply another thing that one had to be cautious of, as a noble.

[quickdeaths]

happy birthday, women

[nobleburn]

@timebattle

Once the echo of the cathedral bell had reached the dormitories, Nikolette knew she had only a few minutes to just so happen upon her particular target. Edelgard seemed a diligent and thoughtful student, so it was difficult to imagine her bolting from the classroom at the first available moment, but neither did she give off the air of someone who would unnecessarily waste her professor's time, and linger beyond what was reasonable. Thus, to catch her, Nikolette would have to be quite precise. Well, hardly any challenge for someone like herself.

"Edelgard! Oh, just the girl I was looking for!" Excellent - she'd seen Edelgard exiting the Black Eagles' classroom right as Nikolette herself was rounding the corner from the dormitories, as though heading towards the cathedral, or perhaps the training grounds. Entirely the sort of thing that could have happened by chance, without any prior planning.

But, of course, there was planning - a great deal of it. Dealing with other nobles could be a double-edged sword, so it was important to handle things with care. If some commoner displeased her, it would always be trivial for Nikolette to place her boot upon their forehead and kick them away. With nobles, however, there was always a delicate dance of position. When it came to Edelgard in specific, Nikolette preferred to imagine her as no great threat - she had her own country to run, and thus it was greatly unlikely that she'd hold any affections for Prince Dimitri. Still, it could hardly hurt to be sure.

With one gloved hand at her chest and the other gently extended towards Edelgard in friendly gesture, Nikolette smiled. "If you have the time, would you like to have tea with me? Or, perhaps a meal? I hear the dining hall has sauteed pheasant today." Among the more popular dishes, in her estimation, and one that wouldn't last for long, thus requiring a quick decision should one wish to partake. She and Edelgard weren't exactly close, being in different classes, and having only had a few brief interactions at the academy so far, but surely it would be difficult to turn down such a 'sincere' invitation from a fellow noble. "I'd like to get to know you better, noblewoman to noblewoman."

[nobleburn]

@justifyanger

In recent weeks, things had been so dull and boring around the courts. All anyone wanted to talk about, her father included, was the war - whatever effects might be had on trade, or on conscription, or on domestic policy. Ugh. It was as though everyone had forgotten that a ball was upcoming! It was rather ridiculous, in Nikolette's view, that everyone seemed so quick to discard any cause for celebration, as though they preferred being so dour all the time.

Even her own father - typically a reserved, mild-mannered man - had snapped at her in the middle of a conversation about finding time to meet with her personal tailor. He'd even called it frivolous! Ha! As if something of such great importance could be mistaken as such - in the upper echelons of polite society, how one presented themselves mattered far more than one's achievements. To be regarded as elegant, composed, and possessing of good taste was her highest of responsibilities.

The argument had ended days later with a limp apology from her father, but at least he'd done more than offer empty words. Rather, he'd gifted her a bag of fine Firenese tea leaves, recently imported, and unlikely to come again if tensions weren't swiftly resolved. A sample cup she'd brewed herself had won her over, but with everyone so out of sorts, Nikolette had found herself with precious few opportunities to enjoy fine tea with fine company.

But, when the craving struck her for a good cup and good conversation, it was clear enough there was only one person fit - Princess Ivy, naturally, her dearest and most beloved friend. She'd long admired the crown princess since a chance meeting a half decade or so prior. And, indeed, what wasn't to admire? She was beautiful, graceful, intelligent, blessed with a wealth of talents and the wisdom to use them appropriately. Surely she was the envy of most women in Elusia, for good reason, but while Nikolette largely preferred to stamp the heel of her boot on the faces of others to elevate herself, the princess was simply so wonderful as to have entirely captured her more generous, good-natured side.

And yet, on the day, the princess was nowhere to be found - certainly not anywhere Nikolette looked with expectation to find her. Were it for any other purpose, Nikolette would have felt a fool for trudging around Elusia Castle all afternoon. Reluctantly, she was about to give up, when she finally spotted the princess in the most surprising of places - rather off any typical path away from the castle, in some small, secluded, snow-covered grove. Nikolette herself only happened upon it after a decision to take the scenic route for her walk back to the village near the castle, where Lamy was stabled.

"Your Highness?" Curiously, Nikolette tilted her head, a flicker of flame alighting in the palm of her glove to see easier underneath the canopy of trees. "Oh, Your Highness, it is you! How fortunate!" She laughed, daintily covering her lips with the palm of her other glove. "I've been looking for you all afternoon. To think you'd be out here of all places!" It wasn't the sort of place Nikolette could see herself especially enjoying, but surely Ivy had some compelling reason - naturally, she always did. "No matter," she added, dismissing the thought with a faint wave, "I've recently come into possession of decadently delicious Firenese tea, and you simply must try it with me! The flavor is so rich, and so unlike what we have here in Elusia, that it-" Her voice trailed off as she finally saw the small altar, half-set into the snow between the bushes and trees. "Ah..."

[vankaarten]

@nobleburn said:

[ IDEA ] or [ GOSSIP ] from Nikolette to Ingrid

The Many Meanings of "Hey." // always accepting!

One step to the right, swing. Run the enemy to the left then spin them in the middle... She can't read their mind.

As lance remained her preferred weapon of choice, Ingrid had never claimed to be the best at dancing with a sword—and yet, there she was, clashing sharpened wooden sticks with her fellow blonde because her lazy bum of a childhood friend, a particular individual with many valuable potentials he let go to waste in the name of having fun, had been forced to pull out last minute from the upcoming tag-team tournament because his careless ass had somehow injured itself as the redhead had fallen off the ladder in his cocky attempt to return a book at the topmost shelf the one time in God knew how long he'd paid the library a visit; rendering him unqualified to even properly stand on his own two feet, let alone to properly face his peers head on, for at least the next couple weeks.

The entire time she engaged herself in the warm-up session, the two of them hardly exchanged a word—mainly for it was clear to the emerald-eyed that she was not the better fencer here, stripping her off any other option than to focus on reading Nikolette's movement if she wished to execute her parries where they counted; but also because despite their occasional encounters in the past, being classmates, their shared bloodline proved to stand against them, instead, in establishing a bond beyond acquaintance, as the words Ingrid had heard back home about House Brandt had hardly ever been the kindest.

That was, until she caught, within her peripheral vision, the sight of a certain red-maned, entangled in what appeared to be a not-so-cordial discourse with an oddly-familiar lady by the entrance of the training court—a distraction that was quickly interrupted by her opponent's swift slash to her side; a blow that would've likely caused quite a bruise had she missed her chance by a split second to deflect it.

"Wait! Halt, please!" dainty arm held out right before Nikolette's face; motioning a serious plea for a short break. "Hey, uhh... You see that girl over there? The one speaking to Sylvain? I don't think I've seen her on school ground, but why do I get the feeling we have met somewhere else... You reckon it's someone our parents may know?"

Surely there were other follow-up questions running through her mind that would require some appeasing—starting with why in the world was the younger Gautier descent out and about; and not in bed as the infirmary nurse prescribed him to—but that would have to wait until they both were done with whatever predicaments they had to settle on their respective ends.

[nobleburn]

It had not, strictly speaking, been explained to Nikolette as such exactly why her house and Ingrid's were at such odds. Her mother's connection to House Galatea, distant and unremarkable as it was, should have rather made them quite close, in her estimation. But, no, despite the familial tie that would have otherwise made them House Brandt's closest ally, Nikolette had seldom her distant cousin as a child, nor been formally presented in any capacity to her relatives in return.

Still, despite the lack of words from her mother and father, Nikolette believed herself to be savvy enough towards this sort of politicking to have figured it out. Her father's arrival in the Kingdom over two decades ago had doubtlessly rubbed a number of existing lords the wrong way - his wealth and noble standing in his homeland warranted some considerations, but perhaps it was seen as jumping some sort of place unfairly. In such a complicated, unwelcoming position, her father likely expected his wife's family to offer him some sort of hospitality. On the other hand, if what she'd heard of House Galatea's finances were true, surely they would have hoped for a wealthy in-law to share the wealth in a show of fraternity. That Nikolette bore their family's Crest likely only worsened things.

But, family squabbles or not, Nikolette had no intention of letting a possible relationship with her cousin pass her by. If the family patriarchs couldn't get along, fine - it would be up to Nikolette herself (and Ingrid, she supposed) to mend whatever rift had formed. And, indeed, so far she'd found Ingrid quite agreeable. Her cousin was quite talented, which reflected well on her, but their talents weren't quite the same, which meant she didn't outshine Nikolette. Furthermore, despite her closeness to Prince Dimitri, it didn't appear that Ingrid held any romantic interest in him that she'd surmised, so she'd not need to compete on that front.

This largely left only the training ground and the classroom as any avenues for good-natured competition. It wasn't exactly a fair trial - she was more skilled with a sword than Ingrid, after all - but who cared for fairness when appearances were on the line? Ingrid had a mastery of fundamentals, which meant that Nikolette needed to rely on superior technique. Yet, an opening was gifted her, sterling, on a silver platter. "My dear cousin," she cautioned with a quick shake of her head, sidestepping a thrust and pivoting to Ingrid's side, "dropping one's guard? Isn't that rather unlike you?"

Her strike was only barely deflected, and Nikolette was sure that she could press her advantage, before Ingrid's words stopped her. "Come now, it's hardly sporting to ask for a respite right when you're about to lose." After a moment's pout, she followed the other girl's gaze. "Ah... truthfully, my parents don't especially know anyone," she admitted, more honestly than she might have had her company been anyone else. "Though I suppose it's possible she might have come by while I was with a tutor, or otherwise unavailable. She seems familiar to you?" A small frown settled on Nikolette's face. "Perhaps another distant family member, then?"

[bonescribes-a]

@nobleburn ( sc. ) //

" hey ... you sound like you have money . " that is , she speaks with even a moderate amount of eloquence . fleki's standards for making this assumption aren't especially high . " wanna lend me some ? "

[nobleburn]

It was the case that Nikolette, as scion of House Brandt, seldom traveled anywhere without a sizable amount of available coin - either in a satchel at her hip, or in one of Lamy's saddlebags. Being in that her family's name carried with it associations of trade and mercantile pursuits, it would be unseemly were she to be seen unable to pay a bill, or to quibble too much about price. All of which to say, the elf's initial assumption was, naturally, quite correct. Whether or not Nikolette felt any inclination to respond kindly, though, was another matter entirely.

"What gave it away," she asked, speaking not in her own language but rather in the elven peoples' own tongue, one gloved hand resting upon her hip. "The finery of my clothes? The rich depth of my speech and knowledge? Or, simply, the resplendent nobility of my bearing, mm?" Surely, if someone was going to ask for her money, then they had better do so while appropriately lavishing her with praise and adoration. Anything less was simple, inelegant, panhandling.

"Though, I do wonder about that word of the Common tongue, lend. That does imply repayment, does it not?" Fingertips tapping at her chin, Nikolette tilted her head as she regarded the rather unkempt (by her standards, and the standards of the elves of her country) woman. Notches in her ears... That meant she was some sort of criminal, didn't it? She seemed to faintly recall Myrwyn and his mothers saying something similar. Not that it would deter her, of course. A hero's life naturally crossed with all manner of lowlifes and vagabonds. From her pouch, Nikolette produced a loose fistful of golden coins, as though considering the request. "And for what purpose would I be investing?"

[nobleburn]

[nobleburn]

(discord drop under cut)

[nobleburn]

(discord drop under cut)

[madefate]

❛ if you’ve got a problem with the way i handle things, just say so. ❜ (nikolette for marianne) / @nobleburn

❝ O - oh, no, I - ❞

Truth be told, Marianne hadn't even entertained the possibility that Nikolette would notice her; she had been content to tend to Dorte, remaining as invisible as she could, even when the relative quiet of the stables was partially broken by the other's entrance. Marianne had only glanced up for a moment, driven by sheer instinct - and then she'd paused.

Perhaps it is simply a quieter and more foolish curse that she will always be at least a little mesmerized by the sight of someone tending to their horse.

Her fingers had stilled against Dorte's nose, the faintest smile at her lips, feeling a moment of peace amidst the maelstrom of life at the monastery - the maelstrom of every moment of her life poised on the precipice of disaster. Still, she's not surprised when Nikolette assumes the worst of her --- had she given off some terrible aura yet again ? Marianne presses herself against Dorte's side as she fumbles for the words - and then, when they fail her, her bag.

It takes a moment to extract an extra apple from its depths, and another to gather the courage and offer it out. ❝ I only thought, that I had ... extras ... if your horse would - like one ... please forgive my assumption. ❞

[nobleburn]

Nikolette von Brandt hardly considered herself an authority on the personality quirks of those outside her House, but some students were more memorable than others. The stuttering, whimpering wallflower of the Golden Deer was one such girl, as much as she'd seemingly prefer not to be. She quirked on eyebrow up expectantly as Marianne stumbled to find her words. Go ahead, I'll wait. Her dark eyes, settled beneath a furrowed brow and above a judgmental sneer, narrowed, until the apple was quickly, fumblingly, procured and held out for her to take.

Without so much as a word of gratitude, Nikolette snatched from Marianne's outstretched hand the apple, inspecting it with a discerning glare, before laying it flat on her palm for the horse to eat. "Hengroen isn't my horse," Nikolette corrected, even as her other glove reached up to lightly scratch at his neck. Her own beloved Lamy was back at the Brandt estate, regrettably. It had been at her father's suggestion that Nikolette had begrudgingly left her at home."He's one of the Academy horses. We simple get along well," she added, with a warm smile directed towards the horse, in sharp contrast to the expression she'd worn while looking at Marianne. "He requires a rider both experienced and self-assured, so among the Blue Lions, only Ingrid and I are willing to ride him into battle." Though, Sylvain had tried, and nearly been thrown in the process.

Once Hengroen had finished eating the apple, Nikolette gave him another light scratch, and a small pat, before returning her attention to Marianne. "Well, Hengroen appears pleased with the treat, so I suppose I shouldn't hold against you your skulking about. Still, Miss Edmund, you really should straighten up." She tugged at the wrists of her gloves, drawing them straight and unwrinkled, as was befitting a noble, before resting her hand on her hip. "It's rather unbecoming of a lady of your station to shrink so much from the attention of others, you know." Well, it wasn't like Nikolette von Brandt to take time out of her day to help a hopeless case, but perhaps she could count it as a sort of public service - her good deed to be recognized by the Goddess this week.

[nobleburn]

pov she is laughing at you or you have angered her pick your poison

[soulprompts]

𝐒𝐄𝐓𝐓𝐋𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐃𝐔𝐒𝐓 𝐏𝐑𝐎𝐌𝐏𝐓𝐒.

basically i was looking over the protective prompts and the hero prompts and it hit me that like. the unbridled angst and vibes of the whole “post-battle” scene, or a scene set after an attack or a disaster or smth, needs to be ADDRESSED!!! and so y’all get the full weight of my angst today, sprinkled with a lot of teamwork and selfless and sacrificing vibes. i hope you enjoy! do NOT add further contributions to this list!!! i will curse your potato crops!!!

DIALOGUE PROMPTS.

“ can you hear me? hey… [NAME], can you hear my voice? “

“ come on… wake up. please… please wake up… “

“ oh! oh, thank god! i thought we lost you… “

“ hey, hey… look at me, okay? you gotta get up now. you think you might be able to walk? ‘cause they sent for back-up, and if they find us… we cannot let them find us. understand? “

“ go, go! save yourself! i’ll buy you some time! “

“ we both know i’m not walking out of this one. it’s okay, alright? it’s okay… just… do me a favor, will you? will you make them pay for this? i don’t care how. but… don’t let them get away with it. “

“ hey, how badly are you hurt? can you move? you think you can walk? “

“ if you can’t walk, i’m gonna have to carry you, alright? we can’t stay here. “

“ hey, look at me. i’m slowing you down, we both know it. it’s okay. i’ll hide and wait for back-up; you get yourself out of here. “

“ you’re gonna need to climb up on my back, you’re slowing us down with that injury. “

“ will you quit talking like that?! i’m not leaving you behind! “

“ what the hell are you doing here?! i told you to get out of here! “

“ you’re shivering… hey. hey, listen to me, okay? everything’s gonna be alright, i promise. here… take my jacket. don’t worry, i’m warm-blooded. “

“ i’ll get blood on your shirt… “

“ hey, don’t you dare close your eyes, you hear me? you die in my arms, and i’m gonna stick the dry-cleaning bill for this shirt in your coffin, that’s a promise! “

“ i know we almost died just now, but… am i the only one who’s hungry? “

“ we need to get you to a hospital… “

“ hey, come on now… you’re okay. you’re good, right? “

“ i must be hurt pretty bad if you’re being this nice to me. “

“ quit playing the martyr. we’re not leaving you behind. “

“ you know, i hate to be the negative voice, but… did… did we just lose? “

“ look at me… i’m not gonna make it. it’s okay, i’m fine with that. but… you can’t stay here. you’ve got a good long life ahead of you. and you’re smart, too; too smart to wait around here and waste that long life. so you get out of here, and you go live that life. live it for both of us. will you promise me you’ll do that? “

“ back-up isn’t coming. is it? we’re on our own, right? “

“ can’t sleep, huh? it’s okay. it’s probably all that adrenaline and shock; i can’t sleep, either. wanna keep each other company? “

“ i don’t give two shits about the back-up; i’m just happy you’re alive. “

ACTION PROMPTS.

as always, add a “+ REVERSE” to switch the roles!

[ CARRY ]:     having found the receiver in an injured/weak/unconscious state, the sender carries them in their arms to safety.

[ TILT ]:     the sender gently tilts the receiver’s chin up so that they can check to see if they’re okay.

[ PULL ]:     sender takes the fallen receiver’s hands and carefully pulls them up so that they’re standing once more.

[ WAIST ]:     sender, while physically supporting and steadying the receiver, loops an arm around their waist for extra support.

[ BACK ]:     sender crouches down slightly to let the wounded receiver climb on their back, giving them a piggy-back ride to safety afterwards.

[ HAIR ]:     while in the process of checking the receiver for injuries or other signs of harm, the sender gently brushes several strands of hair from their eyes.

[ TEND ]:     sender begins to care for the receiver’s injuries.

[ LEAN ]:     the wounded sender leans against the receiver for physical support.

[ SUPPORT ]:     the sender encourages the wounded receiver to lean against them for physical support.

[ PUSH ]:     the sender gently pushes the receiver back to lie down so they can check them properly for injuries.

[ COAT ]:     sender removes their jacket and drapes it around the shoulders of the trembling receiver.

[ BLANKET ]:     just as they’re all about to go to sleep, the sender covers the receiver with their own blanket.

[ AWAKE ]:     the sender, unable to sleep, gets up to go for a walk, and finds that the receiver is also unable to sleep.

[ TOGETHER ]:     when the receiver awakens, they discover that the sender has been sleeping next to them, arms wrapped around one another for warmth, comfort, protection ( or something more… )

[ BANDAGE ]:     the sender sits down across from the receiver and begins to bandage their wounds.

[ DRAG ]:     unable to leave them behind, the sender drags the wounded receiver out of danger and into a safe hiding place for both of them to wait until help arrives.

[ TOUCH ]:     the sender nudges or touches the receiver to check and see if they’re alright after the attack.

[ CLEAN ]:     the sender gently and carefully begins to bathe the blood/soot/ash/dirt from the receiver’s skin during a moment of calm.

[ PRIORITY ]:     when they arrive at a designated safe place, the sender refuses to be examined or cared for until the receiver is taken care of first.

[ PROMISE ]:     before leaving to get help/food/water/a rescue mission etc, the sender assures and promises the receiver that they’ll return safely, refusing to bring them along or to stay behind.

[ BROKEN ]:     after having promised the receiver that they’d return, it’s learned that the sender died during their mission. how does the receiver respond?

[ TRAPPED ]:     after having promised the receiver that they’d return from a mission, the receiver learns that the sender has been kidnapped or otherwise trapped, requiring a rescue mission to bring them home.

[ RESCUE ]:     the sender and receiver reunite after the sender embarked upon an infamously perilous rescue mission to save the receiver.

[ FOUND ]:     after a massive rescue mission to try and find the missing receiver, the sender is the first to find them just as the efforts are about to be abandoned.

[ HOPE ]:     just as the receiver is about to lose hope in ever finding the sender again, a message or clue of some kind is discovered that essentially guarantees that the sender is still alive, restoring the receiver’s hope once more.

[ CLING ]:     having finally been reunited, the sender pulls the receiver into a tight, overwhelmingly relieved embrace, clinging to them and burying their face in their shoulder. the whole deal. make it EMOTIONAL–

[ TEARS ]:     having finally found the receiver, or having finally been found by the receiver, the sender breaks down in tears of relief, fear, and many other emotions as they officially reunite.

[ SACRIFICE ]:     knowing that the circumstances only allow one of them to survive, the sender sacrifices their life in order to guarantee the receiver’s survival and safety.

[chimeraeat]

" you have to tell me what happened NEXT! " hands are immediately clasped onto the others , a look of awe & childlike wonder on Falins' face. . . . maybe she's getting a little bit too excited ( but who could blame her? ) Stories of adventure always struck so close to home ( especially stories about the dungeon! )

&& open for mutuals!!

[nobleburn]

It was surprising to be gripped so quickly, with no warning about it. Yes, her stories had a tendency to dazzle and delight, and Nikolette von Brandt was prepared for any number of reactions, but wasn't this a bit far? "Miss Touden," she grumbled, pressing a gloved hand against Falin's own and removing it from her shoulder, then following suit with the other, "please do try to have a bit of decorum about things, won't you? This is a public place, after all." Well, such was the issue with these provincials in such backwater towns.

After clearing her throat, Nikolette adjusted her posture to remain the very portrait of elegant, composed nobility. Even if this was some classless, likely rat-infested, inn for... adventurers, she needn't allow herself to sink to their level. Her pedigree was above such things. "As I was saying, these dungeons aren't so uncommon in my country, though, there's rather less a cottage industry about them as you seem to have here."

There was an amber-colored ale in a dented metal tankard sitting on the table, and it only took the tiniest of sips for Nikolette to scrunch up her face distastefully, resisting the urge to spit the drink back into its vessel. "Blech." One small shiver, and back to the conversation at hand. "Truthfully, I find the way things are done here to be rather unsavory. If things are allowed to fester, I can't imagine any kind of good outcome for anyone. In Lünenberg, if a dungeon is discovered, it's dealt with immediately, by whichever appropriate types are well-suited to it."

Looking to Falin with a prideful expression upon her face, expecting the other woman to absolutely bask in her splendor, Nikolette pressed a gloved hand against her chest. "In my case, my fiancé and I, along with some of our classmates, were dispatched during my second year at Lünenberg's Royal Academy, when one was sighted near enough our campus." She gave a shrug. "Though, there's not much to say - it really was no trouble for us. We cleared it out in under a fortnight, and it would have been sooner had my fiancé not insisted that we handle things without any knights or attendants."