☆

a roleplay blog for mercedes von martritz from fire emblem: three houses. affiliated with isola radiale.

[ofmartritz]

aaaand back from special hiatus here as well! new rp ad to get back into things x2

[thiefguild]

Titus glances up at her briefly before returning his attention to his treasures, suddenly now looking for something specific. "Oh, hey Mercedes." he's silent for a second before he finds the marble, one that miraculously looks near identical to her eye color.

thrusting his hand up to her, he holds the marble pinched between two fingers. "Here! You should have it! It matches your eyes really well, yeah?"

[ofmartritz]

Her head tilts at the very normal volume reaction, something she doesn't expect from Titus. She's about to ask if he's lost one of his items when the marble is held up towards her, a small gasp of surprise escaping.

"You really think so?" She accepts the marble eagerly, holding it gently in her palm. After a moment, she raises it to eye level to get a better look at it. She's never really thought twice about her own eye color, but she does have to admit that this is a very nice color.

"Thank you, Titus! It's beautiful! What else do you have?

[thiefguild]

he's sitting cross-legged on the sidewalk, emptying the contents of his pockets onto the pavement in front of him. a silver butter knife (no doubt nabbed from a restaurant he visited), some coins of a currency he couldn't place, a small portion of blue silk ribbon, two marbles, a handful of little pom-poms, a sharks tooth, a shell that reflected rainbow in the sun, some random nuts and bolts, and a few mismatched earrings.

to passersby, it might look like he was some odd merchant selling random wares, but he was really just taking stock.

[ofmartritz]

Don't mind her, Titus. She's a curious passerby who is just watching... And watching... And watching... Until finally speaking up.

"That's quite the collection you've got there!" She's genuinely intrigued. "Where did you find all of it?"

[ofmartritz]

"Are you hurt? Or bitten? Please let me help! I can heal you."

[pyronexus]

"Recalibrating..." Bodies of the glitched lay strewn around, with a growing pile of corpses in front of them. After being set upon by a horde just moments ago, they had made quick work of them but had quickly become winded in the process. It had been a long while since they had been able to pilot SAM and while it didn't take them long to become accustomed again, they had the city's limitations to thank for them quickly growing tired.

Still, once they've caught their breath, they begin a scan of the area to check for any more monsters. None detected for now, but their sensors do manage to perceive the presence of someone nearby. Unsure of whether or not whoever it is will serve as a potential threat, Firefly calls out, "Target locked. Execution imminent. Show yourself!"

[ofmartritz]

While it's not the first time she's faced swarms of undead, it's also not something Mercedes is particularly happy to deal with again. Her efforts are focused on healing those who are injured, but she's not against tossing a fire spell behind her when a Glitched gets too close.

And thankfully, the hordes temporarily die down. She breathes a sigh of relief, and tells the person she's taking care of that she'll be back. The possibility that there's another hurt person out there is high, and she'd rather find them herself than the other way around.

What happens next is unexpected, to say the least. She tenses up at the voice calling out, promising execution if she doesn't comply. Her hands raise, expression somewhat sheepish as she steps into view.

"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to alarm you! I was just looking for any people that might be injured."

[ofmartritz]

"A holiday all about luck is coming up soon... I hope no one tries to take things too far!"

[flamesire]

It's a good question, really. One that he's never had to think about, always pushed further to the back of his mind and made as small as possible. He had tried to make peace with her actions, to be fine with her never apologizing for all the grief she had caused not just to him but to the people that he loved. As Mercedes kneels in front of him, the warmth of her hand against his cheek keeps him grounded.

"What do you wish to say to her?" the words ring in his head, repeating over and over. There are so many things, too many things even. He wants to apologize for things that aren't his fault, words that he knew held no meaning to her; had never held any meaning to her. More than anything, though, for once in his life he wants to stand up for himself.

"I…think I want to tell her how I feel," about anything, about everything all at once. That he isn't a child anymore, that he can stand on his own two feet without having to rely on anyone. It takes him a moment to gather himself, but he rises to his feet and brings Mercedes with him as he does. A hand moves to take hold of her own as he faces his mother.

"You still think me to be that boy all those years ago that cowered behind his brother…I am not. I have not been for some time," It's hard to look at Anabella, but he does, even with all the disdain and disapproval she feels for him.

"And What makes you so different now? You cower behind someone equally as worthless that can offer you nothing."

"Mercedes is not someone I look toward for control or ownership, we are equals. She means more to me than that."

[ofmartritz]

She remains quiet as Joshua works through his thoughts, her hand remaining in place as a reminder that she is there and willing to help him should he ask her to. It's difficult, she thinks, to have watch him confront his mother like this -- She can see the hurt in his expression, as if he's reliving all of those painful moments from the past.

But he reaches his answer, and she nods in encouragement for him to continue.

Her expression becomes one of awe as she's guided back to her feet and he speaks. Joshua has always seemed like a very strong person to her, and now is no different. Even when the shadow of Anabella expectedly speaks back with more nonsense, he continues on.

"Joshua..." She squeezes his hand, clearly touched by his words. She looks up at him, a warm and relieved smile on her face. Anything Anabella could say next would mean absolutely nothing to her, now.

"Do you really mean that?"

[ofmartritz]

is this blog still active???

yes? i just haven't been around as often bc of life getting crazy busy since september, but i am hoping to start coming back on my pc more soon so i can get more posts going!

[avginian]

HOPEFULLY IT WOULDN'T TAKE TOO MUCH TIME, especially since he had somewhere to be. not to mention this woman probably didn't realize the reason why he was about to be so helpful, though he also supposes it helps garner more rapport with those on the island. in the end, he was stuck here alone without any of the other ipc 一 something he's grateful for, though still knows can spell out ill for him were any of them to show up.

❝ A stray? Surely it would know how to take care of itself then. ❞ and not get stuck in trees, yet he supposes that isn't the case for all outside felines. ❝ No dice in calling it's name either? Let's see... if it's food motivated, there's a high chance it will listen enough. Buuut that means you would need a little on you for that particular plan to work. ❞

[ofmartritz]

Though they only just met, Mercedes seems visibly more relaxed now that someone has joined her. She, of course, is naturally oblivious to any ulterior motives Aventurine may have -- She's simply grateful to have some sort of help.

"I do have some treats, but they haven't been very helpful... I'm really not sure why he's avoiding me like this!" A pause, before her expression becomes more concerned. "I wonder if I've accidentally upset him? Maybe you should try!"

[ofmartritz]

"I wish the holidays never had to end! It's always so nice to see everyone so full of joy and treating each other so kindly..."

[flamesire]

For once, it feels like it's going to be all right. Though the damage of spending most of his young life underneath his mother's thumb along with the weight of duty isn't so easily undone. Anabella's words, though untrue, still reverberate within him. He'd already accepted long ago that his life would never really be his own, that he'd always have to put the crown before his own wants and needs.

Here, though, he had slowly begun to find himself. The self that had perhaps been lost within the thirteen-year gap that would have been his most formative years. As Mercedes stands between him and his mother, becoming yet another shield in the form of a person he cares deeply about, he can feel that weight once again hanging on his shoulders.

Anabella, of course, gives no quarter in her usual verbal abuse as she turns her ire toward Mercedes. "Free to choose? Someone who would give him nothing of value, surely. He knows it just as well! Our noble blood will not accept you or anyone that is not of my choosing."

"Mercedes--that...is my mother," Joshua says, still knelt down behind her. It's hard for him to face her still, but he's trying to find his courage.

[ofmartritz]

Perhaps it's because this is something of a sore spot for her -- Parents choosing what they want for their children, their own hopes and dreams be damned, because they're more concerned about nobility or crests or something else -- That she ends up being quick to anger.

Words like this tossed towards her... Fine, she's used to it, and has learned to take it in stride. But when they're towards Joshua...

"You --" She begins to speak, but his voice from behind her makes her pause. Her gaze turns to him, then to Anabella, then back again.

"Joshua..." She suddenly realizes that being a shield to protect him is not what he needs in this moment. If this is what he fears, what he wants to stand up to and face, then she should be at his side.

Confident that Anabella isn't a threat to their lives like Emile was, she turns her back on the woman. She kneels back down so she's at the same level as him, a hand reaching out to his cheek once more.

"What do you wish to say to her?"

[avginian]

NOW THIS WAS A DILEMMA, one he hadn't thought he might encounter in an every day life. before him was the path he was meant to take albeit with one, little problem: a woman blocking the way, looking up at what seems a feline letting out a few cautionary meows. ❝ Well isn't this a wonderful start... ❞ it was a mutter under his breath, more so aimed at himself, as he figures his help would be needed in order to get along to his destination.

so, he steps forward, allowing himself to stand side by side with her as purple eyes glance up in thought at the creature who seemed fairly pleased with itself.

❝ A cat stuck up high, is it. ❞ arms cross over his chest, glancing up at the cat who had, somehow, climbed a little too far up for its liking. ❝ Yours, I take it? ❞

@ofmartritz

[ofmartritz]

"Oh, kitty...!"

After yet another fruitless stretch, Mercedes' arms drop heavily back down to her sides, and she sighs. It feels like she's been at this for hours, with nothing to show but her frustrated expression and a cat still stuck on a ledge out of reach.

She doesn't expect anyone to stop and help her, which is why she jolts in surprise when the other joins her -- Though she's quick to recover with a sheepish smile.

"Well, not really..." She begins. "It's a stray that I take care of. Which is probably why he's not listening to me!"

[flamesire]

It surprised him, though maybe it shouldn't, to feel her hand cupping his cheek. He doesn't hesitate to return the affection, his hand moving to lie on her own. Joshua has known for some time how he feels; the tenderness now only solidifies words spoken previously to Jill's confidence. Whisps of flame dance across his clothing, stopping where Mercedes' clothes begin.

I'll always find you. Words that cross his mind but go unspoken. He only looks at her with the softest of smiles, hoping that the fondness in his gaze speaks for itself. Neither of them breaks away, basking in the moment of quiet tenderness. If he had it his way, this would be the end of it.

But the sound of footsteps in the distance leaves him frozen again and the sound of an all too familiar voice rings out.

"Oh, my dear boy...what has become of you?"

Out of the darkness, she comes. Joshua noticeably tenses at the sound of her voice. She feigns concern with her question, but he knows all too well the venom that'll seep out only a moment after.

"Fraternizing with someone so lowly. If it was a bride you wanted, you need have only asked me instead of settling for someone so...unsuitable." There was a clear look of disgust as she turned her attention to Mercedes.

Joshua doesn't know why he feels ashamed to be seen like this as if he's done something wrong to be scolded for. He tries to find words of protest, but nothing comes. Eyes that were full of affection moments before have now lost their shine to be replaced with a more pitiful look.

[ofmartritz]

The dangers of the area around them seem to evaporate. Here, she feels safe and protected. She knows that Joshua wouldn't let anything happen to her, no matter what -- And it causes similar fond feelings to bubble through.

Perhaps foolishly, she allows herself to sink further against him. The embrace, his gaze, the moment itself... It's all something she wishes to continue.

Unfortunately, that doesn't seem to be the case. Another voice reaches them, though it's not one Mercedes recognizes. Joshua seems to, however, and she notices the way he stiffens. Her expression is quick to change to one of concern, and she looks over her shoulder towards Anabella.

Naturally, she's unimpressed with what the woman has to say. The words aren't much unlike anything she's heard before, though there's still a part of her that aches. Was this what Joshua feared, like how she feared her nightmarish vision of Emile?

"Joshua..." She begins quietly, turning her gaze back towards him. They were still close, her hand still on his cheek. Her thumb gently strokes his skin, an attempt to comfort him. "It's alright."

And the she pulls away, but not out of any upset or angered feelings towards him. Instead she faces Anabella, placing herself between them as if she were a shield.

"You would force your 'dear boy' to be with someone else against his will?" Soon enough, the implications of the words spoken before would sink in. Until then... "He should be free to choose whoever he wants! What you think doesn't matter."

[fatalmenace]

So she chooses to live, that's fine with the assassin. Kronya doesn't hesitate when things get uncooperative but it was indeed the eclipse that banishes Fodlan people and appearing as well, just in a different pattern.

"Very well then, i'll let you live." Sheathes back Athame behind, thanks to her cooperation. "However, don't ever stay in my way. If you have friends here that isn't from Fodlan, i'll kill them too and you as well." She bloodily means it. It's not a warning, it's a threat. "Don't say, i didn't warn you."

[ofmartritz]

She feels like a coward. She feels weak. But in the end, it'd be worse to put herself in danger and cause pain for others, wouldn't it? She relaxes as Kronya puts away the weapon, but her expression doesn't change.

"Why...?" She can't help but ask. "What joy could you possibly get from still killing others, even here?"

[fatalmenace]

'Why would i tell you'. Words of a martyr whose ready to die in a painful, bloody way. All Kronya wants is to know where are the others so that Mercedes can live another day but she chose not to.

"Oh? You want to die for them instead? I was giving you a chance to breathe and tossed it away." Since Mercedes isn't cooperating, consequences are made.

"Then, i will kill you first before them, so this is your last chance. Tell or perish."

[ofmartritz]

There's a brief flash of fear across her features. She doesn't want to die, of course she doesn't. But she also doesn't want to risk the safety of her classmates, if they were even still here. She hasn't been around as much as usual, after all, so her knowledge is limited.

"I would," she still answers. "But it's possible they may not be here anymore. People come and go, don't they?"

[flamesire]

Darkness and only darkness as far as the eye could see and not a single sound aside from his breathing. Joshua walks aimlessly, fumbling around for what seems like an eternity before he starts to hear the murmurings of a voice. It's raspy and unfamiliar, full of despair and resentment. The sound of Mercedes' voice is what makes him break into a full sprint, his body soon enough enveloped in the fiery red-orange glow of the Phoenix as he begins semi-priming.

"Mercedes!" he calls out, voice panicked as he too lunged forward without thinking nary about the consequences. The sound of metal clashing soon fills the air, Joshua's sword meeting the shadow's in kind. With his free hand, he conjures a ball of fire that's sent flying right into Emile's abdomen which sends the shadow flying back into the darkness.

Joshua then turns, and without thinking, envelops Mercedes in an embrace. The Phoenix's fire, for mercy, doesn't do her any harm, but that doesn't stop Joshua from suddenly realizing the possibility and pulling away from her but still keeping close. "Are you all right, Mercedes?!" as he looks her over for any serious injuries, he notices the very surprised expression on her face which could only be based on the fact that she's never seen him in this form before.

"…Ah, right. I believe an explanation may be in order," and that's putting it lightly.

[ofmartritz]

She braces for an attack that never lands. Instead she hears the all too familiar sound of swords clashing, and her head whips up to see Joshua engaging the shadow.

"J-Joshua?!" She cries out, surprised not only by his timely arrival, but the way he currently appears. Mercedes watches as he makes quick work of the shadow, though she's clearly not prepared for the embrace either.

"I..." She begins to answer his question, but he pulls away and notices her confusion. From this close he can surely see the way her eyes dart around, taking in his semi-primed form. While it seems as though it would hurt to touch, she doesn't feel any pain at all. If anything, she feels warm from being in the presence of the Phoenix.

Slowly, her hand reaches up to cup his cheek. Her expression softens.

"I'm alright, thanks to you. You found me."

[pyronexus]

"You must be a real pro then...I've never tried baking anything myself before. I'm envious, your cakes must come out great!"

[ofmartritz]

"Hehe, I wouldn't really call myself a pro... It's just a hobby! If you'd like, I can show you how to make one sometime."