if i look back, i am lost.

Rufus Thierry Blaiddyd, Blue Lions faculty | affiliated with The Officer's Academy | penned by dewa

[prionsis]

Rufus Thierry Blaiddyd from Fire Emblem Three Houses || Faculty affiliated with the Blue Lions || written by dewa (24, she/her)

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Notes on portrayal under the cut!

To avoid Rufus' brain shattering the moment he steps in there, the way I'm going with this is that Rufus has absolutely no idea that Lambert is out there and vice versa. He doesn't frequent the Abyss and he roams around the Academy common areas very little- so they pretty much never get to properly meet. This may be changed in the future, who knows, but as of now I'll be keeping them entirely oblivious to one another. Lambert won't seek him either.

Since Rufus is directly related to a major event in Fódlan's timeline, there may be some spoilers for information presented in FE3H as well as FE3Hopes. His presence is minor and in Hopes it's tackled in the Prologue, but still!

While Rufus is defined as a faculty member, he's in Garreg Mach as part of a diplomatic mission and is more of a non-teaching authority figure. As Dimitri's coronation approaches he has to make sure the Kingdom and the Church are on the same level and that their bond is well maintained and cared for. Back in Fhirdiad, he has enlisted Duke Ifan (a relative of the royal family, she canonly cares for Fhirdiad at some point in 3Hopes) as well as House Fraldarius (leaving it vague, but let's assume it's Duchess Fraldarius) to hold the fort while he's gone. So! Fhirdiad is safe and occupied. Throne's not empty.

If you bother him enough about it there's a 30% chance he may give you some magic or lance lessons though. That or he'll just bring negative vibes to the joint, your pick.

No, Rufus is not happy that he's here. He hates it. He wants to go home. But ya gotta do what ya gotta do.

Rufus is rather unreliable in his narration, extremely paranoid and borderline delusional depending on the situation. He's also a bit rough with words.

Be mindful that I'll be tackling themes of verbal and possibly physical domestic abuse here. Those who know what Rufus has made/makes Dimitri go through, yeah. Warning for dehumanizing speech as well, lots of it.

Rufus is not wearing his circlet! In the artbook the circlet was stated to have been a 'gift by Cornelia', and I headcanon that the thing was definitely interfering with some of Rufus' behavior and making him more vicious. In here he's not wearing it, so he's more of a miserable wet cat.

Yes, he's a womanizer. Don't ask how his rizz works. It just does, and it scares me.

Finally, for his portrayal I'll be focusing on themes of regret and forgiveness- as well as the utter lack of it. He has gone too far to even think about forgiveness, doesn't seek it nor want it. At the same time, he is haunted by his decision on a daily basis.

[prionsis]

"it's eating leftovers" this is a tiger do you hear yourself

closed starter for @azelfire | riding +1

[azelfire]

Azelle is normally staunchly civil. He doesn't like causing problems, and is quick to be a mediator. This is mostly due to his anxious nature - confrontation is difficult when raised voices make one flinch, and arguments are a context rife for raised voices.

There are, however, certain lines uncrossable to him. This is his rebellious nurture. He is, after all, a son of Fjalar, raised in Velthomer, brother to Arvis. He can't be completely docile, especially not politically.

So to hear his fellow nobleman raise his voice to a commoner in concerns of money does set his blood boiling and his haunches raised. When Rufus approaches him, Azelle can't really keep a scowl off his face. He doesn't hide his movements as he grabs at his coin pouch and tries to count out a small sum for the commoner's troubles.

Most of his coin is Jugdrali, but he understands gold is just as valuable in these parts on its own. It'll surely be of some help.

"I don't really see the point in harming animals for no reason," he replies, not bothering to glance up from the coin he gathers on his palm. When he's decided it's enough, he replaces his purse at his belt and passes Rufus to deliver the sum to the man he'd virtually insulted.

"Please excuse him," Azelle tells the man. "Maybe this will build those steel doors, but I feel it's the least I can do."

The commoner, stunned, accepts his offer with open palms. "Th-thank you!"

"Please don't mention it," he replies with a smile, before the man can try and 'make it up to him' or something.

Thankfully, the commoner merely nods and begins scampering away, probably recognizing the divide between Azelle and his companion, and not wanting to be involved in the fissure.

Azelle sighs before turning back to Rufus, smile extinguished. "If they say it's not an issue, I would trust them. There's plenty of bestial behaviors that are completely understandable. Making an effort to map them and recognize them would probably be less work in the long run than some kind of... extermination campaign."

[prionsis]

While his composure and general demeanor stayed the same, the change in his eyes towards Azelle’s exchange with the villager was clear as day. Dull cobalts were framed with a frown trapped between disdain and irritation, the corner of his lip twitching as it fought against his very muscles to not further accentuate his disapproval- it stayed that way for the duration for the miserable interaction, only changing when the peasant hurried off with gold in his hands and swift on his feet. 

Rufus closed his eyes, drawing in a sigh- he knew better than to ask the Goddess for patience, that woman seemed to only know to laze around in the skies and watch them scatter around as part of her amusement, but he hoped for a minimum of peace of mind. Just a little bit.

“Shoving a cork into a boat’s punctured hull only hides the problem, it does not fix it. Coddle and bribe the people all you want, in the end you are enabling bad habits and avoiding tackling the root of the problem.” The comment was dry, not quite filled with anger- there wasn’t a sharp edge to be found. Instead, the raspy surface of a rock. “Young nobles like you are too busy thinking charity is the answer to all to actually think about what you are doing, and the true effects your actions have and mean.”

“I do not know where you are from, but you are short-sighted and your logic is painfully shallow. That is fact.” A soft scoff. “But of course, you will deny and claim I am being unreasonable. Spare me your outrage, I have no need of it.”  Under another sigh, the regent’s attention returned to the question at hand- the map and the beasts. Much to his surprise…and displeasure, the young mage’s answer was not one he had been looking for. Rufus truly didn’t expect Azelle to meet him halfway on his own logic, but that was a bit too far off.

Goddess, you truly are one crafty deity. Always dragging me into the most grating of situations.

Enjoy your show, wench.

“Just trust their word? My, become king already. Who would have thought, solving these issues is so easy.” Mocking in a dismissive tone, Rufus tried to remind himself to not give this kid the satisfaction of witnessing his frustration as he nearly stared a hole into the map, raising a single hand to push blond locks away from his face. “Extermination is not the answer, but allowing them to continue roaming free is to doom this village’s future into possibly falling to predation.”

He finally locked eyes with Azelle. “The average individual is naive, they see beasts and think them the same as a domesticated dog or cat, as if they were stupid animals who settle with convenience and do not strive for more if given large enough crumbs.” A click of the tongue. “To a hungry beast, there is not much difference between a pile of leftovers, and a child. Both are easy enough to drag into the woods and feast upon, and I guarantee you the latter is more nutritious than what is left of a peasant’s dinner.”

For a split second, his gaze changed- a flash of something behind his eyes as his mind wandered into a distant memory. It was gone as soon as it began.

“I know that from experience." A quick pause. "Do not believe a villager’s words so blindly lest you unknowingly lead them to their demise.”

@azelfire

[prionsis]

"it's eating leftovers" this is a tiger do you hear yourself

closed starter for @azelfire | riding +1

[prionsis]

Even though Rufus always thought his true place in the world was on the throne of Faerghus, although forced, he had already become used to the environment and intricacies of the piece of land he was given the day the title of Grand Duke was bestowed on him. Filled with beasts and one of the Kingdom’s most famed grounds for hunters and mercenaries, the plains of Itha were his unwilling but accepted home, once perceived as a bother- an insult to the man he was meant to be but couldn’t because of the lack of a crest, but now seen with slightly more neutrality. Perhaps, on a good day, even pleasure.

That was why beasts didn’t phase the regent, they never did. To reside and rule over Itha meant being in frequent contact with all sorts of creatures, some exclusive to those plains, most extremely dangerous and fierce. Rufus himself was no hunter, but as the lord he naturally had to get his hands dirty every now and then when necessary- and so he had fought more beasts that he bothered to count.

“Killing them is largely unnecessary, unless they are going out of their way to hunt humans for food.” This scenario was nothing new to him. At most he could say that the inhabitants of Itha were more tolerant of its fauna, as one had to be truly aware of the place they were about to move to when picking the northern plains as their home, but this debate was one he has had to handle many times before. “But leaving them be is equally ridiculous. They are declared invasive for a reason and cannot reside here.”

“But they’re doing nothin' too bad! I’d say they’re just as dangerous as your good ol’ bear or wolf, if we leave them alone we can figure out how to live with them sir!”

A frown was quick to pinch at his features. “The wolves and bears you speak of are native to this area, these beasts are not. If you find yourself fine with these creatures roaming your area then you are surely content with the idea of one of them invading your home and potentially attacking your child, no?”

The villager grew quiet, though still unwilling to give in. “...we just gotta keep them from gettin’ in-”

“Right, build steel doors then. With what money, peasant?”

His words cut through the conversation fast, deciding it was no longer worth his time. “These people think every animal is a potential pet, like a domesticated dog. Ridiculous.” Within a few steps he reached the young mage he had been set to accompany- a boy from the Black Eagles, not from Fódlan. Rufus handed the student a paper with a drawn map of the area, specific spots parked with ‘x’ as possible nests or packs where the beasts reside. “This map was given to me by some of the people on the other side of this circus. It has at the very least marked spots where the beasts seem to be inhabiting.”

“Tell me, Azelle.” Rufus looked around for a moment, before his gaze found the student once more. Arguing with kids was usually fruitless, far too quick to become emotional and believe in the simplest decisions possible, but testing wouldn’t hurt.

“What side do you believe has the best argument in this debacle?” 

[prionsis]

born to rule forced to help this kid find her airbnb

closed started for @pillarofopenness

[prionsis]

Even as the monastery halted its activities for reconstruction and Fódlan has just begun the process to bring itself back to its feet, it seemed that not even the footprints of war stopped pilgrims and travelers from coming.

And students, somehow.

That just couldn’t be possible- was Rufus really the only person with a functioning brain in this place able to think it would be best for Garreg Mach to stop accepting students when it was barely able to handle itself at the moment? How come there were people still insisting on coming here after seeing the state the monastery is in? A world of fools, it had to be. 

Rufus however didn’t have the drive to complain about this stupidity to the archbishop. The place was hers, if she decided it was okay then the repercussions are entirely on her account and he had no intention to interfere lest problems come to his lap, and so he took the given task with grace (read: took the paper and just went to work): housing was becoming a big issue in the monastery, and it was up to him to ensure all Blue Lions had appropriate rooms. Even the new ones.

Case in point, the girl standing before him. A young lass not from Fódlan, staff described her as a princess from a far away kingdom. “Sharena, right.” Cold cobalts spared her a short glance before returning to the paper in his hands- a diagram of housing floors with notes on each student’s chambers. The problem however was that it was still not up to date as renovations had been made but many of the new rooms had not been marked as occupied or not.

Rufus sighed, clicking his tongue. “They cannot even give me updated papers, no wonder the place was ambushed…” The regent mumbled to himself before finally giving Sharena a proper look.

“Not every room has been marked as occupied in this sheet, so we will have to go through one of the new wings one by one to find you a suitable stay. Let us not waste time, come.” A pause. “My name is Rufus, king regent of the Holy Kingdom of Faerghus. Though that matters little in this mountain.” He began walking, back turned to the girl- expecting her to follow without question.

[prionsis]

sweet family bonding totally not awkward or tense

closed starter for @blaiddllodi | forge-a-bear

[prionsis]

When the monastery fell and Rufus was quickly ushered back to Fhirdiad, once more he found himself in a dilemma. War and disorder were quick to spread across the continent, shaking all three nations as villages fell to pillaging and monster attacks and smaller lords struggled to keep their territories stable. The tower of paperwork on his study grew by the hour as reports and letters from all over the kingdom asking for help and reinforcements arrived in bulk to the point Rufus thought Faerghus must have been suffering some direct attack rather than just collateral from Garreg Mach’s collapse. Every day felt like an endless stream of stress, complaints, people asking him things he couldn’t provide or didn’t yet know- including the ridiculous idea of him marching into the frontlines. Nonsense.

But there was a single saving grace, the fact that Dimitri went missing in the attack. It wasn’t worthy of his relief yet, as a disappearance meant nothing without a corpse, but it was something. A promise that maybe, just maybe, the beast had been slain and was now completely out of his way. No more of that creature prowling in his vicinity, foaming at the mouth at the idea of revenge and tearing his throat apart with its jaws and claws. Amidst the chaos, Rufus felt like he had at least something to find relief in. Even if it didn’t come with the comfort he thought he’d experience. Even if it felt just as empty as the day he was made king regent.

Through Cornelia’s odd pleasure, Rufus felt just as he had always been. Perhaps life truly had lost all its spark, leaving even victories hollow and meaningless.

One day however, notice that the monastery had been reclaimed reached Fhirdiad and with it a request from the Central Church for Faerghus’ help in its reconstruction. It caught the regent slightly off guard, but in the end he couldn’t quite say he was surprised by the letter- of course the Church would beg the Kingdom to help clean up its own messes.

Of course he had to be the one to go back to that forsaken mountain and install himself at the monastery again, even though the chance of a new attack was very much real and no one seemed to care about it. It couldn’t be a trap, could it? Some sort of sick retaliation for the tragedy where they wish for him to stay trapped in Garreg Mach so it may become his tomb? As ridiculous as it seemed, Rufus did have perfectly reasonable claims to make. None of them mattered because in the end there he was, back in Garreg Mach to symbolize Faerghus’ support for the Church and efforts in bringing the monastery back to its feet. 

The clergy received him with relieved gratitude that Rufus could only react in cordial neutrality, reassuring them that yes, the Kingdom would do everything it could and more for the sake of their centuries-long alliance. It was then that instead of being given paperwork, Rufus was taken to a…shop? A plushie workshop.

Build the thing for charity- well, for the Church. The bears could be kept or donated to children, while the money went directly to the monastery’s restoration. It would also look great for the Kingdom’s image in the eyes of believers, and so Rufus agreed to partake in the activity. Between building some plushies and being made to do heavy lifting? Plushies. He’d make 50 of them if it meant not participating in reconstruction.

“Oh, Your Royal Highness! We bear great news as well. His Highness Prince Dimitri will be joining you in the activity. Blessed be the Goddess for ensuring his safe return to us.”

This day was absolutely going to shit so fast.

And that was how Rufus found himself standing right there with the thing- that he thought was finally killed, having to make bear plushies in a place he was pretty damn sure could have him killed in an instant. This had to be a crooked assassination plan to ensure his torment to the very end.

The regent sighed, closing his eyes for a moment when he saw Dimitri. He took a deep breath, lips shifting into a line.

“Good to know you have made it back safely, Dimitri.” Was said through slightly gritted teeth, not wanting to draw unnecessary attention from the monks. They were really not giving him the option to bail.

“...I suppose I have no option but to do this. Come, let us not waste any more time.”

Again, he wondered if maybe that insane paperwork in Fhirdiad was better.

[prionsis]

POST-LORE EPILOGUE

After the attack on Garreg Mach, Rufus returned to Fhirdiad and stayed in the capital for the duration of the moon. The surprise nature of the attack shook him, quickly wondering if it had anything to do with the tragedy- as some sort of divine retribution. Cornelia laughed him off. He found her 'good humor' odd, but just holed himself in his study.

As part of the Blue Lions, Rufus has now returned to the Academy to assist in reconstruction, though he avoids heavy lifting and is instead tasked with logistics and paperwork around the monastery grounds. He's still uncomfortable being there, thinking it's not entirely safe, but at the same time is essentially running on "it is what it is".

[prionsis]

old men bickering

continued from here | @cielenruine

[cielenruine]

"He is a child Rufus." The Margrave can't help but scowl. No matter how much responsibility was pour onto him, that boy was still a boy. "He was a child in need of someone to guide him, any issues you have are your own fault now." That day would soon come, the one in which the time their prince had been raised by others more than his own father. Matthias had not done the best with his own...but he knew better than to complain of the aftermath. "Nor do accusations of king killers. If I am to be a traitor based on such things, then you a king and brother killer." He would be damned if he let such a thing pass. "Rumors are rumors meant to sew discontent. The people hold such rumors towards you because they'd rather Dimitri ascend long before he should so they must have a reason to feel ill towards you. Does that make them true?" He shifts, his arms held at his sides as he stares into the eyes of his regent. "Discontent with me is from all manner of places, Rufus." Goddess, he recalled the days when people had truly believed him something akin to a traitor because of his wife. "Gautier has always been, always will be an ally of the crown and of any Blaiddyd that needs use of us...but we are not dogs without reason. Many see a dog that hesitates to run into a forest blind as disobedient but what use are skills of such caliber if they're made to make ill advised decisions that lead to ruin?" "For Faerghus, I will do what I must. Even if that includes opposing you. That sentiment is not traitorous unless you fear your interests are not the best for the people you govern."

[prionsis]

“There you go again, coddling him when it is most convenient. One moment and he is a strong, wise and capable young man ready to be king- but soon after he is just but a boy in desperate need of guidance, just a child. I have never volunteered to care for Lambert’s spawn, hire him a nanny if you must.” It wasn’t his son, therefore not his responsibility. Why even help when the beast would never be able to truly process any feeling of gratitude towards him? Why risk himself even further, with his neck not only within Dimitri’s range, but also within reach of those four lackeys he surrounds himself with?

Gautier, Fraldarius, Galatea and that stray. One worse than the other, but under Dimitri’s command- all dogs ready to kill whatever crosses their path. Rufus knew better than to potentially involve himself with creatures unable to think for themselves.

But Matthias truly was a wicked man, his words sending ice through his veins as the regent found himself a deer frozen before a wolf’s hungry glare. None of them knew, he was sure of that- the margrave was simply saying this for the sake of bothering him, but there was this tiny part of his mind that wondered if they had figured it out after all, and were simply taking it nice and slow.

"You-” With cobalts framed by irritation, Rufus shot Matthias a glare. “You are playing with fire through those words, margrave. Baseless accusations such as these could land you a hefty punishment, I am sure you are aware of that. Were I a more impatient man, you would not have gotten away with this.” Because in the end it was just a matter of time, as the regent managed whatever he could to ensure his own safety in a world where all desired his head hanging from the gates of Fhirdiad.

Even with Cornelia by his side, he was still surrounded. The palace was not and has never truly been his turf, as he was quite sure not even his bribes would be able to keep the already delicate peace stable for much longer. His only means to prevail were long gone now, as the prince proved to be far too cunning to kill, and sooner or later the boy’s influence would continue to grow and grow, Rufus ultimately finding himself trapped in a lion’s den with no way out.

A fate that a small, insignificant yet very much present part of him, was disturbingly okay with.

“Bah, spare me from your harping regarding your land’s misery and low reputation. You forget that the territory is in your hands, and it is up to you to give it the change it needs- but this conversation has only shown me that Lambert has ruled this country like a teacher handles a kindergarten. Spoiling lords by doing their jobs for them, leaving them entirely helpless as soon as he is out of the picture. Masterfully manipulative, painfully pathetic.” Finding himself tired of this useless banter, Rufus turned away from the Margrave- but not completely, he wasn’t stupid enough to not keep a glance on Matthias.

“This discussion bores me so, and I am far too busy to spare you any more of my time. You speak much of what is best for Faerghus, but the ideas you continue to nurture in regards to my person are nothing but poison for the country you claim to love. If you wish to go down the path of ruin, go on. But keep me out of your filthy games.”

With that, Rufus finally left- his steps at a quicker pace as he went straight for his quarters. That was enough being outside for the day.

-end.

[prionsis]

old men bickering

continued from here | @cielenruine

[cielenruine]

Matthias listened and looked off, past the man in front of him and perhaps, he had let his words get to him. "You've much wrong about the state of affairs you were handed...all the more about the things I myself would like to see." Dimitri was not Lambert and that was the boy's most admirable trait. In spite of what it seemed so many had wanted, he was a prince all his own right and he would be a king in such a way as well. "Leif is capable but his goals are another matter entirely. He hardly even has the favor of those he returned to." That he had known well. It was an...odd position. He still never understood why the boy had left only to walk into the arms of those who only saw value now in all he had smuggled from Faerghus. "You know nothing of who the brute in this situation is Rufus." Lambert was not the one who still fought. Lambert wasn't the one who continued to spare no expense in making sure the dangers of their neighbor were know. His legacy...it should not have been one painted by such bloodshed. "If you believe that the case, then you are just a guilty as all others in seeing his highness that way. You had ample time...ample resources to help him become whatever king you think may have been best." He would leave that sentence at that. Did Rufus know what bits he had seen? What most knew? Were it not for the boy's vassal, it truly would have been a tragedy above tragedy. "I apologize for my seeking aid. I certainly could rally any lord in my territory but I despise rumors of mutiny just as much as the next and Gautier receives no shortage of such accusations should we try and act on our lonesome. I'll keep your words in mind in my letters to the Margravine."

[prionsis]

“Even if I wished, there was no way I could have ever undone what Lambert had tainted and raised the boy with- I personally do not even think that was ever an option to begin with. A lion’s cub is still a lion, I cannot change what he was born as.” It would be a waste of time on all fronts, and besides what guarantee was there that the boy would ever listen to his word?

When those eyes stare him down with animalistic hunger and the promise of revenge, was it even an option to bother training the creature into a proper ruler- a proper human being? No. 

Dimitri would never listen to him, and if he did it would be for the sake of an easy bait, to lure him in for the kill. Dimitri had no good reason to listen to him, and never will. Reconciliation was but a joke.

A scoff. “Accusations of mutiny do not come without a reason. If Gautier’s reputation is stained by those rumors, then it would do you well to reflect on your own decisions and figure what action was taken to be worthy of such reaction. Do not attempt to paint yourself a saint being dogged down by unfounded rumors born out of thin air, all happens with good reason. You know that as well as I do, Margrave.”

Indeed, all happens with good reason. Including- no, particularly rumors. A topic that left a sour, nauseating taste in his mouth.

He often wondered if the lords of Northern Faerghus were secretly part, or perhaps even the very source, of the barrage of bad sayings that slowly corroded his image- all connecting him to the Tragedy in hopes of finding a viable culprit to punish, always thirsty for more blood as if the lives of the couple thousands in Duscur wasn’t enough to sate their wild lust for revenge. 

Rufus always walked far too close to danger, closer than he thought was necessary, but it wasn’t like he really had any say in the matter.

@cielenruine

[quartzhearted]

rufus? the horse is here.

AU - MOUTHWASHING

[quartzhearted]

it's hard to look at a situation like this and say " jesus christ " because it's very clear that the reason it's happening is because there is no god and humanity's hubris is going to kill all of them. that's what morion thinks, anyways. being on the tulpar has been a nightmare from start to finish, but fuck him did it to go from Bad to Hell.

it all starts with an injury on board---a young intern, loud, brash, and very, very stupid. the idiot went up in the vents, probably to check something, god knows, morion was busy emptying the contents of his bottle of mouthwash when the whole thing happened. next thing, the kid's on the floor, groaning, bleeding, bearing a horrible wound with little else to treat it other than leftover uniforms to plug the hole. bless the nurse. she's trying.

morion, meanwhile, knows he has to do something---the more people that get horribly injured on this ship, the less likely anyone's disembarking alive. the nurse said to get disinfectant, but the medicine cabinet's got nothing. the bottle of mouthwash in his hand ( aside from being essentially useless, the nurse had said, because of the high sugar content ) was full of old man backwash. that's disgusting.

surely there's got to be at least one bottle of actually useful mouthwash on this stupid freighter. maybe it's an older make, maybe it's a limited-edition Hand Sanitizer Flavor. fuck, it could be a defect and it would be just fine. whatever the case, he has to go find it... but he is NOT walking around this ship alone.

from the group huddled around the injured employee morion yanks the resident Suspicious Freak out by the collar. " rufus, " he slurs, still tipsy from the bottles he's drunk. " y're comin' with me. c'rgo. now. "

@prionsis

[prionsis]

GAME DOC

It wasn’t his fucking fault that the vent wasn’t fixed in time.

They were the only ones in any actual shape to do anything in this doomed ship, because the nurse was an incompetent wreck and the engineer, despite being a wall of a man, had been doing nothing but guzzling the cargo they were supposed to be delivering like it was cheap beer, spreading this nauseating sweet smell throughout the entire lobby. All was as well as it could be until sparks started flying, literally, from the vent still in repairs going from the med room all the way to the utility room- and as the spot was surrounded by curtains, it was a fire waiting to happen.

With the nurse being useless and the single engineer of the ship too inebriated to do anything, it was up to him and that stupid kid to check out the vent before it set the ship alight with them all inside. It was only natural then that the scrawny guy would be the one to enter the vent- he was Morion’s intern, wasn’t he? Rufus was no engineer and he wasn’t interested in going beyond what he was meant to do. Even more when it came to having to squeeze himself through a sparking vent like that.

Screams, blood, panic.

It wasn’t his fault that they didn’t fix the thing. That Morion was busier drinking his ass off instead of working. It felt that Rufus was the only one with a working brain left in the Tulpar at this point.

“Unhand me-! Only now you wish to fix the problems you have caused, I see? After it is far too late? Unbelievable.” Rufus went along because he simply had no other option. Morion was twice his size and completely out of his mind, and he’d rather not be forcefully jammed into the ship’s insulation foam because of that man’s current state. It always went back to him having to clean up after others’ nonsense, trapped in a world where no one seemed capable of doing anything right.

In the end, both stood before the cargo’s heavy doors as they opened up, leading into darkness that mirrored that of space itself. The place was once filled with boxes all the way to the ceiling, but now was much emptier as the crew began using the product out of pure desperation and foolishness. Rufus let out an exhilarated sigh, frowning. “At this point I am doubtful there even is a bottle left for us to use, but very well. Let us search.”

AP roll: 2 Rufus spends 1 AP to Search. Perception Roll 1D30= 8, nothing. Rufus spends 1 AP to Move. 1 up, end in I8. Noise Roll 1D10= 7

Going down the metallic ladder and into the darkness, Rufus felt a chill down his spine- as if something, or someone, was watching them from afar. The Tulpar didn’t have any security cameras, too cheap for that, and the rest of the crew was away, so…

…yeah, it was that stupid drunk wall of a man. “Quit staring at me and get moving, you drunk fool.” Rufus barked, for whatever reason feeling almost instant regret as he swore he could hear movement somewhere deep into the cargo hold.

It was only his imagination. This is just a big old basement full of mouthwash of all things. Taking in a deep breath, he continued to walk.

Blind Beast has been alerted!

@quartzhearted

[prionsis]

does your weapon come with a user manual? | rufus & karel

closed starter for @otgolokh

[otgolokh]

The blood calls his name again. Karel is no stranger to the arena, certainly, and the chance to hone his skills in this place is too inticing to ignore, even with the... Bizarre gimmick of this particular tournament.

And who is it that stands before him? A de​crep​it old man, that's who. The blood begins to roil and surge inside his veins, his heart hammering away in his chest. Feels familiar. Feels—

He doesn't bother to take Rufus' hand for a shake, staring at it in mild confusion before taking the tome out of his hands — Blizzard. Anima magic. He's seen it used enough times. Either way, he will win this.

And now... The pain.

He steps away from Rufus for a moment, and carefully puts the blade he had been wielding — A disquietingly red blade, a blade that utterly reeked of dried, stale blood — Into its sheath, and onto the arena ground. He reapproaches then, taking care to walk around it and not step over it, and hands Rufus a much nicer looking iron sword.

"...Karel. The sword behind me," he drones, "is my ancestral blade. You cannot wield it. If you were to so much as lay a finger on it, you would die." He gestures vaguely at the iron blade.

"This is the sword you will be using for our duel."

His chest heaves as hot breath shoots out of his mouth. He's... Excited, as ashamed as he is to admit that fact now.

Despite whatever feelings he may have on that day, he never particularly liked the old man to begin with.

"...Good luck, khögshin." A barely veiled sneer, delivered with all the excitement of a gravekeeper.

With that said, he goes completely silent. No more words. Only the thrill of the fight can calm his blood now.

[prionsis]

COMBAT DOC

Rufus had seen that glint shining in the man’s eyes before- it filled him with disgust.

That look mirroring a hungry beast, holding back the uncontrollable urge to maim and kill for the mere sport of it. He thought that saintless trait was only present in the blood of his family, tainted by the star like a vapid ghost possessing its host and turning them into animals- first his brother, then his nephew. But no, apparently that horrid behavior was more common than he thought. Case in point, his current opponent: more beast than man, with not even the grace to accept a handshake and instead immediately going for the weapon like a hungry dog goes for the bone.

Rufus could only exhale at the display, whether out of pity or irritation it was unknown even to him. “Do not destroy it. I trust you are able to do at least that.” He could always get a new tome of course, but let this be a test for the creature. At the very least however, his opponent did give him a name- Karel. Let us see if it is worth remembering, the regent thought to himself. “Rufus.” There was no need to hand over his full name, at least not yet. He’d rather wait and see if this Karel even had the capability to mouth his name without staining it with the thirst for blood.

This is a joke.

Ancestral blade this, you can’t use it or you die that, with every moment he wondered if it was some extremely elaborate joke to mock his own life. “I frankly do not care about the sword.” He put it bluntly, tone disinterested with a slight tinge of irritation as he took the offered iron blade. “I already must deal with the ridiculous rules surrounding the Heroes' Relics, your blade is not special in this land.” As they shared glances, Rufus took a short time to at least become used to the sword’s weight in his hand. It wasn’t exactly the weapon he liked the most, preferring battle at long range, but this was nothing he hadn’t handled before.

His only novelty was that man- but he too seemed on track to offer nothing new to his plate. Worse, even-

This is just a weaker Lambert minus that beastly, toothy smile, and somehow that irked him even more.

“Let us see if there truly sits a man behind your skin.”

Rufus 12/12HP hits Karel 12/12HP with Iron Sword at melee range [ Roll: 12, -1HP. Karel 11/12HP ]

With proper weight applied to the blade, Rufus made a quick and steady advance- the cut clean, solid, as he tested the waters between him and this man. He was aware of Blizzard's capability to freeze him in place, and so the battle had to be quick.

Rufus wasn't interested in losing to an animal.

@otgolokh

[prionsis]

you're cheating? pathetic | rufus & matthias

closed starter for @cielenruine | lance +1

[cielenruine]

Matthias sighed and shook his head. "You speak as if he has no other options in life. For a man so fancied on being different, on not being a lowly mutt of war, you certainly expect others to always fight your battles for you." He would just hope the kid took his advice and proceeded to the path that he truly sought, the lance obviously hadn't been it. "You would think you'd owe yourself that at least. Instead you called out like a hit dog the moment he realized you were far weaker than I." The margrave stepped over to Rufus and looked him straight through with a scowl. "So we're war dogs now? Did you forget the years before the tragedy or has your mind seen fit to avoid acknowledging anything Lambert accomplished in his time? You seem keen to forget it was you who scorned my attempts at mending." "It's just more convenient for you if thats all we are. It means that you can excuse your lack of expertise by implying no one else could succeed in both areas."

The pommel on the lance once again found the regent's side with a gentle tap. "Hold. Since you seem so keen to remind me of it, I'd rather remove this debt posthaste. The tavern serves good food and ale. Perhaps you'll lighten up with it."

[prionsis]

“He is a soldier, is he not? If he did not wish to fight for the sake of others, he would have chosen a different path for himself. If he does not want to fight for a lord then his parents are quite literally wasting their money in keeping that boy here.” Rufus gave Matthias a stink eye framed by exhaustion- it always revolved around this same nonsense. He has to fight this and that, he has to be the one to step out there and slit throats and mince frontlines, he has to be the one to do it all. “My brother’s nonsense has rotted your brain, Matthias. My battles are won through word and letter, the spill of blood is a last resort.”

“You are all far too comfortable with death and violence being the answer to all problems. So much so that suddenly it is a sin for one to not wish to partake in it.” The reply pushed through gritted teeth, both out of irritation and a bitter acknowledgement of his own hypocrisy. Violence and killing are a barbarian’s way of governing, diplomacy should be exercised more often in the Kingdom.

A right he never extended to Lambert or Dimitri, and most likely never will. Defining them as exceptions to his belief was, after all, easier than bowing his head and letting go of the last threads of pride he had. It was too late for all of this anyway, it wouldn’t make a difference. It would just make him more miserable.

Why bother?

Rufus fully turned to face away from Matthias, refusing to look him in the eye. “Are you now done with your incessant yapping? You have no moral ground to stand on, margrave. I could not care less if you think me lacking in expertise when it comes to combat, I am confident enough that my skills are sufficient and that is all I need. I do not pride myself in being a creature perfected for war, unlike you all.”

And the poke of that weapon again- a gesture so small yet so quick to annoy Rufus just enough to make him turn around and face Matthias a second time. “Ha, an offer for an outing? I did not expect you to be so civil after your display just now.” Tavern food was…not great, but at this point Rufus would take it. Having others in your debt was, after all, a pleasant exercise of power. He’d happily have it, scoffind with a small smile.

“Very well, lead the way. Though I hardly think said food and ale will impact my mood positively.”

That night Rufus did return to his chambers slightly plastered, but at least he wouldn’t remember it.

-end

[prionsis]

you're cheating? pathetic | rufus & matthias

closed starter for @cielenruine | lance +1

[cielenruine]

"Most of these kids will never see a battlefield in their life Rufus. Some even are here to be shopkeeps." He was unphased as the Regent was accosted. Ah, finally he understood the assignment but...that was far too late. Matthias had leaned onto his lance a bit lazily and watched the display. "...you have the nerve to talk about my skills." He hadn't mentioned it before because well, everyone had their moments of struggling but good goddess something was wrong with that man. A chuckle escaped from him as his aid is called upon and he lazily moves to stand proper.

D3= 3, Minor Crest of Gautier activates! Matthias [6/12HP] misses Student [0.5/12 HP] with an Iron Lance! [ Roll: 4, -0HP ]

The surge within his blood comes once more, and yet just as before, the lance misses the mark though this time, the students barely there agility manages to save him from the hit.

Student [0.5/12 HP] barely counters with Javelin at melee range! [ Roll: 5, -0.5HPMatthias [5.5/12HP]

In turn, there is a hit to his arm that does nothing to wipe the smug grin off his face.

He was hoping it'd end differently. The student had learned once, yet returned to the insanity that left him a frozen block. How sad.

Student [0.5/12 HP] misses Matthias [5.5/12HP] with Javelin! [ Roll: 3, -0HP Matthias [5.5/12HP] ]

The javelin hits the air where his stomach had once been.

Matthias [5.5/12HP] counters with an Iron Lance! [ Roll: 13 , -1.5HP+0.5 ; Student [0/12 HP] ]

And in turn he replied, letting the polearm of the lance slam the student into the wall.

Student has been defeated!

"What a shame. If you had studied, practiced a bit more, you would have done better...between your absolutely lack of use of your range gained from the weapon you wield, your horrendous targeting, and your strategy that seemed to gear towards 'This time the same thing that hasn't worked surely will!' you are completely unfit to even qualify at a chance of taking this exam." He pulled the student up by the collar and dusted off the cloak he still wore. "You're better off wielding another weapon entirely at this rate. I've no idea what class it is you belong to, but you should request that much immediately." The student was, understandably, shaken and with legs that seemed want to give in, he ran off to goddess knew where. "And you, my regent...what was that display? You talk of not sparing the child any effort and then do that?"

[prionsis]

“They are being trained for it all the same, this boy will still serve a lord in his future. If he is lucky to come across one willing to overlook his faults, that is.” Rufus clicked his tongue, watching as Matthias lectured the shaken student as he tried to get back on his feet after his defeat. The situation was ultimately meaningless for the regent, being completely detached from any and whatever matters related to the academy’s workings- but since he had been forced to participate in this…might as well take whatever crumbs of satisfaction he could get from watching that spoiled brat getting scolded.

After it was done and over with, Rufus looked away in disinterest. “Must I repeat myself each time? I do not owe you nor that boy any performance, I am no instructor and was part of this mess simply because you forced me into it. If anything you should be thankful I was willing to lend you a hand, considering how before I stepped in to freeze that boy still he seemed to be getting the upper hand over you, margrave.”

At the end of it all, he had just begun to get sick of it. He just wanted it to end and for that stupid kid to leave. 

“Our situations differ, Matthias. Unlike you or my foolish brother, I do not fancy myself a warrior as I have full comprehension that my talent lies in matters external to the battlefield. My combat knowledge is sufficient because I am perfectly capable of making up for what I lack with other skills rather than condemning myself to being a war dog.” Rufus spent years honing his skills for combat indeed, but it was never his sole focus.

After all, he never wanted to prove that he was stronger than Lambert- an endeavor frankly impossible, but rather he’d prove he was a better, more complete ruler. 

He succeeded, didn’t he? In the end, his array of general skills was much wider than that of his brother. It was just that these idiots were far too blind to acknowledge it.

Uncrossing his arms, Rufus took a step forward- sparing Matthias a glance over the shoulder. “If you are done with your attempts at saving face through your infuriating snark, I shall take my leave.”

@cielenruine

[prionsis]

you're cheating? pathetic | rufus & matthias

closed starter for @cielenruine | lance +1

[cielenruine]

"Oh? Would you like to deal with the complaints of this whelp's parents should I go as hard as I need to truly prepare him? Injuring the pride of someone like this works as a much better method. At this rate he'll be one of those sitting in ivory towers wasting away funds at defense that could so easily have been provided had he the brain to learn it."

Matthias [7.5/12HP] hits Student [2/12 HP] with an Iron Lance! [ Roll: 8, -1.5HP Student [0.5/12 HP]]

Matthias made sure that his words were heard as this time, the pommel was used to hit the students jaw up and daze him just that bit further. Despite his wooziness, the laze in his strikes and the chill he surely felt in his bones, he still stood. Matthias truly wondered, why he even attended if he was going to shirk perhaps the main purpose of the place for goddess knew what.

Student [0.5/12 HP] counters with Javelin at melee range! [ Roll: 17, -1.5HP Matthias [6/12HP]

There is a strike at his shoulders, one he has to commend. "If only you'd learned, you'd prove to be quite the adept lancer." His eyes turned to Rufus as the young man stepped back. "Surely you're strong enough to end this, yes?"

[prionsis]

“They made the choice to send their spawn to a military academy, of all things. It is expected for him to suffer injuries in the process, it does not take a war veteran to become aware that there is no such thing as a soldier that has never known pain. Your insistence in coddling these youngsters is honestly ridiculous.” Rufus may not be the grandest warrior to grace the battlefield- preferring to completely avoid it if possible, but he knew the life of a soldier or knight was not for those unwilling to get hurt. 

“If this boy is too frail to endure a proper battle, he is better fit as a shopkee- agh!”

Student [0.5/12 HP] hits Rufus [12/12 HP] with Javelin at melee range!  Roll: 10, -1.5HP Rufus [10.5/12 HP] Rufus [10.5/12 HP] misses Student [0.5/12 HP] with Blizzard [ Roll: 3, -0HP ]

“Dishonored whelp! I am not the one you should be targeting!” The absolute nerve of this kid! Just as Rufus had begun to bask in the idea of being completely unnoticed during combat, the student seemed to suddenly become fully aware of his presence and advanced against him with javelin in hand. While the damage he suffered was minimal, it was still beyond annoying. 

Rufus [10.5/12 HP] barely hits Student [0.5/12 HP] with Blizzard! Roll: 7, -0HP Student [0.5/12 HP]  Student [0.5/12 HP] counters with Javelin at melee range! Roll: 9, -1.5HP Rufus [9/12 HP]

The regent even considered firing a surge of ice back in retaliation, but all that came from his attempt was a mildly chilly breeze and a handful of stray snowflakes- harmless. In the end Rufus stepped back, a hand holding his sore side that had been struck by that damned kid, teeth gritted in anger. “Matthias, do something about this bastard! This student is your responsibility!”

@cielenruine

[prionsis]

you're cheating? pathetic | rufus & matthias

closed starter for @cielenruine | lance +1

[cielenruine]

Matthias let out a snicker, a nasty one at that. "Pray tell who's fault is that? You've barely let the poor man move." But, that was all the more reason he likely wouldn't pass even if he had cheated. "If Lambert were here it'd be much the same I'm sure but he'd at least allow some chance. So much talk of diplomacy and yet this is how you fight. Not even allowing surrender or a façade of mercy." "My abilities here and in Sreng are different things, Regent. These are students, most spoiled. They don't pose enough challenge to warrant the effort you request I put in."

Matthias [9/12HP] crits Student [6/12 HP] with Iron Lance! [ Roll: 12 , -3HP+0.5 ; Student [3.5/12 HP] ]

Yet and still, the pommel of Matthias's lance found itself buried deep enough within the student's stomach that the ice shattered as he fell back. "There's a certain cruelty in dragging this on too much longer. Surely you can finish this, right, Your Majesty?"

[prionsis]

Rufus rolled his eyes, arms crossed before his chest as the flow of energy to his hands was halted for the time being. “This is an exam, is it not? If this boy is meant to serve a lord in the future and do battle, then it is up to him to prepare himself accordingly. The enemy he will face will not show a sliver of mercy and will jump at any and whatever opportunity to halt his advances, I am merely simulating such situation.” He looked away, the movement causing his hair to gently sway.

“If his reaction is so sluggish that he failed to avoid being attacked by the same technique twice in a row, then ultimately it is his burden to bear, not mine.”

His frown only deepened at the sound of the ice being broken, this time thanks to Matthias’ interference, releasing the now slightly dazed student. “You comment on this youth’s condition as a spoiled brat, but in the end contribute to it by trying to go easy on him. Absurd.”

Rufus [12/12 HP] misses Student [2/12 HP] with Blizzard! [ Roll: 1, -0HP ]

Once the student seemed to finally perk up again, his sights were almost completely on Matthias- as if Rufus didn’t even exist in the field as an opponent. It was partly a saving grace, as it meant less trouble for him to deal with. Rufus wasn’t exactly in the mood to participate in battle, much less one this wonky, so being ultimately spared from the activity and doing the bare minimum felt good enough.

On the other hand…there was this tiny, tiny part of him that grit his teeth in irritation at being disregarded with such ease. Rufus did nurse a level of pride, after all.

"I told you before, I have no interest to be an active participant in this nonsense. You are the instructor in this exam, not me." Ugh…he wanted to go to his quarters already and stop entertaining this foolish situation.

[prionsis]

you're cheating? pathetic | rufus & matthias

closed starter for @cielenruine | lance +1

[cielenruine]

"Oh? Were you not the one so scandalized that I would impart my knowledge unto a boy not of Faerghan origin? I've told you this isn't my student, I'm merely following the orders of my regent." Ah goddess what a feeling it was to annoy this man. He struggled to keep the smirk from his face even as he watched Rufus finally take a decisive strike of some sort. He felt the surge within his blood but he wasn't giving that man the satisfaction.

D3= 3, Minor Crest of Gautier activates! Matthias [9/12HP] barely hits Student [8/12 HP] with Iron Lance! [ Roll: 12 , -0.5HP+0.5 ; Student [7/12 HP] ] Student cannot counter!

The lance had just barely made contact above the student's shoulder before it was drawn back and the Margrave turned with aloof eyes to look at his regent. "Ah it seems even with your humble assistance, I'm too rusty. It's difficult to work together when you believe your work is done because you've landed one hit."

[prionsis]

It was terribly annoying, but there was one saving grace to this situation- Matthias could run his mouth all he wanted, because in the end he was still giving a less than optimal performance against a kid who frankly deserved to score a nice and bold zero for wanting to cheat in the exam in the first place. Rufus was there just because he happened to be around and Matthias is a sadist, that’s all. He was doing perfectly fine and proving his worth all while the margrave humiliated himself.

What came out of him could be almost called a scoff at the sight of the margrave’s lance barely scraping the ice encasing the student. And once it thawed, the boy just stumbled back and let the javelin clatter to the ground for a moment before scrambling to grab it again- at that point, Rufus facepalmed.

“This is honestly painful to watch. Had this been taking place in Faerghus I am almost convinced it would have been more than enough to drag my foolish brother back to life through nothing more, nothing less than raw and unfiltered outrage because of how damning this fight is.” Exam this exam that- only more reason why they should be putting in more effort. "Stop holding back, this is no newborn babe."

Still, the ominous thought of his brother showing up again as some vengeful spirit was enough to kickstart Rufus into acting, perhaps with more fervor than before.

Rufus [12/12 HP] hits Student [7/12 HP] with Blizzard! [ Roll: 15, -1HP ; Student [6/12 HP] ] Student is inflicted with Freeze! again

Once more, the sigil of ice glowed before his hand and released another surge of blizzard in the student’s direction, and just like moments ago the boy was back to being trapped in an icy formation. Cruel? Maybe. Deserved? Most definitely. Rufus didn’t think much of it, instead looking at Matthias with a frown.

“This is an immobile target, you better be able to strike him lest you humiliate yourself before the srengi in the near future.” He said with a sneer.

@cielenruine

[prionsis]

you're cheating? pathetic | rufus & matthias

closed starter for @cielenruine | lance +1

[cielenruine]

"Ah, how scary." Said with an absolutely unserious tone. "Freezing over the man who's home is a frozen mountain? Why I might welcome it, I do get homesick." The small talk is nice and all, pleasant was it to finally not be the one annoyed in a situation. But his eyes turned to the student-

Matthias[12/12HP] hits Student [12/12 HP] with an Iron Lance! [ Roll: 12, -1.5HPStudent [10.5/12 HP]]

A well placed blow to his side that left the young man reeling back for a moment. He was hesitant, that much was evident but fear of getting in trouble or perhaps wasting whatever funds put him in the academy to leave having flunked sparked some motivation.

Student [10.5/12 HP] counters with Javelin at melee range! [ Roll: 17, -1.5HPMatthias [10.5/12HP]

The hit mimics his own and he frowns. "That will only get you so far here." It brings a welcome sting. Oh how he longed for this. "Call it what you will Rufus, but just as much as this fighting can separate people, it can likewise bring them together. Shirking it in favor of diplomacy that yields no understanding is asking to have a short rein." There was such a thing as moving too fast. As much as he despised war and all the loss that came from it, one could never understate the pace it could set. Mutual understanding through mutual loss and the need to rebuild on both ends. "But it seems you can't aim for anything either, perhaps I shouldn't have asked."

[prionsis]

"And this is supposedly Fódlan's elite military academy..." A wince. Yikes.

Rufus watched the skirmish from a safe distance, his expression unshaken save for the occasional frown or the thinning of lips at the performance on display. He was no military or battle specialist, but that didn’t mean Rufus was entirely ignorant when it came to the art of war and he was perfectly capable of judging on whether someone’s skills were sharp or not. He just didn’t feel like taking on the role of educating this random youth because frankly, it wasn’t his business and he wasn’t interested.

But for a man who kept calling him dull, Matthias sure seemed to be rusty. “You sure run your mouth for a man putting on such a lackluster performance, Matthias. This may be a mock battle in which you must not kill the boy, but by the Goddess- your movements rival a snail’s. This is ghastly.” Was the role of a teacher that injurious to a soldier’s skills? Seemed like it.

Deciding that he was sick of this miserable display, Rufus took a step forward and raised his hand. Ice once more manifested on his fingertips, this time snowflakes giving way to a sigil ring of anima. Biting through the thick material of his glove, Rufus could feel the buildup of energy before his hand- there was no need for him to carry a tome. Not when the incantation was but engraved in his mind.

Rufus [12/12 HP] hits Student [9/12 HP] with Blizzard!  Roll: 12, -1HP ; Student [8/12 HP]  Student is inflicted with Freeze!

A silver flash gave way to a storm, encasing the student in an icy formation before Matthias. “Perhaps now you should be able to deliver a strike most satisfying? Tch.” Eyes full of disdain, enhanced by a spark of smugness far too clear in the pulled up corner of his lip. “I am not here to facilitate this battle for you. Be as snarky as you wish, but at least deliver a performance worthy of such remarks. Otherwise you seem like a maiden's toy poodle who is all bark but no bite.”

@cielenruine

[prionsis]

you're cheating? pathetic | rufus & matthias

closed starter for @cielenruine | lance +1

[cielenruine]

"Must I spell it out clearly to you? This isn't one of mine. For as bad as my boys may be, they aren't so desperate they need resort to cheating." Half the time their issues were just doing the work because it proved "too easy" to them and repetition for effect seemed a bother. Matthias's stance was easy and he was glad that Rufus seemed in some part to get it and yet he still utterly missed the mark, as he often did. "My dear regent, lancers do not only fight other lancers. Knowing what to do when facing others is paramount to success on the field. Or is your magic just for show?" Rufus's company was the last thing he wanted. No this whole thing was truthfully, a bother, but there was too much to be gained here. Too long had it been since he had seen the Regent's abilities and the student did need to be disciplined in some measure. "I see now why Lambert handled military operations with so much more grace. You're dull."

[prionsis]

Disdain quickly shifted into a less than pleasant look of irritation and pure disgust. Past friends they may have been, and Matthias may have sadly changed for the worse thanks to Lambert’s influence, but this was something that somehow stayed intact- Matthias was an infuriating man. Somehow worse than his late little brother sometimes, because while Lambert simply happened to run on the same software as a coked up bear, the margrave was simply a master at annoying anything and anyone and remaining entirely unbothered as he did.

It was absolutely out of this world in the worst way possible. “Watch that insolent mouth of yours before I turn you into the newest entry for Gautier’s ice statue competition, margrave.” Venom was spilled through gritted teeth, though in true Rufus fashion its intensity was muddied by lack of drive. The regent’s wrath wasn’t nearly enough to make his threats a reality.

All he did in the end was just go along or escape if he had the chance. The world was exhausting to deal with, but even more exhausting to go against.

“I suppose I have no option but to carry on with this nonsense.” With another drawn out sigh and a pinch on the bridge of his nose, Rufus stood next to the margrave- facing their newest opponent. “Make this worth my time, cretin.” Free insult cast at the student aside, the regent made sure to get even more distance from Matthias- a couple more steps to the left, and perfect.

A slow blink. It wasn’t difficult to pinpoint how interested Rufus was in the mock battle ahead as shards of ice flickered around his fingertips.

Rufus [12/12 HP] misses Student [12/12 HP] with Blizzard!  Roll: 5, -0HP 

“If being called dull means I am less of a stubborn musclehead who thinks battle is the only way to reach conclusions, then by all means indeed, I am dull.” Aloof and monotone, Rufus quite literally flicked a single snowflake at the student. Of course, the effect was none.

@cielenruine