Prince in Purgatory

All this time... All the effort! What has it all been for?! Closed Rp Blog Black Eagles student at the Officer's Academy.

[rigelprinceofdespair]

Prince of Purgatory | Berkut Intro

Black Eagles student Berkut, from Fire Emblem Echoes: Shadows of Valentia. Closed and affiliated with The Officers Academy

Quick Links: Muse / Mun / Stats / Interview / Thread Tracker

Portrayal Notes:

Berkut is from one year after Act 5 from Echoes

He doesn't remember much of what he did after giving away his soul. It's a hazy blur, only clear in nightmares and impressions on him. Part of him even refuses to believe he would go that far, even if he knows he's lying to himself.

He is struggling with the lies he was told, his own failures in battle, and what he did to Rinea.

A arrogant man who had his pride and beliefs shattered, now trying to rebuild himself and figure out what purpose his life has now.

That's the basics! Maxie here, looking forward to rping with you all!

[thracianblood]

the lion does not concern himself with what the haters say

MISSION BOARD: Aphotic - Foreign Wares

[thracianblood]

Would it really be as simple as the boy suggests? It isn't as if he doesn't believe him, no, but it would be risky to assume a merchant would be more idiotic than they actually were... if they were smart to begin with, that is. Seeing how confident that man is in his ability to get away with something this heinous, Berkut might be onto something.

"If you're confident you can pull it off..." He mumbles. "I wouldn't be surprised if someone like him were to underestimate someone younger. But if it doesn't work for whatever reason, then I'll simply deal with him myself."

After giving a brief sideways glance, Travant's smirk drops and he pulls a look of shock, betrayal and disgust. They have already discussed so much, so it is only natural that he give the boy a head start.

With a scoff, he says with a voice just loud enough to be overheard, "What did you just say? Are you really so naive to think that those pieces of shelf-filler are worth anything? Handing your coin will only encourage them to continue."

... The game starts now.

[rigelprinceofdespair]

Berkut gave a final nod, his own smirk dropping on his face as it begins. Quickly, the smirk is replaced by nothing more than a sneer, letting out a low, mocking laugh straight in Travant's face. Scoffing, he gives the man a glare.

"Oh please, what would some common mercenary know of quality merchandise?" Instantly his tone is haughty, dismissive, arrogant. In a way it almost feels right. It's been too long since he got to speak to someone like this. For a moment it's not Travant, it's someone as worthless as Slayde before him.

"If you are simply too cheap to afford such things, then simply leave this market. Go scrounge for coin somewhere else." With an insulting wave, Berkut strides from where they had been talking, heading back to the merchant. This time, keeping he keeps his expression more open, interested in the wares the man provides. Noticing the slight surprise in the mans expression, along with caution that was rapidly being replaced by greed.

"Well said lad, there is much on offer here for those with discerning tastes." Berkut had to hold himself back from rolling his eyes. Instead he leaned forward, glancing at the so called 'relics' from various nations. Letting his eyes widen. "I must say... you certainly have some interesting things here." Berkut reached down, pulling out a pouch of gold. Seeing the merchants eyes light up he hid a smirk.

"Though, surely there must be more stock? An enterprising individual such as yourself, I imagine the most rare collection is kept apart. Now those pieces... they would be of great interest. Especially to one of my own status." Berkut flashed a smile, his entire being radiating the arrogance of nobility. The same way he once forced others in Rigel to move from his path, now used on this fool of a merchant. Though as he did so, he subtly glanced, making sure to track wherever Travant would be heading, so he would know where to lure this fool.

[stealstaff]

Do you think the Secret Shop does free samples?

[stealstaff]

When he turns around Tina instantly regrets just going up to whoever to beg for help. She hadn't realized it was BERKUT. Stupid handsome grandma's boy Berkut who buys her headbands and dances with her at balls! She's supposed to just calmly explain that she wants to go to a special store that only lets you in if you're in a relationship to the hottest guy in the ENTIRE SCHOOL!? She would almost rather face down one of mean ol' Perne's nasty caterpillars than admit that.

Well. That's not true. At all. But still!

She does feel a little bad that he immediately assumes she's in some sort of danger. But she also does have to bite her lip to keep from swooning when he reaches for a dagger like he's about to defend her. Like she's somebody worth defending.

Aw man she's gotta give some kind of answer now! "Oh you know um," she tucks a lock of hair behind her ear and gives a little shrug. It kind of feels silly now making such a big thing about it. "I like really REALLY wanted to see what was up with that new Secret Shop but they're just doing too much! Have you heard about it? They've got all the doors guarded way too closely so it doesn't even matter if you can get past whatever lock you want there's somebody waiting to throw you out. How are they even gonna make any money if they don't let people in! But like they do let people in but you need like a special membership card or whatever but they won't even give you one of those if you're not in a relationship with someone. That's like the worst business model ever!" She doesn't know anything about business models but she's gotta be onto something here, right?

"It's not fair-uh!"

[rigelprinceofdespair]

As he listened, Berkut let some of the tension go. So that's what this was about. Just not being able to go to that shop from the rumors. The smirk on his face remained, even as he nodded his head. At the requirements he couldn't stop a small scoff.

"I must agree, that sounds utterly ridiculous. Why prevent people who find this place from entering on such arbitrary grounds?" Rolling his eyes, he thinks for a moment. Looking at Tina, considering. For a brief moment, his mind flashes back.

"I broke my staff for you! I trusted you! I thought we were friends!"

Forcing himself out of the memory, he lets out a sigh. Ugh, he did not want to do something like this... yet he still feels that perhaps this would be enough to get rid of the lingering regret from last year. So he looks down at Tina and forces a slight smirk to his face.

"Well, only one fair thing to do then. If security is that tight that breaking in isn't possible, then we'll just have to trick them another way." Hesitantly, he raises a hand and offers it towards her. It was just to offer some assistance, it would mean nothing. Especially not when his nights are still haunted by the smell of burning, and distant screams.

"Let us go there and simply fake that we are in a relationship. Then when we get inside, perhaps then we can see if there's actually anything worthwhile in there. If not, regardless we got in and perhaps it is far easier to get out with something at a... discount than it is to break in, if you know what I mean."

[rigainrokkr]

I'm Putting My Name Last On The Assignment, By The Way

No Skill Points

with rigelprinceofdespair

[rigainrokkr]

His smug smile remains, although his words seem to hold less of their previous edge. "Even the most peaceful of nations should still hold some standing military force, even if just to ward off pirates and brigands. In ideal circumstances, it would not be necessary, but such is the reality of this world."

Celica stops to consider, fighting the urge to rebuke his point on reflex. Choosing her words slowly, she continues, finding her best response.

"And if a nation is truly so militant as to hold a conquer without resistance and unpredictable as to launch a full-scale invasion without warning or provocation, then it can only serve as a sign to other nations to respond, be they allies or not."

She tucks a strand of hair behind her ear before continuing. "The alliance between Brigid and Dagda was not completely fruitless, either. The conquest of Brigid was famously due to the previous king's refusal to surrender, but while he led the war, Brigid managed to topple the noble houses of Ochs and Nuvelle, a feat they would be unable to do without Dagdan supplies and mercenaries. Even after the war was officially ended, Dagda's protest at Brigid's vassalage still heavily affects Adrestia today. No port in Adrestia receives Dagdan spices or steel, and merchants are forced to buy from Alliance merchants at massively inflated prices."

Still, Celica can sense a turning point in the conversation, and she listens attentively to his suggestion.

"961..." Celica thinks back. "A relatively recent event. A rare example of cooperation between the nations, as well. A signal to Fodlan that, despite their differences, their combined strength is still necessary to protect the entirety of the continent. The victories in battle were achieved through outstanding military tactics, but the war was only won through shrewd diplomacy and mutual understanding. Yes, that could work..."

Flipping open her notebook, Celica begins to draft an outline, writing down the circumstances of the event as well as the political factions. Glancing at him, she bites her lip in thought for a moment before sliding the notebook across the desk. "You seem to be more knowledgeable than me about the military details of the war. Would you like to work on that part of the project?"

[rigelprinceofdespair]

Reluctantly, Berkut can feel some glimmer of respect forming for the Queen. The words carefully chosen, the response well thought out. While he knew there were some exceptions to Zofian nobles generally being worthless cretins, it is still a surprise to witness in person.

Even correctly guessing what he would prefer to work on. A smirk crosses his face, even as he nods and takes the notebook, quickly scanning it over. "Of course. There's plenty to go off on studying the tactics used, especially in such mountainous terrain..." Berkut trails off, half muttering to himself even as he starts writing down the notes. For a half minute at least, taking information down before glancing back up at Celica.

"I take it you're more interested in the diplomatic side of things? How the arrangement between the Empire and Alliance was sorted out, to repel the invasion in the first place." Doing his best to not roll his eyes at the idea. Even if it is an important part of the project.

"Considering this is also the event that lead to the creation of this Academy, it may be worthwhile to mention that. Near the end at least, how the bonds forged between the two nations led to the subsequent idea of this place." At the very least, she would probably be decent at that portion of the project. With that he handed the notebook back over, already starting to record his own thoughts and idea's about how best to present the military aspect.

"I must say, the abundant use of fliers is fascinating. The amount of wyverns, and apparently even tamed giant flying beasts. Nothing like them back home to compare it to... besides the damned Terrors." Berkut's voice trailed off at the end, more talking out loud as he recorded down the information.

[rigelprinceofdespair]

Please ignore the smell of smoke and burning all around me... and the evil laughter.

mission board - herald - any skill+1

[milafaithful]

The sound that tears through the woods is that of a wounded beast.

A laugh that whips through the air but rings hollow, with nothing of mirth or even humanity. Silque had heard many like it, not so long ago — empty mutterings from husks of what once were women, crackling into being from behind her turned back.

This voice, however, is not so feminine. And as stubborn as many of the clerics of the Faithful had been, none were bullheaded enough to continue demanding for… for anything, after their souls were torn away.

For a moment, all Silque can do is meet the lance's eye with her own wide-eyed stare. Knowing what she would find if she were to lift her gaze, follow the arm that holds the weapon up to the face of its wielder.

Dimwitted girl, surely the sisters would say, if they saw her now. How could you be so careless as to venture into the forest alone at night? Don't you know it's dangerous? But Silque could never quite find the words to explain that she did know. That there were some monsters only found in darkness, that some shadows were necessary to fight and face.

For where is Sir Alm? Where is Lady Rinea? Where is Duma? Does Berkut not realize that Duma has forsaken him, too?

If there is one thing Silque knows, it is that honorable Duma, in his prime, would have never granted his blessing to someone so foolish.

Silque steps into the clearing. "No one you need concern yourself with," she replies, Mila's light already emanating from her staff. "But do not sully the noble name of the War Father any further. Begone from this place!"

[rigelprinceofdespair]

The instant that light hit him, his eyes blazed with a new rage. That cursed light... a symbol of weakness of that foolish goddess. The words echoed in his head, his grip on the lance wavering for a moment. Another empty laugh tore from his lips. "You... some pathetic sheep of that worthless goddess dares to lecture me about what Duma wants?" It was enraging. Pathetic. Laughable. For a moment he withdraws the lance, yet the pain from that light makes him tighten his grip. The orb clutched tight to his chest at the same time.

"Sully his name? He called to me! Asked me to heed to his words!" It's a shout, torn from his lips even as he prowls around her. There was nothing about her that seemed interesting... yet for some reason he couldn't lash out right away. That blue of her hair... it sends a painful spark through him, as for a moment screams echo around his head. Letting out a gasp of pain he flinches back for a moment.

"You are correct about one thing... You are of no concern. A pathetic whelp in the way of my search. Follow your goddess into some shallow grave, you are unworthy of my attention." Berkut heads towards the edge of the clearing.

"There's a town nearby... she must be there. I'll find her even if I have to burn it down..." Ignoring the priestess, madness echoing from his lips with lance and orb still clutched to him.

[rigelprinceofdespair]

Please ignore the smell of smoke and burning all around me... and the evil laughter.

mission board - herald - any skill+1

[rigelprinceofdespair]

"Where... where are you?" The call rang out in the forest. Stumbling through the bush, Berkut levelled his lance in the empty clearing. Where had she gone? "Rinea? Rinea! Please answer me!"

A mix of rage and desperation on his face, Berkut glared staring at the empty woods around him. In one hand, the spear was levelled, facing threats that could not be seen. The other held onto an orb, one that seemed to radiate with a malevolent purple light. "All my effort... why has it all been rendered useless?"

His vision was tinged with red, even as he looked around. A broken, disturbing, violent laugh was pulled from him, as he nearly broke down in the clearing. Clutching the orb, he glanced from side to side. "Where... where is he? I have to kill him. Even if Rigel is beyond my grasp, I won't let it fall into HIS hands!"

Eyes scanned the clearing... everything felt so foggy. His mind whirled with emotions. Rage, regret, disgust, denial. A never ending swell that left him feeling utterly unbalanced.

Then he heard it. A small rustle nearby. Without a care he turned instantly, lance at the ready. "Duma has granted me strength to rend this world asunder! Who dares to enter my presence?" The shout echoed in the clearing, even as his breathing was ragged, yet was followed by a mad, disturbing laugh. Violently torn from his throat once more.

[stealstaff]

Do you think the Secret Shop does free samples?

[stealstaff]

A special secret shop, somehow miles bigger on the inside than it appears on the outside, has appeared out of nowhere! With incredible deals and a trove of items you can't find anywhere else, everyone has been scrambling trying to claim some for themselves— but there's a strange catch. Only those with a special card are allowed in, and anyone else is turned away by the shop's intimidating network of guards. However, they are making a special exception fitting for the season by granting new cards to people in relationships. For anyone with a special someone this wouldn't be a problem, but the many people who don't are now fresh out of options…or at least, 'legitimate' ones. Be it faking a relationship, sneaking in, or any other schemes one can cook up, there are plenty of ways for the 'creative' sort to find their way in. But are you curious enough to try?

It's a shop. And it's secret. Even just one of those things would be enough to make Tina want to go there but both together!? Now it's more like a need. It's all she's been able to think about since she first learned about it maybe like a half hour ago during class. Maybe it is worth showing up to class sometimes.  

She finds the shop as easily as one might find a strange, exclusive store thanks to some helpful classmates but mostly a lot of aimless wandering. But the real challenge is trying to get in. They're requiring some sort of special card to show that members can get in. And there are waaaay too many people around that, even if she did simply unlock the door, she would certainly be caught trying to walk in. 

The attendant assures her with a wink that surely there is nothing to worry about. They are issuing new membership cards right now! All she has to do is return with her romantic partner and they'll both receive a card together!

Yeah. Ok. Way easier said than done! Though she might feel a little flattered that this attendant assumes she's the type of cool and cute girl who would already have a partner like that. But she doesn't! At all!

Tina grumbles off, making sure she's far enough away from the secret shop of her dreams before approaching the very first person she sees. 

"Please! You've gotta help me! My life like totally depends on it! It's an emergency!”

@rigelprinceofdespair

[rigelprinceofdespair]

Berkut had heard about some sort of secret shop that seemed to appear near the town. Though considering it seemed to be almost common knowledge, it wasn't doing a good job of keeping itself secret. Honestly he had zero interest in even visiting such a location. It was doubtful it would have anything of value to waste his gold on.

As luck would have it however, he did need to go into town. If only to get out of that monastery. After all, the class on faith would have nothing of importance to teach him, and frankly he could use a bit of fresh air. While it usually wasn't in his nature to skip class, he was confident nothing of value would be lost by missing this class...

At the familiar voice, he turns, eyes widening a bit in surprise. At the words of the emergency, one hand goes down to the dagger at his hip instantly, even as his gaze darts around. Giving her a nod in greeting. "Tina? What's going on? Are you in danger?"

Not seeing any immediate trouble, he still doesn't lower his guard as he looks around. However he does look at Tina, giving her a small smirk as he raises an eyebrow. "I don't see anything... may I ask what is it your life depends on?"

[rigelprinceofdespair]

The rules of war and why they don't apply to us

aphotic | rescue mission

[mxlusine]

To call it even a skirmish feels almost like an overstatement. What pirates have remained behind to keep an eye on the boy and guard their camp clearly aren't noteworthy members of the crew; a good number of them—and there aren't many to begin with—are clearly halfway to being inebriated, while the rest are so tragically unprepared that even children would be able to knock the weapons out of their hands.

The cave enhances the violent sounds of their approach. Each scream, each clash, each crack of magic—all of these reverberate throughout the space and echo much louder than they would have elsewhere, giving plenty of notice to those who still remain. Unsurprisingly, the warning is more effective than their strength; what pirates remain have clearly decided to abandon their stations, because the further that she and Berkut make it in, the emptier it gets.

"Pity," Zephia says. "I would've liked to see how well you handled your lance in tighter quarters."

Another time, perhaps. For now—

"—ey...?! Hey! Who's there?!"

Though hoarse, a third voice echoes towards them. It's pointless to wonder who it could be when the answer is obvious. The pirates with sense had left; those without had already rushed the intruders and hardly lasted long enough to regret their choice. Leaving...

"...I'm a student at Garreg Mach! Please, save me! Those brigands have all left!"

Zephia holds back a sigh. "...Rather loud for a duckling, isn't he?"

It helps, at least, in locating him. They follow crooked paths down until they come to the pirates' camp, hastily abandoned with food and drink still strewn about everywhere. Tucked away towards the far wall is the student they were sent to rescue, bound and bruised but very much alive. The boy's eyes light up the moment he sees them, and he squirms against his ropes as he struggles—and fails—to stand.

"Yes! Hello! I knew someone would come! My prayers were answered! In fact, I shall endeavor to go pray every day, now that I've been so graciously blessed!"

[rigelprinceofdespair]

The instant he heard the voice, Berkut can't help but sigh. On one hand, at least it did seem as if they'd manage to find the missing student and bring him back.

But by the gods he was already tiresome. Also an idiot, what if the people who had come to help him were worse then the bandits? The fool should be keeping quiet and trying to free himself, yet he was mouthing off already.

"Professor, would it be unproper to suggest we gag him for the trip back." Berkut mutters, even as he reluctantly approaches the other student. No attempt is made to put on a friendly or comforting face, instead he doesn't even bother to hide the disdain. With his dagger he crouches down... wiping the blood off onto the students shirt, then works away at the ropes. At the words of wanting to pray daily, Berkut nearly stops.

Nearly unfortunately.

"Stay still as I deal with these bonds. Also keep it down! The remaining pirates were dealt with, but it appeared many of these ilk are gone on some mission. Don't want to risk getting their attention as they come back." As he finishes, Berkut steps back.

However, instead of the expected gratitude, the student looks shocked at the blood now staining his clothes. "What was that for? Also who cares, they're gone now! Let's just get out of here fast!"

Before Berkut can interject, he watches the student already starting to walk for the exit. Letting out a sigh and moves to go with him. The fool didn't even pick up a weapon off the ground to defend himself, is he that much of a craven? Looking to Zephia, Berkut rolls his eyes

[lobeiro]

by the victors

mission board: epidemic: post-expedition report

[lobeiro]

It's hard to deny the truth in Berkut's words. Even the smallest of kingdoms is larger than one single person can ever hope to oversee. Tasks can be delegated, yes, but there will still be corners tucked out of sight where shadows will continue to fester.

"I wish to become a good and strong king like my ancestor. Circumstances demand me to be a strong king, one who can defend his people, but I also want to be remembered as a king who did his best." Kurt leans back in his chair for a moment, eyes closed. "It's difficult, isn't it?"

Were it more peaceful times, perhaps he would be content as only a good king. But when not just the people of Ast, but also Holtz depend on his ability to protect them, how can he be content with only good? When he thinks of the weight of all of the lives depending on him, how can he settle on what is worth letting languish?

"It is unlikely most common people in Jugdral will ever see any sort of reparations for what they endured. They may feel as though they have suffered for nothing. Some of the men my group encountered were like that. If there are still no jobs and still no food, how much does it matter to your daily life that leadership has changed?"

If someone swept in and dealt with the Empire before him, would he be able to find closure? Or would he be like the men of Jugdral, desperate for a person to blame that's no longer there?

"If they had more money to work with, they could create new jobs circulating food into poorer areas."

[rigelprinceofdespair]

Nodding along, Berkut can't help but think of his own home. How was Valentia doing? Considering the state of both countries, could the One Kingdom truly be fine? Terrors no doubt still run around, and he couldn't help but doubt that cult was utterly finished. Yet... it was not his concern anymore.

Realizing with a start that Kurt just mentioned wishing to become a king. Has he been talking with a prince this whole time? Well a bit late to mention it, still he sits up a bit straighter.

"Rebuilding is no easy feat, especially for the common people. Though I doubt all of the bandits and the ilk are just poor people who have no choice. No doubt there are some just taking advantage of the chaos. Ex-soldiers who fought on the other side, and would rather take then risk being jailed for whatever crimes they committed." Berkut thought for a moment, before he couldn't help but let out a small laugh at Kurt's words.

"True, money can help, though the problem is getting it. Perhaps it would be smart for the leaders to rely on each other a bit more? All the countries are clearly still suffering from the effects, yet perhaps setting up a better frame of trade and support could stem the tide as they rebuild. Making sure traders are price-gouging and making things worse for the common people, exchanging resources and the like." As he talks about it, he can't help the slight edge of bitterness. After all, when Rigel had asked for aid for it's famine, Zofia had turned up it's nose. Relying on other countries could simply be setting up the nations of Jugdral to be worse off. Still he writes it down on his paper, though makes sure to express doubt about it.

"If you want to be a good ruler, then the simple fact is there will be no easy answers. It will take work, effort and time to help the people. Perhaps the best thing would be to be committed to it. Don't simply give up or... abandon it." A scowl crosses his face as he finishes. Refusing to acknowledge his own words, he forces them and Valentia from his mind, and a smirk on his face.

"Though that probably doesn't need to be included in the actual report. Unless you are aiming for some extra credit from the professor."

[rigelprinceofdespair]

teeth. what lasting mark do they leave on others ?

bare bones - still accepting! <3

-Insert Berkut's evil laugh from that one cutscene here-

Well. I imagine he had quite the effect on those in Alm's army. All his actions and encounters with them. SOV spoilers below.

I mean, he provides a new path for Fernad after he gets angry at Clive's decisions. Getting one of the og members of the Deliverance as a retainer, and that gets flaunted at them time and time again, one of their former members always at Berkut's side. Not to mention how he stands against them time and time again.

Of course the biggest impact comes post-crashout. Not only being responsible for Fernand's death, but then showing some of the true horror of Duma. Which leads into mark he left on Rinea.

Berkut killed her. Sacrificed her to a dark god without care for the power to try and kill Alm. All the love and care she had for him tossed aside. Not to mention, at this point he also forces Alm to kill YET ANOTHER family member he didn't know he had. In the span of such a short time Alm has to kill both his father and a cousin he didn't know existed.

Then at the end of it, he also charges Alm to make Valentia a land free of the influence of gods. So a big mark, especially for Alm, and a mark on Rinea that can never be taken back.

As for these days in TOA? He tries to not leave lasting marks. Mostly cause the ones he left before tend to be kind of finale. If anything it's just marks of his personality. The bitterness, the ego, the desire for strength. In every action he does, his impression is the best he can leave.

[rigelprinceofdespair]

carpals. what small habits do they have ?

bare bones - still accepting! <3 (Also asked by @encantresse!)

Berkut has a few small habits he does regularly, that he hardly pays attention to.

Every morning he checks his weapons and armour, looking for dents, anything that needs polished, refined, sharpened.

The moment he's feeling angry or frustrated he tends to clench his fists or grind his teeth together. The best attempt he can to hold back.

By default he tends to smirk instead of giving an honest smile, naturally looking down on others.

Holds onto things given to him. Everything he had before he lost, so now whenever he gets anything he keeps it without thinking about it.

[rigelprinceofdespair]

tibia. who/what keeps them moving forward ?

bare bones - still accepting! <3

The only thing that keeps him moving forward now is his own will. Before, all his effort, everything he did was for the sake of throne. Raised since a kid as the sole heir, everything that motivated him was about being the next Emperor. So when he lost that... well he tossed everything else aside, and was motivated by personal revenge and power.

Yet we all know where that led to. Now, all that keeps him going is his own will. Not even Berkut knows what he wants at this moment. He's lost everything that was important. In a way he is sort of drifting, needing a purpose. Pushing on regardless just because what else is he suppose to do but improve?

[rigelprinceofdespair]

patella / kneecap. how compliant/obedient are they, who will they kneel for ?

bare bones - still accepting! <3

There is only ever one person Berkut is shown to heed the authority of. (Outside of probably his mother but that is only mentioned in outside material and not presented in the game itself, so will be going off of what is only shown in game.)

Rudolf: Back so soon, Berkut? Berkut: Sire I was merely- Rudolf: Are the tales true? Did you challenge the Deliverance for sport and lost? Berkut: ...Forgive me, Uncle. They proved more skilled then I imagined.

Meeting with his uncle is the first time in his appearances Berkut asks for forgiveness, and even backs down, withdrawing whatever excuse he was about to give. Later on in this same exchange, he asks permission to lead men to the border. The only person throughout the game Berkut gives this level of deference to is his uncle. The person he respects the most, that he looks up to.

Which makes what comes next all the more crushing.

Berkut: Your Excellency wait! Rudolf: Berkut. Berkut: Sire, why have you not given me leave to join the front lines? I know I failed you at the border, but all the more reason I beg for this chance! Rudolf: A merciful leader may grant a second chance. Only a fool allows a third. Berkut: Your Excellency! Rudolf: My army has no place for the weak. You'll remain here and watch in quiet. Berkut: No... Please! Have mercy, sire! ...Your Excellency! ...Uncle!

So the one person Berkut listens to, obeys, respects. Calls him weak. Says there's no place in his army for his own family. Then a moment later, he learns everything he was raised for was a lie. That the throne he believed would be his was always meant for another. All his effort is for nothing.

His fall from here is not a surprise.

All this to say, Berkut in TOA know kneels for no one. Oh he'll listen to professors, do as ordered out on missions and such. But he will not kneel. At least not at this moment, for in his eye's the one person he did to before utterly betrayed him, and he will not let that happen again.

[jamsmemes]

(     *     BARE BONES.

a selection of headcanon questions inspired by key bones in the human body.

skull.   what memories/thoughts do they guard the most from others ?

cheekbone. what makes them smile ?

mandible / jawbone. what are they incapable of saying out loud ?

teeth. what lasting mark do they leave on others ?

hyoid / neck. who taught them to speak up, or stay silent ?

clavicle / collarbone. who/what do they lean on when they're vulnerable ?

scapula / shoulderblade. what burden do they carry on their back ?

sternum. what makes their heart pound hardest ?

ribcage. who/what are they trying to protect ?

humerus. do they use humour as a shield or a weapon ? what from/to ?

radius. who/what do they reach for first in a crisis ?

ulna. who stands by them no matter what ?

carpals. what small habits do they have ?

metacarpals. do they ask for help or clench their fists and bear it ?

phalanges. what is their relationship with touch ?

spine. when do they lose their backbone, what scares them ?

pelvis. what future or legacy are they afraid/excited to be responsible for ?

sacrum. what sacrifices have they made ?

coccyx / tailbone. what outdated beliefs do they still carry, if any ?

femur. what drives them forward ?

patella / kneecap. how compliant/obedient are they, who will they kneel for ?

tibia. who/what keeps them moving forward ?

fibula. do they ever feel overlooked ?

tarsals. what past mistakes stick with them with every step they take ?

metatarsals. if they could disappear for a day, where would they run ?

[wolfhednn]

———　( modern au )　how do they feel about enabling location sharing on their phone with their partner? family? close friends?

dash game! reblog and include your muse's answer in the tags!

[rigainrokkr]

I'm Putting My Name Last On The Assignment, By The Way

No Skill Points

with rigelprinceofdespair

[rigainrokkr]

Celica narrows her eyes. For a new transfer from overseas, his analysis of the intricacies of Fodlan history was startlingly insightful, if condescending. Still, she tries to be diplomatic.

"The independence of the Holy Kingdom was largely mediated by the Church, which received significant popular support due to the actions of the previous emperor, who sought to consolidate the northern church's power under direct control of the Empire. The backlash from the people against that was one of the major factors in Faerghus being able to raise enough support to rebel in the first place, as well as the direct support of the Church."

"Besides," she continues. "The lack of force used in the 776 Insurrection delayed the Leicester Rebellion, not caused it. The loss of troops that would have been needed to quell the insurrection and preoccupation of the military would have incentivised an earlier rebellion from Leicester, not prevented it.

"And is there anything wrong with looking weak to the world? Harsh use of force only makes a nation look cold and hostile, discouraging trade and diplomacy. A so-called 'weak' country may have much more power through alliances and diplomatic connections than would otherwise seem."

Realizing her overpassionate manner, she flushes slightly, leaning back and smoothing out her skirt. Taking a breath to steady herself, she looks back at his smug face.

"Which event would you have chosen?", she adds, almost as an afterthought.

[rigelprinceofdespair]

If there is any amount of respect her must give, it is at the very least she stands firm in her stance. Foolish as it may be, at least she appears to have a spine. From what he heard from Desaix, that's more than what could be said of her father.

"Looking weak simply invites invasion. A country could have as many alliances and connections as they want. It is easy to forge such things in times of peace and plenty. Yet when war comes to their doorstep, it is just as likely that those allies may abandon them. Or simply not even be able to react in time, if the weak country can't even fend off it's conquerors." For a moment the thinks about it, looking through one of the text books. "A recent example of that, we could just look to one of the most recent conflicts. By all means, Brigid had a strong ally in Dagda. Yet as soon as the war turned, what happened? Dagda was forced out, and abandoned the island to be turned into a vassal state to the Empire. What good was that alliance?" A smirk crosses his face, though he gives slight sigh as he continues to look through the books.

"As for the event I would choose... I think the Almyran Invasion of 961. Fodlan's Throat is a natural barrier, yet the prevalence of wyvern riders and using flying beasts let them naturally cross it. It creates for some very interesting tactics throughout the war. Not to mention it is one of the first documented examples of the countries working together. It is thanks to the assistance of the Imperial Army itself that the Alliance manages to fend off the invasion. It also led to the founding of this very Academy. A conflict against an outside force that led to a strengthening of bonds between these countries." As he finished, Berkut looked towards her, curious as to how she would interpret such events. Honestly, he wanted to see how the new Queen of the One Kingdom would act, how she responded to being challenged and talked to like this. Just how worthy of ruling over his former country was she? Not that he would ever say such things out loud.

[mxlusine]

the rules of a waltz and why they unfortunately apply to us

« infamous » — zephia & berkut.

[mxlusine]

"My; is that meant to be flattery, Berkut?" It's certainly not unwelcome, even if she can't say it's entirely accurate. Did she come across as a leader in his eyes? Someone who set both pace and tone, someone who decided where they might go?

Yes, some might say, for what more had she been to her once-beloved Hounds? No, others might deny, for she had still bent her knee and bowed her head low. So which would sit better with her, when she lacks any sort of grand ambition to be a leader, yet remains far too selfish to commit herself as a loyal follower?

—unnecessary things to wonder, when all she must do now is lead a dance. But her time in Garreg Mach has been marked with thoughts like these, where everything simple and innocuous has her reflecting what had been done and questioning what it must now be for. It has been nothing short of exhausting and vexing in equal measure.

"Do correct me if I misstep," she tells him, taking his hand as instructed. From what he'd illustrated, it certainly looked simple enough. Three steps, taken in the rhythm of whatever song was playing. She could do that.

...which is to say, she could certainly try.

"...This," Zephia decides after the fourth step, "feels terribly boring."

It might have to do with the fact that she had, more or less, dragged Berkut left and back and right with very little sense of rhythm. Music, as it turns out, is not one of her strongest suits.

[rigelprinceofdespair]

There is no helping it. Berkut lets out a light laugh, nodding his head in understanding. "I can sympathize with that. Believe it or not, I used to utterly despise wasting my time on such lessons and such myself."

Her steps aren't the worst, and he thinks that with some practice she could no doubt be skilled in it. Yet there is little to do with a lack of interest. After all, he had once only cared about the basics, at least before meeting-

A scent, like smoke filled his nose, and for a moment he feels a burning in his hands.

Berkut forces the thoughts away, and gives a small shrug. "Perhaps you will feel different on the night itself, as the atmosphere can help." That familiar smirk crosses his face.

"If you'd like some amusement, did you know some people actually say dancing is almost akin to a duel? Comparing the steps, back and forth with a partner like fighting with one person on a battlefield." As he talks, Berkut can't help but take the lead back for a few steps. Guiding the professor through a few moves. Almost as if showing off the meaning, the back and forth movements to the dance. "Movements that respond in kind to one another. Matching and testing each other."

A slight bit of cruelty enters his eyes as he smirks. "Such fools have probably never once fought for their lives, but it is amusing to listen to. Though if you have had enough, you seem to have some of the basic steps down. It should be enough on the night itself at least."