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@ritterwind-archived
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sweetflowerz
It was almost like a return to the very start of the day, the way Sucrose went wide eyed and startled. But it was hardly a negative shock- Moreso, a sort of awestruck amazement that Blanche both knew about their earlier agricultural advancements and even knew their personal involvement in the spray. It’s not like they weren’t credited on the distribution label, but… Well, it wasn’t something they thought a lot of people were all that aware of.
It was a welcome development from a very unexpected source. To think anyone but Timaeus would acknowledge their work! Thoroughly flattered all over again, they made an awkward attempt to return the bow, mumbling out hurried it was nothing’s, before blinking at the new question. A little unconsciously, they lifted a hand, finger probing at the edge of their glasses like a lifeline.
Eyes flitting to the sidelines momentarily, they mulled over the approach. “My current research… There’s a few different things I’ve been working on. Um- A little in collaboration with Mr. Albedo’s own developments in Dragonspine. Although…” Their voice trailed off, an uneasy glint sparking in their wayward gaze before they shook it off just as quickly. “Well, that’s just a prototype.”
Finding themselves once more, they dropped their hand from their temple, although their line of sight remained firmly positioned anywhere but forward. “My personal research might not be very interesting from an outsider’s perspective, but… I’m doing a lot of work with elemental infusion. I use my own vision for anemo harnessing, however. All elemental energies vary from user to user. It could be worthwhile to have another anemo wielder involved. I- Well, I can’t promise it’d be very interesting. The specifics depend on what sample group we’d be testing on. I’m.. testing how different tissues respond to these elemental properties. To investigate the origin of elemental life forms. Among… other things.”
Hesitation stilled them, a frown beginning to tug at their expression. “It’s more of an educational venture than actual biotech development. Um- But it’s a necessary first step before I actually know what I want or need to make. Still, your involvement might feel… menial. In comparison to- to things like field combat.”
“Dragonspine, eh?” A place that she really didn’t like. Sure, she could handle the cold like the other Captains, but spending extended periods of time there even chilled her to the bones. The frostburn got to her and that one time she had to spent extensively searching for a few lost members of the Knights of Favonius, had resulted in her being knocked out for a week straight.
Since then she rarely ever went there, unless it was urgent or a request of the Acting Grand Master herself. Still listening to Noelle, she noticed that she was done with the food and decided to toss a pouch of Mora towards the chef and in the same movement, put back her helmet.
“It’s a bit bad that we’re both Anemo users, but as you stated, maybe two anemo users could produce different results?” She questioned, and then waved it off afterwards. “As the saying goes; The journey of a thousand miles begins with the first step. In order to get to the true development, we’ll have to do some educational venturing first.”
Yep, with that she stood up and gave a thumbs up towards Sucrose. “I had a lot of fun talking to you today, but my shift is about to begin. I hope that we can meet each other tomorrow. again and then discuss the schedule we have in mind better, once you’ve given it some thought?”
shieldofheart
“Ah, Captain Blanche!” Noelle lowered her claymore at the greeting, ready to turn and salute her, although she stopped to catch the bottle that was thrown to her. She paused in her surprise looking down at the bottle now in her hand, then back up as she spoke. “But there’s still so much I need to do. I’d feel guilty stopping to rest, even in my own training.”
The maid took a sip of her water as Blanche sat down. She opted not to sit, but seemed to contemplate it for a moment. Her next question caused Noelle to look away, studying her half-ruined dummy to find the right answer. “Well I… Becoming a knight has always been my dream, ever since I was little. And now I’ve been working for it for so long, and now my vision…” She trailed off as her eyes turned up towards the sky. “But what drives me is I want to be able to help people in ways I can’t right now as just a maid.”
“I understand that guilt. Back in my youth, I used to be like that too, but now nearly a decade later, I often feel pain in my back.” Of course some blame might also be put on her large chest, but disregarding that, she carried on. “You’re already plenty strong. I’d say even stronger than I and most of the other Captains.”
“...I see, that is a respectable drive.” She spoke after a few seconds of silence. Still, she should have talk with Jean and some of the other Captains later, but for now she wanted to talk with Noelle some more. Inspecting the ruined training dummy, she put a hand on its chest, then turned her icy gaze back to Noelle. “Then tell me, Noelle. What do you think it is that you lack, that stops you from fully becoming a Knight?”
@sir-huffman
Another mission gone awry.
While no lives were lost, some knights, including herself, had taken some hefty injuries. Blanche herself the most, as she had taken up most of the fighting, as a Captain should.
In hindsight it was reckless, especially as Mondstadt only had two Healers currently, the rest having been taken by Varkaz when he departed. Barbara and Huffman. The former an idol and a nun that was too busy most of the time, which left only Huffman to turn to.
It did take a while to find him and she was still in her somewhat dented armor, so approaching him, she held up a hand and greeted him. “Knight Huffman, may I make an appointment with you for some healing?”
“I think word already traveled this far, but the recent mission the 3rd Company took went off the rails, so we’re in need of your medical expertise.”
Startercall.
startercall
Verses have been added.
I’m gonna add some verses for Blanche, like for example where she’s an adventurer and not a Knight of Favonius and so on and on.
Starter for @ritterwind
The early hours of Liyue were always the most pleasant for the consultant. They were a specific time of the day where he could take a moment to relax and unwind without the constant hustle and bustle of the harbour-- Even if all that energy and noise was also something that he enjoyed, as well.
Yet, it was during these times that he'd take a quiet stroll through the golden streets of the main city. Taking in how the rays of sun sparkled and softly covered each area of Liyue as it rose, like hands touching the most delicate of silk.
But what Zhongli didn't expect was to see a new face so early in the day and it started to make him ponder for a brief second. Walking up to the figure, wondering if, perhaps, they were lost or searching for something or someone in particular.
"You are a face I have yet to see here and so early, as well. May I ask if you are okay?" Maybe it was a traveller from one of the other nations, but Zhongli had not heard of any news of new travellers making way to Liyue.
rexlapisincognito:
Someone from the Knights of Favonius? That was a rare sight in Liyue these days. He always heard traveller tales of them having just as many monster issues as Liyue had, so to see someone from there was always a pleasure. Even if it was on business.
“A Knights of Favonius.. Blanche, did you say? I shall do my best to remember this. My name is Zhongli. I am a consultant for the Wangshen Funeral Parlor.
You said you were here to deliver a few letters, yes? Lady Ningguang being one? If you wish, I could try and give you a hand in finding these people. The streets of Liyue can become rather confusing to those who do not know them and it will not take long for the merchants and people to start flooding in once the sun reaches a near full rise.”
He had to wonder just what these letters were for, but that was not something he should be prying in to. The letters were not for him, but maybe he could get some idea if she allowed him to travel alongside her.
“A consultant? Wow, that sounds like a tough profession.” Especially in a Funeral Parlor. Regardless, she gave a nod and addressed him properly. “I would be most indebted to you if you helped me, Sir Zhongli.” It was a habit of hers to address people with Lady or the Sir pronounce.
Either that or Miss/Mister if they were a civilian.
“I’ve only been to Liyue a couple of times, so if you could show me the way, then I’ll treat you to some lunch.” It was the least she could offer as a thanks. Of course she did hold out her hand for a friendly handshake as well.
“I thought about coming here in my armor, but it felt like a bad idea. Seeing a Knight so early in the morning must be alarming to both the citizens and the guards.”
Regardless, for once her luck was good. Especially as Zhongli seemed like he was rather wise. “Delivering the letters shouldn’t be too long. I can give them to an assistant and they can give it to Lady Ningguang later, so you’ll have your lunch on time as well.”
@ritterwind
“Hmm.. There’s an unusual trace of anemo energy embued within these hydrangea bushes.” Muttering to themselves, Sucrose flitted here and there between ornamental arrangements recently replanted outside the Knight’s of Favonius headquarters. Crouching low to gather a q-tip sample of each blossom’s pollen, they thumped their clipboard rhythmically against their bent knees with their free hand, hardly even noticing the milling knights just behind them on the walkways. “What could it mean..?”
Suddenly, a shadow from a larger presence loomed just behind them. Caught off guard by the unanticipated approach, the researcher startled to their feet, only to lose balance halfway up and go stumbling headfirst into the brush. “EEP!”
“O-Oh my goodness! Captain Blanche!” Flushed slightly with embarrassment, Sucrose peered meekly up at the knight from the bushes they’d landed in, stray leaves catching in their bangs from the fall. “U-Um.. What an honor! I was just doing some s-sampling, you see...” Fumbling to retrieve their clipboard (now embedded into the dirt at an odd angle), Sucrose made a poor but sincere effort to feign a casual tone from their placement within the flowerbeds.
sweetflowerz
The nerves that had the scientist all jittery initially calmed abruptly with the kind touch, quieting their heart and speech alike as they listened, somewhat enraptured, to the passion in Blanche’s reasoning. And to think, they’d have the same honor as hearing the very words she’d spoken to the Grand Master… their ears angled forward almost unconsciously with eagerness, giving little nods of affirmation.
“I understand completely!” And truly, they felt they did. It was no secret that most members of Mondstadt cared about the city and its people- Surely, most everyone felt similarly to the pair now seated at the Good Hunter. But it was rare to hear someone actually put a voice to those motivations, and hearing someone with such a strong understanding of what freedom and progress meant was truly inspiring.
“Everything you’ve said… It definitely corroborates your actions throughout your career as our Captain. I know I’m hardly fit to say it myself, since we work in separate departments, but… I can feel it,” Their voice softened slightly. “Even just having observed you around town, I can tell you really care. You’re making those aspirations into a true reality.”
Then, as if suddenly becoming aware once more of their very public location, Sucrose flustered, fixing their glasses in a fumbling gesture if only to obscure the slight pinkening of their face. “Um- That is to say- I-I guess we really are similar…”
If anyone was looking at them, the icy gaze of Blanche had shut them up.
“I’ll pick out Angel’s Share next time.” The Captain mumbled and returned her gaze to Sucrose. “I can only return the words to you. Seeing you around town with Albedo and even alone from time to time, helping the people...You’re doing a fantastic job, Lady Sucrose.”
Still, she had a bit more free-time, hence why she decided to spent it talking with the other. “Your field of Bio-Alchemy has really enrichened and advanced the field as a whole. I did hear that sometimes your inventions are weird, but I’ve only seen the positive ones.”
Again, she rarely, if ever trusted rumors. If she did, then she never would have approached Sucrose in the first place!
“One of my favorite inventions of yours is definitely the spray that allows Sunsettia’s to stay fresh for an entire month. It helps to pack them up for long-trips that the 3rd Company and I have to take sometimes.” Of course she did give a light bow, as best as she could in her sitting position and spoke again. “Thank you for that.”
Straightening her posture, she asked another question. “That does remind me. Do you have any on-going experiments? IF yes, would you like help with them? I myself have only surface level knowledge of alchemy, but maybe an outsider perspective would be useful?”
lumenmaria
Maria hums, “That’s only natural. I can’t imagine a knight being called to do such things.” Maria recalls some of the more…smaller tasks she was asked to do. Cats in trees certainly wasn’t her favorite commissions but if it made people happy.
“And as helpful as it is for an adventurer such as I, it is still a bit…concerning.” She was relieved the knight wasn’t blind to such neglect.
She looks up and around the fields, spotting a hilichurl in the distance. And it seemed to see her as well as it sprang up in fear. Maria puts the map away and lifts up her trick sword.
“It seems we are close.” And with a powerful pull, the blade separates into two. As she calmly begins to walk to the hilichurl. It attempts to hide or run.
“As stated, the people have gotten too lax and over-reliant on the Knights and the Honorary Knight.” The Traveler, Lumine/Aether. She had heard much about them, but also had been concerned.
They had quite the good reputation, but as said, people were relying too much on them.
Taking a look at the other’s weapon of choice, Blanche couldn’t really recognize it, aside from it looking like it was of Snezhneyan origin to her. “An interesting weapon you got there; Guess it just barely made the cut, eh?”
Because it split in two, but she bit her tongue and kept observing for now. So far all things pointed towards Maria being an ally, rather than someone to be suspicious about.
@ritterwind (Kyana starter for you!)
The fiery knight was skipping about Mondstadt, small flames dancing around her. She was in a happy mood, heading to somewhere fun when she suddenly bumped into someone. A stray fire hit their shirt and Kyana yelped before putting it out. “S-Sorry about that! I should have looked where I was going!”
sphinxsmuses
“Newly crowned knight is what I am! Hoping to make Grand Master Jean proud and protect the people of Mondstadt!” Kyana answered with a salute again and a silly grin. She lit up at the question of lunch and nodded. “I would love some lunch! I’m pretty hungry from my earlier training! Where are we going? Angel’s Share?” she asked eagerly.
“Yes, that was the location I intended to go.” Giving a nod, the Captain moved on and went to the Tavern. Once she had gotten a free-seat and some grub, she looked at Kyana. “What kind of training do you do? Is it the same physical and hard training that Noelle does?”
startercall
@ritterwind
“Hmm.. There’s an unusual trace of anemo energy embued within these hydrangea bushes.” Muttering to themselves, Sucrose flitted here and there between ornamental arrangements recently replanted outside the Knight’s of Favonius headquarters. Crouching low to gather a q-tip sample of each blossom’s pollen, they thumped their clipboard rhythmically against their bent knees with their free hand, hardly even noticing the milling knights just behind them on the walkways. “What could it mean..?”
Suddenly, a shadow from a larger presence loomed just behind them. Caught off guard by the unanticipated approach, the researcher startled to their feet, only to lose balance halfway up and go stumbling headfirst into the brush. “EEP!”
“O-Oh my goodness! Captain Blanche!” Flushed slightly with embarrassment, Sucrose peered meekly up at the knight from the bushes they’d landed in, stray leaves catching in their bangs from the fall. “U-Um.. What an honor! I was just doing some s-sampling, you see...” Fumbling to retrieve their clipboard (now embedded into the dirt at an odd angle), Sucrose made a poor but sincere effort to feign a casual tone from their placement within the flowerbeds.
sweetflowerz
“That’s an interesting question.”
Seated across from Blanche now- after having ordered their favorite Crab, Ham and Veggie Bake- the researcher maintained their exceedingly casual demeanor for the day, although it couldn’t altogether stop the nervous fidgeting of their hands. It’d been a long time since they’d been out with anyone who wasn’t directly involved with their research or otherwise scientifically associated. This sort of talking and sitting around together… was this was friendship entailed? It was unfamiliar, but. Not as scary as they might have supposed.
The question the other asked was equally unfamiliar. While it was common to have people ask where Sucrose had received education and what they studied, it was unusual to have to think back so far as to their initial inspiration. A little shyly, they let the question sink in for a moment, speaking cautiously when an answer came to mind.
“Well… I suppose it’s… Well, it’s a little childish. I pursued Alchemy from a very young age, but I don’t think I really understood what it meant until I was too deep in to second guess myself. Like- Chasing a fantasy?” Their gaze dropped momentarily, a little worried that they may be giving the wrong impression.
“Not that I’m any less serious about what I do! I-I just mean… I really only figured out I wanted to use Alchemy to help other people after I started it on a whim, more or less. It was a late realization, but- Well, Alchemy can do things even vision bearers can’t do. My field in particular focuses on modifying and expanding the benefits of our existing resources, as vague as that may sound. I sincerely believe it is the future of our modern technologies. At least, Mr. Albedo makes a very good case for it…”
Pausing one more time, they lifted their head to try and get a read on Blanche’s thoughts as they finished off apologetically. “I’m sorry if that’s all very broad. I guess it’s hard to say much more than… wanting to help people. Is what drives me, I mean.”
“Is it now?” Blanche bemusedly remarked and waited for Sucrose to finish speaking. Her expression remained as neutral as it always was, but had a smile as well. Putting a hand on Sucrose’s shoulder, she gave a gentle squeeze to it to try and calm the Alchemist down.
“That is a fantastic reason. Being broad is not bad and being too concise can be bad too at times.” Of course as promised, Blanche would also share her own reason for why she wanted to become a Knight of Favonius. “As for me? I wished to attain a kind of freedom I wouldn’t have as either a civilian or an Adventurer.”
“I wished to freely help the people of Mondstadt and even the surrounding nations if necessary. I told it to Grand Master Varkaz and I will tell it to you as well; I am a Knight of the People and my duties lay with them. To help others and to better myself in the process and make progress, that is the greatest freedom of all for myself.” It was pretty vague, but Blanche tried her best to keep it as honest and to the point as she could.
“In a way our drives are similar. To help people and to advance the current state of things, aren’t they?”
lumenmaria
Maria stops herself from the question she was going to ask. Why come along if you get nothing from it then? Though, it only solidified Maria’` suspicion. Perhaps she’s seen as a threat, she couldn’t blame the people of Mondstadt. Snezhnaya was far more unwelcoming to newcoming adventurers such as she. She was surprised this is the only Knight who has approached her so far.
Well, other than the one in the Tavern.
“I take commissions regardless of their intricacy. What needs to be done, needs to be done.” She states so matter of factly. She did wonder why there were so commissions.
She walks forward with purpose, keeping a lookout for the campsite.
“I was simply surprised to see so many commissions waiting to be taken? There is a guild here, no?” Why not ask her own questions while here?
Acting Grand Master Jean had seen her as a wildcard more than anything. Hence why she had sent Blanche to check her out, which she gladly did, as it allowed her to stretch her legs every once in a while, instead of doing paperwork all the time.
“The Adventurer Guild, yes. Although they’ve been getting a bit too lax ever since the Traveler came and has been doing most commissions for them.” Then again, said Traveler had already moved onto Inazuma and was on their way to Sumeru.
They did come back every couple of months to participate in the holidays or festivities though.
“I myself cannot take many commissions, as my schedule is mostly determined by how people need me and what the Acting Grand Master decides.”
.
Startercall