w o l f i s h ly

there once was a boy born into slavery and making a decision, he broke free Volke - an assassin of unmatched fame and skill, who busies himself with money more than company. tracking: #schalldampfung

[stallwartprotector-blog]

Holding On

[stallwartprotector-blog]

Goddess, but Volke was grabby tonight. All…all confusing Geoffrey and stopping him from-, from things. He jerked his arm free, the ground moving strangely as he tried to step away, “Pff, she’d have to have a head to have your head.”

That-, oh that was bad. Made everything twist inside. Shouldn’t think about her being gone, shouldn’t-, shouldn’t think about anything. Was why he’d been at a bar, why he’d wanted to drink, to make everything go dark and cold.

Bastian…Bastian wouldn’t care. Hadn’t talked to Geoffrey in months, not since the funeral. Hadn’t even really talked then though, just that had that look on his face, the one where he acted like he knew everything already. Geoffey hated that look, couldn’t stand it, couldn’t deal with it being given to him. Not when he’d been watching dirt get put over his queen and sister-.

"Will-, will you stop?" he snapped, stepping even further from Volke’s shadow. "I don’t want to think about that, I’m not going to, just-.

Cad. All coming up and stopping Geoffrey from taking his liquor, from being…from being fine. 

Could be fine. Just had to get away, to have cold air in his face and the world moving around him. Stables were close, not too far. Geoffrey started towards them again, head down so he couldn’t see the stars

[schalldampfung]

After staring at Geoffrey with a blank look, he flicked the knight in the head. "Don't say that." Letting out a huff, he frowned, trying to think of a way that he could convince the man to go home. He was never good at asking for people either - he usually gave them money, and the deal was made... but Geoffrey was already wealthy enough.

Goddess, drunk Geoffrey was really something wasn't he - one of the reasons he refused to drink alcohol, because he didn't know how he'd act. It - the idea basically unsettled him, not knowing what would happen or how he'd respond to things. He hated losing control, no matter who it was with or in what means. It reminded him a little too much of his childhood - and those were some of the worst memories.

Furrowing his eyebrows, he kept frowning, contemplating how he was to get Geoffrey to return to the manor. It was one thing for Volke to be out here - completely alert, capable, and dangerous, but Geoffrey, who was very obviously inebriated ... Shaking his head slightly, he trailed after the knight, trying not to scowl.

But - he didn't say anything about it, just following after the man to make sure nothing bad happened.

[schalldampfung]

with thetirelessadvisor

[thetirelessadvisor]

Only two hundred? Well, that was disappointing; Lucia had hoped it’d be something a little bit more. But there still could’ve been a secondary reason; so Lucia handed over the money for that reason. Besides, though it was a thing Lucia didn’t like to think; 200 gold was a knock off for nobility like her.

"That’s just out of general interest really. Besides, as you can probably see; there is boredom hanging over my head." how strange that she had to pay  out gold for a conversation, let a lone to stop things being boring. Lucia was rather bemused by herself; but then again, Volke’s way of life was strange in itself.

[schalldampfung]

Well - he only promised to reveal what he was doing. The information he'd learned, along with the things he had heard were worth quite more than two hundred gold - but he wasn't about to just hand that over to anyone. He'd update Bastian on the whispers running through Crimea's streets and continue on his way.

He took the money, not bothering to count it for he knew that Lucia wasn't one to pretend like that. Tucking it into one of his hidden pockets, he glanced to the side with dark eyes. "I'm checking in on the status of Crimea. Listening to the conversations in the street."

[schalldampfung]

familiarity - closed with survivorsguiltx { tristan }

[precarixus-deactivated20150920]

{☽} As unfortunate as it was, the voice seemed ready to near scare the poor laguz since he had not been expecting the coming answer. He sensed their presence before it was verbally announced, but that still did not given him valid enough reason to why his tail started to bristle. The vibe they held was ready to make him take flight. 

“M-M… Me?” While the stranger could see him, he could not see them. It was dark and moonhigh, for the merchant was taking a weary night travel. Tristan pointed to himself, feeling on edge that- most likely a stealthy character- had been observing the wolf. A soft apology was heard in the ancient Tellius tongue under his breath for being so spooked. 

“I’m j-just a humble nomad, sir, I mean no harm…!” Oh dear. Were they here to steal his money, or his goods?

[schalldampfung]

Ah - well, he really wasn't expecting someone so timid... But then again, he hasn't really met any wolves that aren't Nailah or Volug, and they were rather different from each other as well. He fit in rather well with Volug - they were both quiet and didn't speak much, though Volke did it out of preference rather than inability. Though the other wasn't impossible to speak to - it was just incredibly difficult.

Regardless, he stepped out slightly out of the shadows - just to the point where he could be seen somewhat, but his face was still unclear. It wouldn't do to have his identity shown so easily - for all he knew, Nailah could have very well gone back on their agreement and told Hatari of his identity. He sort of doubted it, but the Wolf Queen was rather unpredictable in all ways.

Sighing the slightest bit, Volke frowned behind his mask. A nomad? He wasn't aware of them ... or perhaps he had just never paid close enough attention. But he wasn't a simple thief or rat anymore - he was a respectable assassin. He didn't steal.

To the point - "You are a Wolf Laguz, are you not?"

[xmusings-tobedeleted-deactivate]

Send me a ship and I'll tell you:

who holds the umbrella when it rains

who is the grumpiest in the morning

who worries more when the other is sick/hurt

who plays pranks on the other

who is always the first to suggest cuddling on the sofa

who insists on creating nicknames for the other

who drools on the other when they’re asleep

who says ‘I love you’ first

[stallwartprotector-blog]

Holding On

[stallwartprotector-blog]

Cold air. Didn’t feel right.

Wasn’t…wasn’t what he liked. “I-, I was…” 

The moon was bright, so many stars out. Geoffrey couldn’t look away from them.

Lucia had liked stars. Had always snuck out when the night sky was clear when they were younger. She always thought she was so clever, never knew that mother had followed her every time. Had watched from a distance, the same lights reflected in her eyes, just another thing they’d been so similar in.

Strange, that Geoffrey hadn’t been so close. Not to either, like he’d not been born from one and birthed three days after the other. Never thought it strange before. Had seemed natural, had seemed right, for duchess and heir to be so close.

Didn’t….didn’t really matter now. Not like Geoffrey could make a complaint, not when they were both gone, both rotting in the dirt. 

"Che," he shouldn’t grin, not sure what was so humorous. Still, he couldn’t quit, turned to share his cheer with-. "Volke!" Geoffrey laughed, the sound strange to his ear, "That-, see, I know you." Course he knew Volke. Volke was-, was saying something? Had that narrow look about him, all intense and serious.

Should Geoffrey go to the estate? Hadn’t been to there since Renning had taken the throne. Wasn’t even sure what state it was in.

Bastian was probably keeping everything in order. Was the sort of thing he’d do, silently stepping in when Geoffrey was incapable of stepping into his sister’s shoes.

"No," no, Geoffrey wouldn’t. No reason to. Not when he would just destroy it. "Not, no, I’ll-, I’ll ride." That was a good idea. Was a great idea. Geoffrey stepped away, the ground uneven beneath his feet, waving a hand as he went towards the stables beside the bar.

[schalldampfung]

Volke stared flatly at Geoffrey, almost scrutinizing the other man. Geoffrey really drank a lot tonight, didn't he? When he went to Fayre tomorrow, he was definitely asking compensation from Bastian. It wasn't his job to drag knights out of bars before things went down hill - plus, he wasn't even Crimean.

"Yes, you do. I thought we went over that," the assassin replied blandly, almost rolling his eyes. He was thankful that it was only Geoffrey he was dealing with - Ashunera knew that he'd hate to deal with Bastian when he's drunk. He hadn't seen the sage drunk, and he was pretty sure he'd never want to deal with that. Bastian was bad enough when he was sober.

Letting out a sigh, he stopped Geoffrey from heading any further. "You are not riding a horse in your state. Lucia and Bastian would have my head." Shaking his head slightly, he frowned as he thought for a moment. "If you're sure about going on a ride, then I'll hold the horse's reigns."

He wasn't used to riding a horse - but he's done it before, when he had to get to another country. It wasn't his preferred mode of transportation - but it was probably the most important one. He could outrun any pursuer, and the horses weren't really his anyway ...

[schalldampfung]

Video Game-inspired magic anons!

Feel free to add to the list.

Legend of Zelda Twilight Princess: You now have a Shadow Crystal shard embedded in your forehead for 24 hours, transforming you into an animal of some kind. Either the anon or the mun can choose.

Shin Megami Tensei: You can now summon a demon from mythology for five hours, but be careful--the stronger the demon, the harder it is to control it. Either the anon or the mun can choose the demon.

Hatoful Boyfriend: Congratulations, you are now a small bird that can talk for the next 6 hours! Have fun with your temporary bird lifestyle!

Legend of Zelda Wind Waker: You can now control the wind for three hours.

Okami: You have gained control of one brush skill from Okami and can use it for the next four hours. Choose wisely, as you are only permitted one skill--either the mun or the anon can choose.

Yume Nikki: You have a Nexus of your own for two days, and will visit it every time you sleep. Enjoy the creepy-ass dreams!

Ib: Your life is now tied to a rose for 24 hours. As the rose wilts, so will you.

Ao Oni: Enjoy being trapped in a mansion filled with a monster for 24 hours!

Digital Devil Saga: You can now transform into a demon of some sort for 2 days, but be careful--you need to eat something to keep your demon self in check. If you lose control while the spell is in effect, you will go back to normal when it is over. Either the mun or the anon can choose which demon.

[schalldampfung]

i'm sorry that i've been replying so slow today!! i went to the orthodontist today and my mouth hurts like hell so i've been kinda dead all day ;;

thanks to everyone that followed me ; v ; !! please feel free to spam my inbox if you'd like to rp!

[schalldampfung]

with thetirelessadvisor

[thetirelessadvisor]

"Right." Lucia sighed, not at all surprised at Volke’s answer. Though she had also been right in thinking Volke had not been close to family. No one just becomes an assassin and is close to someone off the bat like that. Not that Lucia was really interested much anyway after that point, so there wasn’t really any worth in that 10,000 gold anyway.

"How much to ask what brings you here to Melior right now?" Lucia asked next, folding her arms. That or she’d have to go play all fun and games with Bastian…which she was not entirely looking forward to. How much Lucia would value Volke answering her this though would depend on his price.

[schalldampfung]

He's long since forgotten what it's like to be close to family - a few decades would do that to anyone, but especially Volke, who hasn't really known a family since he ran from Begnion. His high prices for anything personal deterred those from truly pursuing him outside of work, and he was fine with that. After all - Lucia didn't seem like the person to pry, anyway. He was fine talking to her, even if she tended to be a little straightforward.

"... Two hundred." It's not that he was here on a secret mission - he was only checking up on Crimea to make sure nothing bad was happening. Normally Bastian would tell him about the royal courts, but Volke was more interested in the streets and of the people who weren't nobles. He fit in best in the streets, after all.

[schalldampfung]

comrades ; closed with generalzelgius

If he had wolf ears, they would have definitely twitched right now.

There was a familiar presence - one that made him step onto his guard, put him on edge. Not a lot of people could really do that - the list was very small, and even included Izuka, for reasons he wouldn't like to admit. That topic was personal - one of the ones he'd charge a hundred thousand for, just so that no one would ever know how much he had messed up when he took that job. It was his own mistake - he ended up taking the job, and like any other... once he started a job, he never stopped unless payment had been received, or his life had been threatened.

Yet, Izuka was dead - died during the war, and Volke could cross that secret off his list of worries about his life.

But - there was still the issue of the person that had caught his attention, so he stepped to the side, out of the street and into the shade of a nearby alleyway. Scanning dark coloured eyes over the crowd of people, he tried to find the exact culprit of the feeling. The list was small enough that he could probably point them out without having to try too hard. Over the course of the last few years, it had gotten smaller with the death of key opponents ...

Regardless, the rest on said list were dangerous enough for him to still be wary, so his fingers twitched slightly and drew closer to one of the daggers on his waist. If it was an assassin, he could fight them off just fine, and lose them in the crowd ... but if it weren't - if it were a true enemy, or someone he couldn't handle, he had to be prepared to retaliate, even if he couldn't win.

[thetirelessadvisor]

with thetirelessadvisor

"Yes." Lucia nodded in reply. It was actually quite strange that Volke of all people, would ask her such a question. But, he did seem the kind to be curious about people’s motivations… Or maybe he was trying to figure out for other reasons…though something told her Volke wouldn’t try that. He was ever loyal to Bastian, despite his actions being based on money alone. "…What about you? Is there any family still important to you?" why did she even ask when she knew the answer would be to pay him for it. Lucia hadn’t forgotten Elincia telling her his response to her asking a question about Volke after all.

[schalldampfung]

Ah - sometimes, his curiosity got the better of him, and he couldn't help but ask. His questions were the closest he'd ever get to knowing the experience, and he couldn't stop himself sometimes. It was one thing to ignore others and their families - but his own ... Well, the closest thing he had now was Bastian - and that could hardly be called ... family. A working relationship. Strictly business.

He told himself that - but he was pretty sure the blond sage thought they were friends. Or at least allies. That wasn't much of a stress - the other was on his list of job refusals, along with most of the royalty.

"... Ten thousand gold if you want the long answer," he spoke, crossing his arms. "The short answer - no." As far as he knew - they were dead, his mother having passed away sometime after his escape. His father - if the man could even be considered so - was long dead due to his blade.

[stallwartprotector-blog]

Holding On

[stallwartprotector-blog]

Oh. It…it was…

"I know you." Geoffrey did, was completely sure he did. Veee-, Vaaam-, Vvv…"No, I do," he assured, leaning to the side as the stool further impeded his movement. Just, he didn’t want Vavvv…., didn’t want the guy thinking he didn’t. Wasn’t right, not when Geoffrey did know him. 

"Are-, are you here?" No, that…that didn’t make sense. "No, no, I mean-." What did he mean? There had been a thought, a good thought, a great thought, but…but he couldn’t remember. 

Geoffrey glanced up when he heard the slosh of liquid, saw that everyone was still drinking his liquor. “I-, I’ll be back, right?” He clapped a hand on Va…,Vake? Volch? He clapped a hand on the guy’s shoulder, heavier than he meant, tipping forward slightly, “Just, yeah, hold on, I’ma fight these people.”

[schalldampfung]

Volke refrained from rolling his eyes or otherwise - merely keeping his gaze on Geoffrey to ensure the other didn't hurt himself, or anyone else. Letting out a quiet sigh, almost inaudible, he gestured to the door, unwilling to touch the other even if it was only for a moment.

"Yes, you do," he responded flatly, surprisingly impatient for the knight to leave the bar. "And you aren't fighting anyone here." He eyed the barkeeper for a moment, before letting out another sigh, grabbing the man's wrist and pulling him to the entrance of the establishment. First of all - he doubted that the other could even stand up straight with how much he's been drinking, and secondly, he rather liked his bar. He'd like to keep it standing.

Once they were outside, he frowned, crossing his arms. "Why - ... nevermind. You're too inebriated to respond to questions. You should return to your estate before anything unexpected happens."

[rpmememaker]

Headcanon meme - send me a symbol and I'll describe my muse's...

[schalldampfung]

❣ - hands

❤ - voice

۵ - feet

❦ - lips

ø - eyes

ღ - nose

♮ - body type

♫ - singing voice

✮ - sleeping habits

✉ - texting habits

✿ - laugh

✍ - writing style

⌨ - time-wasting habits

❅ - keeping warm/keeping cool techniques

✎ - taste in music/literature

☤ - self care/first aid habits

✪ - favourite food/eating habits

☁ - ideal holiday

✄ - nervous habits

☂ - sadness

❈ - ideal birthday

[stallwartprotector-blog]

Holding On

Did he want to drink?

Yes.

Perhaps, yes.

Well, he was already drinking. So of course yes, but did he want to keep drinking?

“I don’t know,” Geoffrey mumbled to his empty glass, lifting it to look at the ring of moisture on the bar top. “But, I could.” He could drink all day. Could drink all night. And why not? Not like he had anything to do. No one to…to do stuff for or something…

“Could drink everything in this place.” He lifted his head, squinting until his sight focused. “Hey, barkeep-.”

There were people drinking his liquor. This…this whole place was full of people drinking his liquor. That-, that wasn’t right! How was he supposed to drink it all, if they were doing it too?!

Had to do something. Had to…to get it back?

No, couldn’t get it back. Could…could fight them though.

Pfff, was a great idea. Geoffrey should’ve thought of that first. Should’ve knocked everybody in here out the minute he stepped inside. Could’ve drunken anything he wanted them. “I’ma fight you,” he told his closest neighbor, though the sounds didn’t seem right to his ear. The woman didn’t even look up, kept talking to someone, lifting a glass to her mouth again like she didn’t even care that it was Geoffrey’s liquor.

Geoffrey stood up, the stool taller than he remember when he tried to slide off it. “Hey, I’ma-.” He didn’t anything though, knocking against another person as he tried to go forward.

[schalldampfung]

Seedy bars and taverns were like his home - he didn't even have to drink anything to get a place, considering most barkeeps and inn owners knew him or of him, and how he received his requests. He - in some strange, complicated way - actually helped business, somehow, and most didn't really mind him. Those that did could easily be persuaded.

They were his favorite place, no doubt. Here, he could listen in to the various conversations and learn bits and pieces of what was going on. It was in a place like this, somewhere near the capital of Crimea, that he really learned of the Daein revolution - not Bastian's report. It was information for free - and most information came in handy, whether he thought so or not. And most of the time, Bastian paid him to come here and listen in to see if anyone was criticizing the Crimean monarchy, so that was a plus. Maybe. He's still trying to figure out if working so closely with Bastian was a good thing.

Regardless, he's just about done for the night, and Volke stood from his seat near the back of the bar, silently approaching the barkeep with one hand in a hidden pocket, slipping out a small pouch. This was one of the places he had to pay - and it was worth it, since it was in Delbray, and tended to be more useful. Sliding the small pouch, and watching it disappear behind the counter, he turned to leave - before colliding with someone.

Instinctively, he held back a cringe, never one for physical contact. But as he inspected the man closer, his garnet eyes narrowed slightly, and his eyebrows furrowed in slight confusion. Pausing to make sure he wasn't mistaken, he et out a noise of inquiry.

"... General Geoffrey?" he mumbled, idly shifting away from the man to give himself more space. "What on Tellius are you doing in a place like this?" Glancing behind him at the woman, he deemed that she wasn't important, and gestured slightly for the other to leave the bar with him.

Wouldn't do to cause a scene - not with both their reputations at stake.

[holychain-blog]

FE蒼炎・暁らくがきつめつめ

[thetirelessadvisor]

"Why is family so important to you?"

"Because my parents enforced me with responsibility to my brother…and, Geoffrey is my little brother still. I’m always going to watch out for him, like he will for me." as much as Geoffrey got frustrated at her for it. Though he had far more reason to be angry with her and the reckless shenanigans she’d got into in the past. "Also…I’m Duchess now. I have a family heirloom to keep and look after, a mother’s legend to follow…" but the past year had started doubts on what kind of person Lucia wanted to be now. Her recent interactions with her brother among others had her start to doubt if she really wanted to be her mother’s daughter…

[schalldampfung]

"... Ah."

Was that how most people viewed family? Or was it just how normal people viewed it... He couldn't call himself such - no, his brand had made itself quite clear on where he stood in comparison, but ... In all honesty, he had to admit that he did think about it from time to time. He'd seen people on the battlefield nearly run in front of weapons for others - even if it was unnecessary, or useless ... But he couldn't imagine getting that close to someone - because it would mean revealing his secret.

No matter how much people respected him - he'd always be a Branded.

"... I see. So it is a mixture of your emotions and your duty."

That much, he could understand. Though his knowledge of the ancient language was rather weak and honestly useless, he did manage to converse with Volug from time to time ... He, as well as Bastian, were so dedicated to their jobs and professions - much like he himself was, although they had duties for the long term.

[schalldampfung]

familiarity - closed with survivorsguiltx { tristan }

His finger twitched.

There was someone else here - the way his own shoulders tensed the tiniest bit and his head raised slightly. A Laguz - a Wolf if his instinct was right, and the thought made a slight frown rise on his face. He preferred to avoid contact with Laguz if he could help it - especially if it were one of the wolves, despite the fact that he wasn't hated by them. Regardless, he could only talk to Nailah and Volug - the former, because she was the queen, and the latter ... because Volug never really spoke anyway, so.

Glancing around with dark eyes, his fingers tightened almost instinctively, but there was no blade in his hand. Letting out a soft, slightly forced breath, he made himself relax.

Warily, he spoke - "... Who goes there."

[schalldampfung]

meet me again - xsonata { ike }

It wasn't often that he stayed in Crimea for more than a day or so. 

But - the completion of his recent job aligned with his annual check-in of the nation, and he'd booked a room at this tavern for a few days - just to gather information from local informants and perhaps contact Bastian if needed... That could wait until night, however. No sane member of his practice and caliber or similar would dare occupy the streets of Crimea during the day, no matter how obscure the town was.

Regardless, he was much less noticeable standing in the shadow of a building, the dark shade of his clothes blending in with the darkness of the shade. He didn't worry too much about being found - after all, he didn't think that anyone would think to look for him here, and that if he got into any trouble, he'd be able to leave without so much of a fuss. 

Shifting his collar, he shook his head out and frowned to himself under his mask. After Crimea was either Daein or Gallia - and he'd rather not step foot into Laguz territory himself. Furrowing his eyebrows, he let out a sigh, and closed his eyes momentarily.