My Fair Lady

"'Cause if I don't follow my heart this time, I'm gonna forget what this life is all about, I'm gonna take that path, I'm going in on my own, I'm gonna take that fear and wear it like a crown." Greetings, darling. My name is Sontaire. It's a pleasure. I run the inn in Riften -- no, the other one, not the Bee and Barb -- the House of High Hand. Come stay and enjoy yourself.

[sontaire]

((Hey guys, just got some pretty tough news today. My uncle died last night. He was surrounded by friends and family, loved ones, as he passed away and his passing was painless. The cancer had spread throughout his body and it was a battle he finally couldn’t win after fighting it for over 7 years. I think most of my family, including myself, is somewhat relieved for him because it’s been very painful. His kids had their 15th birthdays yesterday, and from what I was told he stayed with them long enough before dying to join them to eat cake and sing happy birthday. I think that was really sort of... his final act for his family. Idk.

I’m probably going to be traveling a bit in the near future depending on when his service will be. I’m sorry for any slowness or lack of responsiveness in that time, I certainly care about keeping up with everyone and writing cheers me up a lot so I’ll continue to do that. Thank you all for your continued support and if you want to send good vibes I would really appreciate it! You all are the best. I don’t mean to burden anyone with this tragedy but I don’t expect to really speak about it at length elsewhere, so perhaps this is just a little catharsis.

I hope everyone is having a good New Year and holiday season and that your lives have been happy and healthy!! :)

[sontaire]

24. What social groups and activities does your character attend? What role do they like to play? What role do they actually play, usually?

24.

Sontaire absolutely adores attending gatherings, both big and small, for a somewhat bizarre reason. She doesn’t actually enjoy interacting with other people (she is definitely introverted at the end of the day) but, she enjoys the twisted validation that comes with putting herself in center stage, outdoing everyone else there, dressed to the nines with looks that could kill. She enjoys being iconic and flamboyant and stunning; whether this actually serves to help her self confidence or more make it flimsy and dependent on her appearance, the lines tend to blur… a good route for her to take would be combining this display factor that she enjoys coupled with her competence outside of the aesthetic pursuits, such as her intelligence and prowess with magic and business. Again, she plays the role of an “icon,” and iconic she is, quite famous indeed, but unfortunately she’s rather infamous as well. As many people as there are looking at her with envy and admiration, there are people who loathe her, calling her classless, hedonistic, an adulterer, and all other names which would be pointless to repeat. People love her for the same reason that people hate her. It can be a confusing social arena to navigate, and she’d like to think that outwardly she does it very well, and a great deal of people (the ones who matter) tend to find her sufficiently magnetic.

[painted-bees]

Character solidifying!

[rockinrpmemes]

1. How does your character think of their father? What do they hate and love about him? What influence - literal or imagined - did the father have? 2. Their mother? How do they think of her? What do they hate? Love? What influence - literal or imagined - did the mother have? 3. Brothers, sisters? Who do they like? Why? What do they despise about their siblings? 4. What type of discipline was your character subjected to at home? Strict? Lenient? 5. Were they overprotected as a child? Sheltered? 6. Did they feel rejection or affection as a child? 7. What was the economic status of their family? 8. How does your character feel about religion? 9. What about political beliefs? 10. Is your character street-smart, book-smart, intelligent, intellectual, slow-witted? 11. How do they see themselves: as smart, as intelligent, uneducated? 12. How does their education and intelligence – or lack thereof - reflect in their speech pattern, vocabulary, and pronunciations? 13. Did they like school? Teachers? Schoolmates? 14. Were they involved at school? Sports? Clubs? Debate? Were they unconnected? 15. Did they graduate? High-School? College? Do they have a PHD? A GED? 16. What does your character do for a living? How do they see their profession? What do they like about it? Dislike? 17. Did they travel? Where? Why? When? 18. What did they find abroad, and what did they remember? 19. What were your character’s deepest disillusions? In life? What are they now? 20. What were the most deeply impressive political or social, national or international, events that they experienced? 21. What are your character’s manners like? What is their type of hero? Whom do they hate? 22. Who are their friends? Lovers? ‘Type’ or ‘ideal’ partner? 23. What do they want from a partner? What do they think and feel of sex? 24. What social groups and activities does your character attend? What role do they like to play? What role do they actually play, usually? 25. What are their hobbies and interests? 26. What does your character’s home look like? Personal taste? Clothing? Hair? Appearance? 27. How do they relate to their appearance? How do they wear their clothing? Style? Quality? 28. Who is your character’s mate? How do they relate to him or her? How did they make their choice? 29. What is your character’s weaknesses? Hubris? Pride? Controlling? 30. Are they holding on to something in the past? Can he or she forgive? 31. Does your character have children? How do they feel about their parental role? About the children? How do the children relate? 32. How does your character react to stress situations? Defensively? Aggressively? Evasively? 33. Do they drink? Take drugs? What about their health?  34. Does your character feel self-righteous? Revengeful? Contemptuous? 35. Do they always rationalize errors? How do they accept disasters and failures? 36. Do they like to suffer? Like to see other people suffering? 37. How is your character’s imagination? Daydreaming a lot? Worried most of the time? Living in memories? 38. Are they basically negative when facing new things? Suspicious? Hostile? Scared? Enthusiastic? 39. What do they like to ridicule? What do they find stupid? 40. How is their sense of humor? Do they have one? 41. Is your character aware of who they are? Strengths? Weaknesses? Idiosyncrasies? Capable of self-irony? 42. What does your character want most? What do they need really badly, compulsively? What are they willing to do, to sacrifice, to obtain? 43. Does your character have any secrets? If so, are they holding them back? 44. How badly do they want to obtain their life objectives? How do they pursue them? 45. Is your character pragmatic? Think first? Responsible? All action? A visionary? Passionate? Quixotic? 46. Is your character tall? Short? What about size? Weight? Posture? How do they feel about their physical body? 47. Do they want to project an image of a younger, older, more important person? Does they want to be visible or invisible? 48. How are your character’s gestures? Vigorous? Weak? Controlled? Compulsive? Energetic? Sluggish? 49. What about voice? Pitch? Strength? Tempo and rhythm of speech? Pronunciation? Accent? 50. What are the prevailing facial expressions? Sour? Cheerful? Dominating?

[thetwinlegends]

Rise and Shine!

[thetwinlegends]

With a soft sigh and a playful grin, Signe clicked her tongue and knelt down next to Sontaire. The rooster pranced towards the nord and tilted it’s head inquisitively. She tossed seed away from the altmer to gather it’s interest elsewhere. Chances are, Ol’boy wouldn’t remember who Sontaire was in the next passing moment. “He want’s food and lots of women. Swear he thinks he’s a peacock.” 

[sontaire]

Fascinated by this development, she immediately felt a kinship with the chicken upon her lap. She simply sat there, apparently enjoying the warmth and attention and food. Her feathers were soft, plush, not a one truly out of place. It was as if she were petting a pillow. “I think... this one likes me. Probably. She hasn’t moved yet, so I assume that means we have reached an understanding. As long as I provide food, she will not attack. Reasonable.” Sontaire could not disagree with the logic behind it; often times she lived life in a similar fashion.

“An accord has been struck.” Ridiculously against her good judgment, she delicately pat the chicken’s head and neck with two fingers, smiling down fondly at her new little friend. “She smells far too dusty.”

[sontaire]

🎁

Here is a womer who could bathe in a Châteauneuf-du-Pape if she wanted to, and she expects me to give her a gift? Absurd. 

This could only mean she wants something uniquely me in present form. Who wouldn’t? What a blessing to be in the position to ask yours truly for a gift! 

I’m getting her a gilded cock.

[sontaire]

🎁

This is going to be the most awkward gift giving ever. Short of a grand finale, I’m not entirely sure what to give. Hmmph.

Ugh, actually, you know, I do have an idea about what to give him. What is it with Orsimer and not wearing enough clothing for the weather? Before anyone calls me a hypocrite, I only show cleavage, if at all, and am otherwise thoroughly insulated against the unforgiving elements. Meanwhile Korgul walks around like he lives in Sunhold and, stars, he’s going to put somebody’s eye out, it makes me anxious. He’s getting a sweater. No, he’s getting seven sweaters, one for each day of the week, so now he no longer has an excuse for this nonsense.

[sontaire]

🎁

What ever should I gift a woman who has everything she could ever possibly want? And by everything, I mean me. But, enough half-jokes. This is a serious matter.

I care very dearly for her, no doubt against my better judgment -- humans, I swear to you, they always manage to get under my skin, that ghast succubus -- so I’ve resolved to do something splendid. She deserves no less than the best. I would... I would invite her to a celebration with my family, if she would be willing to attend. It is a human holiday, but... I do want a day to devote to festivities because it gives my children something to look forward to, and...

I’m getting off track. I have no idea what to get for her, so... I suppose I’ll get her a necklace. A necklace with a little charm, because... she loves simplicity, but elegance, and... it would suit her. It would suit her quite finely. Maybe... this is girlish of me, rather naive, perhaps she would enjoy it if we... both had the same charm, on a piece of jewelry...

[sontaire]

🎁 ((Curious to see what she might get a stranger.))

I have long heard from my Argonian companions that this dry, cold air dehydrates them. And why wouldn’t it? After all, the reason I never cry in Skyrim is because I simply can’t spare the moisture. If it’s that unbearable for myself, I can’t fathom how terrible it would be for an Argonian. They have scales, and so many little grooves, and... I don’t know, things. Their skin gets dry, is the gist. Fear not, scaly friends, for I have a solution, one I certainly did not adopt because a friend left it at my home (it has sat alone and unused, to be fair). It... I think it may be a mud. Sort of a clay... like a facial mask, but, for the whole body. I had planned on applying it generously to her scales but, seeing as how she is visiting family, I should fill myself with the benevolence of Saturalia and provide the stranger with the joy of hydrated skin.

Presumptuous? I think not. I am the vision of seasonal philanthropy. It is merely a coincidence that the gift was so convenient, of course. 

[sontaire]

🎁

Alright, I think we’re all perfectly aware of what to get a gift for a stranger who looks like she has the weight of the world on her shoulders, don’t we? We want to give something that says “I know you’re dealing with quite a bit right now,” but we also want something that says “I don’t really know you, but you probably enjoy getting drunk every once in a while.” Gifting alcohol is an art. If your host eats plenty of fish, you don’t want to gift a red wine, for example – there are some exceptions where a red is acceptable for a pescatarian recipient, but then you run the risk of looking like that manner of asshole who is so confident in their sommelier abilities that they gift wine willy-nilly.

So, she’s getting a white wine, no watered-down nonsense, a proper dessert wine to pair with a lemon cake. Suggestion for pairing with lemon cake included. I don’t know how to bake.

[thetwinlegends]

🎁

Sontaire’s gift is wrapped in red and green patterned silk, the ribbon is gold and tied together neatly. Inside is a porcelain chicken, but the design is unique and expertly crafted. Its wings and beak are outlined in gold. It must have been an expensive commission. Inside the card is a pressed ruby red rose, with the words ‘With love from me and my children.–Signe’

[askmemesyo-blog1]

Send me “🎁” to see what my muse would give yours as a Christmas present.

[disobedientblood]

Send 🍸 for my muse to try to drunkenly seduce yours

[floralflorist-blog]

Either she was routinely prone to aggrandising or he was about to secure patronage with a very prominent figure in Riften. He certainly had no qualms about the latter, especially so early into the dawn of his business, and it was more than enough to keep his smile swept across his lips.

“Sure, let me just pop out the back for a second—oh!” He froze, stare dropping, brows raised. The collision coupled with the small hands stabled against his shin brought all movement to a momentary standstill. Then, his smile turned towards Noora, neither small nor strained, “Stay here for just a moment; I assure you, it’ll be worth the wait.”

Rumare rounded the counter once more, disappearing behind the door some steps beyond it. It wasn’t long before he returned. Found in his hands was a bouquet comprised of orange calla lilies, orange roses and, interspersed amongst the posy, peach-hued hypericum berries; the green of their sprigs visible midst the rich, flame-like composition. They still had their leaves fanning out at the sides, and they were without wrapping or ribbon, but he presented it as confidently as one would a completed array.

“Still needs a bit of trimming and a splash or two with magick, but… here it is!”

[sontaire]

When she had to detach herself from Rumare’s leg, Noora decided that the next best option was to cling to her mother’s. She stood fastened there like a limpet, fingers curling and uncurling into the fabric of the gown. They all patiently awaited his return.

“My goodness...” Sontaire gasped upon seeing the bouquet, marveling in its exquisite colouration and arrangement. He had not only green thumbs, but an eye for art itself. Was there anything this mer didn’t know about flowers? “They’re absolutely stunning! Stars, this is unique. I would hate to have you give up your trade secrets, and they mystery of how you manage makes it all the more interesting...” The juxtaposition of the tubular calla lilies and voluminous roses created an enticing pattern, speckled with the berries, and complemented by the occasional green. Her fingers delicately traced their tender outlines. “I’ll take it... it should sit in my house, shouldn’t it? On the dining table?” She turned to Hallandor, who nodded sheepishly and reached out to gently touch the berries, too. His eyes lit up once he realized how well it all fit together.

“Mommy. Mommy, it looks like it’ll be pretty.” He gave a firm nod. With his stamp of approval on the decision, and Noora far more fascinated touching the ends of the stems from below, fingers sticky from the juices, Sontaire tilted her head and smiled; “I’ll have it.”

[floralflorist-blog]

She’d take them all? His eyes widened marginally at the claim. It really shouldn’t have come as a surprise to him; after all, her way of dress and presentation suggested she could buy that and much more on nothing more than simple whimsy.

“Oh, certainly! I’ve got more out the back, and I can get them when you’re ready for them.

“And if you want a bit more of a classic feeling, you can pair them with similarly hued blooms – like ranunculus,” Rumare circled around his counter, careful to circumvent the little girl and her stippling collection of rocks, so to gesture towards the blooms in question, “roses, and carnations. Sprigs, even some cedar, also go lovely with red – gives it just that bit more of a burst of colour. Same goes with wax flowers.”

At the sight of her vibrant choice, a thought jostled itself to the forefront of his mind. Rather than restrain it, he let it all out, smiling broadly throughout.

“If you like bright, warm colours, I’ve got a bouquet out the back that I haven’t quite finished yet, but you may like.” He thrust his thumb over his shoulder, directing it towards the posterior of the store. “Would you like to see it?”

[sontaire]

“Listen, dear, if you’re going to have one of your first customers in this place, it may as well be me.” Sontaire laughed at her own notable infamy. Yes, she knew after this people would be talking, likely spreading rumours -- they always spread a rumour if she so much as glanced at another person -- but he would be the proud recipient of a lot of coin after this. “I’m very excited to see what you have to put together... Show me what you have.”

Noora tucked a curl of red hair behind her small, pointed ear and crouched, gathering all her rocks back in her pocket. She gave them a thorough examination and now it was time for them to be returned from whence they came. She dashed over, unnecessarily fast, bumping into Rumare’s leg and steadying herself with his shin. “Let’s go to the back. Let’s go.” Patience was a virtue the child did not yet possess.

“Noora, wait.” Hallandor scolded Noora, who growled back up at him and stomped her foot, making a tap.

[floralflorist-blog]

“I’m doing quite alright, thank you!” The little girl’s dour greeting drew forth a chuckle that coloured his response. Rumare turned his attentions back upon the womer, eyes still creased from amusement. “It’s been a bit of a slow day, but what can you do? How about yourself?”

He considered making a corresponding inquiry to the boy perched atop the crook of her arm, but quickly thought twice. He seemed the nervous type, and he didn’t want to make him anymore agitated by needlessly engaging him in conversation.

“Ah – flowers are my passion. All plants, really, but flowers especially. I couldn’t think of owning any other sort of place.” He caught eye of her scrutiny. “Do you need assistance or are you just browsing?”

[sontaire]

Was she just browsing? Now that she was surrounded by so many gorgeous blooms, it was difficult to make a decision on whether or not she would take something home after all. Once a bright red bundle of peonies caught her eye, however, that indecision was dashed. Whilst Noora was meticulously laying her rocks out on the ground in some indecipherable pattern, her mother stepped quickly to the vibrant flowers, cupping the petals as if they were made of butterfly wings: delicate and precious. “I... yes. Today has been lovely. Especially lovely, now that I’ve seen... these. How many of these do you have?”

“Mommy,” Hal pleaded in a small, gravelly voice, chewing on his finger, “I want some too.” 

“We’ll get some, dearest. I’ll get plenty of them.” Her lips met his forehead and left a red kiss, “I’ll take all of them. All of them that you have. But, a moment, I’m still browsing... what would you suggest to go with the peonies?”

[thetwinlegends]

Rise and Shine!

[thetwinlegends]

“I think he finds you a bit attractive” The laughter was leaking out of her words like a cracked bucket of water. At least the grey hen wasn’t taking offense to that, she was quite happy to have seed. The rooster closed the gap between between itself and Sontaire, passing back in forth with it’s head held high. The other chickens were non-the-wiser, picking away at the grains that slipped between the pebbles.  “Looks like I have competition.”

[sontaire]

“No! No, Signe,” Sontaire protested and made an absolutely incredible expression of righteous indignation, “I do NOT want this rooster to try and charm me, I want to be left alone...! Signe, help,” Her whimpering became more and more strained, until the gray hen decided to sit itself on her lap. She snapped out of her anxiety. It was soft, and fluffy, so gentle sat upon her thighs, and the last of the seed now went to her, it seemed. 

“Signe. She sat on me. What does it mean? Signe, please, I don’t understand, what does she want?” She insisted to herself that she was far too wealthy and important to be doing such menial and clearly dangerous tasks; but if Signe would be pleased simply by her doing it, then... she would do it.

[thetwinlegends]

Rise and Shine!

[thetwinlegends]

The rooster was unenthused, but the hen was curious. She took a few tentative steps forward to peck at the seed in Sontaire’s hand. It didn’t seem like the altmer was paying attention to her anyways, hopefully she wouldn’t surprise her.  The Rooster did not break eye-contact however, strutting and pacing with pride. The iridescent tail feathers bobbed with each dancing movement. Signe stiffed a laugh. “I think he uh…I think he is tryin’ to impress you.”

[sontaire]

That wasn’t so bad. The hen was being... gentle, for a chicken, like a swift little poke to her hand each time. She wasn’t entirely sure what constituted a calm feeding response from these pillowy, fluffy little creatures, but she surmised it was this. Despite her joy and throwing a glance over her shoulder at Signe, complete with an unsure smile at this success, the next development worried her.

“Impress me?” Sontaire wanted out of this already, “Why should he want to impress me? I don’t want this creature to shred my arm with those talons and that is all the impressing I need, thank you very much...” Somehow she managed to lean back from her own arm, as if she was being pulled forth and the rest of her body was desperately pulling away, making sure there was plenty of distance between her and the rooster.