Sorcery Incarnate

Ashen Wolves Student; Affiliated with The Officer's Academy

[sorceryincarnate]

June Activity

Skill Points 5 -> 6

Upped Reason D -> D+ (Activity)

Tracker Link

[fatedsteps]

to be a lady

[heavy armor +1/excavation mission board]

[fatedsteps]

Lene was more than a little worried. The ball - not just any ball - but the Ethereal Ball  - was approaching. This was a one-of-a-kind event where nobles and higher-ups gathered for dance and entertainment. Normally, Lene would not be privy to such a thing. However, she was allowed to go.....apparently.....because she attended the monastery. It was a bit much, to be honest. The dancer wasn't sure she'd make a good appearance.

But a debut at such a pivotal event meant only one thing - a beautifully prepared outfit. And Lene had no such thing. She was living blissfully at the academy, yes, but she did not have access to copious funds like nobles at the school. It made her frantic. How would she prepare? Luckily, she'd heard rumors that a cheaper stall was selling goods on the outskirts of the monastery. The dancer only hoped that the items were up to par and not just merely cheap. She couldn't very well show up to the ball in tatters.

The dancer meandered down to the rumored location - casually - as casually as she could. Be still my beating heart. She had to hide how anxious this truly made her feel. It seemed like someone else had already arrived, though. A blonde girl in a long uniform leaned on the stop. Well, Lene'd just search around her. There were so many items, though, and it soon became overwhelming. Dresses of all types and colors lined up before her. 

"Rather a lot for a ball, do n'tcha think?" Lene asks the blonde while looking through the gowns. "They might as well give us one to attend for all this fanfare," she comments, with a hand out in frustration. 

@sorceryincarnate

[sorceryincarnate]

The most important time of year had been drawing close at the academy - the fabled ethereal ball. This year was unique due to the change in venue, located far from the academy grounds, and so many were excited about what they'd wear to a seaside event.

...which also meant a fair number of attire had been resold due to the outdoor location. Not all gowns liked the taste of the salty air, nor did they like the touch of the ocean waves. Which meant, if anyone were to consider them, they would need a critical eye to sift through what was pretty and what was practical.

Which leaves Constance standing awkwardly by the massive collection of gowns and accessories, a tired expression to match with the way she hangs her head.

"It's like they've crafted an ocean for us to wade through, ready to pull us beneath the waves..." A roundabout answer to the person who's joined her dress searching adventures, who tugs lightly at one of the gowns closest to her. Some of these are even literal - she can't tell at a glance that her or this person would drown in the fabrics of this dress.

"I am not sure if I'll be of any proper help," She then adds, eyes still on the dress; "But if there's something you're looking for in particular, I'll do what I can to be useful..."

[sorceryincarnate]

"Coco..! I've been looking for you" Hapi appeared behind her. She tried to spook her, in the kindest way possible. "I was wondering where the rest of you were doing" she pouts slightly.

"Anyway. What are you up to? I'm rather bored and want some entertainment" Hapi asked, tilted her head and leaning against her hand. Some company and boredom is better than no company and boredom after all!

She hadn't been up to especially much - considering on grabbing a bite to eat, perhaps, but otherwise letting her mind wander for a change. Just as she had determined her course of action, though, the sneak sneak sneaking of a long-time friend draws the other close to her, and when Hapi speaks -

"Wuuuahhh!" A gasp with a hand drawn upwards, she pivots towards the culprit. "Who-..."

Withdrawing her folding fan, she gives Hapi a bonk on the head. Playful at that - not actually doing any real harm. "Oh, you! You caused quite the fright out of me! What if someone saw?!" Her apparent scolding then settles. "...it's really nice to see you."

She then draws the fan back, tapping it against her chin. "You say you're bored, hmm? I'm sure we can put our heads together to solve such a dire predicament! Such as..." it's interrupted by a less-than-ladylike grumble from her stomach.

"A-hem...perhaps we could start by chatting over a light snack?" She'll brainstorm something while they play catch up.

[lalamines]

a little retail therapy is good for the soul

The Ethereal Ball is on the horizon! Although the monastery’s reconstruction efforts have been steady, some put into question if it’s really in resplendent enough condition to host such an event. The normally quiet Viscount Menja of the Adrestian Empire has graciously offered to host the Ball instead this year, claiming his viscounty’s waters and fleet will make a grand venue despite the break in tradition. For the price of admission, all he asks is that all guests prepare a present each for his heir’s birthday. He’s given no restrictions, but every gift shall be checked before entering Menja territory. With only a few weeks away, all of Garreg Mach is now in a frenzy. What IS the perfect birthday gift, and do YOU have yours ready?  

[lalamines]

Arms already strained from carrying bags filled with baking ingredients, Mercedes steps in to the curio shop with purpose. Dust floated in the air, dancing upon the sunbeam revealed as she opens the door. The store is dimly lit, the only light sources being floating candles, emitting a rainbow of colours that paint the shop in hazy, dreamlike watercolours. Artifacts hum with magical energy as her eyes roam the shelves. Viscount Menja's line were known for their sorcery; hopefully she could find something unique here. Or at least something more interesting than gold and finery.

Mercedes finds something far more precious though. Ignoring the shelves stocked with trinkets and magical amplifiers, she rushes over to a young blonde woman, heart hammering in her chest.

"Constance? Is it really you?" Mercedes whispers tentatively, as though speaking too loudly would break the spell and make her disappear. "It's been such a long time. Goodness, it does my heart good just to see you again."

"Oh, are you shopping too? Are you looking for anything in particular? Perhaps we could put our heads together? If you don't mind a nosy old friend's intrusion, of course!"

@sorceryincarnate

[sorceryincarnate]

She had thought that she had it all figured out - her outfit, how she might greet herself, whom to approach and who to prove her worth towards. It was a night of wonder that she had to ensure a good reputation at - for her house, and for her future.

But a gift...oh, she had completely forgotten! What a fool she'd make, if she couldn't bring forth a gift to the heir of the host! It would be completely unacceptable!

With little time on her hands, she braves the trek up from the underground world. Eyes squint at the sudden change in scenery. This was simply not a task she could do.

Ah, but She decides that it must be done nonetheless. She'd be lower than the lowest if she could not produce a gift when the time came. Maybe she'd even be kicked out? Hm, but maybe it would be better off if she wasn't part of the attendance-...

As she mulls over her options, a bright smile is spotted in the distance. Closer she comes, calling forth her name, and...oh? This was someone that she knew, wasn't it? She presses her fingers together as her head hangs low. "...I have been making an attempt, if you could call it as such. The upcoming ball has requested us to each procure a gift as a way of thanks..."

"Oh, but," hastily, she adds, biting at her lip. "Please, do not waste your efforts on someone such as myself. Had I not forgotten, I would not be in this situation in the first place..." Then again, she wouldn't have come face to face with someone like Mercedes were it not for these circumstances. (A boon in and of itself, no?) Easy for you to say...

Wait. Actually...

"Are you perhaps searching for something of your own?" She's unsure of what help she can provide, but she can't help but place forth the offer nonetheless.

[sorceryincarnate]

May Activity

Skill Points 4 -> 5

Upped Faith E -> E+ (Activity)

Claimed from Ball: Seaside Parasol (pending)

First activity post! Here is her tracker - for ball asks, if anyone wants to turn them into a mini, please let me know!

Here's the threads I Owe VS not too:

Threads I owe:

to be a Lady [May Mission][Lene]

a little retail therapy is good for the soul [May Mission][Mercedes]

Threads waiting for a reply:

This sign won't stop me (for I can't read it) [May Mission[Lachesis]

And What's Behind Portal #2?[May Mission][Petra]

Practice Makes Perfect [May Mission][Yuri]

If you find that your thread is not listed, or if I DO owe you something, let me know! Thanks!

[sorceryincarnate]

[ COFFEE ] - More specifically, a mocha brewed with Almyran coffee beans and Dagdan chocolate and served with hot milk. A sweeter variation of the drink taking Fódlan by storm.

"I've heard much about this particular coffee blend."

She stands in front of the snack table, a drink tower stacked with mugs before her, contents warm enough to be steaming. The label in front of them reads "Dagdan Chocolate Mocha - Almyran Blend". She doesn't reach for any handle in particular, but by how she lingers there, arms crossed and hand to her chin, she seems to be considering it deeply. She has always been a fan of both tea and coffee, but usually not quite so embellished.

Poe doesn't know the girl she is addressing, but never has that stopped her before. She holds out a charm, pretty and porcelain, with a coaxing smile. "A starfish for your thoughts: do you know if it's any good? Before I take one for myself—I wouldn't want to have to carry around a drink I don't like with me all night."

It had been quite the night. There had been a number of faces, both new and old, that she encountered. A sudden storm turned the venue upside down, stranding some, keeping others inside, and many more seeking shelter from the harsh rain. But, with some help prettying up, and a well-earned nap after a fierce battle, Constance decides to take what's left of the night to relax and have fun.

After some dancing, she opts for a snack, but does not expect to receive a question. She looks to the label, considering whether or not she's had such a blend. The pause sticks longer than she might have wanted.

"...it's got an acquired taste. Bitter, especially if you refrain from adding sugar or extra milk. But I've also heard it's easy to turn it cloyingly sweet, so I'd recommend only adding sugar in moderation."

She slides a charm of her own - a small, smiley turtle - towards the other's way. "Does that satisfy your question? I've heard there's some tea, if you're looking for something different."

[sorceryincarnate]

[ ADRESTIA ] - A court dance that has spread like wildfire through Fódlan ballrooms. This waltz is best known for a special move that calls for the partners to join hands, together forming the shape of a bird in flight.

"Constance! You look positively radiant," Mercedes beams, as she approaches her old friend. "Truly, you're the bell of this ball!"

"Hmm, would you care to dance together for old times sake?" she asks softly, already reaching for Constance's hand before she has the wherewithal to stop. Her cheeks colour slightly but her smile brightens as she takes in the young woman Constance has blossomed into. "I'll have to follow your lead, I think I may have forgotten most of the steps. You were always the sharp, clever one my friend."

A smile springs from behind the hand she raises. "You flatter me, dear Mercedes! Have you not looked upon yourself? You've picked a lovely outfit to wear tonight." Lovely, but simple, too. There's a charm to that - and she wouldn't want Mercedes to be outshone by the blinding jewelry that would obscure her natural beauty.

Her smile softens. Mercedes always reminded her of better times. Of a world before her standing had been stripped away. Before she lost contact with her (and Emile) for some time.

Here, on the dance floor, she accepts Mercedes' hand. For that brief time, it's just the two of them, without their responsibilities hanging over them. She doesn't mind if one steps on the other - if the dance isn't one to one to the steps she's supposed to know. "We can remember it together," she tells her. "I've even got just the thing to remind us of the night together, too."

She speaks of the small charm she was given at the start. A cute little turtle, something you might find from a children's book. It's perhaps because of this that she's happy to be able to trade one to her. That hopefully tonight has brought her back to happier times, too.

[sorceryincarnate]

[ NOHR ] - A quick-paced dance that focuses heavily on precise footwork and bold movements, evoking the image of two soldiers in battle. "Hey there!" Lene calls. Now that's a familiar face. The two of them had gone shopping for dresses before the ball. 

"Constance!" Lene adds. "What's up? How are you?" She wonders if the ball is everything the girl has hoped for. "I'm so glad I found you!" "Your white dress is such an interesting choice, too," she adds. "So cute."

The dancer pulls on her arm. "C'mon, dance with me!!! It'll be fun!"

This was the one place she could show off her dancing skills to the full. Why not use it to help friends? Lene brings Costance to the ballroom floor and starts to whirl. "This one's a bit quick, I hear, but I got you. Just trust me."

The orchestra starts, and Lene's off, guiding Constance and leaping and spinning away. 

Gears shift and turn at the sudden entrance of Lene. Has she...? It does take a moment to backtrack, but once she's connected the dots, she goes to speak-

And is pulled along before she's able to make a witty remark! The song starts, and she thinks she's heard something about Lene mentioning that it's got a fast tempo. Sure enough, One step turns to five, and she picks up the pace, feet cambering to keep nearby the other.

But she puts her trust in Lene. If she's approached her after their time shopping, came seeking company and a good time? She decides not to disappoint.

"Ahahahahaha~! Let us be off, then! While I may not be familiar with this tune, I am more than capable of keeping up!" Says the girl who nearly stumbles over her own feet, but with Lene's instruction, is narrowly averted.

[sorceryincarnate]

“trade with me.” not quite polite enough to call it a request and not quite harsh enough to be a demand. it's just a byproduct of the air of confidence that follows yuri wherever he goes, a man who tends to get his ‘yes’es. the turtle charm dangles before her, pinched between two fingers as their owner quirks a brow. “c'mon. don't be stingy with me, shady lady—you'll get something out of it too. and i wanna see what prizes they've got lined up this time.”

He had come out of the blue - but it almost feels right, for him to appear from within the ever-moving crowds. She reserves a smile to greet him with. Or would, but it's fairly quickly exchanged with a furrowed brow.

"Oh, you know that's not the name I want to be called by!" Placed upon her face is a prominent pout, as she watches the turtle charm dangle from their hands. Being informed at the entrance about the goal of these charms, her scowl deepens as she reflects upon her options.

In the end, she lets out a sharp heave, searching her belongings to find...oh, that's right. They're matching. In one of her hands, a cute little turtle dangles from her fingertips now, too.

"Really though, what IS in it for me?" She asks. A rare chance to wave something over his head, for once? She's can't just let it go now. "I won't deny that would appreciate the trade. But you really can't provide something more in return?"

[sorceryincarnate]

Practice Makes Perfect

May Mission - Ice Skating

[sorceryincarnate]

She had waited for the perfect day. An overcast sky, a low prediction that it would snow (or worse, rain). These were the times where exploring the world above was made possible for herself - where she didn't have to rely on Her to shoulder her uncertainties and apprehension. She can't say that She'd particularly like the plans she's made for herself anyway, but...hm. Then again, maybe She would?

The idea rests in her thoughts. Hmmm....yeah, she'll pin it for discussion later.

Constance's focus is brought back to the important mission of hers at hand. It was a bit foolish, maybe even a bit childish, but she loved the way one could glide across the icy surface, performing a dance far different than the ones she learned growing up. There was an elegance to the act that felt necessary for her to experience firsthand, something that if she grew accustomed to the practice, may be fun to introduce to others...

Fast forward thirty minutes. Her savior of the afternoon? This one particular tree at the edge of the pond, which has been keeping her upright for the time being. Her legs shake as she attempts to remain steady. Oh, come on! She was better than this!

She wasn't going to fall. She can let go, and everything will be just-

One of the skates slides forward, and down Constance goes. After landing on her backside, she slides further towards the center of the pond, her one and only pillar of support a few feet away.

Or...hold on. Maybe hope wasn't completely lost! There was someone else here. A tad embarrassing to ask, but if they could help her back up? That'd be...wait. Wait wait wait waaaaaaaait.

What's he doing here? Constance searches for something to say, but. She's on the ground. And so, she sticks to silence, deciding not yet to make a further fool out of herself in front of them.

@aubins

[sorceryincarnate]

And what's Behind Portal #2?

May Mission - Any Skill+1

[sorceryincarnate]

Have you ever heard the timeless saying? You know, the one that says, 'no, you really shouldn't be stepping into big, ominous portals that show up by your bedside?' It's a pretty famous one.

...Constance has never heard of it, though. Or, maybe she has, but she's a touch more curious than fearful towards the matter. Doubly so given how likely these portals are the very same that everyone's been whispering about - that beings known only as the elementals of Morfis have been placing them among the lands for an important reason. No one's returned with any knowledge as to what that important reason is though, so...

She checks her belongings. Yup! She's got her spells, a few basic remedies, and a journal for any findings. With a grin, she hops on in, and-

...ah.

She stands at the edge of a formidable arena. Two large doors, one at each end, appear to be the only way out. The closer of the two she's able to test - locked, it seems. That's when her eyes catch on two things of importance.

She spots the treasure first. It's located at the center of the arena - the much brighter center, without the walls of the arena sheltering it from the harsh, sunny rays. Given what little else sits here, she concludes it must tie to the doors in some way.

But then eyes search further. Trying to see if there's another way, and, in a sense, yes. She doesn't have to be the one to open that treasure chest! This person can do that for her.

But the person she spots is...

She shrinks, receding further into the shadows. But, no - no, she can't act like this. Their backgrounds might be complicated, but she doesn't sense any hostility. She's scared, but she can't...she's got to put on a brave face.

If what she needs to leave is there, then...

"Ahem!" She straightens up, waving a hand in her direction. "It would seem that you've found yourself here through one of those portals, have you not?" She speaks a tad strong; her smile, well-crafted. "Have you had any luck with the door nearest your side?"

@mahalikha

[sorceryincarnate]

This sign won't stop me (for I can't read it)

May Mission - Reason +1

[sorceryincarnate]

The Village of Burrowhaven brought two important key aspects to Constance's attention.

First, the location. So many had not known of its existence until conflict had rose some time ago. Though she knew little of the battle that waged above the Abyss, to have another place that welcomed the unfortunate with open arms...

And second. It's the rumors and rules. Despite the numerous advances that can be made with magic, they had put a strict ban on it altogether. Rumor tell that it's for the curious properties that magic takes on down here. That even white magic converts to a magic far darker, more dangerous in makeup.

Simply denying all use of magic, to her, cannot be a sustainable solution. There had to be a reason, no? Could it not be understood, and then used to better everyone?

She waits until sunset - though the canyon proves a great deal of shade - to venture to their village, deciding first to pay mind to the town's layout. If she is to convince them of her plans, she needs to collect research, first. The rumors said that the magic had a tendency to sink into the earth itself, didn't it? If she collected a sample-

Eyes meet with another. The attire gives her away - she's not from Burrowhaven, Constance is fairly confidant on that. Standing tall, she gestures a hand towards herself.

"Oh! You're from the academy, are you not? Your timing couldn't be anymore perfect!" Yeah, she's...a teacher, right? Not from her house, but...

"Surely, if you've come here, you must be curious too. Their particular rules...you don't just create them all willy-nilly! There must be a history behind it."

@landslioness

[sorceryincarnate]

To think, that a whole event would be mere days after she's collected herself here! It's to her, a blessing - to improve her standing, she would need to improve relations with the others here, no?

The setting sun means that She won't have to be dragged around too much, either. A relief on both of their parts, really. Still, the sun won't be down for a bit longer...she's glad to have brought an umbrella to keep the remaining rays away from her eyes.

That said...what's she to do with this turtle?

---

Constance is also doing ball this year! Here is her tracker:

Seashell - Dimitri

Starfish - Poe

Anchor - Eliwood, Mercedes

Turtle - Emma, Yuri, Darios

Pearl - Dorothea

And her outfit can be found below:

[sorceryincarnate]

“Constance! There you are…I did not think I would have taken so long to find you.” The professor approached her with a friendly smile, voice framed by slight panting as if he had been jogging- which he most likely had been. “Worry not, no surprise assignments from me. Rather, I wished to give you something I found- I thought this would suit your tastes.”

From under his cloak a book was revealed, the cover slightly faded but of gray leather and silver accents. It wasn’t a tome, but rather a compilation of records on many kinds of spells beyond just the realm of battle. “I am aware my less than ideal magic prowess results in me not being the most useful teacher for someone with your skillset, so allow this to at least make up for some of it. It was written by a scholar from the Fhirdiad School of Sorcery many years ago, and seems to contain quite an interesting collection of information.”

With a short sigh, he patted down his cloak. “That aside, how have you been doing?”

Silent eyes glance over the book. It's for...her? To say that her first few days were lively would be an understatement, surely!

Her smile spreads wide, one that doesn't require being made through practice. It's an honest smile, one that knows to hold the book tight against her chest as to ensure it's taken safely back to her room.

"How did..." No, she decides the where and when that he's obtained matters little. She clears her throat. "Aha, so you've noticed my talents! Yes, a book like this would most definitely aid in my studies."

She thinks back to her prior encounter and, oops. Now there's the forced smile. "...actually, this really lifted my mood quite a bit! Nothing too dire was bothering me, no no no, but...well, who doesn't like a surprise gift?"

But it's also a welcome surprise to see him looking out for her. She can't help but wonder what lengths he goes with the other students - and if his timing to check on them when they're down is decent, too.

[sorceryincarnate]

"Life is a series of peaks and valleys." Ferdinand swung his arm out, fanning his hand haughtily. Really, what great relief it was, that time passes and the night leaks out between the maw of a bad faucet, yet here she was again. His entire demeanor, from ear to ear, had the lick of flame peeling back his layers, until he burned of a nostalgia that neither could ever return to. "Our reunion is, to my mind, the highest of peaks."

"Ha! And to think, where we once hailed as the echelon of Adrestia's foremost houses, we may one day return in a fashion that even summers will crave." And a beat. "I am... glad, really." Really, truly. So much so, he leaned into it. Like a song off a gallery seat, elbows pressed against the balcony sidebox to crane his whole body in.

"That you went through a time so difficult and pulled yourself out of the wreckage."

Where one flame buried bright, the other laid dormant among the ashes, the stray embers flickering a feeble sign of life. Difficult, he says. Their meeting, a highlight to be praised and admired above all else! Her flame appears at first to have died out - but with a snap, it erupts into something far more deadly.

"Oh, ever so thankful for the reminder!" She scoffs; "That the single most dreadful, embarressing day of my entire life can be summed to you up as 'difficult.' Certainly, the 'noblest of nobles' has dived in plenty of valleys of his very own, and has quite an understanding about how deep they can surely get!"

Her sneer lowers, and exhaustion hides behind the more serious tone her expression takes. "…I lost everything, you know. My title. My place. My family."

Briefly, she meets eye to eye - just as quickly, she pulls away. "So, if all if you've come to do is remind me of those failings, then I hardly see the need for us to discuss any further."

She pivots on her heel, a hand raised to signal a goodbye.

[sorceryincarnate]

May Mission Tasks!

((Hello!! With Constance here, and Niamh well overdue for some new threads, here's a list of Tasks for May that these characters are interested in (crossed out = taken; blue = starter exists)

Constance (honestly anything for her, but these are the main ones):

Authority (Needs GD) - let's go on a funny fetch quest together!

Reason (Needs GD) - Constance would absolutely want to whip up a solution - most likely with magic. Depending on the muse, you may be trying more to ensure she doesn't get caught testing her theories than coming up with a solution yourself. w/lachesis

Any Skill - Constance would be suspicious at first, but the promise of treasure would hook her in. (Depending on where the portals go, her sunny side might have a few words about it, though.) w/petra

Ice Skating - This one's just fun! Ideally best with someone who can provide a ton of optimism at the inevitable slip-ups. w/yuri

Birthday Gift - Of course she has a welcoming gift for the ball! Who doesn't? (She doesn't). Let's panic together. /w mercie (awaiting starter)

Heavy Armor - Constance might have fun with a muse who's manning the stall - possibly considering if there are any way to help lighten the weight of these oversized garments? But also, she's probably on a budget, so a shopping trip with another muse would be fun as well. w/lene

Niamh:

Reason (Needs GD) - Niamh would be more curious about the why over finding a solution to the problem - but would help sleuth with a partner if so desired.

Dye Prompt (Needs GD) - Niamh would be curious about the tradition, and especially given the number of plants she grows back at home, might take note of how they use them for her own use later.

Hidden pathway (Needs GD) - unexplored tunnels? Let's go! Niamh sees no reason why she can't go exploring, and is curious what flora grows where no one goes. w/nanna

Any Skill - Niamh wants to know how the portals work, and whether or not the monsters compare to the ones that were running about a few months back. Add a puzzle to this and she's more than happy to pull a suspicious or less willing person along for the ride. (Or are you running in to make sure she doesn't get herself hurt?)

You can send a tumblr DM, discord DM, or ping in the plotting channel. Thank you!))