World building and theories of Engage
Battle Quotes of the Elusians
“Don't mess with the princess!”
Just like the other royal siblings, the sisters share a quote dedicating their victory to their kingdom. They both have quotes which reference their circumstances. Ivy believes that she needs to atone for the death of Morion and her inability to stop her father, “I will atone!” this is something she hopes to be able to do by stopping Sombron. Hortensia wants to go back to the Academy or to Elusia Castle and continue the life she left behind , “I want my life back!” is a statement of her longing for everything to go back to how it was.
Most of Ivy's quotes refer to her enemy and their inability rather than her battle prowess, on the other hand, Hortensia's quotes focus on herself. This echoes their personalities, Hortensia is cheerful and extroverted while Ivy is melancholy and introverted. In general Ivy has a serious personality (“whew!“) and Hortensia is a little more lighthearted (*giggle*).
"I will not *dig* this *grave.*"
"My *passion* sustains me."
"We could have been friends."
There is a theme of retainers sharing a battle quote with their liege. This is not the case with Zelkov, due to his relationship with Ivy relating to duty and purpose rather than an emotional connection. Kagetsu wants an emotional connection and wants to be friends with Ivy, therefore he shares her expression of ‘whew”
Kagetsu’s battle quotes references his personality and interests. He wants to find strong opponents to battle and test his skill and he desires friendship. He doesn't criticise or insult his foes. He is apologetic, believes the death is unfortunate and even states that “even mighty ones fall.“ On the other hand Zelkov's battle quotes references the process of death and the passion he has for the hobbies and work that provide him with purpose. He mentions that life is short but he is not ready to die, his quotes relate to his fear of dying without purpose.
Zelkov's speaks French and I believe it is for two reasons. The first reason is that French was a supralocal language in the Middle Ages, if two people could not speak each other's languages then it was likely they could both speak French to communicate. French is also a language that had managed to travel throughout the world in the Middle Ages. The second reason is the difference in language displays his emotional distance from Ivy. Kagetsu wants to relate so he makes the effort to speak in the native language despite having a different mother tongue. Zelkov has no desire to form a special bond outside of his duties therefore he speaks French.
"I've almost broke a sweat."
"What's the point of you?"
"Sorry if that was too much."
"I could use a hot spring."
The retainers do not share a quote with Hortensia, perhaps they are more focussed on themselves and their appearance to appreciate each other. Both Goldmary and Rosado apologise, amidst the bravado they are able to display some humanity. They share the focus on appearance and performance with Hortensia, Goldmary uses her swagger to display her confidence.
"Don't you feel foolish?"
"Target sighted. Attack!"
"Let's see what happens."
"The experiment was a success."
"Very intriguing results."
"I've must gather more data."
"You put up a good fight."
"Now for my next experiment."
Lindon's quotes focus on battle as a learning experience. He tries out an attack and then considers the result. He is very polite and gives his foe either negative, ("Don't you feel foolish?"), or positive, ("You put up a good fight."), feedback.
"Slashing more than prices!"
"Thanks for the business."
"I'm pretty tough, you know."
Anna's quotes focus on her family's trade as merchants. She treats her foe like a customer. Only one quotes deviates from this theme and that is how defeating how strong she is despite her age.
"The Hounds send their regards."
"That's enough out of you."
"Want a reward? Here it is!"
"The Hounds are victorious!"
"Aww... did I break you?"
"If only you'd stayed out of my way."
"That's what the Four Hounds will do to you."
"I have dispense with doubt."
"I believe I'm in the right."
"Have I made a difference?"
The first common feature of their quotes is reward and praise. Zephia, as mother and leader of the Hounds, is the one delivering the punishment. Griss and Marni desire rewards and praise whereas Mauvier does not. Zephia, Marni and Griss all mention being members of the Hounds while Mauvier mentions his loyalty as a knight of Veyle. Griss and Marni express delight at killing people while Zephia talks to her enemy and disciplines them like they are wayward children while Mauvier expresses no pleasure in performing his duties and only hopes for redemption.
