#queue: wandering

[fcrtis]

@prideoftheqxincy chapter continued from here

" Hate you? " Perhaps the statement shouldn't have come as a surprise. Him and Nelliel, they weren't particularly close; ever since their first meeting she's stuck to Ichigo's side like glue, never really peeling herself off to talk with him or Chad or even Orihime upon rescue. Beyond the topic of their shared friend, they had no reason to talk whenever they were alone. Maybe she mistook that for hatred. Or she's just being dramatic that he's keeping her from Ichigo in one way or another.

He pushed up his glasses, blue eyes glancing in her direction. " I don't have the time to needlessly hate someone. " Nelliel may be an Arrancar, a quintessential enemy against the Quincies due to her hollow origins, but she'd proven herself many times over. Without her, Pesche, and Dondochakka, they would never have survived the trip in Hueco Mundo. They wouldn't have been able to rescue Orihime and, subsequently, the rest of the worlds from Aizen's rule. And, according to Ichigo's account of the war on the Quincies, Nelliel played a huge role, going so far as to accompany him in the Soul Palace. When all's said and done, Uryu appreciated what she's done and tolerated her presence, at least. " Though, Pesche might be a different story, " he retorted, though without any real bite to his tone.

❝If I have mistaken silence for hatred then that is my responsibility. ❞ Despite its frankness, there had been an absence of accusation or hostility within her previous utterance. The woman is acutely acquainted with the weight of their kin’s intertwined history. If he wished to keep her at arm’s length, she would not blame him – would understand it even.

Should anyone point out that she had done little to bridge the chasm between them she would have no choice but to accept such a statement’s truth. Had she reflected on why she’d omitted to do so she’d likely reach the conclusion that she was afraid that she would still be seen as nothing more than a Hollow, that she hadn’t aligned herself with them because of her own will but rather mere coincidence of their objectives aligning with one another. But that introspection session is fated to be scheduled for another time and place.

His retort catches her off guard, softens her usual poised demeanour as amusement takes a hold. There’s a soft chuckle, partially dulled behind the back of her hand before she speaks, ❝if it helps, sometimes even I wish to strangle Pesche.❞ She confesses knowing all too well that Pesche has a penchant for dramatic flair alongside filling in silence where it is not needed. Perhaps this small moment of humour is the first step towards closing some of the distance between them. Whether he chooses to meet her part of the way or retreat into silence remains to be seen.

[fcrtis]

One adventure for @6petals: Making something sweet for Nelliel || Still accepting.

TO NELLIEL, THE WORLD OF THE LIVING was like stepping into a painting; each hue that coloured it vibrant with life, a stark contrast to the faded strokes she’d become accustomed to. Rays of sunlight reach through the window’s of Orihime’s apartment, warming the skin of Nelliel’s back as hazel eyes rest upon the assortment of sweets that the younger woman has made for her. Just for her, just because. Seldom was sheoffered anything simply out of kindness, nothing that wasn’t typically weighted with strings of obligation or expectation.

❝I’ve never had something made for me before, ❞ she confesses. Warmth sprouts, buds and begins to flourish in her chest – and not by the sun’s doing. She reaches towards the tray then, finally picking a sweet delight to sample and for a moment she examines as though it’s a tiny masterpiece – reluctant to ruin it.

Then came the much anticipated taste test, novel flavours and textures settling upon her tastebuds: soft, warm and saccharine. For a fleeting moment, her expression does not change as she places weighted consideration to her verdict. The sheer delight she experiences however is swift to take a hold, upturning the tiers of her lips before reaching for the edges of her eyes, reflecting the pure joy she feels. ❝It’s delicious, ❞ she finally concludes as she reaches for a second. ❝You must show me how to make this.❞  

Whilst the plate of confectionary had been a welcome gift, the intangible gift of the sense of belonging was much sweeter, a flavour to be savoured long after the pastries have disappeared.

[fcrtis]

"Do you think......just maybe, if we put..........clay, like... in your mask...........it would stop you from turning into a child?"

Unscripted @cinghialefedele || Perpetually accepting

Had Nelliel been a cartoon character, several question marks would be sprouting above her head right now. She casts a glance in his direction over the edge of her teacup, an eyebrow raising just enough to betray mild amusement as she takes a sip. For a moment, she is awash with gratitude and relief that Kisuke’s creation has spared her from some… very messy (and likely futile) pottery experiments. ❝How long have you been considering this?❞

[fcrtis]

One new adventure for @burdenedreverence || Still accepting

Hueco Mundo was inhospitable. This was a truth older than time itself, when the world was young and creatures existed before concepts. It was not meant to be walked by the Shinigami that was Hayden, and it let him know in the most violent of ways. On his back, wounded at the chest, bleeding crimson. A part of him simply wanting to remain there, frozen and tired. Ready to sleep yet unable to by forces stronger than himself. A low breath leaves his lips, it felt both hot and cold in some impossible juxtaposition. Perhaps he would have remained there, for years, if something had not arrived. A hand reached out at him, perhaps a vulture ready to feast on his yet-to-be corpse. And in return with lighting reflexes his own hand seized there own, his eyes still close as he felt the sensation of not hollow flesh but something softer. Fabric, silk maybe? A wrist that was smaller than his own, lithe in its own way, yet holding power hidden beneath flesh. Strange and humanoid. Nothing at all like a hollow, like a Menos. His eyes open and he’s staring at a woman, and he is taken aback. Likely the most beautiful woman he’s seen, here or otherwise. Surprised emerald eyes stare at hazel’s with confusion. Not a word is spoken as his hand remains holding her wrist. Calloused, dry, and scarred skin is his hand.

HUECO MUNDO IS AN UNFORGIVING ENVIRONMENT; inhabitants wander the dull canvas with nought but a gnawing hunger for company – driving them – seldom satisfied. Regression and death are dogged in their pursuit, stalking their prey throughout the sands awaiting for the opportune moment to strike –  seldom do they feel hunger.

It is not place for a Shinigami of all beings.

Strict decree had been assigned to her;  find and recruit Vasto Lorde among the dunes – not for the first time nor the last – to enable their ruler to bolster the forces they’d acquired.

Suffice to say, the last thing she’d expected to find on her mission had been a wounded Soul Reaper amidst the sands. The crimson blooming from his chest evidence that the terrain had, in it’s typical brutal fashion, issued a reminder of its own rules. He hasn’t moved, hasn’t made a sound, despite her presence which causes curiosity to get the better of her a hand reaching out to touch – to assess.

Add her wrist being caught within his calloused hand to the list of things she hadn’t been expecting.

Hazel eyes hold the gaze of emerald ones staring back at her as she continues with her assessment and swiftly concludes in his current state, he poses little threat to her. There was no reason to reach for her blade; striking down a weakened enemy is not behaviour that she deems as honourable. Perhaps it being her to stumble upon him had been a sliver of fortune shining down upon him; had it been anyone more opportunistic they would have indulged in the feast.

That isn’t to say that the Tres isn’t wary of his presence within their home. Her voice, when it finally comes is firm and comes with a gaze to match as she voices an undeniable truth ❝You don’t belong here, Soul Reaper -- ❞ there’s a beat or two before she continues ❝ -- state your business.❞  

[fcrtis]

❤️ - What is your favorite character you've written?

Munday questions @jaeguara || Still accepting

❤️ - What is your favorite character you've written?

You know what I really enjoyed the brief stint in the Fables RPC a long, long time ago as Snow White; because her character and development were just *chef's kiss.* To be honest, it's been a while since I read it, but I discovered it on the back of The Wolf Among Us coming out, and then I stumbled on the source material and thought it was pretty neat in that the characters seemed to draw inspiration from alternative tellings of their fairy tales and fables but made its own thing out of making them a little town and a having them navigate the complexities of needing to navigate modern day concepts, co-operate with each other and formation of a community in the everyday world.

✒️ - What sort of hobbies do you have outside of writing?

Aside from reading, I enjoy running (when my immune system isn't failing me bc I swear over this past year it feels like just as I was about to make progress, I get slapped back down by a heavy coldesque ailment and I will, lethargically, fight if it happens again!!) But also, video games -- Expedition 33 has (and may always have) a hold of my heart. The storytelling, the soundtrack, the characters (Renoir and Maelle in particular - I think I have a problem aha) and the details in their character designs and details - especially Renoir's (I love him even if his character breaks my heart) is a masterpiece. There were some fights that I struggled with because I was too distracted by the soundtrack lol. ANYWAY Lies of P has also hauled me back in after the DLC came out AND the OST for that game is another one I really love.

[fcrtis]

One new chapter for @reiiishii (Merisi): who exactly are you, anyways?

Exhaustion has begun to seep into her bones, waiting to claim her. Harribel’s rescue, on top of lending her support during the war, has taken a greater toll on her than she’d care to admit. Yet her mind remains restless, ignorant to her body’s pleas to rest. Instead, responsibility for assessing the extent of structural damage left in the wake of the war had been assumed by her. There’s a peculiar sense of comfort, ruinous as Las Noches was, that it hadn’t completely collapsed into the bone white sands. The same could not be said for some of her kin.

Even stranger still was the quiet sense of relief that of all things to remain, its remnants of Szayelaporro’s lab. In their endurance lay a reminder that not all of Las Noches' history and structure had been lost. And, much like the fortress, they could be salvaged and repurposed, away from the shadow of their origin. It was no secret that she and the man who had once occupied this space had come to blows more than once over differences of opinion – predominantly treatment of fracciónes. She had considered his cruel, inhumane, and had offered some of the unfortunate souls under his leadership the option of being taken under her wing. To be treated as an individual rather than something dispensable. He, in turn, considered her meddlesome and self-righteous.

❝Who exactly are you, anyways?❞

The presence of another was now being added to the long list of things she hadn’t been expecting. As too was their presence having escaped her notice. When her line of vision does rest upon them she finds she doesn’t recognise them. Then again, she wouldn’t claim to know every Arrancar residing in Las Noches. Having concluded that she doesn't think she traces hostility in her tone, only curiosity she proceeds to quell it. ❝You can call me Nelliel,❞ comes her initial response, cadence calm and even. There’s a lack of compulsion to elaborate any further beyond her name in that particular moment, mind still assessing. Her own curiosity however wishes to be satiated, nudging her gently to follow up with: ❝I didn’t expect to find anyone left here… how long have you been here?❞

[fcrtis]

FIGHTING STATS.

★★★★★★★★☆☆ — strength

★★★★★★★☆☆☆ — offense

★★★★★★★★★☆ — defense

★★★★★★★★★★ — speed

★★★★★★★★☆☆ — durability

★★★★★★★☆☆☆ — accuracy

★★★★★★★★★★ — agility

★★★★★★☆☆☆☆ — stamina

★★★★★★★★☆☆ — teamwork

★★★★★★☆☆☆☆ — stealth

★★★★★★★★★☆ — close combat.

★★★★★★★★★★— bladed weapons

★★☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆ — blunt

weapons

★★★★★☆☆☆☆☆ — ranged weapons

★★★★★★★★☆☆ — superpowers/abilities ( inc all members of the cero family ft cero doble )

★☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆ — traps / setups

★☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆ — medic

I once again stole this from @hollownekomata and once again have no regrets.

Tagging: @fushichoumomo, @kalopsiclic, @prideoftheqxincy, @captastrophe, & you c:

[fcrtis]

Are they self-concious? What is their character alignment?

Character Development Questions @ Unknown || Still accepting.

Are they self-conscious?

Generally, Nelliel is self-assured rather than self-conscious, carrying herself with a calm, quiet confidence. Rarely do other peoples’ perceptions or opinions of her faze her. She remains true to herself and her convictions irrespective of the scorn or scepticism they may draw from others. Having said that, even self-assured people can have crises of confidence from time to time. Hers tend to stem from a question of her values rather than ego. Her sense of self is tied tightly to her core principles of compassion, self-restraint and the belief that strength should be used for protection rather than domination – sharp contrasts to the unforgiving environment she calls home. If such principles are challenged, or if she’s faced with a possibility that compassion and mercy have caused more harm than good, have inflicted more suffering as opposed to alleviating it, then it begs the question as to whether her moral compass has its place which in turn causes self-doubt to rear its head. Though, even then, her moments of self-doubt aren’t brash or dramatic; she tends to seek a quiet period of self-reflection which typically is enough to restore her sense of balance and purpose.

What is their Moral Alignment?

Neutral Good; whilst she recognizes the beneficial impact that stability and structure can offer, especially in otherwise chaotic environments, she’s also able to discern that the very same order can be obstructive to achieving an outcome that is for the greater good – she’s more likely to either disregard any such structure or bend the rules to achieve such results. Through her experiences over time her lens becomes less insular and naturally broadens outward. Whilst she wouldn't claim to know of, nor understand, all the the minutiae detail, she comes to possess some understanding of the unfortunate system of balance and the ramifications that the disruption/collapse of that balance could have for Hueco Mundo and its inhabitants and vice versa (even if the execution of that same system is in a manner she considers cruel.) With that broadened lens in mind, she is capable of setting aside her personal grievances with those she should be at odds with, working co-operatively to either drive away mutual threats and/or to achieve an outcome that is mutually beneficial.