![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
[ you are backstage.
all around you is the hustle and bustle of people running around, shouting at each other as they hurry to do their tasks. a few of them glance at you, or excuse themselves as they avoid running into you, but for the most part you're ignored. a large curtain is in front of you, blocking your view of whatever lies beyond it, but around you is what is generally the norm for this type of atmosphere-- equipment for lights and cameras, props, instruments in their cases. further back are some hallways, doors, and also what looks like a table full of tasty treats! yummy.
you are confused, for a moment, before you remember that you are finalists for the pageant. you have all worked very hard to reach this point, defeating other participants on stage until you got here. you know if you win here, you will win it all. it's exciting! what does all mean? no one knows. but that's the thrill, isn't it?
the show won't start for another hour, so everyone is free to go around and mingle. perhaps introduce yourselves to each other? after all, this is the first time the four of you have ever met.
please mingle amongst each other. for this cyoa purpose, you are encourage to come up with an au of your character for them participating in this pageant and what their lives were like before this. you are free to be as ridiculous with it as you'd like, just make sure you note it. ]
all around you is the hustle and bustle of people running around, shouting at each other as they hurry to do their tasks. a few of them glance at you, or excuse themselves as they avoid running into you, but for the most part you're ignored. a large curtain is in front of you, blocking your view of whatever lies beyond it, but around you is what is generally the norm for this type of atmosphere-- equipment for lights and cameras, props, instruments in their cases. further back are some hallways, doors, and also what looks like a table full of tasty treats! yummy.
you are confused, for a moment, before you remember that you are finalists for the pageant. you have all worked very hard to reach this point, defeating other participants on stage until you got here. you know if you win here, you will win it all. it's exciting! what does all mean? no one knows. but that's the thrill, isn't it?
the show won't start for another hour, so everyone is free to go around and mingle. perhaps introduce yourselves to each other? after all, this is the first time the four of you have ever met.
please mingle amongst each other. for this cyoa purpose, you are encourage to come up with an au of your character for them participating in this pageant and what their lives were like before this. you are free to be as ridiculous with it as you'd like, just make sure you note it. ]
Edited 2024-07-14 22:30 (UTC)
[opens my pinterest she's wearing this.
laudna is backstage looking very nervous, despite smiling so widely it probably strains her cheeks. undead women seldom make it in the pageant world, after all. yes, her skin is a little mottled and rotting, her hair falls out sometimes, and her neck is at an odd angle, but she's here to prove that dead girls can be beautiful, too. there are so many little zombie girls who are out there depending on her.
she isn't quite sure how she got roped into this, to be honest. she doesn't really feel beautiful. but her necromancer convinced her that it was important to enter this competition and prove herself, so she simply has to do her best, doesn't see. she nervously waves at the other competitors backstage.]
Hello. Congratulations! You look absolutely stunning.
laudna is backstage looking very nervous, despite smiling so widely it probably strains her cheeks. undead women seldom make it in the pageant world, after all. yes, her skin is a little mottled and rotting, her hair falls out sometimes, and her neck is at an odd angle, but she's here to prove that dead girls can be beautiful, too. there are so many little zombie girls who are out there depending on her.
she isn't quite sure how she got roped into this, to be honest. she doesn't really feel beautiful. but her necromancer convinced her that it was important to enter this competition and prove herself, so she simply has to do her best, doesn't see. she nervously waves at the other competitors backstage.]
Hello. Congratulations! You look absolutely stunning.
[ rifles through pinterest and pulls out this. ]
You're quite the beauty yourself!
[ sometimes, your father is overbearing and says that you are wasting all of your talent on things like these pageant shows! instead of listening to a word that bug-eating, envious misanthrope megachurch pastor of a father has to say, marina has no plans on quitting anytime soon. at this point, she's doing it out of sheer spite, turning beautiful dresses and simple pageantry into an intellectual affair.
marina is a scholar, but by no means mousy, and at the top of her grade with a prowess for the magical and macabre. through feats of sacred geometry and magical manipulation, marina creates beautiful displays of blood and beliefCHRIS ANGEL MIND FREAK her father only wishes he could conjure up himself. popular amongst her peers and practically a witchy icon, she feels both immensely confident in herself and the most immense pressure hammering down on her skull.
because if she doesn't win it all, then she has to go back home empty handed, right?
and that's not an option. ]
We'll have to pull off quite the show tonight.
You're quite the beauty yourself!
[ sometimes, your father is overbearing and says that you are wasting all of your talent on things like these pageant shows! instead of listening to a word that bug-eating, envious misanthrope megachurch pastor of a father has to say, marina has no plans on quitting anytime soon. at this point, she's doing it out of sheer spite, turning beautiful dresses and simple pageantry into an intellectual affair.
marina is a scholar, but by no means mousy, and at the top of her grade with a prowess for the magical and macabre. through feats of sacred geometry and magical manipulation, marina creates beautiful displays of blood and belief
because if she doesn't win it all, then she has to go back home empty handed, right?
and that's not an option. ]
We'll have to pull off quite the show tonight.
[ fit check just because i like this one.
backstage nerves really around a killer, hm? ]
Well I certainly plan to.
[ astarion had entered on a whim. when people comment on your looks most of your life — sharp and interesting, which really could’ve been an attempt at an insult he’d supposed, but getting to this point rather proves them all otherwise, doesn’t it? he’d entered simply because he could and he wanted to. there’s a prize here, an accolade to be had and the idea of winning it has been appealing since the beginning.
not necessarily to prove anything to himself, but it would open some doors. doors that he really needed opening, as soon as possible. people got opportunities from this, yes? there could be the chance to leave this area, and… he would love that. perhaps it’s running to leave work and people you hate, that make you miserable but he doesn’t especially care that’s the thing.
he just wants to leave. ]
backstage nerves really around a killer, hm? ]
Well I certainly plan to.
[ astarion had entered on a whim. when people comment on your looks most of your life — sharp and interesting, which really could’ve been an attempt at an insult he’d supposed, but getting to this point rather proves them all otherwise, doesn’t it? he’d entered simply because he could and he wanted to. there’s a prize here, an accolade to be had and the idea of winning it has been appealing since the beginning.
not necessarily to prove anything to himself, but it would open some doors. doors that he really needed opening, as soon as possible. people got opportunities from this, yes? there could be the chance to leave this area, and… he would love that. perhaps it’s running to leave work and people you hate, that make you miserable but he doesn’t especially care that’s the thing.
he just wants to leave. ]
Edited (changes my mind about the fit) 2024-07-15 10:27 (UTC)
[ fit check... i did say it was all i could think about in honkai channel
caelus was made for a purpose. unlike others who are born and organically find their way to the pageant stage, he was built for this by a higher design, raised within the flames of competition and showmanship. he's always been meant to enter, to perform, to win. there is a wall of crowns and trophies in his room on the Regular Train he lives upon that prove his right to exist. between these important events, he's locked away, a consensual imprisonment as he needs the time to hone his craft. there is only one best. there is only one winner. there is only one mister stellaron (a title he won last year in the southern circuit).
but that doesn't mean caelus enjoys being alone. quite the opposite. without other players on the field, what's even the point? who desires to climb to the top and then stare down at a big fat nothing? there must be others, to witness, to test themselves, to sharpen one's own skills against like a blade to a whetstone.
so he's smiling. he's shaking hands. ]
You're all so cute.
[ too bad that's never enough for the judges. ]
It's gonna be a great night.
caelus was made for a purpose. unlike others who are born and organically find their way to the pageant stage, he was built for this by a higher design, raised within the flames of competition and showmanship. he's always been meant to enter, to perform, to win. there is a wall of crowns and trophies in his room on the Regular Train he lives upon that prove his right to exist. between these important events, he's locked away, a consensual imprisonment as he needs the time to hone his craft. there is only one best. there is only one winner. there is only one mister stellaron (a title he won last year in the southern circuit).
but that doesn't mean caelus enjoys being alone. quite the opposite. without other players on the field, what's even the point? who desires to climb to the top and then stare down at a big fat nothing? there must be others, to witness, to test themselves, to sharpen one's own skills against like a blade to a whetstone.
so he's smiling. he's shaking hands. ]
You're all so cute.
[ too bad that's never enough for the judges. ]
It's gonna be a great night.
[ after you all made your small talk and have acknowledged you are contestants, it will be about another twenty or so minutes before you hear a booming voice coming out of speakers. ]
Weeeelcome everyone to our 100th Pageant! As always, we search for the most beautiful and skilled contestant to... win it all! [ the crowd cheers. oohs. aaahs. ] It has been a fierce competition so far, and we are down to our final few hopefuls for the crown! We will introduce all of them to you shortly!
[ the crowd cheers again.
backstage, a woman hurries over to you all and starts to give you instructions. you will all walk onto the stage, and will await for the announcer to explain what the rules for each round is. there are a few other contestants besides you, but at the moment, you seem to be the only ones standing here. mostly, this is your last chance to make sure your clothes are in orderly condition and that you're not having any hair mishaps, ruh roh.
the announcer continues, ]
Alright, alright! We'll introduce you to them now. Welcome... █████, Laudna, Marina, ██████, Caelus, ████, Astarion, and ███ ████!
[ the woman ushers you all on stage, and you will all find yourselves walking single file onto it, just like you have definitely done before in the previous rounds that definitely happened. the room in front of you is completely packed, filled with thousands in the audience who are eager to meet you and watch you aim for the crown. the air is simply buzzing!
you all are directed to stand in a line facing the crowd, each with your own spotlight on you. for some reason, the other four contestants are still not here, but that doesn't seem too strange.
there is no one else on stage, but the announcer's voice rings out, ]
Here we are! Welcome! Now, let's start this off simply! Please introduce yourselves briefly, and also tell us how you would bring world peace!
[ wowie. ]
Weeeelcome everyone to our 100th Pageant! As always, we search for the most beautiful and skilled contestant to... win it all! [ the crowd cheers. oohs. aaahs. ] It has been a fierce competition so far, and we are down to our final few hopefuls for the crown! We will introduce all of them to you shortly!
[ the crowd cheers again.
backstage, a woman hurries over to you all and starts to give you instructions. you will all walk onto the stage, and will await for the announcer to explain what the rules for each round is. there are a few other contestants besides you, but at the moment, you seem to be the only ones standing here. mostly, this is your last chance to make sure your clothes are in orderly condition and that you're not having any hair mishaps, ruh roh.
the announcer continues, ]
Alright, alright! We'll introduce you to them now. Welcome... █████, Laudna, Marina, ██████, Caelus, ████, Astarion, and ███ ████!
[ the woman ushers you all on stage, and you will all find yourselves walking single file onto it, just like you have definitely done before in the previous rounds that definitely happened. the room in front of you is completely packed, filled with thousands in the audience who are eager to meet you and watch you aim for the crown. the air is simply buzzing!
you all are directed to stand in a line facing the crowd, each with your own spotlight on you. for some reason, the other four contestants are still not here, but that doesn't seem too strange.
there is no one else on stage, but the announcer's voice rings out, ]
Here we are! Welcome! Now, let's start this off simply! Please introduce yourselves briefly, and also tell us how you would bring world peace!
[ wowie. ]
[laudna is definitely new enough to this and naive enough to not get the slight condescension in what caelus says, or the implications of astarion planning a great show on his own. she's just thrilled to be here, and relieved that everyone is so friendly and nice. she blushes at marina's compliment, and shakes hands with caelus.
though in the back of her mind, there's that critical voice she can't shake. you can't trust these people. they're all out for themselves, don't forget it.
still, she smiles brightly.]
I'm Laudna, by the way. It's really such an honor to be here.
though in the back of her mind, there's that critical voice she can't shake. you can't trust these people. they're all out for themselves, don't forget it.
still, she smiles brightly.]
I'm Laudna, by the way. It's really such an honor to be here.
[she's first? at least, after █████? or maybe the first altogether? oh no. she's practiced so much for this moment, but the moment she's asked to step forward, the nerves hit her. everyone looking up at her, staring, the judges, the crowd...
she knows she's here because she's done well in earlier rounds and other competitions, but it's still hard not to feel that she doesn't belong here. it's hard not to imagine that the crowd is privately laughing at her, that the judges are angry at her for daring to be here. she doesn't want this, she wants to go hide backstage.
but she can't disappoint anyone. she can't have anyone so angry at her, call her a failure, a disappointment. so she steps forward, unable to hide the nerves behind her broad smile.]
H- hello. So nice to meet you. I'm Laudna.
[wait, what was the question? oh right... world peace. um. hmm. she practiced an answer to this.]
I think it's so important that everyone in the world tries to truly understand one another. Look beyond surface differences and try to find commonalities! [was there anything else?] Oh, yes! And prayer. I am lucky enough to have been raised to know the blessings of the Whispered One, our lord Vecna. I truly do believe one day we will be fortunate enough to witness his return, and he will bring about peace for all of us.
she knows she's here because she's done well in earlier rounds and other competitions, but it's still hard not to feel that she doesn't belong here. it's hard not to imagine that the crowd is privately laughing at her, that the judges are angry at her for daring to be here. she doesn't want this, she wants to go hide backstage.
but she can't disappoint anyone. she can't have anyone so angry at her, call her a failure, a disappointment. so she steps forward, unable to hide the nerves behind her broad smile.]
H- hello. So nice to meet you. I'm Laudna.
[wait, what was the question? oh right... world peace. um. hmm. she practiced an answer to this.]
I think it's so important that everyone in the world tries to truly understand one another. Look beyond surface differences and try to find commonalities! [was there anything else?] Oh, yes! And prayer. I am lucky enough to have been raised to know the blessings of the Whispered One, our lord Vecna. I truly do believe one day we will be fortunate enough to witness his return, and he will bring about peace for all of us.
[ ah. an adoring crowd. they have to be adoring, marina won't accept anything less. the people who hate her don't matter, and her father especially doesn't matter, the man who likes to tune into these things and criticize her where she can't see his cowardly face. while perhaps she'd do better within the confines of a higher education solely, she's sought to juggle both with a well-practiced finesse that only strict discipline and an on-persona off-persona can allow her. ]
What a delight it is to come before you all tonight — my name in Marina.
[ she gathers her dress with care between the tips of her fingers and gives a very elegant dip, unwavering. a question like how to bring about world peace is quite frankly, bullshit. but part of the deal is to believe it with your whole chest even if it's a notion that is heinously silly to even consider for something with some pageantry. what, are they generating ideas for world leaders or some shit?
cut the crap.
she sounds like she means this next part with her Whole Chest though: ]
One must consider restructuring of the system at the roots. As such, a changing of the guard is in due order - the shaking of hands between the past and the present to allow inter-generational relations to heal at last.
That is not to say to sweep out the old completely. Many an ancient tome bears the truth to peace, to achieving growth and stability, but only through duress. One might truly take to heart the teachings of the dear god of Fear and Hunger, and how a gathering of everyone, from the highest to the lowest, would make a true world of a difference. A union to push through even the most painful of times. Pain shared is knowledge gained.
[ why are we pedaling horrific gods to these people. ]
It is in knowing and understanding shared trials and tribulations that we'll find the true light of understanding and peace.
What a delight it is to come before you all tonight — my name in Marina.
[ she gathers her dress with care between the tips of her fingers and gives a very elegant dip, unwavering. a question like how to bring about world peace is quite frankly, bullshit. but part of the deal is to believe it with your whole chest even if it's a notion that is heinously silly to even consider for something with some pageantry. what, are they generating ideas for world leaders or some shit?
cut the crap.
she sounds like she means this next part with her Whole Chest though: ]
One must consider restructuring of the system at the roots. As such, a changing of the guard is in due order - the shaking of hands between the past and the present to allow inter-generational relations to heal at last.
That is not to say to sweep out the old completely. Many an ancient tome bears the truth to peace, to achieving growth and stability, but only through duress. One might truly take to heart the teachings of the dear god of Fear and Hunger, and how a gathering of everyone, from the highest to the lowest, would make a true world of a difference. A union to push through even the most painful of times. Pain shared is knowledge gained.
[ why are we pedaling horrific gods to these people. ]
It is in knowing and understanding shared trials and tribulations that we'll find the true light of understanding and peace.
Hey now, handsome, you'd better watch your neck with words like that. Cute's for puppies - maybe you should look in a mirror.
[ beaming still, she's done being sooooooo polite. and she doesn't have time for men in fedoras who don't know how to wear their jackets properly.
marina knows friendly competition, and she knows competition where someone's full of confidence enough that it's almost disgusting. boy. (i love you) ]
Make sure that head of yours is tied onto its string real tight or it'll float away~
[ beaming still, she's done being sooooooo polite. and she doesn't have time for men in fedoras who don't know how to wear their jackets properly.
marina knows friendly competition, and she knows competition where someone's full of confidence enough that it's almost disgusting. boy. (i love you) ]
Make sure that head of yours is tied onto its string real tight or it'll float away~
[ the crowd doesn’t bother him particularly. there’s a familiarity deep in his bones, an understanding of how to be on a stage and how to speak to a large group of people. a useful skill to have at this moment in time, certainly. he can see marina has the way of it — present yourself, and present yourself well. charm the people and they will be charmed by you.
but it’s incredibly good, sometimes, to remind yourself that you want to be somewhere. because there are times when things happen that make you question why you bothered in the first place, and being asked about world peace is definitely one of them. he’s professional enough that he doesn’t roll his eyes so hard they rattle around in his skull like marbles, and the stupidity of the question doesn’t colour his voice when he does speak
he dips himself into a sweeping and elegant bow, once the other two ladies have said their piece. ]
What an undertaking that would be.
Peace for many is not won by wishing and praying, it is achieved through hard work and understanding. Opening communication with others, and coming to understand where our problems and concerns lie is the start of the motion.
Once we gave begun to understand each other, we must come together to solve our issues as best we can. One belief, and one way of thinking should not trump another — how can there be peace and understanding if someone’s ideals have been trampled to reach it in the first place? No, common ground must be found.
[ IT’S A BEAUTY PAGEANT, GUYS IT’S NOT THAT DEEP ]
It is through open communication and discussion that these common grounds are discovered. It is through dialogue and agreements that solutions that work for the majority, not rare and privileged few, can be found. And I very good at communication.
[ that’s a lie, but isn’t that what they’re all doing up here? lying? ]
but it’s incredibly good, sometimes, to remind yourself that you want to be somewhere. because there are times when things happen that make you question why you bothered in the first place, and being asked about world peace is definitely one of them. he’s professional enough that he doesn’t roll his eyes so hard they rattle around in his skull like marbles, and the stupidity of the question doesn’t colour his voice when he does speak
he dips himself into a sweeping and elegant bow, once the other two ladies have said their piece. ]
What an undertaking that would be.
Peace for many is not won by wishing and praying, it is achieved through hard work and understanding. Opening communication with others, and coming to understand where our problems and concerns lie is the start of the motion.
Once we gave begun to understand each other, we must come together to solve our issues as best we can. One belief, and one way of thinking should not trump another — how can there be peace and understanding if someone’s ideals have been trampled to reach it in the first place? No, common ground must be found.
[ IT’S A BEAUTY PAGEANT, GUYS IT’S NOT THAT DEEP ]
It is through open communication and discussion that these common grounds are discovered. It is through dialogue and agreements that solutions that work for the majority, not rare and privileged few, can be found. And I very good at communication.
[ that’s a lie, but isn’t that what they’re all doing up here? lying? ]
[ patiently, caelus waits for those before him to each take their turn. even when you're not up front and center, it's possible to shine. all you have to do is stand with a nice, straight spine and a radiantly cheerful disposition. when this is who you are, you can't hide it. the people want a champion, not a bully or an outright braggart, so display graciousness. give soft, soundless claps after each of your competitors speak. yes, yes, they surely have a chance. we're all equals.
doesn't he believe that, somewhere, deep down? hasn't he relied on a team so many times in the past? hasn't he let others protect him or shoulder the weight when he wasn't enough on his own?
somehow, he can't remember those times right now.
caelus is already perky and ready before the light switches to him. he removes his hat with a flourish and sweeps it down to rest against his chest. ]
Hello everyone. My name is Caelus and I'm █ years old. As you know, I've been performing in pageants for a while. I'm so happy to be here.
[ pause for applause that may or may not come, that's okay, keep talking. ]
I would bring about world peace personally. [ he clenches his free hand into a mighty fist. ]
My will and strength are enough to take on anything that's causing people pain or trouble. All you have to do is point me at the problem and I'll figure it out. Violence isn't always the answer, but it is a lot of the time, and when it isn't, I'm the best I know at solving puzzles.
On top of that, we should always remember that peace is attainable through our own spirits. While I'll save everyone, it's important to stand on your own two feet and seek the future your heart most desires. As I defeat the enemies between us and serenity, I ask that everyone finds their own goal as well. I can aid you there, too.
Basically, if you want real world peace, I can bring that to you, just say the word.
[ as the light passes on, he returns the hat to his head. ]
doesn't he believe that, somewhere, deep down? hasn't he relied on a team so many times in the past? hasn't he let others protect him or shoulder the weight when he wasn't enough on his own?
somehow, he can't remember those times right now.
caelus is already perky and ready before the light switches to him. he removes his hat with a flourish and sweeps it down to rest against his chest. ]
Hello everyone. My name is Caelus and I'm █ years old. As you know, I've been performing in pageants for a while. I'm so happy to be here.
[ pause for applause that may or may not come, that's okay, keep talking. ]
I would bring about world peace personally. [ he clenches his free hand into a mighty fist. ]
My will and strength are enough to take on anything that's causing people pain or trouble. All you have to do is point me at the problem and I'll figure it out. Violence isn't always the answer, but it is a lot of the time, and when it isn't, I'm the best I know at solving puzzles.
On top of that, we should always remember that peace is attainable through our own spirits. While I'll save everyone, it's important to stand on your own two feet and seek the future your heart most desires. As I defeat the enemies between us and serenity, I ask that everyone finds their own goal as well. I can aid you there, too.
Basically, if you want real world peace, I can bring that to you, just say the word.
[ as the light passes on, he returns the hat to his head. ]
[ the crowd claps at everyone, already forming their own opinions on who will be the winner and their favorites. wow! so quick to judge after only a few sentences! █████, ██████, ████, ███ ████ all have their turns as well. or, at least, you can only assume they did, because there were periods of silence followed by polite cheering and clapping after each other. whatever they said must have been good!
the announcer's voice echoes out again once everyone is finished. ]
Excellent, excellent! I feel like we are getting to know you all much better now. As we are all aware, bringing about world peace is something we should all care about deeply as a society, and the Pageant should represent the ideals of humanity and beyond. After all, you are the stars that shine more brightly than anyone else.
[ the spotlights seem to be a little brighter now, for emphasis. ]
Next shall be... the talent competition! You must all show off one talent, and we will bring out whatever you brought with you to showcase these skills! [ you brought something? oh, yes. you definitely remember bringing items that would help you show off your talent, if you needed one. that did happen. ] Remember, you only have three minutes to demonstrate this in total.
[ exciting! for each other's performance, staff will bring out whatever item you need to show off your skills if you have something (ex: if you are showing off piano playing, they will push over a piano). the crowd awaits eagerly. ]
the announcer's voice echoes out again once everyone is finished. ]
Excellent, excellent! I feel like we are getting to know you all much better now. As we are all aware, bringing about world peace is something we should all care about deeply as a society, and the Pageant should represent the ideals of humanity and beyond. After all, you are the stars that shine more brightly than anyone else.
[ the spotlights seem to be a little brighter now, for emphasis. ]
Next shall be... the talent competition! You must all show off one talent, and we will bring out whatever you brought with you to showcase these skills! [ you brought something? oh, yes. you definitely remember bringing items that would help you show off your talent, if you needed one. that did happen. ] Remember, you only have three minutes to demonstrate this in total.
[ exciting! for each other's performance, staff will bring out whatever item you need to show off your skills if you have something (ex: if you are showing off piano playing, they will push over a piano). the crowd awaits eagerly. ]
[she's already so in her head. marina's answer was similar to hers but sounded so much smarter. and astarion sounded so confident, and did he subtly imply her answer was a bad one? and then there was caelus. he promised to bring about world peace himself single-handedly by killing everyone bad and solving problems like puzzles... wow! that's the answer she wishes she could have given, if she were actually confident enough to say it, or believe it.
but the talent competition is here. that's her favorite part - the one part she really enjoys!]
Yes, thank you. My talent is puppetry. I have brought a very special doll that I crafted myself, to share with you all today.
[she curtsies, and sets out a few little wooden dolls and mannequins on the stage in a row - all of them dressed in little pageant costumes. then she removes from her hair a little dead rat with a bird skull attached to it. black goopy strings drip from her fingers, like the strings of a marionette. and she'll start speaking for the puppet, doing a fairly convincing ventriloquism act.]
'ello. My name's Pâté de Rolo. It's an honor to meet all of you.
[she puppets the little rat so he bows with a flourish, and then blows a kiss to all of the judges.]
Pâté, won't you tell these wonderful judges how you were created?
[pâté looks at her with a cheeky expression on his dead bird skull; you can almost imagine a twinkle in the hollow of his eye socket.]
I could tell them, I could, but I'd rather... sing about it.
[at this, laudna covers pâté with her hands... and then there's a quick change reveal! pâté has a little top hat, boutonniere, and cane in colors that match laudna's dress. the two of them will do a choreographed song and dance number. it starts out with laudna doing pâté's voice, but as the song goes along, it starts to change - you can hear both of their voices singing in unison, as though pâté has a voice of his own.
it's a beautiful song all about how laudna was living in the woods and wanted a friend, so she made many friends by sewing dolls! and one day, she found a headless rat, and sewed a bird skull to him. but she wanted a true companion, and pâté wanted to be a real boy, so he came to life!
as they sing this part, the black goopy strings disappear, and pâté starts to dance about the stage on his own. his back bursts open, and his rib cage grows into a set of bony wings, letting him fly around the stage. as this happens, the other little dolls sitting on the stage appear to come to life and do a chorus kickline in the background.
the song finishes and both pâté and laudna pose with jazz hands as the animated dolls dance off the stage.]
but the talent competition is here. that's her favorite part - the one part she really enjoys!]
Yes, thank you. My talent is puppetry. I have brought a very special doll that I crafted myself, to share with you all today.
[she curtsies, and sets out a few little wooden dolls and mannequins on the stage in a row - all of them dressed in little pageant costumes. then she removes from her hair a little dead rat with a bird skull attached to it. black goopy strings drip from her fingers, like the strings of a marionette. and she'll start speaking for the puppet, doing a fairly convincing ventriloquism act.]
'ello. My name's Pâté de Rolo. It's an honor to meet all of you.
[she puppets the little rat so he bows with a flourish, and then blows a kiss to all of the judges.]
Pâté, won't you tell these wonderful judges how you were created?
[pâté looks at her with a cheeky expression on his dead bird skull; you can almost imagine a twinkle in the hollow of his eye socket.]
I could tell them, I could, but I'd rather... sing about it.
[at this, laudna covers pâté with her hands... and then there's a quick change reveal! pâté has a little top hat, boutonniere, and cane in colors that match laudna's dress. the two of them will do a choreographed song and dance number. it starts out with laudna doing pâté's voice, but as the song goes along, it starts to change - you can hear both of their voices singing in unison, as though pâté has a voice of his own.
it's a beautiful song all about how laudna was living in the woods and wanted a friend, so she made many friends by sewing dolls! and one day, she found a headless rat, and sewed a bird skull to him. but she wanted a true companion, and pâté wanted to be a real boy, so he came to life!
as they sing this part, the black goopy strings disappear, and pâté starts to dance about the stage on his own. his back bursts open, and his rib cage grows into a set of bony wings, letting him fly around the stage. as this happens, the other little dolls sitting on the stage appear to come to life and do a chorus kickline in the background.
the song finishes and both pâté and laudna pose with jazz hands as the animated dolls dance off the stage.]
[ oh well!
that is quite the act to follow, and for a moment, marina lets the little ugly tap tap tap of doubt knock at her window. not that she isn't prepared to beat down the terrible uncertainty that's behind it, but she's just a girl. sometimes that sort of thing really tries to drag you down. laudna's literal song and dance is quite amazing, and marina's knowledge of necromancy and the darker arts has her in awe of the performance.
nothing like some healthy competition to get your blood pumping, and laudna boasts a robust game. damn.
well. no time like the present. marina sweeps onto the stage, which has been prepped shortly thereafter. the lighting itself dims deeply, to the point where it's almost pitch black until there are slowly forming pinpricks of light. marina carefully flicks her wrist and her sleeves part and slide downwards revealing perfectly symmetrical runes on her arms, drawn with all the skill of a well-practiced occultist. almost artfully, with a snap of her fingers that resounds, a flicker of fire glimmers between thumb and forefinger, alighting a few candles staged around her.
those with particularly sharp hearing, might just hear the gentle pitter patter of tiny feet. the near-silent flapping of wings.
the light then reveals...
the silhouette of a gentleman just slightly taller than her, and in the faint candlelight, it's quite hard to see but is that gentleman's outline... squirming? maybe. he offers her his hand and marina gives a warm curtsy, another flick of her fingers and the gentleman holds her in the same way one might do an elegant dance. however, as they sweep past each candle, more and more coming to light, it becomes apparent that this gentleman...
is made up entirely of a mischief of rats and crows, wings creating elegant lines and tails curling to make up the silhouette of curly hair. the combined group of small creatures turns her gallantly, dips her, lowers itself down to feign a kiss before bringing her up and spinning her outwards. they dance to an elegant number, sonorous and haunting, until finally she bows to her partner, who in turn bows back before turning into a dark wave - a swarm of black rats and crows that just subsumes her, completely overtakes her, and for a moment, marina is gone, devoured among the fur and feathers and claws... it's a very tense moment, one she times carefully for maximum wonder... only for it all to fall away, revealing that the creatures have become part of her outfit, turning the pink fabric into rhythmically twisting black and gray rats who clinging delicately to her. a pair of crows perched on her knuckles, one hand a piece.
and then with a fine gesture of showmanship, she lifts her hands, and both crows take a deep bow before fluttering upwards, the rats swarming into a circle to also bow deeply before she waves her hands and they all obediently twist and swarm away, tucking themselves gently beneath her dress (where they climb her legs to hide away as she takes her own finally bow and ushers them away. the crows descend, landing on her shoulders, and with the last snapping of her fingers, the candles all blow out leaving behind an eerie purple-gray smoke.
also there's not a drop of animal shit on the stage. she's super talented like that. (this is for sae.) ]
that is quite the act to follow, and for a moment, marina lets the little ugly tap tap tap of doubt knock at her window. not that she isn't prepared to beat down the terrible uncertainty that's behind it, but she's just a girl. sometimes that sort of thing really tries to drag you down. laudna's literal song and dance is quite amazing, and marina's knowledge of necromancy and the darker arts has her in awe of the performance.
nothing like some healthy competition to get your blood pumping, and laudna boasts a robust game. damn.
well. no time like the present. marina sweeps onto the stage, which has been prepped shortly thereafter. the lighting itself dims deeply, to the point where it's almost pitch black until there are slowly forming pinpricks of light. marina carefully flicks her wrist and her sleeves part and slide downwards revealing perfectly symmetrical runes on her arms, drawn with all the skill of a well-practiced occultist. almost artfully, with a snap of her fingers that resounds, a flicker of fire glimmers between thumb and forefinger, alighting a few candles staged around her.
those with particularly sharp hearing, might just hear the gentle pitter patter of tiny feet. the near-silent flapping of wings.
the light then reveals...
the silhouette of a gentleman just slightly taller than her, and in the faint candlelight, it's quite hard to see but is that gentleman's outline... squirming? maybe. he offers her his hand and marina gives a warm curtsy, another flick of her fingers and the gentleman holds her in the same way one might do an elegant dance. however, as they sweep past each candle, more and more coming to light, it becomes apparent that this gentleman...
is made up entirely of a mischief of rats and crows, wings creating elegant lines and tails curling to make up the silhouette of curly hair. the combined group of small creatures turns her gallantly, dips her, lowers itself down to feign a kiss before bringing her up and spinning her outwards. they dance to an elegant number, sonorous and haunting, until finally she bows to her partner, who in turn bows back before turning into a dark wave - a swarm of black rats and crows that just subsumes her, completely overtakes her, and for a moment, marina is gone, devoured among the fur and feathers and claws... it's a very tense moment, one she times carefully for maximum wonder... only for it all to fall away, revealing that the creatures have become part of her outfit, turning the pink fabric into rhythmically twisting black and gray rats who clinging delicately to her. a pair of crows perched on her knuckles, one hand a piece.
and then with a fine gesture of showmanship, she lifts her hands, and both crows take a deep bow before fluttering upwards, the rats swarming into a circle to also bow deeply before she waves her hands and they all obediently twist and swarm away, tucking themselves gently beneath her dress (where they climb her legs to hide away as she takes her own finally bow and ushers them away. the crows descend, landing on her shoulders, and with the last snapping of her fingers, the candles all blow out leaving behind an eerie purple-gray smoke.
also there's not a drop of animal shit on the stage. she's super talented like that. (this is for sae.) ]
[ well.
he refuses to feel initimidated by the previous two talents. even if he can admit that both are impressive in their own way -- one in a charming sort of manner, and the other in the kind of ostentatious style he can get behind. a little display of necromancy and a display of... illusion magic?
he's not a natural talent with magic. he can use it, certainly, but he's not sure he'd test his luck with a full blown illusion such as that oen. still, he is good with a knife. as funny as it would be to go onto the stage and gut his way through the competition, he's not here to get himself arrested and imprisoned in the pursuit of beauty pageant victory. that's a little too extreme even for him.
but he can make use of his accuracy and knife skills, and his own talent at... vanishing.
after the necessarily clean up time, he will simply walk out onto the stage: back straight, posture perfect, and sweep into yet another bow once he reaches the centre of the stage. ]
No animals this time, I'm afraid.
[ his tone is light and jovial. a little tongue in cheek. keep the audience happy and entertained, appeal to them on a more personal level. ]
But I can offer something else instead.
[ from his belt he'll unhook a small blade -- appropriate blunted, as disappointing as that is and fling it into the ceiling above the crowd. it's a delayed tactic, and the murmurs of surprise and confusion tell him it worked, before there's a delayed reaction of small popping sounds around the room and a cascade of petals fall from the ceiling in a flurry. he does the same in a different direction entirely, and the petals are joined by glitter.
again, and this time it's confetti. each aimed in wildly different directions and places around the room. it might not be a song, and it might not be a illusionary spectacle, but it's something of its own right. something that people can reach out and touch with their own hands, brought into reality by his own. even if the planning for it all had been a fucking headache he doesn't plan to repeat again, ever, if possible.
it ends as it started, with a bow and a knife in his hand. this time, he throws it upwards, directly above his head. there's a spark and a hiss of smoke -- white, not purple-gray this time, and as it descends astarion simply
vanishes. ]
he refuses to feel initimidated by the previous two talents. even if he can admit that both are impressive in their own way -- one in a charming sort of manner, and the other in the kind of ostentatious style he can get behind. a little display of necromancy and a display of... illusion magic?
he's not a natural talent with magic. he can use it, certainly, but he's not sure he'd test his luck with a full blown illusion such as that oen. still, he is good with a knife. as funny as it would be to go onto the stage and gut his way through the competition, he's not here to get himself arrested and imprisoned in the pursuit of beauty pageant victory. that's a little too extreme even for him.
but he can make use of his accuracy and knife skills, and his own talent at... vanishing.
after the necessarily clean up time, he will simply walk out onto the stage: back straight, posture perfect, and sweep into yet another bow once he reaches the centre of the stage. ]
No animals this time, I'm afraid.
[ his tone is light and jovial. a little tongue in cheek. keep the audience happy and entertained, appeal to them on a more personal level. ]
But I can offer something else instead.
[ from his belt he'll unhook a small blade -- appropriate blunted, as disappointing as that is and fling it into the ceiling above the crowd. it's a delayed tactic, and the murmurs of surprise and confusion tell him it worked, before there's a delayed reaction of small popping sounds around the room and a cascade of petals fall from the ceiling in a flurry. he does the same in a different direction entirely, and the petals are joined by glitter.
again, and this time it's confetti. each aimed in wildly different directions and places around the room. it might not be a song, and it might not be a illusionary spectacle, but it's something of its own right. something that people can reach out and touch with their own hands, brought into reality by his own. even if the planning for it all had been a fucking headache he doesn't plan to repeat again, ever, if possible.
it ends as it started, with a bow and a knife in his hand. this time, he throws it upwards, directly above his head. there's a spark and a hiss of smoke -- white, not purple-gray this time, and as it descends astarion simply
vanishes. ]
[ astarion disappears. does that mean he's disqualified? just wondering for a friend.
but that's not what caelus is focused on as the three perform before him. it's no fun if someone's taken out not because they were lesser, but because of some dumb broken rule. rules were made to be bent and snapped and twisted around.
no matter what feats are pulled off, be it a ventriloquism act for the ages or a whirlwind dance, caelus remains at the same level of charming, pleasant energy. he claps when appropriate, but it's always contained. no whooping. that's for audience members.
when it's his turn, caelus shrugs his jacket completely off his right shoulder, when it was already hanging on precariously. a staff member hands him a familiar looking metal bat while others wheel out what appears to be a mobile hallway of netting. a batting cage. it closes fully as caelus walks inside, a pitching machine popping up at either end. ]
Let's start fast and keep the show going!
[ it pops off like that. from the get go, the first ball launches at caelus at a fever pitch and he hits it squarely back whence it came, right into the netting behind the machine. the opposite side spits another ball, this one with some curve on it, but caelus pivots on his heel, smashes it so hard into the flexible side of his cage it burns the rope.
it's a flurry of motion after that, caelus spinning, whirling, never missing, never striking out.
two sail at him in a row, one mere inches behind the other, and he smacks the first ball so hard it destroys its brethren as it hurtles backward.
in the end they're shooting at him rapidfire from both directions and caelus pivots like a top (the toy) on his heel. swing, swing, swing. always one-handed, his other regulated to maintaining his balance.
the final ball hits the netting between caelus and the audience. it almost tears right through.
when he's done, he removes his hat again, sets it over his chest, and takes a bow. ]
but that's not what caelus is focused on as the three perform before him. it's no fun if someone's taken out not because they were lesser, but because of some dumb broken rule. rules were made to be bent and snapped and twisted around.
no matter what feats are pulled off, be it a ventriloquism act for the ages or a whirlwind dance, caelus remains at the same level of charming, pleasant energy. he claps when appropriate, but it's always contained. no whooping. that's for audience members.
when it's his turn, caelus shrugs his jacket completely off his right shoulder, when it was already hanging on precariously. a staff member hands him a familiar looking metal bat while others wheel out what appears to be a mobile hallway of netting. a batting cage. it closes fully as caelus walks inside, a pitching machine popping up at either end. ]
Let's start fast and keep the show going!
[ it pops off like that. from the get go, the first ball launches at caelus at a fever pitch and he hits it squarely back whence it came, right into the netting behind the machine. the opposite side spits another ball, this one with some curve on it, but caelus pivots on his heel, smashes it so hard into the flexible side of his cage it burns the rope.
it's a flurry of motion after that, caelus spinning, whirling, never missing, never striking out.
two sail at him in a row, one mere inches behind the other, and he smacks the first ball so hard it destroys its brethren as it hurtles backward.
in the end they're shooting at him rapidfire from both directions and caelus pivots like a top (the toy) on his heel. swing, swing, swing. always one-handed, his other regulated to maintaining his balance.
the final ball hits the netting between caelus and the audience. it almost tears right through.
when he's done, he removes his hat again, sets it over his chest, and takes a bow. ]
[ this isn't here but appears behind caelus like yeah? what was that? huh? ]
[ the crowd cheers for them all.
the sound of it all is electrifying, and you are all filled with a deep joy at the approval. this is what it's all for, you know? each cheer is enough to give you a (definitely healthy) surge of serotonin, and you feel like you can definitely win. █████, ██████, ████, and ███ ████ all have their turns as well, and you are able to tell by the three minute intervals that are followed by applause. they are also doing great!
the announcer's voice returns, ]
Fantastic! And wow, ████, I didn't even know monkeys could survive getting set on fire! Good work everyone. We will score you all, but we won't release them until the end of this first round. As a reminder for those unfamiliar, the ones with the lowest scores will get eliminated each round before we move onto the next one.
[ this was not said earlier, but you all feel like yes, that is how this normally goes. ]
Now then... next, we'll have another question for you to all answer! There is someone someone on the ground before you, bleeding to death after being stabbed thirteen times in the neck. Please tell us how you would take care of this situation to save them!
[ the crowd oohs. ]
the sound of it all is electrifying, and you are all filled with a deep joy at the approval. this is what it's all for, you know? each cheer is enough to give you a (definitely healthy) surge of serotonin, and you feel like you can definitely win. █████, ██████, ████, and ███ ████ all have their turns as well, and you are able to tell by the three minute intervals that are followed by applause. they are also doing great!
the announcer's voice returns, ]
Fantastic! And wow, ████, I didn't even know monkeys could survive getting set on fire! Good work everyone. We will score you all, but we won't release them until the end of this first round. As a reminder for those unfamiliar, the ones with the lowest scores will get eliminated each round before we move onto the next one.
[ this was not said earlier, but you all feel like yes, that is how this normally goes. ]
Now then... next, we'll have another question for you to all answer! There is someone someone on the ground before you, bleeding to death after being stabbed thirteen times in the neck. Please tell us how you would take care of this situation to save them!
[ the crowd oohs. ]
[she applauds politely and enthusiastically for each of the three other presentations. especially marina's. she feels confident - she thinks she can win. maybe her and marina's talents were a little similar, which normally might make her nervous, but... she put so much heart into her performance and that's what counts?
but before she knows it, she's asked another question. this one throws her through a loop - this isn't a question she practiced before. but since she's been doing well, she'll just confidently try to give an honest answer.]
Well, speaking as someone who was raised from the dead, I believe death is a natural thing to experience. Certainly I would attempt to help staunch their wounds with my dress or call for assistance from a healer, but in all likelihood, they'll die no matter what I do. I think it would be nice if more of us were more accepting of the inevitability of death. It's nothing to be frightened of!
Perhaps I would remind them of that, to help their passing be a peaceful one.
but before she knows it, she's asked another question. this one throws her through a loop - this isn't a question she practiced before. but since she's been doing well, she'll just confidently try to give an honest answer.]
Well, speaking as someone who was raised from the dead, I believe death is a natural thing to experience. Certainly I would attempt to help staunch their wounds with my dress or call for assistance from a healer, but in all likelihood, they'll die no matter what I do. I think it would be nice if more of us were more accepting of the inevitability of death. It's nothing to be frightened of!
Perhaps I would remind them of that, to help their passing be a peaceful one.
[ Everybody Is So Creative!!!
of course she applauds as well. talk about a home run and act that you'd never see coming. she most definitely sweats a little in the aftermath of her own performance, because it's true, there's a sort of warmth to laudna's that makes her believe the judges might just eat that up when comparing the two. hm. well. no time to actually ponder her faults, she's confident in her skills, honed from a younger age than her eighteen years -
(maybe she should have leaned into the blood more.)
in any case... she'll place a thoughtful hand to her chin. this question is totally a very normal question people get asked. yes. (no?) she preens. ]
It's true death is a natural part of life, and should be embraced when it is well and truly time, but why take hold of it so quickly? I haven't spent years studying to simply stand by without utility. Apply pressure first, hard - and tend to the immediate issue. Then I would utilize the blood to create a circle of Sylvian for your poor friend, and pray my heart out to the god who embraces both love and healing. They're always listening, after all. Dedication and affinity, cultivating your relationship with the beings around you, goes a long way
[ hands clasped together ]
There's very little a well-placed, perfect circle can't stabilize. If there's a chance, a possibility, a way, you should always grasp it. That's how I see it.
of course she applauds as well. talk about a home run and act that you'd never see coming. she most definitely sweats a little in the aftermath of her own performance, because it's true, there's a sort of warmth to laudna's that makes her believe the judges might just eat that up when comparing the two. hm. well. no time to actually ponder her faults, she's confident in her skills, honed from a younger age than her eighteen years -
(maybe she should have leaned into the blood more.)
in any case... she'll place a thoughtful hand to her chin. this question is totally a very normal question people get asked. yes. (no?) she preens. ]
It's true death is a natural part of life, and should be embraced when it is well and truly time, but why take hold of it so quickly? I haven't spent years studying to simply stand by without utility. Apply pressure first, hard - and tend to the immediate issue. Then I would utilize the blood to create a circle of Sylvian for your poor friend, and pray my heart out to the god who embraces both love and healing. They're always listening, after all. Dedication and affinity, cultivating your relationship with the beings around you, goes a long way
[ hands clasped together ]
There's very little a well-placed, perfect circle can't stabilize. If there's a chance, a possibility, a way, you should always grasp it. That's how I see it.
[ oh, what a question indeed. normal for a pageant? he's not sure. but one he can certainly answer nonetheless. ]
Yes, my competitors are correct. Death is sometimes an inevitability, and sometimes it is something you can be saved from. Although perhaps I would resort to more conventional methods of healing than prayer and prayer alone.
The important thing, however, is to know. Know whether someone can be saved -- you can survive a remarkable number of things, after all. Our bodies are quite the miracle. Understanding a little about the injuries themselves is what makes the difference. Did they lacerate something important? Do you need to simply have them checked over and stitched up, or will they require a heavier healing hand.
This is what makes the difference between life and death. A practiced, clever eye.
[ why does he keep taking potshots at marina. ]
Yes, my competitors are correct. Death is sometimes an inevitability, and sometimes it is something you can be saved from. Although perhaps I would resort to more conventional methods of healing than prayer and prayer alone.
The important thing, however, is to know. Know whether someone can be saved -- you can survive a remarkable number of things, after all. Our bodies are quite the miracle. Understanding a little about the injuries themselves is what makes the difference. Did they lacerate something important? Do you need to simply have them checked over and stitched up, or will they require a heavier healing hand.
This is what makes the difference between life and death. A practiced, clever eye.
[ why does he keep taking potshots at marina. ]
[ a traditional question is poised before them and caelus holds his expression neutral as he starts to internally panic. this is one he always has such trouble with! healing isn't within his skillset. he's no doctor, not even premed. every time someone's been hurt in front of him, he's depended on another to take actual care of it. you'd think after his eighty-fourth pageant he'd learn some basic first-aid. arrrrrgh.
well, no matter. he's listening as laudna says her piece, then marina, then astarion. laudna appeals to those who may have sympathy to her own situation. marina has an eloquent, impassioned solution. astarion snipes at marina but also seems to have some awareness of how a body works.
okay, caelus. you can do it. ]
Thirteen times... is a lot. Especially if they're stabbing with a large blade.
[ yes, yes. draw it out. ]
I'd apply pressure to the wound, I guess, and see if I could find someone with healing expertise. I usually have a manager with me that can do that sort of thing.
[ like [redacted] or [redacted too] ]
I'd definitely try to keep the person awake and coherent. I don't want to see anyone get hurt like that, especially right in front of me.
[ .....it's... an answer ]
well, no matter. he's listening as laudna says her piece, then marina, then astarion. laudna appeals to those who may have sympathy to her own situation. marina has an eloquent, impassioned solution. astarion snipes at marina but also seems to have some awareness of how a body works.
okay, caelus. you can do it. ]
Thirteen times... is a lot. Especially if they're stabbing with a large blade.
[ yes, yes. draw it out. ]
I'd apply pressure to the wound, I guess, and see if I could find someone with healing expertise. I usually have a manager with me that can do that sort of thing.
[ like [redacted] or [redacted too] ]
I'd definitely try to keep the person awake and coherent. I don't want to see anyone get hurt like that, especially right in front of me.
[ .....it's... an answer ]
[ there is murmuring through the crowd as they contemplate the answers, and you can tell that something controversial has been said, but it is difficult to pinpoint who or what. despite that, the usual round of applause erupts after all eight of them finish answering. ]
Whoa! Well, I know who to call if I ever need medical attention! [ cue laughter ] But speaking of needing medical attention, let's start the practical part of the question!
[ at once, a, few, people, walk onto the stage, eight in total. you have definitely never seen any of these people before in your life. they all approach the contestants, and they lay down on the ground in front of each other. kate, in front of laudna, karlach in front of astarion, daan in front of marina, and nina in front of caelus, as well as the others (?) in front of the other four contestants (????). in unison, they all lift up a hand with a knife in it, and begin to stab themselves in the neck repeatedly. ]
Now! Demonstrate your skills! Good luck!
[ put your money where your mouth is! ]
Whoa! Well, I know who to call if I ever need medical attention! [ cue laughter ] But speaking of needing medical attention, let's start the practical part of the question!
[ at once, a, few, people, walk onto the stage, eight in total. you have definitely never seen any of these people before in your life. they all approach the contestants, and they lay down on the ground in front of each other. kate, in front of laudna, karlach in front of astarion, daan in front of marina, and nina in front of caelus, as well as the others (?) in front of the other four contestants (????). in unison, they all lift up a hand with a knife in it, and begin to stab themselves in the neck repeatedly. ]
Now! Demonstrate your skills! Good luck!
[ put your money where your mouth is! ]
[well.
laudna has no idea who these people are, but she absolutely adores children. the little girl catches her eye immediately. it's hard to tell if she's in pain given her lack of a face, but as much as she was being honest when she was saying it's good to embrace death, she doesn't actually want to watch a child die in pain.
she knows what she'd be told - to stay calm, to keep the victory in mind, to remember her answer and impress the judges - but she still feels a sort of hysterical panic welling up in her. she just doesn't. like this. she doesn't like the sudden bloodshed. she doesn't like watching this little girl stab herself like some helpless puppet.
trying to remember her answer, she rushes to the girl's side and starts to press her dress against the girl's neck. she tries to remember what marina said, since it sounded like she knew better than she did, but she wasn't paying close enough attention. she presses the slip of her dress as hard as she can against the neck and tries to staunch the blood.]
There, there. It will be alright. You can go peacefully, if you want. Death is only natural.
[that's what she says, but she doesn't feel it. she feels shaky already, she's sure she's going to fail to help this girl.
she forces calm over herself and reaches into a place that's always there, a well of power. she doesn't have any healing abilities - at least not divine ones. but what she does have is a spell called wither and bloom, the ability to add life force to one person by drawing it from another. so she will send a burst of necrotic energy and use it to start absorbing the life force of the other three dying people, trying to hasten their demise so she can restore some life to this poor girl.]
laudna has no idea who these people are, but she absolutely adores children. the little girl catches her eye immediately. it's hard to tell if she's in pain given her lack of a face, but as much as she was being honest when she was saying it's good to embrace death, she doesn't actually want to watch a child die in pain.
she knows what she'd be told - to stay calm, to keep the victory in mind, to remember her answer and impress the judges - but she still feels a sort of hysterical panic welling up in her. she just doesn't. like this. she doesn't like the sudden bloodshed. she doesn't like watching this little girl stab herself like some helpless puppet.
trying to remember her answer, she rushes to the girl's side and starts to press her dress against the girl's neck. she tries to remember what marina said, since it sounded like she knew better than she did, but she wasn't paying close enough attention. she presses the slip of her dress as hard as she can against the neck and tries to staunch the blood.]
There, there. It will be alright. You can go peacefully, if you want. Death is only natural.
[that's what she says, but she doesn't feel it. she feels shaky already, she's sure she's going to fail to help this girl.
she forces calm over herself and reaches into a place that's always there, a well of power. she doesn't have any healing abilities - at least not divine ones. but what she does have is a spell called wither and bloom, the ability to add life force to one person by drawing it from another. so she will send a burst of necrotic energy and use it to start absorbing the life force of the other three dying people, trying to hasten their demise so she can restore some life to this poor girl.]
Page 1 of 11