In this world, Magic is Everything. All people, all races, are granted with the power to perform mystical and magical feats via grimories, mystical tomes granted to each and every child on their 15th birthday. Those blessed by the mana can have their names written down in legend.
Shattered Grimoires is the work of the mind(s) of Ardere & Shattered Grimoire's staff. All characters and content are copyright their creators, and may not be replicated without their creators' permission. Black Clover is owned by Yuki Tabata and published by Viz Shonen Jump. All images belong to their original owners. The theme you are currently viewing was made by Eliza of ElizaCodes exclusively for Shattered Grimoires.
Post by Hania Ravencrest✾ on Dec 23, 2020 21:27:02 GMT -5
It would seem as if the teen's words had caught the elder mage off guard as he blinked in surprise at the question he had been asked and the white-haired male had caught on it. He guessed it wasn't a run of the mill thing as it was normal to invite others to your home but he had only ever been invited due to his family name not because of who he was as a person especially by someone right off the bat. "It isn't uncommon with noble circles either..." he confessed though he looked up to the sky sighing gently as he thought of his next words. "Things normally go one of two ways for me I am either invited because of my family name and standing or people avoid me for that exact same reason." he confessed looking down after a long moment showing that the teen was quite isolated socially "Everyone wants something and being the heir to my house makes them think I am an easy target." he wasn't hiding anything from the male this was purely how he saw things "I normally decline invitations because it's always the same old story." to him everyone wanted to suckle on the power teet and his family was one of the closest related to the royal family so it kinda made him view things in a jaded light.
"I asked why you'd invite me because we have just met for the first time so I found it odd." he was once again being transparent on the matter. He smiled as the man patted him on the shoulder and let out a thunderous laughter on the matter, he was happy to meet someone who didn't want anything from him for a change. "You like me?" That confused him and it was clearly written on the normally hard to read face of the youth. "We've just met each other how can you know if you like me or not?" he asked, to him it was impossible to know if you liked a person after around thirty minutes of meeting them as no real impression at least to him could be made in that time but he guessed things worked differently for the other, for him personally he pretty much needed to analyze a person fully to know if he liked them but that was more to do with not wanting to make his family look bad. His cousins were idiots for the most part and though they still had to live up to the family name they got a bit more leeway than he himself did thanks to his position within it. Then again it hadn't stopped Lydia from activating her intimidating aura at the spirit ball thanks to Typhon trying to pull a coup against her. That arrogant and egotistical idiot was going to end up in an unmarked grave somewhere killed by one of his own family members if he didn't watch himself as far as Hania was concerned.
"Blood festival?" he had taken note that his sister and captain had been invited but this seemed to have caught his attention, he was a scholar and an observer so he found gathering new information interesting. "I don't know much about their trials, they tend to keep themselves to themselves even when they are in magic knight squads." He remembered Elenor the spatial mage of the Golden Dawn. The woman had albino skin, white hair and red eyes though wore elegant dark coloured dresses making her look like some creepy doll. "Apparently they don't have a ruling member of their house but a council and their heirs are different but as to how that's as good a guess as anyone because they seem to keep their secrets secret not that I can blame them with the disdain and mistrust they gain from others due to their magics and looks." he said giving his opinion on the matter. "I'm sure they are glad you are back with the clan, though not knowing your whereabouts must have been hard on them depending on how long you were missing." he said sincerely, though he guessed if they did believe him dead then they would have had a memorial for him much like there had been one for Silas. "I have a question though and I don't mean to disrespect and you don't have to answer but I'm curious about if they believed you deceased and one with the earth, obviously they would have taken a new head and from what I'm guessing that would be done through combat but if the new head was named and you returned would you be given your right-back or would you have to fight to reclaim it?" it was clear he was wanting to learn about the others culture and customs.
Hania listened to the next part taking in the information it would seem as if he got it right, the clan he came from put a lot of stock in battle and strength from what he could tell but to him, there were different types of strength and not all of them led to blows. "There are a number of ways to show strength, Satori, do your clan only concentrate on the physical aspects of that?" he asked he asked watching as it would seem no one else was willing to take up the offer of training with the walking mountain "I was indeed, would you care to join me or would you like something stronger?" he asked extending a hand to the table he had been sat at as an invitation to the other as he walked towards it truly hoping his tea wasn't too cold but it would seem the two were given a wide berth as they would walk out of the makeshift ring. "Also, your observations about me are likely true I am not primarily a fighter but I can hold my own when I need to." His stance and the want to not be the aggressor would have been key points to this and he knew many of his sparring partners had commented about his prowess but not primarily wanting to rely on it and why would he with the hellish flashes he was plagued with.
Post by Satori Ryuutei on Dec 23, 2020 22:46:40 GMT -5
Bengal hummed as the man explained how the fact he was an heir to a noble family made him a target for many in the political games of Clover. Nodding his head once before shrugging slightly.
"You're no different than a commoner to me, frankly. Just like everyone else is," Bengal released another rumbling laugh from his chest. "Hell, my first fiance is a Silva, my second to-be is a Vermillion, and my third is a commoner." He waved a hand idly. "To me, you're not a 'Ravencret'. You're just Hania. Couldn't care less about your family." With this out of the way bluntly, Bengal contemplated the statement of him liking the young man.
Hania seemed legitimately confused by that, and he tilted his head back and forth idly as they walked. Trying to think of a good way to get past the cultural barrier and explain his reasoning without too much of an issue.
"I like what I've seen of you." Bengal finally said. "It's obviously not everything. But that's not how you get to know someone, from what I've found thus far, you've proven to be someone I'd like to get to know. I'm a simple guy. You're good in a fight, have decent manners, don't look down on people for their blood like some idiots, you're calm in stressful situations, and you're not against learning other cultures." Bengal grinned, "Plus, you like to learn period. That's a big thing for me." With that, Bengal would fall into a seat with Hania, accepting the tea without an issue.
"Surprised you managed to get this here..." Bengal mused, glancing down at the liquid before sipping it. Notably without adding cream of sugar, simply enjoying the bitter leaves flavor.
"I don't mind stronger, but tea is just fine," he explained simply, before he moved on to the actual conversation. Questions about his people were a rarity, so he certainly didn't mind.
"The Blood Festival is our version of a funeral. Your people treat death as something dark, evil. A loss of life that is painful. Dreary, depressing, dark." Bengal shook his head a bit. "To us, death is something that is natural. We do not fear death, nor do we hold sorrow over it. We hold a festival instead, we exchange stories, poems, prepare a feast of the dead's favorite meals, exchange bloodwine and celebrate the life that they led in memory of them. We then perform the ritual of remembrance, and plant them in the Garden." Bengal smiled slightly, before sifting on to the other question that had been offered, shaking his head.
"I was assumed dead, but my father, the previous head took charge. Anyone within my culture is allowed to challenge anyone of any rank for their position at any time." His eyes shifted toward the window idly. "But if you're good at your job, no one will. We respect those that are skilled. My father was the best choice with me missing, even after I crippled him. So he was not resisted. When I returned my father had only recently died on the front line against the Daemon's, so no new head had been chosen yet. I reclaimed my seat without issue, no one challenged me." Lifting the tea back to his lips, Bengal recalled the relieved faces of his people.
The loss of Kiyoshi and so many of the warriors had been difficult. The reason his family had finally managed to find a foothold, a home again, was due to their military might. To lose that meant to one again become wanderers. Shifting topics to Hania's final question he tilted his head back and forth idly.
"What Ryuutei respect is not strength. It is power. The root of that power matters not, only that it is yours. Physical strength, speed, magical power, ki, sensory, underhanded tactics, poisoning food, hits to the groin, attacks the eyes, biting, clawing, shitting and smearing it in your opponent's eyes, it doesn't matter. In battle only victory matters. How it is acquired means nothing to us. Failure is a lesson to gain more power from. Victory is proof that you have acquired power." His eyes shifted toward the man calmly.
"Intellect and tactics are just as important as raw magic or physical strength in my clan. Such is the requirement to be prepared for a challenge of your position at any time. I could be challenged to a duel for my rank tomorrow by a new genius that managed to poison me before the battle. If I lost due to that, no matter how much more magic I had, the strength I had, speed or experience in battle I had--if I lost, I lost. My position would be theirs." Bengal's brow arched slightly. "Does that answer your questions well enough? I rambled a bit."
WC: 840 TWC: 4,663
Statistics
Rank: Grand Fame: Tier 5 Strength: Intermediate Speed: 25m/s
Mana Skin: 16/16 Health: 22/22 Mana: 485/485 Mana Regen: +55/75
Post by Hania Ravencrest✾ on Dec 24, 2020 1:29:58 GMT -5
Hania smiled hearing the man's words, they were refreshing to him on so many different levels as he felt like he could actually be himself and not worry about having to keep up appearances. Of course, he wouldn't ever let his guard down fully on that front because where Bengal may see him as just another person others didn't. "I'm grateful you just see the man and not the house." he said calmly as he took his seat once more looking over to the crowd that seemed to be going back to what they were doing before Bengal issued his challenge to everyone. "There is so much pressure put on my shoulders and not only because of being a noble. It's the houses name, my position in it and even who my sister is." he said closing his eyes for a moment "Please don't get me wrong I love my family... for the most part..." he paused for a short moment "There are some that seriously need to be struck by lightning or thrown into an active volcano but I would still do what I needed to protect my families name even against idiots like them." he said his voice showing this was the case of the matter "My sister..." he sighed and shook his head it wasn't exactly like it was a secret that he was adopted but he had long since stopped thinking of his family as the one who took him in when no others would and rather as the family he had been born to. "she's a wonderful woman who has done everything she can to protect and love me even when I can't do the same for myself." and he knew that to be a home truth.
"Your culture allows several partners?" he questioned, it was surprised to hear that a Vermillion and Silva would go into such an arrangement but so longs everyone was happy that was all that really mattered he guessed. "I haven't heard of many allowing such marriages so I must admit it caught me off guard." there was no judgement in his voice and if anything it was clear he was open to learning more about how such a dynamic worked. "Once again I'm thankful you see me and not my family, I have to admit it's like having a weight lifted from my shoulders." he explained to the other his voice showed he was truly at ease not having to keep up appearances fully but certain things couldn't be ignored in a public setting where they could behind closed doors and away from the public eye. He had watched the other as they had moved over and sat down it was almost as if he was trying to figure out a way to give him information without it becoming too complicated. When the other sat down he started to explain what he meant "Oh, your first impression of me was a good one." he said with a smile "I'm glad, I must admit my first impression of you was a complex one more because at first I was curious but then when we trained and how the training ended it was clear you were a man of honour" he didn't know much of the others clan other than the odd word like savage being thrown around but he knew there had to be more to it.
"In honesty when I hear the word 'savage' being thrown around by an entire group of people I get curious. I don't see the point of jumping to conclusions and I don't go off third-hand word of mouth." He was being truthful there, even when it came to books he would read several different sources and see if everything matched and if it didn't then he would come to his own conclusion. "I was actually going to make a formal request to visit so I could understand your clan more and ask questions to someone who actually lives within the culture and understands the way of things." he wasn't lying on this either and it showed as he looked at the other straight in the eyes "I would rather find out the truth from the people who live it than get the knowledge from someone who thinks they know what they are talking about and have a clear bias one way or the other." It was that simple, he was a scholar and so he wanted his information to be correct from the get go "So I have a request if you wouldn't mind hearing me out Satori" he would wait to see if the other would hear him out before he would even utter his request because he wouldn't want to waste his breath or the others time if the answer would be no even towards listening to what he wanted to ask.
It was then some of his traits as to why the other liked him made him tilt his head "I fight only when I must other than that it is merely so I can improve myself as a person." he said to the first comment "I am a noble etiquette and manners are part of the parcel." he said with a chuckle bringing up an open clenched hand as he did. "Don't get me wrong, I do believe my blood is superior but that doesn't mean I have any right to hold it over the heads of anyone less fortunate, it just means I have more responsibility to help care for those who can't" he didn't want to anger the other it was just his point of view nobles were stronger but it came with a duty of care to others. "I also realise that just because I do have means above that of an average citizen it doesn't really make me special as favour can be there one day and gone tomorrow and it is the people that you slighted while in power that you will have to answer to when you fall from grace." it was a logical way of thinking and it was clear this was something he had put a lot of thought into over the years. "Nothing good comes from being anything but level headed as that's how mistakes are made and some mistakes can't be reversed or forgiven." this was simply how he viewed things "I enjoy learning about anything and everything, to be honest, I prefer it over interaction a lot of the time." this was indeed no lie the only time he really interacted with anyone other than his sister was when he was forced to do so.
"Pay enough and you can get anything anywhere." he said with a shrug pouring himself a new cup using honey to sweeten it over sugar. "I will bear that in mind if you ever decide to visit my family's estate." he said giving an open invitation before taking a sip of the tea enjoying the time he had to relax right now "I see it's not so much a funeral but a celebration of the life the one who has rejoined the earth had it makes perfect sense to me." he said smiling "Death, of course, is a sad thing but it is natural in the cycle of life and instead of looking at the negative aspect and look on the positive one" he looked down to the amber liquid within his cup "They lived a life to their fullest and would want to be remembered that way, not for the fact they are no longer with you because I personally believe that is a farce, memories live on with people." he could see the clarity in the way they thought, he didn't like how depressed people got when death was inevitable when you are alive. "I see, forgive the comparison but it is like a pack of wolves. They protect each other but if they believe that the alpha isn't fit for the task they will challenge to take the spot for themselves." it was the best way he could voice how it appeared to him, he was happy to be corrected if this wasn't the way of course. "It does, thank you." he was glad to have this conversation with the other and it showed.
Post by Satori Ryuutei on Dec 25, 2020 0:45:52 GMT -5
Bengal chuckled softly, "Your culture allows multiple partners as well," he countered simply. "Plenty of nobles have mistresses. It's quite normal among the powerful, but yes, Ryuutei die. Quite a bit. So we tend to take multiple wives, though some women have multiple males as well. Or females. It's just a bit rarer." His gaze shifted from the window back toward Hania.
"We're a cursed people, so stillbirth is more common than a complete birth. After the first few years of life being constantly healed with magic and medicine, children are confirmed to survive and begin training for battle and survival. Usually around age four." Bengal--no, Satori, had been the runt of the litter.
"I was an early bloomer in a way. The weakest of my siblings, but I was a stubborn asshole, even back then." A wide grin spread across his feral features. "I performed the trial of adulthood at eight, which was considered abnormally early. Usually, you're thirteen to fifteen. Not too unlike when children in your culture acquire a grimoire." As he explained this, Bengal's gaze shifted down toward his own at his left hip in its holster of leather and bone.
"I never intended to even be wed, frankly. I find personality traits attractive, but finding someone that I wanted to dedicate time to when I have such a bust life seemed... unlikely." A rumble of amusement filled his chest.
"June was a fling that evolved into more. Emily is a slow burn that's slowly acclimated to our culture. Eve has been... oddly openminded, not that I mind." He glanced up in thought, before shrugging slightly. The comment about his first impression of Hania caused another rumbling laugh.
"Yes, my first impression of you was a good one or I wouldn't be sitting here." He grinned softly, amused before the term honor was brought up. A laugh filled his chest once more.
"Honor, huh..." He mused, scratching his chin. "Depends on your perspective. As I said, Ryuutei think only of victory. Honor means little to me, but we were training. A spar is something different entirely. Death happens but it's never the goal." With a shrug, he would contemplate his opinion of the word savage, of his clan, and the rumors connected to them.
"I won't deny that we're savages in the eyes of many, but I don't mind it either. Our culture is different and can be difficult for some to grasp. Savage is the term used for such people." Tilting his head to the side, his lip twitched upward in amusement.
"Civilization is the way one's people lives, savagery is the way foreigners live. Such is the way of people." His eyes closed before shifting forward once more with the next bit of conversation.
"Death is natural. To us the soul is what matters, the body is just a sack of meat. But it's meat that can be used like any tool." His gaze shifted down toward the sword at his right hip, crafted from a long fused spine. Then blinking once as he was compared to wolves along with his clan. A laugh passed his lips once more, amazed that the man had gotten the idea so quickly.
"That's exactly right, actually. Fitting, since we're cursed with so many traits from both canines and felines, no?" His lip curled upward in amusement. "Our clan used to be called Oni for our appearance. In your tongue, the closest term would be a 'Daemon'." His eyes closed, shaking his head in amusement. "Considering what the real thing is capable of, the comparison seems idiotic to me."
WC: 637 TWC: 5,300
Statistics
Rank: Grand Fame: Tier 5 Strength: Intermediate Speed: 25m/s
Mana Skin: 16/16 Health: 22/22 Mana: 485/485 Mana Regen: +55/75
Post by Hania Ravencrest✾ on Dec 25, 2020 3:24:12 GMT -5
Hania couldn't help but bring up his loosely clenched fist as he chuckled "Well, yes, that is true but that isn't legal." he countered the counter that came to him "They wouldn't be called mistresses and kept hidden if everyone was as open-minded and into sharing." he said knowing that was how things were within what many would class as 'civilized' society, he personally didn't like people who kept such secrets as it was depraved, disgusting and immoral in his eyes, on the other hand, he saw no issue with how the other's clan done things. Everything was aired in the open and everyone involved knew what was going on and had agreed to the arrangement to him this was actually more civilized. "I find how many do it uncivilized, immoral and barbaric if I'm perfectly honest..." he would begin looking down to the amber liquid in his cup "I truly believe it is more civilized and you show more loyalty to everyone involved being open as your clan does, that way everyone can make an informed decision and not feel like they are the side dish." he said calmly, in honesty relationships hadn't been something he had ever thought on, he wasn't exactly the most social and even if he was he wasn't sure if people would want him for him or just because of his name and that was before they came into issues of the fact he didn't look at a person's personal appearance when it came to deciding such things, there had to be a deeper connection, the problem was he found most people as deep as a puddle.
"I envy your culture for being so open and feel sorry at the loss that seems all too frequent but then death is a natural part of living and some just live to see more of it than others." It was true he felt the pain of loss for the people he knew barely anything about but also knew it wasn't something that should be dwelt upon due to the eventuality of it happening after all death always got his prize in due time. He was at least happy to hear that it worked both ways in regards to partners but it was rarer for women to take many partners which made sense in a way. He looked up from the tea and to the ring that would still have some of his blood sinking into the soil. "Is battle the preferred way of your people passing?" he asked it was strange because his voice actually held no tone when he asked this question but it was clear there was something there it wasn't quite intrigue or curiosity but more a lost boy of sorts. It was almost like he was deep in thought about something when he asked it or it could have been it was someone or something else asking the question for him whatever was going on the question had been asked and he would be happy to learn the answer. "In a world as cruel as this one, it doesn't surprise me..." he said moving his hand to his left side as if touching something lightly but quickly pulled his hand away as if catching himself. "My own parents believed me cursed so I was abandoned before I was even five years old." he told the other his voice showing sadness.
"It isn't a hidden fact that I am adopted into the Ravencrest but how I was is, in honesty, I don't even remember my birth parents and if it hadn't been because I was desperate to survive and stole from my older now older sister I would likely not be breathing now." he confessed, he knew what Bengal's clan went through and what he went through wasn't the same but he was showing he could at least empathise with it. "I was born with a large black birthmark on my side that can easily pass as a tattoo..." he smiled weakly and closed his eyes "The first sentence I remember hearing from my parents to me was that I was touched by darkness and because of that I'd never be rid of it, it has been something that has stuck with me all this time even though I don't remember them which is funny because I have an eidetic memory so I think the trauma has blocked that out." it was clear he held no ill-will towards them for doing what they believed best for them but he was filled with questions for them if he ever did find them and if he was, to be honest, he rarely thought about the days before when he woke up in what was to this day his bedroom inside the Ravencrest estate there was little reason to trudge up the past after all.
"I'm not primarily a physical fighter, I'm more of a glass cannon." he said as Bengal changed the conversation "Illusions and speed are my primary focus but I can hold my own when I need to but I have pretty much zero magical defence but as my sister keeps telling me you don't need defence if one they can't see you to hit you and two you take them down before they can land a hit." he said smiling, he use to worry about the fact he couldn't defend as well as most at least magically but his physical defence was fine and could adapt depending on the situation. He also knew if he really wanted something defensive he could just get an item for it so it was almost like an 'oh shit' button allowing him to buy him some time to recover. "Never underestimate something considered a runt it's the same backwards thinking of looking down at someone below you because they could be the very thing that could take you out in the end. Weakness can be a strength if utilized properly after all as people tend to underestimate the underdog... sorry for the analogy." he said his tone showing no disrespect or malice when he spoke the turn of phrase it was just a matter of fact and he was sure that the other could agree with him on that. "Before Lydia my life was nothing but a struggle but even now I have a comfortable life I still don't take it for granted and fight to improve in several ways." he said gently knowing he sparred with his sister, ran, trained his magic and read but always kept a centre and balance but at times that was hard.
He chuckled as the conversation took a turn back to relationships "I am much the same in regards to relationships I guess although I have never put much thought into that kind of thing as I've found most people wanting and as shallow as a puddle in the middle of a drought." he said honestly "Too many people put too much emphasis on appearance but beauty is only skin deep and eventually, it will fade but at the same time I understand people can't help what they find attractive." It was that simple to him "I will admit that I am enjoying my time with you and learning of your culture." he said turning to look at the rougher looking man. "I'm glad that my first impression was a good one, I would hate to disappoint." he said with a chuckle but it stopped and shook his head "I believe honour and victory go hand and hand. You can have victory and still savagely take down an enemy that has yielded however an honourable victory is obtained by knowing that you don't need to deal the finishing blow although that also means that the one defeated will try and get stronger and take you down yet again but I guess that is your culture. Strength, power and victory." he said with a smile, he was open to the concept that much was clear.
Hania looked to the other and shook his head "Savage isn't what I would call a person or even a culture of people, it is what I would call an attack but that is a matter of perspective." he said turning his eyes to the sky "People use that word far too freely for things they don't understand nor want to take the time to understand which just shows their ignorance if nothing else." he said before taking another sip of his tea. "Differing cultures is understandable and in all honesty healthy it is how we adapt and grow after all." he said softly but this was his outlook on the matter. He took in what the other said and could agree with it to a certain level to him it was just a lack of understanding of that foreign culture which could be remedied with time and effort as he was currently doing. It was then the conversation was drawn back to death his eyes closing as he contemplated the others words, he was reflecting on them but then he dropped his cup it landing hard on the ground smashing his hand going to his head as if he was in agonising pain, this was the last thing he needed right now, the flashes where intense but he managed to stop himself from screaming out in pain as he often had in the past. He didn't even care that the smashing of the cup had drawn looks to him but after a few long moments, it began to have ebbed but he felt sick at the mention of the soul continuing on which was a feeling he never had before.
"My apologies." he said moving off the chair to his knees to clean up the broken cup carefully, he didn't go into what had just had happened and the way he was acting showed that this was just a normal part of his life that he had accepted. He looked up from where he currently knelt as the other laughed, he guessed it was about something that he had said previously. "Did I say something funny?" he asked with a puzzled tone but it would seem as if the other would quickly answer it from him, it wasn't that it was funny but that he had actually got the basic notion down. On hearing his words he dropped the pieces of the teacup he had picked up when he flinched his hand going to his head "Not again... please stop..." he whispered to himself almost as if he was pleading for whatever god might be listening to just stop toying with him. Again eventually he dimed to where he could manage it. "Again my apologies." he said starting to pick up the cup pieces "Satori, I request if you must speak of those monsters to use the word oni and not the other." he knew it meant the same thing but the former didn't trigger whatever it was he experienced. "I wouldn't exactly say you are Oni but more akin to anthropomorphism or bestial personification, I guess some may even say yokai due to the supernatural aspect." he said calmly regaining his composure standing and putting the broken cup into a nearby trash can the daughter bringing out a new cup "Thank you." he said giving her some yul to replace what he broke and stat back down at the table once more dusting off his knees.
Post by Satori Ryuutei on Dec 25, 2020 12:25:25 GMT -5
Bengal noted that the other male appeared to be the type to think primarily of the personality of a partner, not the appearance. For Bengal it was similar, so he understood. Appearances had never meant much to him. Though he did appear to attract smaller, softer females at least it would assume. His mind briefly traveling toward June and Emily, and to a degree Eve, though calling her 'soft' felt a bit wrong. Bemused, he released a low rumbling laugh until suddenly Hania grasped his head in pain.
Brow furrowing, a large hand lifted and grasped his shoulder across the table. Wordlessly channeling the same healing magic forward through his body, how effective it would be he was uncertain. A migraine? Or remnant damage from the spar? He had hit his head quite hard, but the damage dealt should have been mended. His mana skin should have taken the brunt of it as well. The request solved the mystery.
"I see," he murmured simply, showing clear acceptance of the request. So there was something there with the Daemon's, hm? His ki was all over the place. Disrupted and full of flashes of emotion that made him concerned. Fear, anger, uncertainty, pain fading into contained unease. Trauma perhaps. If the creatures had caused such within someone he wouldn't be overly surprised, the loss of anyone, or the slaughter at Kikka, either could have negative effects on the mentality of "normal" Clover citizens and knights.
Verena was proof of that as well.
"Are you sure you're well enough to keep talking? You look pale," Bengal glanced over his face quietly, and though Hania was pale naturally his keen eye noted the difference from the pain. Still, it appeared he didn't wish to stop their conversation so for now he'd leave it. Releasing a slow breath he focused on the last bit of what he'd said. Use the term oni instead from his own native tongue, and then offered some other options for his people.
"We were named Oni due to the countries beliefs that such creatures held fangs, claws, and ate humans. Due to our cultural beliefs that led to the spreading of the rumors before. We were a violent tribe back then, warlike without honor or culture to guide our own. The curse came much later. I believe the story goes that we were 'Cursed to appear as the beast's we were in heart', and our feral appearance then caused these traits." Bengal's lip twitched upward in amusement. "Turns out it just benefits us though, frankly." Laughing softly he lifted the mug to his lips, examining Hania quietly.
A silent judge of how the man was feeling. He didn't wish to push someone that had such flashes of pain. There were always other times to have a discussion after all.
WC: 505 TWC: 5,805
Statistics
Rank: Grand Fame: Tier 5 Strength: Intermediate Speed: 25m/s
Mana Skin: 16/16 Health: 22/22 Mana: 485/485 Mana Regen: +55/75
Post by Hania Ravencrest✾ on Dec 25, 2020 13:26:32 GMT -5
During the brief period of flashes, he felt a strong hand move onto his shoulder his eyes going wide as he hadn't expected it, he looked somewhere between startled, confused and scared as the only person who had ever touched him during such periods had been Lydia. For a long moment he remained silent, he was at a loss for words. "Thank you for the additional healing." he eventually stated to the other, he knew it wasn't going to help what plagued him but understood that the man at least wanted to try and that had his gratitude. "This was why I was abandoned by my parents." he said softly looking over the world a content look on his face "Their cursed bastard of a daemon child." he winced ever so briefly but it had ebbed just as quickly as it came, it was clear that he had made peace with that part of his past because there was no running from who he was or what he was plagued with so acceptance and control were the only things he could do to manage it. "I've suffered from unexplained night and day terrors as well as flashes my entire life, I don't understand what they mean or where they come from but it's almost like watching someone else's actions or memories through their eyes." he informed the other he had just told this complete stranger more about these flashes than he had even told his sister.
She knew he had flashes, night and day terrors and that he had at least had them since before they ever met but he had never told her that it felt like someone else's memories or even watching the actions they took through their eyes. The closest he had got was at the spirit ball when he told her that he could see someone heading towards the archives while the ball was going on. He nodded his thanks to the acceptance of his request, he didn't want to make the other uncomfortable but he knew certain things triggered it and would try to avoid it if he could even if the meaning was the same. "Certain things trigger the flashes other times they just happen." he confessed his ice blue eyes turning to Bengal without his head-turning "Other than my sister you are the only person who has ever touched me while I have been experiencing that, I'm sorry if anything transferred." his eyes closed he knew the other was a skilled warrior which meant he would likely be more attuned than a lesser person and wouldn't insult him in believing otherwise. He lowered his head and chuckled lightly within his chest as the other asked if he was fine enough to continue talking "I am perfectly fine Satori, I assure you." he said to the other wanting to put him at ease.
"I've had one of my episodes and continued training right after it has passed as if nothing happened." he said his eyes opening "I realise that whatever I am going through takes a toll on me but at the same time I also realise I may not be able to retreat because I'm having a bad out of body experience." It really was his point of view on the matter "In a battle or war I wouldn't have the luxury, there would be lives on the line and not just mine." he said his voice serene as he spoke, it was clear he knew that his personal setbacks meant little in the grand scheme of things and just used it as a way to better himself and his understanding of things as a whole. "I understand." he said smiling but it vanished as the other spoke of the believed origin of his people and their curse. "It may have been a curse at one point for your ancestors but it seems as if you adapted to it and used it to strengthen you. I understand there is still a downside due to the mortality rate but I am guessing you all see that as a fair trade-off." the last part of his comment wasn't meant to be rude in any way but he realised it could come off as a bit insensitive but it is a fact of life nothing was free, everything came at a cost it was just if you were willing to pay the cost because it could be more than what you were gaining was worth.
His eyes closed as he balanced out his breathing and himself, it was almost as if this was a well-practised ritual. Everything that had washed over him was releasing its grip from him as he continued to sit there quietly, the thing was a few tears rolled down his cheeks "For those that have come and gone, through love and strife, whether you are forgotten or remembered thanks is given to you all so we can continue our paths undisrupted." his words were soft almost like he was saying a prayer to those who had died, he had done this for a long time as well but usually out of the view of others but having two almost three flashes back to back he felt it was needed at current to give himself peace. His eyes opened once more and he began to pour himself a new cup of tea a smile on his face "If you have questions feel free to ask them, it's only fair since I've been enquiring about your culture so much." he said with a chuckle.
Post by Satori Ryuutei on Dec 25, 2020 20:24:55 GMT -5
Hmm. Visions, huh?
"My grandmother has something similar, though I have no idea if they're the same. We called her a seer due to her seeming to see into different aspects of the future and past. Though she uses..." his lip twitched in amusement. "Stimulants." The Nataje flower was an interesting plant after all that had various effects depending on what part was used. Shifting his gaze upward he debated the information that he'd been given.
Visions and night terrors sounded like trauma from the past that had been forced back, forgotten. It was difficult to say what the true source may be, however. He seemed determined to say that he was fine, but Satori was wary. Closing his eyes a slow breath passed between his lips. Sounded like he needed help more than anything. Someone that he could talk to about the visions and let them go instead of bottling them all up.
The next comment that Satori was free to ask any questions he wanted made that even clearer. Hania wanted to talk about it. But...
Feline eyes glanced over the surrounding room quietly. They were in the middle of a bar, and had made quite the stir. Talking about something so personal felt a bit wrong in an environment where others could hear such intimate information. So instead the large man closed his eyes and grunted, hauling himself up to his feet. Downing the tea casually and smiling simply down to Hania as he jerked a thumb toward the door.
"If you're wanting to talk, we should do it somewhere else. Perhaps at my Clan's Compound. It'll be a bit more private and you'll get to see some of the culture that you're so curious about, no?" Satori wanted to hear about the visions. About his past, and his thoughts. Helping someone move past their barriers was one of his favorite things to do. Limits came in all sorts. Mental and emotional were those that he had dealt with the most in his allies. Pushing past those barriers made someone far stronger. Even just a bit of a friend could make the biggest difference in life.
"Do you have time to go now, or should we set a date?" He grinned playfully, long fangs flashing in the light as he leaned down a bit toward the smaller male at the term. Clearly teasing him a bit and nothing more to try and lighten the mood from the rather... heavy, discussion that had just taken place.
WC: 454 TWC: 6,259
Statistics
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Mana Skin: 16/16 Health: 22/22 Mana: 485/485 Mana Regen: +55/75
Post by Hania Ravencrest✾ on Dec 25, 2020 21:21:27 GMT -5
Hania looked to the older man for a moment as he explained about his grandmother and stimulants that she used for her sight, his was nothing like that. He couldn't see into the future that was for sure but these memories or whatever they were, were not only of the recent past but from times even before he was even born not only that they always came from what he could only believe was the same person's point of view but of course he could be wrong about that too. He watched the other carefully as he seemingly thought something over but remained silent going back to drink his tea watching those in the surrounding area who seemed to have forgotten the goings-on earlier, he didn't mind it, actually, it seemed as if everyone was at peace and that was perfect for him. He preferred things calm and orderly over chaotic and disorderly a trait he had even as a toddler if he recalled correctly. It wasn't like he was wanting to talk about his curse or whatever it was but he knew not everyone would be like his family and just let it go, most would have questions and where he didn't go out of his way to lie he also knew that this wasn't exactly something he could speak openly about or he'd have done it with his family long ago.
It was then the other spoke making him turn to look to him "You're clan grounds?" he seemed surprised that he would and to take him there currently, but he was right this wasn't exactly a private place and walls did have ears and there would be many happy to cash in at a defective nobles problems. 'We all have our duties and responsibilities' he thought to himself releasing a slow sigh knowing if he messed up it would be worse than what Michail had received even if his sister did love him fuck ups weren't tolerated in his family. He watched as the other finished his tea and motioned a thumb to the door as if they should set off. He bit his lip, it wasn't exactly something he was expecting but then, to be honest, he thought he'd be a quarter the way home by now and not still sat inside a bar having a cup of tea with a man that almost knocked his head off his shoulders. He was right though this would give him a first-hand look at the culture they had been discussing since they sat down but Lydia was also one to worry if he didn't act the way he normally did. He was a creature of habit so it was rare that he ever broke it which made her worry more but this could possibly help him in more ways than one.
He took a sip of his tea as he thought the pro's and con's of doing this his head moving one way and the other slightly as he thought but he was brought out of his own train of thought as the taller man spoke once more, his words catching him off-guard and sent him off balance "D-date?!" that one word, especially with the playful tone that the other had used with it when leaning down towards him, got him flustered his pale cheeks flushing lightly as his calm demeanour was nowhere to be found at current. "I can come along now but I do not have a change in clothing." he admitted standing and moving to the bar to quickly write a letter to Lydia to let her know what was going on and paying the man to get it and the wine back to his family's estate, he left an additional note with it so the one that accepted it in was to give the courier an additional fee if it was there before dusk. With that done he moved back towards the other "I'm ready now Satori." he said his composure regained as they both left heading towards the taller man's clan grounds.