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.
The dungeon had been conquered in less than a few hours, though it seems that night time had already settled in. Hapshass was a town very dear to her, and while it was dark, she knew every single nook and corner of it. The streets were her home away from home, having spent a lot of her days avoiding her classes and sneaking out through the servant’s quarters. In the streets, she would meet her friends. Not the snobby, high and mighty, noble children. Rather, she met the street rats, vagrants and delinquents that treated her like she was one of their own. Though, if she were being honest, she neither cared for the masses nor for the children. Artemis, early on, found herself just a little apathetic towards a lot of those around her. However, what she knew was that the common people were very important. Not only did they outnumber the nobility, but they also were the manpower behind the day to day services of the Clover Kingdom. While the nobility managed, the common people laboured. It was a balance that was very delicate, and something that Artemis understood very well. So, unlike her noble peers, she made sure to at least be cordial with the common people, treating them equally. Better to have them happy and working, than malcontent and working against the Kingdom’s structure.[break][break]
Walking through the streets, however, gave her insight on how her mother had been running the business in her place. While the Somerset Family was not within the realm of the Upper Nobility, they were at least very wealthy. Owning fishing vessels was a lucrative business, after all. Fish was a commodity, and fish that was fresh, even more so. Hapshass was a port based town, and while the Somersets primarily operate within the town’s walls, their fishing vessels sailed all around the coast of the Clover Kingdom. Every single town that had a port would have at least five Somerset fishing vessels docked, if not more. Most of them would be out in the sea catching fish, before returning to be sold in the various markets. However, there were specialized ships that were only used for transport and trading. This was a pet project of Artemis and her mother. Transportation was something she had been looking forward to tapping into. It made more jobs, especially after the calamitous wars throughout the years that devastated a few families, especially those living in the Common and Forsaken Region. And truly, it showed as Artemis and Lydia walked through the streets of Hapshass. What was once a depressed port town, drained of resources and of life, was now lively and very much in full swing. Stores were still open, people were milling about, and children were happily running along with their parents. Of course, there were still the poor areas, lived by those who could not find good paying work. But none the less, Hapshass was a place that flourished, and even Artemis was really proud of the result.[break][break]
“It’s nice, isn’t it?” Artemis would wonder out loud as Lydia led them towards the restaurant, or was it a bar, that she knew served good food and drinks. “Hapshass, a town built around the port, and bled to different rivers.” There was a saying that the Somerset’s passed down every generation, “The rivers are the lifeblood of the Kingdom.” She would repeat it openly. The rivers, after all, were the place of import. It was the channel that trading and merchant vessels used to get into the centre of the Kingdom, a fast lane and a better alternative than the roads that were filled with more danger. “Don’t you agree, Lady Ravencrest?” Artemis was unsure how to address the woman. On one hand, she was a noble, and someone that was her superior. On the other hand, she was a fellow Magic Knight whom she had just conquered a dungeon with. Her nobility training kicked in, however, and she called her a Lady on instinct. Artemis supposed she was a Lady as well, addressed as such by the commoners who walked past them. Of course, most of them were smiling and grateful for the Somerset Head of House for her deeds. Though, Artemis always wondered what they were thinking at the back of their minds. [break][break]
“So, where is this place at?” Artemis would wonder out loud, “Hapshass is the current seat of the Somerset House, though I can’t say I’m privy to most of its establishments.” They ran the ports, for the most part. “So I am excited to see what my town has to offer.” It wasn’t the Somerset’s town, but it was definitely dominated with their presence for the most part, though a lot of other nobility also took up residence in the town proper. [break][break]
"These memories might not be all mine, but I'll make sure that this life I've been given is."
[attr="class","florencebackground"]
[attr="class","florencetempy"]
[attr="class","florencelabel"]WORDCOUNT
[attr="class","florencetag"]374
[attr="class","florencelabel"] Total WORDCOUNT
[attr="class","florencetag"]374
[attr="class","florencelabel"] tag
[attr="class","florencetag"] @artemis
[break][break]
[attr="class","florencetext"] Even with the duo of two strong mages in the dungeon it was still night time when they stepped outside. Not that Lydia cared to much it's not like that would stop the two of them from heading to the bar even if she was the only of the two drinking tonight. As they were walking the glass mage would start humming to herself as they walked. However once Artemis asked her a question she would stop and simple at the white and blonde haired beauty. "You can just call me Lydia hun. Yes I'd agree that port towns are part of the life blood of clover after all it allows our trade to flow among other things." Lydia was almost surprised at how busy the town was this late at night but she assumed it was normal for the two after all she hadn't been to the place and a little over two years. As the water mage asked if they were almost at the place before telling the pink haired mage a little more about her family. "Yeah it's not to far from here but I didn't know this place was your home I guess I assumed it was in Raque since that's also a port town." After a few minutes of walking the two magic knights would arrive at the bar. It wasn't anything special then again most bars outside of the capital weren't special. [break][break] Lydia would open the door for her fellow magic knight before following in behind her. Stepping inside the vice captain would look around a the place seemed a little more busy than normal but there still seemed to be a table for the two of them. Not long after they sat down a man would come by and ask what they wanted to eat and drink. "I'll take some red wine and please just bring the whole bottle so I don't have to both anyone from another cup. Once the water mage ordered the man would go off to get what the two magic knights ordered. At this point Lydia would face Artemis giving her another smile. "Since you've been answering all my questions I figured it's only fair if I answer any that you have."
[break][break]
[attr="class","florencelabel"] pow
[attr="class","florencelabel"] dur
[attr="class","florencelabel"] sta
[attr="class","florencelabel"] sen
[attr="class","florencelabel"] con
[attr="class","florencelabel"] speed
[attr="class","florencetag"]240
[attr="class","florencetag"]0
[attr="class","florencetag"]135
[attr="class","florencetag"]60
[attr="class","florencetag"]214
[attr="class","florencetag"]30 m/s
[break]
[attr="class","florencelabel"] mana skin
[attr="class","florencelabel"] health
[attr="class","florencelabel"] mana regen
[attr="class","florencelabel"] mana pool
[attr="class","florencetag"]archmage
[attr="class","florencetag"]archmage
[attr="class","florencetag"]70 ic // 60 ooc
[attr="class","florencetag"]375/375
[break]
[attr="class","florencextra"]COMBAT SUMMARY
[break]
[attr="class","florencetext2"]You can put spells and whatever here idk [break][break] Lorem Ipsum is simply dummy text of the printing and typesetting industry. Lorem Ipsum has been the industry's standard dummy text ever since the 1500s, when an unknown printer took a galley of type and scrambled it to make a type specimen book. It has survived not only five centuries, but also the leap into electronic typesetting, remaining essentially unchanged. It was popularised in the 1960s with the release of Letraset sheets containing Lorem Ipsum passages, and more recently with desktop publishing software like Aldus PageMaker including versions of Lorem Ipsum. [break][break]
Artemis would follow the woman into a bar of some sort. Of course, Artemis knew that these establishments existed. After all, what do the common citizen do after their hard day’s work. The vices were something that challenged even the hardiest and the most scruple of men. The most honest will sometimes give in to the bottle. The most just and true will find themselves handing over money for a bet or two. Even the most loyal night find themselves tempted by a barmaid with larger than life assets. Vices controlled the common people, and it kept them in line for the most part. The woman felt nothing for it. After all, it was their money spent than anything else. Artemis would glance outside, watching those in a drunken stupor milling about and talking to themselves. Guards, or seemingly large looking men, were standing close to the door, neither hindering the more stable patrons, nor blocking it for those who might be leaving. Artemis surmised they were precaution for the most part. What enchanted Artemis, however, was the fact that the bar itself was not in squalor. Even the inside, as Artemis found herself continued to be led by Lydia Ravencrest, she found herself hit with the jovial attitude of the place. While she knew that poverty was not something that held its grip on Hapshass, she was still stunned to see just how happy the people were. At least, on the surface they were happy. It made Artemis glad, not because the common people were quite content, but rather because it was partly her achievement that led to this.[break][break]
The table was nice, the chairs were comfy, even. Artemis could not help but give the waitress a small smile as the nice and gentil woman took their order. Lydia Ravencrest opted for a wine, of a good vintage, if Artemis were a betting woman. A young lady like Lydia would have nothing but the best, as it were. Artemis herself knew the importance of wine and their vitages, though the woman herself never drank. It was a habit to stay away from vices, knowing just how easy it was for her to fall into the pit trap. Her own Kleptomania, after all, was barely in check. Stealing had been something she had been known to do, and even in the social circles of the nobility, she had been a hot topic once upon a time. She supposed it was Lydia’s age that made her less aware of the whispers about the Somerset heiress turned Head of House. [break][break] “Water, please.” She would nod politely, “And possibly a slice of cheesecake, if you have any.” The bar served mostly hearty foods, though Artemis would be won’t without a piece of cheesecake. It was a simple delight, one she cherished every now and then. While a proper lady would need to keep her appetite in check, the rigorous life of a Magic Knight always made up for her obsession with cheesecake. “Just a slice will do.”[break][break]
With that, the waitress left and Artemis found herself mulling over the questions that the woman asked of her. “Lydia it is, then.” She would start, giving the woman a small smile, a token of friendship, if there ever was one. “You would assume right. Raque is definitely the largest port town within the Clover Kingdom. It spans twice as large as the one we have here in Hapshass.” She would start. “In fact, there had been quite a number of proposals for the Somersets to relocate their center of business.” The ones who created the proposals were, of course, the magistrates of the town of Raque. There was yul to be made if the Somersets decided on taking their business into their town, after all. The fishing industry was thriving at this point in time. At least, as long as the Somersets did not overfish their fill. [break][break]
“But, here in Hapshass we stay. It is our ancestral home, after all. And, you cannot deny the money to be made in a town where the river mouth flows, hm?” Artemis remembered her father’s musings. While Raque was a good place to be, Hapshass was where the yul flowed. Having control over the river mouth made trading an advantage for them, especially exporting their fishes throughout the inne towns and cities of the Clover Kingdom. [break][break]
Artemis would then pause. Questions for Lydia. She supposed there were quite a bit she would like to ask. “Lydia Ravencrest, the light-speed paradox.” She would muse, “I suppose you can start telling me about your family. It seems only fair, since you now know a lot about mine. Though the Somersets are a nobility, we don’t pride ourselves in keeping up with the rest, even those in the upper echelon. Being located within the Common Region hinders the whispers from the Royal Capital.” She would shift a little, waiting for the young woman’s response.
"These memories might not be all mine, but I'll make sure that this life I've been given is."
[attr="class","florencebackground"]
[attr="class","florencetempy"]
[attr="class","florencelabel"]WORDCOUNT
[attr="class","florencetag"]480
[attr="class","florencelabel"] Total WORDCOUNT
[attr="class","florencetag"]854
[attr="class","florencelabel"] tag
[attr="class","florencetag"] @artemis
[break][break]
[attr="class","florencetext"] Not long after the two mages order there food and drink it would arrive. It was one of the things Lydia liked about the place one never had to wait long here no matter how busy it was. The wine was also fairly good for being a town in the common region. Lydia would open the bottle pouring her first cup of wine as she listened to the beauty in front of her speak about how big raque was compared to this town and how there was even talk about her family's main estate moving there. Yes I'd agree there is money to be made from staying here and it also helps the town stay wealthy as well which is always a good thing. It would also be quite sad to leave the town one grew up in for so many years even if we are magic knights we still get to go home once and awhile. The glass mage would then take a drink of her wine before letting out a small laugh when Artemis said her full name before locking eyes with the other mage. There you go again saying my full named and title again. If I don't know any better I'd say you just enjoy saying my name. As for my family I'm afraid there isn't a whole lot I can tell you. After all the Ravencrest family is quite secretive. Our family estate is located in the royal capital and we are more than likely one of the richer main noble families not that any of them are poor. [break][break] Well maybe the Krane family honestly it's surprising they are still a noble family. The pink haired mage would take another drink before getting back on track. We make most of our money by making and selling magic items that are hard to find or that we make our-self how we do so I can't tell you. We also tend to be major political figures in the kingdom. In fact there is really only two ways of life a ravencrest live. The first I already mentioned or the second one being joining the magic knights which is far more uncommon. In fact I'm the first notable Knight the family has had in a while. My father was a knight himself but he never got the rank of captain or vice captain however he was a high ranking one and did a good job training me to become one myself while my mother raised my twin brother to be part of the political game of the kingdom. [break][break] Lydia would take one final drink of the wine finishing it off. She didn't need to worry about getting drunk after all she could always use her healing magic to get rid of it. So Artemis what does a beautiful women like you do for fun in her free time?
[break][break]
[attr="class","florencelabel"] pow
[attr="class","florencelabel"] dur
[attr="class","florencelabel"] sta
[attr="class","florencelabel"] sen
[attr="class","florencelabel"] con
[attr="class","florencelabel"] speed
[attr="class","florencetag"]240
[attr="class","florencetag"]0
[attr="class","florencetag"]135
[attr="class","florencetag"]60
[attr="class","florencetag"]214
[attr="class","florencetag"]30 m/s
[break]
[attr="class","florencelabel"] mana skin
[attr="class","florencelabel"] health
[attr="class","florencelabel"] mana regen
[attr="class","florencelabel"] mana pool
[attr="class","florencetag"]archmage
[attr="class","florencetag"]archmage
[attr="class","florencetag"]70 ic // 60 ooc
[attr="class","florencetag"]375/375
[break]
[attr="class","florencextra"]COMBAT SUMMARY
[break]
[attr="class","florencetext2"]You can put spells and whatever here idk [break][break] Lorem Ipsum is simply dummy text of the printing and typesetting industry. Lorem Ipsum has been the industry's standard dummy text ever since the 1500s, when an unknown printer took a galley of type and scrambled it to make a type specimen book. It has survived not only five centuries, but also the leap into electronic typesetting, remaining essentially unchanged. It was popularised in the 1960s with the release of Letraset sheets containing Lorem Ipsum passages, and more recently with desktop publishing software like Aldus PageMaker including versions of Lorem Ipsum. [break][break]
Artemis would give the server, or barmaid as it were, a small nod as she got her drink. Water, crystal clear, as per usual. She had stopped herself from the pitfalls of vices, especially since she already had her own problems to deal with. There was a reason, after all, as to why she was a problem child. Artemis was afraid that if she tasted alcohol, and liked it a bit too much, that her addictive personality might just catch on and latch on to it. Just like how her body craved adrenaline, and fed off of it.[break][break]
“The wealth here is just too enticing,” Artemis admitted. “Yul is something that most people will want to have in excess, and the Somerset family cannot in good conscience leave a town that has so much potential, for another town that might be a risky investment.” Her family were never the savviest business people. They were, after all, historically fishing people that mastered the ocean and sea through rigorous experiences. The generations of Somersets passed on the knowledge that they acquired, experienced that have had, to the next without fail. “Home, however, is another thing altogether.” Artemis would shrug. “Hapshass is where my home is located, though I can’t say that I long for it.” It was just a matter of fact. Artemis had no love lost in her home. Her siblings were dear to her, though they now have their own lives. Her mother was an important person in her life, and she was the only anchor left that stayed within Hapshass. “My mother is my home. And wherever she is at, that is where my home is. I suppose that might just be a little weird. Truly, I have no love lost with my physical home, built by my father to replace our old estate. I find that, in the end, it is the ones inside the house that makes it into a home, hm.” [break][break]
She would take another sip, before shaking her head with a small smile, “a force of habit, decorum and all.” Artemis would continue, “I’m sure you can understand how hard it can be to let go some of the etiquette and formality that is expected of us.”[break][break]
“A mysterious family, indeed.” Artemis would nod, though more curious now than ever. “I suppose there is a reason why I do not hear news from your family a lot through the grapevine.” She was almost tempted to tell her that her sources within the criminal underworld were lacking in terms of their information on the Ravencrest family. “Though you’re definitely right. I’ve not seen or heard of many notable Ravencrest Magic Knights, unlike the Vermillion and the Silva family. I suppose your family is quite happy with your successes then?” She asked, though unsure of what the answer might be. “Though I did not know you have a brother. A twin no less. I’m hoping he’s doing as well in the political game as his sister who’s leaps and bounds ahead of the curve within the Magic Knights.” Artemis gave the young woman a nod of acknowledgement. “It’s a daunting life we live as Magic Knights, to tell you the truth. Death at every corner. I suppose it’s a good thing that your brother is not a Magic Knight. I’m sure you would be worried sick about him every day if he was, hm?”[break][break]
Artemis herself had siblings that were Magic Knights, though unlike most family members, she found herself more or less apathetic. She supposed it was in her nature to care less, but she knew that her siblings held a place in her heart, if only just.[break][break]
“Fun?” Artemis would shake her head at that, “Lydia, do you really not know anything about me, or my ill reputation?” She would poke at the young woman in small jest, “they called me the ‘thieving noblewoman’, or as most would prefer, the ‘delinquent Somerset.’” The nicknames were hurtful in their own way, though it had been a long time since she was called it, and even longer since she cared, “Fun, for me, is the rush of adrenaline. And what I used to do for fun was to go around town at night, catch unsuspecting rich merchants off-guard, the stingy and cruel ones mind you, and take their Yul right under their noses.” She remembered those days, simple yet very exciting. “There is a reason I’m in the Green Mantis, Lydia.” Artemis continued, “though I’m more curious as to what you do for fun, hm?” The young woman must have better ideas than her. Stealing. The rush of adrenaline. Those were fun for her. Not normal, they said, but fueled her desires nonetheless.
"These memories might not be all mine, but I'll make sure that this life I've been given is."
[attr="class","florencebackground"]
[attr="class","florencetempy"]
[attr="class","florencelabel"]WORDCOUNT
[attr="class","florencetag"]563
[attr="class","florencelabel"] Total WORDCOUNT
[attr="class","florencetag"]1417
[attr="class","florencelabel"] tag
[attr="class","florencetag"] @artemis
[break][break]
[attr="class","florencetext"] Lydia would start pouring another glass as she listened to the water mage speak again. The vice captain wasn't surprised that she felt that way after all based on what little time time had spent together. It was clear to the pink haired mage Artemis wasn't the type of person to have strong emotions and if she did they didn't show them. However no matter how emotionless someone was they always had a strong bond with someone. I suppose the same could be said for me I don't really feel a strong attachment to the house I was raised in. However the bond with my mother isn't as strong as the one you have with your own after all I spent most of my childhood raised by my father. Of course my mother still taught me the things a lady of nobility needed to know. [break][break] Lydia would then take a drink before smiling at the white and blonde haired mage. I suppose that's true for most nobles it was just a habit easier for me to drop then most. As for the matter of my twin brother it's common for my family to have twins it's been like that since the founding of my family. It's been a while since I spoke to him since our lines of work keep us both busy. However he is doing very well after all my mother taught him everything about the game and he is very good at it. I suppose you could say I'm glad he didn't take the path of a magic knight he never was very good at combat so I'd have to worry about him dying all the time. Lydia would look around the bar for a moment before focusing back on the women in front of her. [break][break] The life of a magic knight is indeed a dangerous one but it's a path we choice to walk. As for how my family feels about my deeds as a magic knight they are happy that I'm a vice captain. They however expect more they want me to become captain after all my family expects nothing less than the best which can be annoying at times. As the green mantis mage asked if Lydia truly didn't know the rumors about her. The glass mage would let out a sigh. I tend not to care for rumors or listen to them for that matter nobles like to talk so much it's hard to tell what's true and what isn't. Lydia was taking a sip of her wine when the green mantis mage just came out and said she use to rob people. The pink haired noble almost spit out her drink at this. [break][break] Lydia of course didn't view her any differently because of that after all it was the past and it's not like she went around doing it anymore. What do I do for fun? Well let's see this might come as a shock but I like to go for runs in my free time. I also like painting my nails not that most see them since I wear gloves all the time. I also enjoy shopping for cloths sometimes. Lydia would then lean in close to the water mage before saying the last part. However my favorite pass time is laying in bed cuddling with someone. Sadly that one doesn't happen to often.
[break][break]
[attr="class","florencelabel"] pow
[attr="class","florencelabel"] dur
[attr="class","florencelabel"] sta
[attr="class","florencelabel"] sen
[attr="class","florencelabel"] con
[attr="class","florencelabel"] speed
[attr="class","florencetag"]240
[attr="class","florencetag"]0
[attr="class","florencetag"]135
[attr="class","florencetag"]60
[attr="class","florencetag"]214
[attr="class","florencetag"]30 m/s
[break]
[attr="class","florencelabel"] mana skin
[attr="class","florencelabel"] health
[attr="class","florencelabel"] mana regen
[attr="class","florencelabel"] mana pool
[attr="class","florencetag"]archmage
[attr="class","florencetag"]archmage
[attr="class","florencetag"]70 ic // 60 ooc
[attr="class","florencetag"]375/375
[break]
[attr="class","florencextra"]COMBAT SUMMARY
[break]
[attr="class","florencetext2"]You can put spells and whatever here idk [break][break] Lorem Ipsum is simply dummy text of the printing and typesetting industry. Lorem Ipsum has been the industry's standard dummy text ever since the 1500s, when an unknown printer took a galley of type and scrambled it to make a type specimen book. It has survived not only five centuries, but also the leap into electronic typesetting, remaining essentially unchanged. It was popularised in the 1960s with the release of Letraset sheets containing Lorem Ipsum passages, and more recently with desktop publishing software like Aldus PageMaker including versions of Lorem Ipsum. [break][break]
Artemis would smile as her cheesecake arrived. It seemed that the kitchen actually carried it on their menu. It came as a surprise, as Artemis thought that an establishment like this would not carry her favourite treat. It lit up her face somewhat, though her reserved demeanour always overshadowed any emotion she portrayed. She paused for a moment, just admiring the yellow and white coloured cake that had beads of condensation on it. It was chilled, and most likely fresh from its container. Picking up the fork, Artemis slowly and very gently sliced off a piece, watching as the fork neatly took off a small portion of the slice of cake. She would examine it for a moment, before putting it into her mouth, savouring the sweet taste of the treat.[break][break]
“Sorry,” She would finally say after finishing the bite of cheesecake, “Cheesecake after a dungeon is always a guilty pleasure of mine.” Artemis admitted this fact, and it was something that she had been very stuck on since she was a little girl. Any endeavour she was able to complete needed to be celebrated with cheesecake.[break][break]
Artemis would listen to Lydia's responses, taking great consideration as she took small bite sized pieces from her cheesecake. After a few moments, she would respond in earnest.[break][break]
“A house is just a house, after all, isn’t it?” Artemis shrugged. “I think the people inside the structure are what makes a home, home, hm?” Her mother was home to her. She had been the guiding light during her darkest moments. While her father had been there, urging her forward, her mother was the saving grace that made sure she was well taken care of, and was not left insane by the amount of pressure put on her as the heiress to the family. Artemis loved her father in her own way, but it was her mother that held her allegiance. “A father. A mother. A sibling. As long as you feel safe, feel loved, it is your home. What do you think?” [break][break]
Artemis then paused for a few moments. Siblings were an interesting topic for her. In truth, she had a great relationship with her siblings for the most part. “I’m sure your brother is doing his best, just like her sister.” She gave the young woman a small nod, a gesture of kindness, “My siblings are both in the Magic Knights, though I am confident in their abilities for the most part.” She could see her younger sister Titaniya looming over most people with her absurd height, while her younger brother was supposedly a cripple, though did not let it stop him from becoming an effective Magic Knight at all. “But the fear is there, for their safety and health.” Artemis loved her siblings in her own way, and while she knew they were capable, she sometimes had doubts about letting them choose to chase their dreams. From what Artemis had seen these days, the life expectancy can be very grim.[break][break]
“No gossip? How un-noble of you.” Artemis cracked a small grin, the most she could muster from her cold demeanour. “It is a breath of fresh air. Most of the nobility held that title over my head for years. Name calling is not above our social circles, and it always irked me.” She would shrug, “But here we are. I think I made it out better than most of them, don’t you agree?” She was one of the higher ranked members of the Green Mantis, definitely something she could show for.[break][break]
Then came the woman’s advances towards her. She was speechless at first, unsure what to say. She would look away for a moment, thinking of what to say. Lydia had leaned in close to her, and half of her wished she’d back off, while the other half was unsure what to do. “I suppose runs are great.” Artemis was finally able to muster up a response. “And cuddling is always fun.” She continued, trying to hide her small embarrassment, “I’m unsure where you could find someone to cuddle with, truly. I would think that there are men, noble in blood and affection, waiting in line to, well, I suppose share...a cuddle with you?” Artemis could barely muster the words, though she tried her best. She was a little flustered. Just a little.
"These memories might not be all mine, but I'll make sure that this life I've been given is."
[attr="class","florencebackground"]
[attr="class","florencetempy"]
[attr="class","florencelabel"]WORDCOUNT
[attr="class","florencetag"]420
[attr="class","florencelabel"] Total WORDCOUNT
[attr="class","florencetag"]1837
[attr="class","florencelabel"] tag
[attr="class","florencetag"] @artemis
[break][break]
[attr="class","florencetext"] As the water mage apologized about the cheesecake Lydia would just shake her head. There is no need to say sorry after all everyone has a guilty pleasure even if someone doesn't want to admit it. The glass mage would listen as Artemis spoke about home and family again asking what Lydia thought about it. It wasn't a simple question for her to answer based on how she was raised. I suppose that's true for the most part my childhood was different than most nobles harder one could say. Of course not that I struggled for food or money like those that aren't nobles. However I would say I have more love for the magic knights than my own family. [break][break] The vice captain would let out a sigh before taking another drinking. I of course still love my family but they raised me to be loyal to the magic knights and to never question the orders I was given my childhood isn't something I talk about much. After all it was training most days getting beat breaking bones. It was of course all to help me for when I became a magic knight. It's also the reason I became so fast. I wasn't never strong nowhere close to as strong as a male. I didn't like getting hit and having my bones break so I learned how to run fast to avoid the problem. Lydia was somewhat surprised to learn the water mage had two siblings herself but it wasn't of out the norm for noble families to have more than one child. I didn't realize you had a brother and sister let alone that they were magic knights as well. [break][break] As for fear yeah it's always there but it's how you let it control you that matters. The glass mage would let out a small laugh at the green mantis's joke. It looks like you are the one getting the last laugh now. After all your a high ranking knight now and who knows were they are. Lydia could tell once she leaned closer to Artemis it made the women uncomfortable so she would go back to sitting normal. You are right there are many men who'd like to share a bed with me. However most of them are in it just because of my name or the money my family has. I'm also not that interested in men most of the time. I tend to prefer the company of women if you understand what I mean by that.
[break][break]
[attr="class","florencelabel"] pow
[attr="class","florencelabel"] dur
[attr="class","florencelabel"] sta
[attr="class","florencelabel"] sen
[attr="class","florencelabel"] con
[attr="class","florencelabel"] speed
[attr="class","florencetag"]240
[attr="class","florencetag"]0
[attr="class","florencetag"]135
[attr="class","florencetag"]60
[attr="class","florencetag"]214
[attr="class","florencetag"]30 m/s
[break]
[attr="class","florencelabel"] mana skin
[attr="class","florencelabel"] health
[attr="class","florencelabel"] mana regen
[attr="class","florencelabel"] mana pool
[attr="class","florencetag"]archmage
[attr="class","florencetag"]archmage
[attr="class","florencetag"]70 ic // 60 ooc
[attr="class","florencetag"]375/375
[break]
[attr="class","florencextra"]COMBAT SUMMARY
[break]
[attr="class","florencetext2"]You can put spells and whatever here idk [break][break] Lorem Ipsum is simply dummy text of the printing and typesetting industry. Lorem Ipsum has been the industry's standard dummy text ever since the 1500s, when an unknown printer took a galley of type and scrambled it to make a type specimen book. It has survived not only five centuries, but also the leap into electronic typesetting, remaining essentially unchanged. It was popularised in the 1960s with the release of Letraset sheets containing Lorem Ipsum passages, and more recently with desktop publishing software like Aldus PageMaker including versions of Lorem Ipsum. [break][break]
Artemis would give her companion a nod, “Guilty pleasures, I suppose we all have them, hm?” She was sure that the Crimson Lions Vice Captain had her own guilty pleasures. There were just some things that made a person happy, and while Artemis was not someone who was shy in revealing them, she knew that others were. In fact, she knew that some of the Green Mantis members liked to go out to the whore houses of Aries Garse after a long mission; specifically when the mission either went sour, or it had put them in a life or death situation. This was more for the senior mages, those who saw battles against strong criminals, or mana beasts that were rabid and more sentient. There were also those who spent their money towards gambling, the ones whose lives have been defined by nothing more than the worth of their Yul, hoping to double or triple their cache. In most cases, they returned empty handed. “I think cheesecake is a good guilty pleasure, considering some of the other’s I’ve seen.” She would remark. “I’m sure you have your own too.” Artemis concluded, though unsure if the woman would want to share.[break][break]
Listening to the young woman talk about her childhood was a little hard for Artemis. She herself did have a good childhood in general. Her father loved her as much as a father could, but her mother made sure to compensate for it. She had her siblings, which she cared about for the most part. Her training was not as brutal as Lydia’s though she did push herself in the latter part of her years prior to becoming a Magic Knight. “You’ve been through quite a lot,” she started, glancing around as the bar seemed to be winding down a little. “The life of the nobility can be harsh, with some harsher than most. The expectations placed upon us can be too much sometimes, and truly I cannot condone such a behaviour.” She shook her head, “Pushing one’s limits is good, but pushing to the point of harm is another.” Artemis turned to Lydia now, “Though I am glad that you seem to have at least managed through it, and was able to push past your limits. Something good came out of it at least, hm?”[break][break]
Her family was another topic, though Artemis would only nod at the mention of her brother and sister. It was not as if she was dismissing them. Rather, Artemis was sure that her brother and sister wanted to make a name for themselves away from their older sister. Artemis had done leaps and bounds since joining the Magic Knights, even making a name for herself as a Ki Master within the squads. She understood the need to step away from her shadow, and truthfully, she could not blame them.[break][break]
“Women?” Artemis would give Lydia a small look, “I see. I’m sure that would cause a lot of heads to turn, hm?” There was nothing wrong with a woman loving another woman, nor men loving their own for that matter. However, it still turned heads for the most part. “I can agree with your sentiment, though. Men, at least those who are forward and make themselves charming, are the worst kind.” She shrugged. “I suppose women are a better choice.” Artemis was not sure whether she had said enough, or if she might have offended the woman, “Grace and beauty over empty bravado any day, hm?”
"These memories might not be all mine, but I'll make sure that this life I've been given is."
[attr="class","florencebackground"]
[attr="class","florencetempy"]
[attr="class","florencelabel"]WORDCOUNT
[attr="class","florencetag"]396
[attr="class","florencelabel"] Total WORDCOUNT
[attr="class","florencetag"]2233
[attr="class","florencelabel"] tag
[attr="class","florencetag"] @artemis
[break][break]
[attr="class","florencetext"] Lydia would listen to the women in front of her speak. The bar was starting to die down after all it was getting late. In fact at this point the vice captain had stopped drinking herself. After all she still had to make it back to the crimson lion base so she couldn't get to deep into her cup not that she did for the most part anyway. I'd agree that it's a good one keeps you out of trouble unlike other peoples. Most might find mine boring for a crimson lion. When I finish a dungeon I like to a nice warm bath and drink a glass of wine. As the water mage gave her view on how Lydia was raised the glass mage would just smile at Artemis. [break][break] Yes I'd say your right most people think just because we have money we live nice and easy lives which isn't always true. As for how I was raised I'm grateful for it sure it wasn't easy but it help me get were I am now. It's not like my father hated me he trained me that hard so I could do better than he did and not let the family time. I of course didn't see it that way when I was younger most children don't. Lydia wasn't surprised by the water mages reaction it was the same one most people had when she told them. It normally does some people judge me for it not that I care. As much as I'd love to say the only reason I like women over men is because of grace and beauty that's more than likely not the whole reason. [break][break] It helps since I like to be the one in charge blame it on my families prideful nature but it's easier to be in charge with another women than a man. If I had to guess the other reason I'd say it's more than likely because of the way I was raised. Sure I might understand why I was trained like that I didn't when I was younger so it's most likely the trauma of being raised that way. Which makes me less trusting of men let alone thinking they could actually love me. Lydia would look around the bar as more and more people were leaving the vice captain would most likely be leaving soon herself.
[break][break]
[attr="class","florencelabel"] pow
[attr="class","florencelabel"] dur
[attr="class","florencelabel"] sta
[attr="class","florencelabel"] sen
[attr="class","florencelabel"] con
[attr="class","florencelabel"] speed
[attr="class","florencetag"]240
[attr="class","florencetag"]0
[attr="class","florencetag"]135
[attr="class","florencetag"]60
[attr="class","florencetag"]214
[attr="class","florencetag"]30 m/s
[break]
[attr="class","florencelabel"] mana skin
[attr="class","florencelabel"] health
[attr="class","florencelabel"] mana regen
[attr="class","florencelabel"] mana pool
[attr="class","florencetag"]archmage
[attr="class","florencetag"]archmage
[attr="class","florencetag"]70 ic // 60 ooc
[attr="class","florencetag"]375/375
[break]
[attr="class","florencextra"]COMBAT SUMMARY
[break]
[attr="class","florencetext2"]You can put spells and whatever here idk [break][break] Lorem Ipsum is simply dummy text of the printing and typesetting industry. Lorem Ipsum has been the industry's standard dummy text ever since the 1500s, when an unknown printer took a galley of type and scrambled it to make a type specimen book. It has survived not only five centuries, but also the leap into electronic typesetting, remaining essentially unchanged. It was popularised in the 1960s with the release of Letraset sheets containing Lorem Ipsum passages, and more recently with desktop publishing software like Aldus PageMaker including versions of Lorem Ipsum. [break][break]
Artemis would nod. It was definitely true that she suffered little by eating a cheesecake to celebrate a victory. Of course, that was not what her mother would tell. Her mother was always the noblewoman, and her views on women and their diet and size was more pronounced than most. She was subjected to the same when she was a child, so Artemis understood where her mother was coming from. However, unlike her mother, Artemis had decided to become a Magic Knight, instead of marrying someone, a nobleman, and becoming a wife to them. No, she was more independent than her mother, and the noblewoman doctrine would never have been a great fit for Artemis. Therefore, her cheesecake habit was always counterbalanced by the fact that she was an extremely active person. Always running around, training, and even her missions were always quite a workout for the most part. Her mother worried for nothing.[break][break]
“To be honest with you,” She would start, “For a Crimson Lion to decide to unwind with a bath and a glass of wine just seems so fitting.” Arteis shrugged. There was always this stereotype that the more high tiered Magic Knights squads were constantly on a high. They were the type to be very stringent with themselves, not allowing any time for their own pleasures, and will be constantly vigilant. A lot of the common people thought that the Golden Dawn, Silver Eagles, and even some of the Crimson Lions had sticks up their behinds with how they sometimes treat those of a lower status than them. Truth be told, Artemis would not deny that there were more than quite a handful of those running around. “From what I have heard, the Crimson Lions are usually tasked with the harder missions and even the higher ranked dungeons as well.” The Green Mantis, in comparison, were most times neglected to the side. Their reputation was currently at an all time low, and Artemis knew that this was why their membership numbers had suffered. With that, the number of their competent mages had plummeted as well. “So, I expected some form of alcohol. Baths are just relaxing in my opinion. I do love to take one every night when I can afford the luxury of time.” Preparing the bath was always a chore, and the right temperature made the process grueling. [break][break]
“It’s an illusion, is it not?” Artemis shrugged, “The life of the nobility is shrouded in splendor and glamour that the common people sometimes forget that we also have our own failings, trials, and tribulations. It is incomparable to the ones that the common people experience, but we have our moments.” She sighed. The trials and tribulations of the nobility were different from those of the common people, and sometimes, she thought that it might have been better if she had been born of the common blood. “But we keep moving forward, hm? There is nothing for it, after all. When I was young, I was taught to keep my chin up and keep looking towards the future. It is what we’re fighting for every single day, to live life with as little regret as we could.” The adrenaline addict in her called for a fast life, but even Artemis knew that a well-paced one is better.[break][break]
Artemis would then take in the information Lydia shared with her. She understood when the Crimson Lion Vice Captain was coming from. Artemis herself had nothing against men. There were good ones, and there were bad ones. Of course, she could say the same about women, there were good ones, and there were the bad ones. At the end of the day, she supposed that it was true, a person’s experiences shaped their personality and in the end, the way they interacted with others and the way they live their lives.[break][break]
“The power struggle can definitely be hard for a man, a lot of them see themselves as the dominant force in a relationship.” Artemis shook her head, “There are some good ones, but it’s hard to weed out the bad from the good. But at the end of the day, we should be able to love who we love, and share our lives with the person we believe to be our destined partner, hm?” Artemis gave the woman a small smile of encouragement. She was not sure where all these expressions and emotions were coming from, but she did not mind them. However, they require more internal processing later on.[break][break]
“Oh, it seems that the place is closing. Where did the time go?” She would finally exclaim in a hush tone, with the bar being almost empty. “I did not even notice that we’ve been sitting here long.” Artemis had not had a night out like this before, and she was unsure how to proceed.
"These memories might not be all mine, but I'll make sure that this life I've been given is."
[attr="class","florencebackground"]
[attr="class","florencetempy"]
[attr="class","florencelabel"]WORDCOUNT
[attr="class","florencetag"]409
[attr="class","florencelabel"] Total WORDCOUNT
[attr="class","florencetag"]2642
[attr="class","florencelabel"] tag
[attr="class","florencetag"] @artemis
[break][break]
[attr="class","florencetext"] The vice captain would give the water mage a soft smile as the women said she felt that Lydia's way of relaxing seemed fitting for her squad. Artemis was perhaps the first person to think that. After all back when Lydia first joined the squad the other members talked about it and her not that they ever did so to her face. You think so? Most people expect the lions to do something more interesting and dangerous. The glass mage was a little confused on what the green mantis mage meant by the crimson lions tended to get more dangerous missions than other squads but she just assumed it was because she spent her whole as a magic knight in the crimson lions which was normally viewed as one of the stronger squads. I guess it just depends on the squad and what you count as hard. [break][break] For example as you said we get sent on more dangerous missions and dungeons which tend to be combat focused which is normal for us so we wouldn't really view them as hard after all that's what we are known for. However a high ranking coral peacock mage who is mainly a mage who is support would find it hard but a mission to heal a whole town would be easy for them. As the talk of the life of nobility kept going the vice captain would just nod her head in agreement after all there wasn't really much more to say on the matter that they hadn't spoke about. I agree with you on that and it's not just men the same could be said about women. I also find it hard to trust a man who lets you take charge maybe it's simply because they love you or it could be for someone other reason perhaps I'm over thinking it. All I know is I just haven't found the right person it seems. As the water mage spoke about it seeming like the place was closing down and asking where the time went the glass mage would give her yet another smile as there time together was coming to an end. [break][break] Well I've always said time fly's when you spend it talking to a interesting and beautiful women. Lydia would then get up from her seat walking over to Artemis before kissing her on the cheek. I've had fun speaking with you but we should get out of here ourselves. [break][break] [EXIT]
[break][break]
[attr="class","florencelabel"] pow
[attr="class","florencelabel"] dur
[attr="class","florencelabel"] sta
[attr="class","florencelabel"] sen
[attr="class","florencelabel"] con
[attr="class","florencelabel"] speed
[attr="class","florencetag"]240
[attr="class","florencetag"]0
[attr="class","florencetag"]135
[attr="class","florencetag"]60
[attr="class","florencetag"]214
[attr="class","florencetag"]30 m/s
[break]
[attr="class","florencelabel"] mana skin
[attr="class","florencelabel"] health
[attr="class","florencelabel"] mana regen
[attr="class","florencelabel"] mana pool
[attr="class","florencetag"]archmage
[attr="class","florencetag"]archmage
[attr="class","florencetag"]70 ic // 60 ooc
[attr="class","florencetag"]375/375
[break]
[attr="class","florencextra"]COMBAT SUMMARY
[break]
[attr="class","florencetext2"]You can put spells and whatever here idk [break][break] Lorem Ipsum is simply dummy text of the printing and typesetting industry. Lorem Ipsum has been the industry's standard dummy text ever since the 1500s, when an unknown printer took a galley of type and scrambled it to make a type specimen book. It has survived not only five centuries, but also the leap into electronic typesetting, remaining essentially unchanged. It was popularised in the 1960s with the release of Letraset sheets containing Lorem Ipsum passages, and more recently with desktop publishing software like Aldus PageMaker including versions of Lorem Ipsum. [break][break]
Artemis would nod. After all, it was true that people expected a lot out of the Crimson Lion mages. There was an opinion that the mages of the Crimson Lions were always intense. Only those who have had dealings with them could say different. Though, for an outsider, having a Captain and a Vice Captain that held quite a name for themselves made for an intimidating presence. It was one of the reasons why the Golden Dawn, Silver Eagles and the Crimson Lions were very much sought for squad placements. Most of the common people were aiming for the top squads, after all, when they join the Magic Knights Exams. It was expected, though most of them did not see any raised hand.[break][break]
“I would think so, the Coral Peacocks, and even the Azure Deers, have mages that were specialized in their use of magic.” Artemis would start, though she would shake her head, “The Green Mantis has a bad reputation in and of itself, and so the higher ranked mages, at least those who have enough sense, try their best in repairing the reputation of our squad.” Artemis knew of at least three. “A better reputation, more recruits, a stronger Magic Knights Squad, and finally, taken more seriously. The Green Mantis has fallen on darker times, but the few of us are trying our best to make do of what we have, for the future of the squad.” It was an uphill battle, but Artemis had endured. Her mission was simple, and her goals were clear. She had not lost sight of her plan, and the road was never more clearer than now.[break][break]
Artemis would settle for a moment, taking a sip of her water, the last of the glass. “I suppose you’re right. It is hard to trust, when the trust you had before was broken down already.” Artemis knew that the woman’s father had been very harsh, and it was hard to rebuild something that had been shattered once before. “Though, I hope you find someone in the future. Everyone deserves to find someone, after all, hm?” Artemis did not know what else to say. That line felt quite natural, though she herself had never fallen in love, therefore did not know what to say or do at this point. [break][break]
It was then that Lydia finally made the move to leave. However, as Artemis herself was making her way up and out, she was stopped by a set of lips on her cheek. She paused. Stopped, really, unsure of what to do. This was something that was foreign to her entirely, a show of affection that felt less sisterly or friendly, but rather something more. Her cheeks tinged a little, rosy red, though she kept herself in control. Artemis would look towards Lydia, before giving her a small smile. She truly was not sure what to do. “I...yes, we should get out of here…” Artemis followed suit, hand still held on her cheek. “How…” She left it at that, though she knew that it would be a restless night for her tonight.
