Raindrop Valkyrie

"Knight? Last time I checked Knights didn't call thunder from the sky. Unless Caelum has got some... very interesting knights. I don't recall seeing any of the sort though in my days as a Dragao soldier." She said, a small jab. She continued to scratch underneath the wyvern's chin with her unoccupied hand. It was certainly strange coming from Terrin, Knight. Certainly an interesting slip.

"I'm not much in the mood for food at the moment, so it's fine." after today, her apatite was pretty much non-existent. Just, with all the things that happened she just wouldn't be able to work herself up to that at all. Perhaps in a while now that Radburn was awake... but she still felt an awful pit in her stomach. One she just couldn't shake. What the hell were those things? and who was this Ignexus in reality? Was he really a dragon? The questions she silently mulled over in her head, the biggest killers of the want to eat anything. "Oh, he followed me? Huh, I didn't think he would. Must be somewhat different then I imagined. I still don't really know Ecquis's wyverns all that well. I know this one is the sole male of the group, but not much else." after all she knew of their number and their general dispositions towards people. It was imperative to know those things seeing as she was the leader of the unit. It was part of what she asked when Ecquis was brought into the fold. However, she didn't know much more than that. She'd never really thought to ask. She walked over to the red beauty and pet his head some more. She even scratched a little under his chin. "Hey buddy. I'm trying to help somebody. You wanna help to? Is that why you came? If so you're very kind for a wyvern. I definitely appreciate the support. Though I tend to do these things better on my own." "I suppose we can, I just tend to work better on my own in such situations. I appreciate the support, and certainly don't want to turn you away if you'd not want to leave." she said turning to the mage. She never really talked to him much, even when she was adding him to the unit. Terrin was nearly an enigma to her simply because she never thought much in consulting him. However unlike a lot of the folks he wasn't exactly that much of a misfit. Meredith mostly took the people that no one else in the Misguided Children was willing to give a chance. So... why did he end up with her? She couldn't help but wonder.

Meredith noticed the little spat between the monk and Hoshiko. This... she didn't even know what to call him... really knew nothing about talking to people. She wanted to stick around those she was currently conversing with but she felt it was more or less her duty to attend to the matter. Hoshiko seemed to be quite the loner, very much so. Meredith wasn't entirely sure if the girl got along with anyone else in the unit. She knew this might be an issue down the line, but her spirit was why she added her as part of her unit. Once again, another that no one else would've taken. She was just willing to give people the benefit of the doubt. A quality many others seemed to lack. She saw Terrin go over to her, but she wasn't entirely sure that was working. "Well as much as I'd enjoy to continue our debate, I'll have to be taking my leave for now. I apologize. Perhaps we can settle this some other time Radburn~ I'll prove to you yet that the Spear is the greatest weapon. The mark of a true hero. and see ya Firecracker.~" She made her way over, passing the Red Wyvern. She gave him a little pat on the head revealing that he had been there the whole time. "I bet you're a good boy!" she said as she continued past. and she continued directly over to the two that were standing in the distance. "Perhaps you should let me take this one?" she said tapping Terrin on the shoulder from behind. She moved surprisingly quietly for someone with armour. Though, it was expected of one who's armour was nearly a second layer of skin for them at this point in time. "She needs someone she's comfortable with at this point. I'm not sure I even fill that requirement. But, I am her... I don't want to say commander, that's not really what I consider myself even if I am listed as such by the Children."

I mean I could. I was sorta waiting for a reply from Serene first. mostly to see if she gets... a little... Hot and bothered. But, I'll see what I can do i suppose lel.

I don't consider your entire unit dying "doing well." maybe just me doe. Not sure how much we'll use the fella, though it's definitely for now a better chance of happening than Keagan. ((however provided Keagan's level-up are kinder further out he might become usable. Sorta, the interesting part of this as the level-ups are shared so no unti gets stuck in "never can be used" limbo where since you aren't using them they can never improve steadily in the background since yea, it doesn't work like that in actual games.))

I mean... considering his earlier line... I have a feeling he'll refuse to use anything other than that damn wooden sword even if we do.

I think that's sorta the issue in a nutshell. She doesn't really have that character that we can see that can start the "Wake up!" moment. No one is really available to give her that reality check to sorta lay out directly for her what's up. The only person who could from my understanding as Commander stated would be the player, however this is... obviously a problem. The thing perhaps this moment is still coming and we just have no idea how or when it will play out. However, I find that this is what makes a character interesting. Decisiveness. There are clearly people that feel all sorts of different ways about how this character is portrayed. You're not told how you should feel about her at least in any explicit manner, so more or less you as a person form that for yourself. Thing is I hesitate to say it's truly unique. Subverting a trope is usually so common it's a trope in and of itself. Regardless of that, it's written in a way that is very intriguing and compelling without falling into the old, "well gotta be likable!" trap. A character doesn't have to a good person or even remotely likable to be compelling. It is the fact that she isn't that is infinitely interesting in all honesty. Anyway, I'mma have to bow out at this juncture. I'm being a little too... overarching now, because I haven't directly experienced Reborn myself. I haven't first hand experienced things. I've not done them myself, which, as I said earlier, is where quite a bit of understanding can come from in a situation and in infomring you how to feel. Actually... I think this is the root of the problem. Maybe, just maybe that's what it is. That you as the player can see these things etc, BUT you have no control in the fact that you can't confront her yourself. As a silent protagonist... you don't have a way to voice your opinion, or to be heard. Maybe it's this lack of control, this lack of ability to act, that brings forth these feelings of frustration in some. Because if you could only take that role on yourself, maybe you could break through. But, you have no option to do so, and you yourself can't directly confront the issue you see. This is something I find much more interesting in the space of game as media then other any other media. And I shall close on it. Sometimes, it's the things in games that you can't do, that have a million times more impact then what you can do. The Lack of control, taking it away, when done correctly... is a tool that games have that no other media does. Because in games, you control things. So... taking away that control in a manner that leaves an impact, is one of the most effective tools to imprint on a player. ((for better or worse.))

STEW!!! THE CURE TO ALL WOES!!! A HEARTY MEAL CAN ALWAYS BANISH THE DARKNESS!!! STEW!!! THE FOOOOOOD OF JUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUSTICE!!!

I'm personally of the opinion that, liking a character that is falwed etc... is fine so long as you understand the shit they are doing is NOT okay by any means. Often, characters that are flawed etc people look up or take as examples of ways to be, which tends to not be the the point of the writing of said character. I do like the mention or allusion to the trope of "He who slays monsters" since due to my limited knowledge of the character, seems to be easily where Titania slots as a character. She is hardly a good person, narratively I find her quite interesting from what I've seen and read on the forums having not played the game, however, as a person... her behavior is quite appalling. She as a person is not a good one despite her intentions to be so. And I think this dichotomy makes her very interesting to people. Anti-Heros are highly liked in the situation where you see their actions and do not play them out. It's actually why Anti-heros tend to never be the focus of a game as the protagonist even in triple A titles. The reason why in media of other types such as film, anime, books etc can pull of anti-heros is because we ourselves never face the ramifications of their actions. We can disconnect from the shitty things they are doing because we ourselves do not do them. However, we all have those thoughts of "What if I did kill this person?" etc... Seeing the anti-hero from a perspective that isn't direct, but an outsider looking in makes them very appealing. They do and say the things one only wishes they could do. But, that's why being in direct control of them in games doesn't work for people as easily. Because in that scenario, you can't hide from the repercussions of your actions. It's easy to FEEL just how awful the things you are doing are. ((personally this was my issue with a game known as Watch_Dogs. They tried to protray a character who is.. actually an awful person a a good guy and the disconnect there really bothered me.)) You can feel just how terrible the actions you are taking are rather than see the fantasy, you see it, but you feel how awful it can make you feel, that's it isn't really what you wanted. I think this in particular is what draws many people to characters like Titania. You see on the surface what she's doing and without thinking into it deeply, she's massively appealing. On the surface she seems strong, impenetrable, like someone who will do what others are not willing to do to protect others. However, the deeper one looks the more the facade crumbles. Narratively, I think Titania is one of the better written characters because she's horribly flawed in what she does. I think as long as it's understood you REALLY shouldn't look up to her in any regard that like of her isn't a bad thing. It's when one tries to excuse the flaws when there's no reason you should excuse their actions. Titania from the things I know Is not a good person and is not a person you should want to be. She is someone who's fallen from grace, a cautionary tale more or less. She still has time to be redeemed I suppose, but... to me she a character I don't feel deserves to be redeemed. Narratively, I think her fate is sealed, as someone who tried to do the right things, but in the end, only temporarily solved the issues around her. Put off momentary pains, for grief that would only come back to strike 10 fold once it caught up to the lies. So, to me, she's vastly interesting. But, as a person I do not like her. For her role within the narrative I think she fits so well it almost is uncanny. I love her from that perspective but as a person... I really couldn't ever say she was a good one or a redeemable one. I will note, I think the thing here is Titania is chasing the illusion of what strength is, the raw physical version. The very very narrow definition. That strength is only the ability to crush ones enemies. But, she fails to understand that there are other types of it as cliche as it sounds. The strength of empathy, compassion... and may other things. The strength in being honest and being just who you are. There's many other strengths in the world, and I think as a person she fails to see this. To her, the only way she can protect is to kill to destroy the threat to one's safety. It is this narrow definition that horribly and often leads to her hurting people more than truly helping them. ((that feel when I crawl out of my RP/CW hole to actually comment of something that is housed elsewhere on the forum for a change. Don't get used to this people. You'll be sorely disappointed. anyway, I probably won't notice replies to me directyl as that's the case, but, With Love, Hukuna Sensei~))

"Well, it's my lifeline on the battlefield, Firecracker. It is the thing that allows me to protect others. It allows me to do my duty. To protect, to serve. I know many a man from my old regiment in Dragao called me an unapproachable woman, for I was already married to my duty, my spear." Meredith chuckled to herself rather abruptly after saying so. "It worked for me, seeing as half of them were boors, and the other half much to full of themselves. So, I didn't feel like correcting them on the matter cause then they left me the hell alone. Win win for me. It is more akin to an extension of myself, my will, my resolve and my passion though. I'm sure you feel the same about the flames you wield." she neglected to mention she wasn't really all that into men. It wasn't something all that accepted in Dragao, so she tended to keep it to herself. It was her business, no one else's. It wasn't like she couldn't like them, just... she had a preference that went the other direction. "You handled that quite well though despite struggling with the weight. Most wouldn't have been able to move that well even having the strength to wield a lance perfectly. I commend you for that Firecracker, you dance like flames, I'll give you that much~. If it were another life I'm sure I could teach you to wield them, maybe even better than myself."

((because Meredith doesn't entirely loathe literally everything about her ))

Well it has to be great. Rad is right in the name so CLEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEARLY, good name.

"Hmmm, sure. Just... don't hurt yourself. We've apparently had issue with a... certain entertainer somehow firing an arrow into their shoulder. I'm sure our Sister would prefer we don't have anymore accidents in camp." She neglected to mention that she was sleeping at the particular time when it occurred but, she didn't want to seem careless. Regardless, this would certainly be interesting she supposed. She placed the shaft into Serene's hand, firmly. She made sure she would have a good grip on it before she let go and let Serene handle it on her own. "Well, here ya go Firecracker, just don't burn it to down to embers. I need that for fighting after all and it's already a bit battered from my forceful passion."

"Yes, but the spear is the backbone of any good army and unit. It is the simply the most versatile weapon on the battlefield simply due to it's superior reach. They're cheap, effective and quite amazing. Nothing is more satisfying then piercing ones foe with the full force of their passion! Besides there's much more competition in the running for best spear users. Of course, It will be I hands down one day, but I've got the much more satisfying climb to the top." She said triumphantly slamming the butt of her lance into the ground. It hit with a satisfying thud that went up her arm. "The spear is the True Hero's weapon, because it is that of the common man! Anyone can relate to a hero that wields a spear!" "As for you, Firecracker, I can imagine there's something to it, but, I prefer how personal a strike from a weapon is. I like the blood on my face and armor after I strike. It is just the superior way.~ At least for a warrior such as myself. I suppose you get the same rush from the heat of the flames though, I can respect that."

"I really don't get you sword users at all. Lances are the far superior weapon." Meredith had learned the basics of all the weapons commonly found on the battlefield. Gerson had made sure to teach her, as he himself was highly skilled in all of their use. Meredith only really ever had aptitude with the lance however. Spears were the weapon that felt the most natural to her, as if she was meant to use them. She didn't really understand the appeal of blades. They felt, wrong to her. Perhaps they just weren't meant for her. She wondered if the way she felt about lances, was how they felt about their swords. "Anyway... I suppose we have room for another swordfighter, considering we have but one. Consider yourself a part of the group. Just pull your weight around camp and in battle and there'll be no issues with me.~"

Meredith saw the red wyvern lurking just behind the area where all of them were currently gathered. She was the only facing it's direction so only see could see the creature. She quickly looked at the beast and winked her eye, showing she knew he was there. Only she really noticed as the others were all sorta of occupied. "Sheesh, You're raring to go huh? I still haven't pried a name from you and you're already challenging my best swordswoman to a duel." of course, she wasn't about to mention that Rosa was the only one. "You sure this is wise to do already? You've just awoken from quite the beating. Or, are you the type that the more I tell you to do something the more you'll just want to do the opposite? Don't say I didn't warn ya at the least if anything happens. But, at least show a woman some courtesy and give me a name. I've provided mine, and waited for your awakening for the past few hours, it's the least you could do.~" she said in a light and cheerful tone. She still couldn't believe this one, already trying to fight right after getting up. She supposed it was a good attitude in life, to never stop moving, though, maybe this man took it to a bit of an extreme.

"Certainly not what I was expecting, though... I find I always get the ones I can't expect anything coming. Whether that's good or bad, I'm still undecided. I suppose one day I'll find out why all the accursed and the stranger sort are just drawn to me." Meredith her self rambled a little before catching herself. Perhaps it was just the woman's mannerisms reflecting on her. Who knew? "I'm glad it won't be too much an issue, but please try and keep most of it torching our enemies. I really don't like when my companions are harmed, especially self-inflicted. So, be careful... I don't want to see you come to harm. I'm not going to come between this, but know that I'm not overly fond of it either. Also, I'd never make you use a thunder tome... it's loud, and I swear every mage that uses them are blind and can't hit anything."

"Well, normally I'd skip this part... but seeing as our sorted crew deals with something of it's like already, I need to be privy to the people in my unit to make sure unexpected things don't come up, especially not in the heat of battle. We already have one in this unit who is driven by an obsession. This individual is allowed to continue service in my unit because their skills are extraordinary... and their ability in combat most valuable. However, I cannot safely say that they've not caused us grief in the past and nearly enough to considering me letting them go on more than one occasion." She did look at her now. Meredith pushed back a lot of the emotions that were writhing under her skin quickly as she could. Business was in order and she needed to get to the bottom of the exact nature of this woman. What exactly her drive was... why they found her as they had. "What is the extent of this..." Meredith struggled for a moment. She couldn't really think of an appropriate word here, so she just went with what first popped in her head, "... "relationship" with fire of yours? Is it driven by being drawn to pain... or what exactly? Further, do you think this could cause any issues in the future? My unit is, rather unique. I tend to take the misfits that won't fit anywhere else in our ranks. I'm sure you've seen the folks I work with on a daily basis, or at least some of them. So, no matter what you tell me, be honest. I'm more understanding than most given the chance."

"Artillery, makes sense seeing your magical ability. You'd probably not have heard of the legend. It was mostly a story amongst the rank and file. More used to inspire soldiers and their ilk to something called "glory" and "virtuous service". Sadly, I don't think they ever knew just how false the tale they were following was." She said, wistfully looking up into the sky. She had to look past Serene to do so, but she didn't really want to make eye contact at the moment. "Anyway, I suppose I should talk to you about unit type stuff then Firecracker. I'm not really the best at this whole thing since I don't like to keep a strict command really. But, I do like to know those working in my unit are quality fighters and people."

Meredith could barely believe this one. He was already moving and raring to go, he'd just been unconscious for hours and he was already ready to start. She could barely believe it, but she respected it. "Well, you took that better than I'd have expected. But, yes I'm that Undying, or was. I'm not so much a soldier of Dragao anymore. A lot has happened in a few years." Meredith figured once she'd probably be bothered by someone recognizing her, but having told her unit what she was, it hardly stung anymore. She wasn't ashamed she had once fought for this nation. She didn't know then what she did now. That much was certain. Further, she was more surprised that he recognized the fire mage... "You two know each other? I don't know either of your names, but it seems you've at least seen each other somewhere before."

I think you should probs give it to Klaren... for obvious reasons.