meritocracy | ♔third decree {video}

[Natalia is in House 1, looking like she's placing what appears to be arrows into a quiver and dressed not as formally. To be honest she looks a bit distressed, her brows furrow. With a little 'mph' she stops what she's doing and stares into the screen, both frustrated and concerned all at once.]

I suppose this is a moot thing to ask but is there anyone who has not entirely lost their wits about them? Anyone at all? People from Auldrant--those of you I've seen--[she looks pretty disturbed] --or wherever you claim to be from, if I am still someone you recognize, please respond. ~~So I can know how to keep you away from people if need be..~~

To those that are still..'normal', can we not discuss the situation? I demand to know what has been done to those I care for. I find it very..--disturbing. And concerning, obviously. ~~Mostly..very disturbing.~~

[she puts the quiver on her back and huffs, grabbing the fancy-looking bow on the table of the kitchen area, all but stomping out with her device in her other hand.]

Honestly, Luceti! I've no idea what to do with you in times like this!

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E....eeeehhh......! I only ever read about stuff like that, I think it's so cool....! My family is super rich so I guess I'd be something like nobility in your world too but- still!

Damn, the most I've seen are just some witches cackling to themselves about some trivial shit.

Goodness, are you alright? You look quite flustered. Is this your first time meeting royalty? [she giggles, sounding amused]
I assure you it is more than 'being rich', to be royalty is a great responsibilty. Your life no longer belongs to you but to the people whom you serve.

And these witches are?

[Natalia you've made his day with this, really.]

I-I'm fine! Of course it's my first time....! There's nothing like that in my world.

[Oh dammit. He frowns a bit when she questions the witches.] They're... they're just some bastards that dragged me and my family to purgatory and tried to claim magic was real. Let's just say.... it wasn't pretty. I don't know if you'd be able to stomach a story like mine... ahaha...

[She just smiles]
Then I shall do my best to show you the appropriate way a royal should behave.

[she listens to that, and her brows furrow, already murmuring an apology before she blinks.]
I'd certainly not ask you to share it if you weren't willing. But I've stomached many things. [Killing my father with my own hands. Being poisoned by another Father if not for Luke. Many things. Many partings. ]

[It's not that he's not willing to share... he's told people about it before- but it's still a horrible topic to bring up.]

I went to... this family conference. It was on a private island my family owned and including the servants, there were eighteen of us. Before we knew it we were being killed off one by one- and in sick ways too, like my dad and my step mom's faces being smashed in and you could barely recognize them. This continued until ....well, I think until none of us were left.

I just remember waking up in a room and my cousins claiming magic was real and that's how we died. A witch showed up and she said everyone was just... magically killed. I couldn't accept that, so me and my family had been stuck in purgatory for a long time- and if I could fight with the witch and win I'd get everyone back and we could leave that place. She created three more games, or scenarios if you will- where my family died and I had to guess just how they were killed. It's.... tough seeing them all die four times over. [he knows it's confusing though, he doesn't expect her to keep up.]

[Natalia is silent, her eyes darkened with sympathy, horror and grief all at once. She swallows, and after a long silence:]

You are right. That is a terrible story, and you did not deserve any of it. What's happened to your family is unforgivable--I would apologize but that does not express how deeply I acknowledge your pain.

[Aahh shit. He has a feeling he might have scared her off with that one, telling his wonderful time in purgatory all too quick. He frowns a bit.]

...Hey it's okay, really. I'm the one that should apologize, I brought up such a weird story all of a sudden. My mom is here in Luceti, and so is my sister- so at least some of my family came back, yeah?

Even though she doesn't really remember me right now.

Yes. Yes of course..I'm thankful for you that you have that again.
[oh. that makes it all the more painful doesn't it? she swallows. ]

She will remember. And here at least, you do not have to suffer such injustice.

Yeah she will remember, I've learned that if you don't believe in a little hope here and there- then you'll eventually go crazy.

I can't just lie down and accept things! I always need to fight until the bitter end! Which is why I'll stay by my sisters side, and you should do that with your friends as well! [Battler bounces back quick.]

You're right. Nor can one turn away from the truth once they have seen it. You have a good mindset for one who's seen so much. It's admirable.

Right, the truth is always engraved in your heart... even if you don't want to know it sometimes.

Heh-... I think if I didn't keep hoping for something I would have gone insane long ago. I'm stubborn, and that stubborn attitude never leaves me- I'll give in when I'm dead.

As long as you know that, I'm certain you'll be able to continue moving forward. [a small smile]
I think it's too early for you to speak of dying regardless. I imagine you're around my age?

[He nods!] Ah, I guess so! I'm eighteen.

♔third decree {video}

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