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[break] The Cloversationist, an elite fashion magazine whose covers are usually graced by only the most attractive of wizards needs a model for their upcoming weekly issue. Go pose for their flamboyant photographer until he is satisfied!
[attr="class","shadowsSub"]Details
Minimum Number of Players: 1 [break]Minimum Word Count: 1,000 [break]Location: Town of Silva [break]Special Requirements: N/A
[attr="class","shadowsSub"]NPC Information
What NPCs are in this mission? Please fill out the template for any notable NPCs. While those you have to socially interact with during the mission are not required any enemy that is presented in the mission must be listed in here. [break][break] Up to Player [break][break]
Post by Hania Ravencrest✾ on Jan 13, 2021 15:48:29 GMT -5
Hania was taking some time to himself for a change, his body felt like it had been hit by an explosion followed by having a building dumped on him. He had been pushing his body and mind further than he was really should have been but he guessed it's what came with where he was currently residing. He did enjoy being with the Ryuutei as it allowed him to feel a peace he never felt before and a freedom he never thought he would obtain he was also finding it hard to completely adapt to the life. It was so different than what he was used to while within the Royal Capital. He put it down to the fact that he wasn't willing or more likely couldn't give control up, not fully.
One thing he did realise over the time that he spent within the clan of lesser nobles was that he missed his own family, some more than others. Satori had been a gracious host, he hadn't really gotten to spend much time with Eve or June which did sadden him a bit because he wondered about their own experiences. He knew it might be difficult due to training and other things but he hoped that they could spend time together soon. He had started to pack a few belongings as he had intended to go back to his families estate and spend time with the others, he could only imagine the punishment waiting for him as he had been missing for a while. He did however only expect to spend a few days before heading home but it had been several weeks since he had met Satori and he still hadn't returned.
He was still unbalanced and fighting an internal struggle he didn't fully understand but now he had a guardian spirit of the Ryuutei clan bonded to him. One that didn't know boundaries and so he had to start building walls due to it. It wasn't exactly easy but it was his choice and he didn't want someone in his mind constantly or even knowing things he was uncomfortable with himself. He was still on the fence between the world he was raised within and the world he was now becoming accustomed to albeit slower than he liked but he would rather take things slow and get it right than go too fast and end up with his head on the floor or making enemies unnecessarily. He wanted to go home and be in a place that made complete sense to him that gave him a sense of structure he used to, the problem was he knew he was on that dagger's edge and didn't know if he was going to fall and get hurt. It was a scary thought to the teen.
It was then a portal opened and a snow owl came through and dropped a letter on the bed, quirking an eyebrow he picked up the letter slowly curious as to what it could be and who sent it. Even with a quick glance, he could tell this wasn't from his family, the quality of the paper was lower than what they used and there was no seal. "Who in the worlds name would want to contact me?" he asked as he cautiously and slowly opened the letter only to groan as he saw that all too familiar handwriting on the paper. It was the gaudy tulip photographer Zel that he had modelled for twice in the past and was wanting him to model again. "Does he really think this is my job?" he grumbled before letting out a frustrating sigh knowing his progression up the fashion and modelling worlds would only help his family in the long run, but it didn't mean he had to like it.
"I guess I have no choice." he said moving out of the room and towards the entrance of the clan grounds "Hopefully, it won't be too bad and I won't find myself getting my hair dyed again." He said more to himself than anyone else as he headed down the path to get into a carriage that was waiting for him in a village nearby. He disliked anyone messing with his hair and he had no idea why but then he was pretty sure Lydia would kill him for cutting it as it suited his looks. He was actually hoping this would be a solo shoot but the last two times he had been with another so guessed this would likely be the same but who knew.
Post by June Silva on Jan 13, 2021 18:41:49 GMT -5
June, for her part, had hardly seen Hania since the feast following her completion of the Coming of Age ceremony. She found the young man a bit overly-sensitive and dramatic, but was still curious about him. Her fiancé had a talent for finding people with unrealized potential. Most people that trained with him grew rapidly and were transformed into powerful allies. Thus, she didn't dismiss the man as useless despite him annoying her and coming from the House of Ravencrest. Besides, he was much more tolerable than his cousin, Michail. Perhaps not all Ravencrests were insufferable.
When she received the request to pose for a photo shoot, the Silva had been a bit confused. Her rise through the ranks of the Silver Eagles had been a bit faster than average and her association with Bengal had lent the short woman a bit of renown. However, June hadn't thought that sufficient for people to desire to capture her likeness. With a shrug, the petite noblewoman decided to attend out of curiosity. She had posed for family portraits before, so the job wouldn't be too difficult if it was anything like that.
Her lady-in-waiting, Autumn, was much more enthusiastic about the invitation to model for the photographer than June herself. According to her red-haired maid, the photographer, "Zel" was rather popular for his work. As such, Autumn had insisted on bathing her lady and dressing her up elegantly before letting her leave.
After being stuffed into a white dress with floral overlays and with the skirt sectioned into panels that tapered towards the center, giving them a petal like shape, June escaped Autumn's clutches.
Rather than take a carriage, the Magic Knight decided to ride River Step to her destination. She sat on the magical river, poised as though she were already for her photo to be taken as the transport spell carried her through town. Experimentation with the water as it carried her along revealed that she could cause parts of her dress to float around her, giving the petite woman an ethereal look.
By the time she arrived on site, the Silva had gotten so absorbed with playing with her dress and her magic, that she'd forgotten to be annoyed. She looked up to see a familiar face.
"Greetings Hania, I did not expect to see you here, though it's no surprise you're a model." June grinned at the beautiful, white-haired man before her. Her good cheer wasn't dampened by encountering a Ravencrest at all.
Beyond having had a most amusing ride to the photoshoot, she now got a chance to observe a person of interest. Novel information and new people, especially ones that could prove to be useful, made any excursion worthwhile.
Perched atop a floating river, she dipped her head in lieu of bowing or curtsying to greet the fellow noble. Unlike her simplistic outfit she'd worn at the feast, the dress floating around June was more complex and decorated. Her hair had a shine to it that had lacked that night as well, thanks to Autumn's hard work and pampering.
Shifting to lay on her stomach, June crossed her ankles behind her and folded her arms in front of her to rest on her elbows. The move exposed the rather dainty shoes on the petite woman's feet. It wouldn't take more than a glance for Hania to know why the Silva wasn't walking. It would be difficult to get around in such delicate looking shoes without soiling them with dust and dirt.
Post by Hania Ravencrest✾ on Jan 13, 2021 21:25:47 GMT -5
It had taken several hours to get from the fringe to the Royal Capital and he had to admit that it almost felt like entering unknown territory again which was a horrible feeling in all honesty. He hadn't been wearing his mantle when he had gone that day to gain the wine as a gift for his sister and so he still wasn't wearing it now. At the moment he was wearing a pair of white Hakama and an ice-blue and white kimono top, it wasn't his normal clothing style but it wasn't that off it in all honesty. When he finally reached the studio the carriage came to a full stop, shortly afterwards the door to the carriage would open and he would get out. In honesty, it was a great feeling to get out and stretch his legs "Thank you for coming to get me Atorise, I know it was a bit out of the way. I do appreciate it though." he said the man just nodding his head moving away to allow the horse to get something to eat and drink.
It was then he heard a voice he didn't expect to hear from behind him a silent sigh crossed his lips as he closed his eyes for a moment before he turned smiling. "Greetings Lady Silva." he said his left hand going to his chest while his right was slightly away from his body the flat of his hand turned towards her. "I hope the trip wasn't overtaxing on you." he said showing genuine concern, this was no longer Ryuutei lands so appearances would have to be upheld on both sides due to the ramifications that came with not doing so. "You look truly entrancing." he said moving towards her after standing his hand going out to help her from the magical River "Allow me Lady Silva." he said with a charming smile on his face, it was true that their houses were at odds but they were in public and appearances meant everything to both families.
"Actually, this would be my third time modelling for Zel." he explained helping her if she allowed it. "He dresses so outlandishly that I swear he falls into his closet when he's half asleep, in the dark and chooses whatever he thinks will clash the most." he commented. It was then he noticed the shoes and understood why the overly dramatic entrance, those shoes were not only expensive but dirty would be near impossible to get out of them. It was then he used his mana to drop the temperature near his feet. It would cause just frost so that the ground would harden but not allow her to slip or damage her shoes. "I see your family has raised their tastes this season or is that just you." he chuckled. It was nothing more than light poking due to the animosity known between the houses and he wanted to make light of it.
He honestly did fine find her exotic and elegant compared to many within her family, if requested he would indeed carry her because he knew the price tag of such shoes. One way or another they would end up where they were meant to be and there he was, this time dressed like a gaudy dandy lion in forest green slim-fitting trousers, bright yellow frilly top and hat made of straw. "Here we go again." he whispered to June as Zel moved quickly over to the pair "Nice to see you both! Wonderful! Wonderful!" he exclaimed, it hadn't been even ten seconds and he was thinking about crushing the man's windpipe to make him shut up but he didn't show it. He had a smile "It's a pleasure to see you again." he said allowing his hand to be shaken like the other had way too much caffeine. As he moved towards June he took a step forward "There is a difference between shaking a gentleman's hand and kissing a lady even on the cheek without consent." he said stoically the photographer took a step back and nodded quickly.
It wasn't like he could argue with the pair the came from the two most powerful houses next to the royals, instead he moved to take June by the hand and gave a kiss to it lightly. "Yes! Yes! This will do! The two beauties of the noble houses! You will be the envy of everyone!" he said moving back to where their hair and makeup would be done, daintily taking June's fingertips in his hand he followed and was ushered into a chair as June would be also. "Wait to see what we have lined up for you both!" he exclaimed before moving off to deal with other models that were less than pleasing him. "He's had to much sugar." he said calmly his eyes going to the same hairdresser he had last two times "No, I'm not dying your hair and there are no scissors this time." she blurted out knowing the questions that were going to come from him. He just closed his eyes allowing for his hair and makeup to be done without a word.
Word Count: 863 Total Word Count: 1,623 June Silva
Post by June Silva on Jan 14, 2021 20:49:43 GMT -5
Hania's response was quite formal as it had been the night of the feast. The bow in particular gave June a sense of familiarity, though she couldn't identify what or who the gesture reminded her of. She accepted the beautiful man's hand with a delicate grip after sitting up, and disembarked from her transport spell. With a quick wave of her free hand, the short woman dismissed the spell, allowing the water to pool across the ground before vanishing.
June gave Hania an appreciative smile for his thoughtfulness in ensuring the ground wouldn't dirty her shoes. Despite having generally good balance, it was nice to have extra support from the white-haired man in these shoes. They were dainty and delicate, made purely for looks. The shoemaker responsible for the noblewoman's footwear couldn't have thought twice about walking.
"The trip was pleasant, thank you."
Her face flushed slightly at the lip service, the woman not expecting Hania to be this flattering, even if it was only for appearances sake.
"You appear graceful as ever; if your travels here were difficult, it doesn't show," June replied. She could exchange pretty words, thought it no longer came as naturally as breathing. Time spent with the Ryuutei had scrubbed off a bit of the polish from her noble upbringing. Not enough to notice at first glance, but enough that lengthy conversations could expose the influence Bengal had on her.
"It is of no surprise you've been called to model. Photographers are well known for their partiality towards beautiful subjects." More pretty words.
The light barb drew a more genuine smile across her lips. "Silva are generally fashionable, though I may stand out even amidst their ranks. I must say, you're much more pleasant than I'd expect for a Ravencrest. Perhaps Michail is a standout figure within your midst," she teased in return.
It was a shame that the peacock of a man wasn't here to listen in on that dig. June recalled Hania's rather... prickly cousin and imagined how satisfying it might be to upset him. Perhaps she would pay the man a visit just for that purpose. Hania's whispered warning helped the silvery-blue haired woman not to be startled by Zel's auspicious appearance.
Before she could blink, Zel had a gentle grip of her free hand and was leading her away, causing the short woman to release Hania's hand (June had forgotten their hands were still lightly clasped). June climbed up into the chair with Zel's help and settled in.
"I do wonder how I'd look with a new color," the Silva mused aloud when the hairdresser attending to Hania blurted out the answers to the noble's unasked questions. "Though I must agree, Hania's hair shouldn't be changed. It's too lovely to alter it."
June crossed one ankle over the other and asked the stylist assigned to her, "What designs have you got in mind? I am favorable to any sort of curls."
The dark haired young woman nodded at the noblewoman's hint and set about washing her hair. "Your hair is already quite soft," the girl commented.
"Ah, yes," June replied, "my lady-in-waiting takes excellent care of my tresses. What shall I call you?"
"I go by Kalin, Lady Silva," the hair stylist responded, her fingers skillfully working through the natural waves in the Silva's hair.
The noblewoman could already feel herself relaxing as Kalin massaged a cleanser into her hair. It was hard to believed she would be paid for this. If not for her ambitions, the life of a model would have been an appealing one.
Post by Hania Ravencrest✾ on Jan 16, 2021 15:14:38 GMT -5
Hania walked with June the short distance required for their shoot "I am glad, overtaxing a beautiful flower such as yourself should be a crime punishable by flogging." he said calmly, his voice was soft as he spoke to her his hand still gently holding hers as they walked together. It was an odd scene, to say the least, due to the animosity the two houses were known to have towards each other but the pair appeared to be at peace with one another, almost like their houses were allies with how they were walking and talking with each other. "I am glad to hear as much, I must admit you do seem to like making an extravagant entrance, don't you." he said with a smile noting how she had arrived at the task at hand. "I see your shoemaker thought little about the actual need to walk when he made your princess slippers." he said with a smile knowing the type of shoe she was wearing. They were meant for things where ladies would sit and talk for long periods of time not for practicality.
He chuckled "As graceful as a goose that has been stuck in a carriage for over eight hours I assure you." he had left the Ryuutei compound a few hours before dawn and now it was closer to the later morning so he was less than a happy person but he kept his normal demeanour. He listened to her flowery words and shook her head, his snow-white locks dancing around his body slightly like tendrils of snow. "I wouldn't know if I would call myself beautiful, I am average at best." he said continuing to walk with her, it is true especially recently he had been given a lot of 'pretty boy' comments but that was because he did stand out in comparison to the Ryuutei. To him, he was average and in his mind that was him being trying his best prideful on the subject, he actually believed he was far from beautiful or even average but then he had body issues.
He chuckled lightly "I have seen most Silva's fashion sense, to call them fashionable is charitable at best but as I said you indeed have style and the grace to match it." he said continuing the light barb to the general family but using flowery compliments to his current companion. "I do spend a lot of time within the noble courts and mingling so it pays to be pleasant don't you think." he said looking to her. It was when she mentioned his cousin Michail he let out an exasperated sigh "I love all my family to varying degrees and would protect them to the best of my ability but there is no cure magical or otherwise for stupid" he said to her not knowing how his cousin ended up the way he did. Perhaps it was a defective gene, that he was dropped on his head as a child or even like him that the man had been adopted it was a mystery yet to be solved. "His actions are questionable at times but he means well... I think." the last part he didn't seem too sure on.
Hania had just closed his eyes as the other started talking to the hairstylist and opened a single eye a little to look at her "This is a job, not a pampering day, so it doesn't matter if you look favourable in curls it goes on what may suit the shoot." If he could have gotten away from having his hair dyed the last time he would have but at the end of the day, it wasn't his call then like it isn't their call now. "That being said, I'm sure you will look like a goddess regardless of what happens to your shimmering locks." he complimented his eye closing once more as he allowed his hair to be washed, dried and styled his makeup being done at the same tie. He had to wonder though, was this some sort of joke the gods were playing on the pair. It wasn't like they were enemies even if their houses had a strong distrust and/or distaste for each other but they themselves had started off on a misunderstanding.
'Perhaps this is just a way for us to fix those misunderstandings and start anew.' he thought to himself as he listened to June speak to her hairstylist. He dreaded to think what the gaudy sunflower had in mind this time not that he minded so longs he was covered, his hair wasn't cut and he wasn't forced to dress like a clown or even worse similar to the photographer himself.
Post by June Silva on Jan 16, 2021 15:57:13 GMT -5
June giggled at Hania's increasingly excessive complements. "You understate your looks, Hania. Would Zel have called upon an ugly duckling thrice? Not even the most sympathetic of artists would offer such a thing."
The noblewoman gave minimal thought to the optics of a Silva and a Ravencrest walking and talking together like friends. Of all her House, only one cousin had proved to be someone worth listening to and he was off on some stupid quest for revenge. The rest of her kin were hardly worth thinking about in June's opinion. Their opinions wouldn't stop her from doing as she pleased anymore than her parents' wishes had.
"They say beauty is in the eye of the beholder, perhaps fashion operates similarly. I cannot hope to understand what inspires the clothing choices of other Silvas," the short woman neatly addressed the barb, "though few of them are as insufferable as the worst of your house. Perhaps it is simply the curse of simplemindedness as you suggest. I can't say I've had the misfortune of Ravencrest company often enough know how widespread such an unfortunate trait might be among your ranks. You seem to have been spared."
The Silva chose not to comment on her feelings about her family just yet. No one who wasn't already aware needed to know that the petite woman held no love for her house. For her, Autumn was the only family she had left from the Silva side. The Ryuutei had come to hold a place of not just respect but affection in the noblewoman's heart that the Silva would struggle to claim. The emphasis on power and freedom were much more appealing than relying on mere prestige or living a life constrained by a gilded cage made from the expectations that came with high society.
From the chairs, the white-haired man reminded June that they were here for work rather than pleasure.
"Even if the final decision is out of my hands, I still like to share my thoughts. Is it not vital to be forthcoming during a job if one holds potentially helpful ideas? Your stylist already seems to be familiar with your usual input and preferences." The words were teasing rather than harsh, taking on a tone that implied friendly banter.
Kalin rinsed June's hair and began the processes of combing through it to ensure that tangles wouldn't hinder the styling process. Once the noblewoman's hair had been detangled, the stylist sectioned it off into smaller pieces, each held by one of several clips.
The Silva woman had fallen quiet after her last statement, content to relax for the time being. Despite the verbal spar with Hania, she didn't find herself getting annoyed. The mix of complements and insults aimed towards one another's families was a familiar song and dance, the type of conversation June usually heard at formal gatherings. Satori had little patience for such things and the Ryuutei didn't seem inclined towards word games. Hania, on the other hand, seemed to be more than willing to play.
The thought brought a smirk to her lips. Perhaps her initial assessment of the man had been too harsh. Overall, he was rather amusing.
Post by Hania Ravencrest✾ on Jan 16, 2021 20:33:28 GMT -5
Hania remained quiet for a moment as he contemplated his response to her statement, it was true that photographers only worked with those that they deemed what fit their theme. "Some photographers will hire ugly ducklings as you put it if it fits in with their theme. I would say this is beauty and the beast but I don't have the same body type for what one would call a beast." He said softly his face showing nothing of his thoughts or feelings on the matter. "I can understand why he chose you however you are as beautiful and rare as a blue moon rose." he said calmly his words were soft and showed no signs of barbs. He had met a few of the Silva house and they were cretins in his opinion and dressed as if they were commoners trying to pass as nobility.
He smiled a little hearing the counter barb to his own "I have no idea what goes through many of my families minds in regards to clothing or what they deem as common sense." he said his tone not changing "I fear going down that path, in fact, I'm sure I may lose some intelligence." he said voicing his true feelings on some of his cousins more outlandish actions. He knew full well it was the reason he now wore a scar on his face. "I've had plenty of misfortune of dealing with Silva, you are however the first I didn't want to make into a popsicle within the first few moments of talking to them so it truly shows you are a cut above the rest." he said softly, the staff tending to them unsure about what to make of the two nobles.
It seemed as if they were in a war of words but the wording was something they'd believe would be heard in the noble or royal courts, they couldn't make heads or tails on if they were friends or enemies because for every flowered barb there was a just as flowery compliment. "I was adopted into the family when I was six and raised by Lydia so I have common sense" he said simply, it wasn't a hidden fact of his past but it wasn't exactly spoken about openly either. He had come to peace with the fact he was adopted and no one within his family dared challenge him other than his sister, the head of the family. He was its heir and because of this there were far more expectations on him than normal members of their family.
He remained quiet for a while after that until she spoke about it being vital to be forthcoming in regards to potential ideas when it came to jobs "Depends on the job." he said simply, in jobs that had decisions or required survival he would agree speaking over potential plans was something that should be done but in a job like this, his opinion was no it wasn't. They had no idea of the theme of the shoot. He didn't really want his hair dyed last time but it was needed and as for the time before that it was better for everyone involved that his hair wasn't cut, especially to shoulder length. When he returned from the last shoot he went to his room and refused to see anyone until his hair was white again. He really wasn't happy seeing a stranger in his hand mirror and even thought of smashing it so he wouldn't have to see it.
"She has styled my hair both times I have modelled for Zel, first she wanted to cut my hair to above my shoulders which wouldn't end well for anyone. The second time when she went to dye my hair black I wanted to know if it would wash out." he said as if it was just a normal everyday run of the mill stuff. Once done his hair was tied at the top of his head where it was placed through what could be described as a golden hooped hairpiece with two golden pins going through each side of it. The white cord was removed and silk ribbon which was primarily a lavender blush colour with a white pattern on it and a golden hem was added before his fringe was taken care of. While that was going on his makeup had been done, it was subtle but it brought out his eyes more and emphasised his more gentle and feathered features.
The make-up artist's assistant moved and brought over the Halloween issue that had the then black-haired Hania on the cover alongside a redheaded woman. The pair would be back to back one hand clasped in the others their hands reaching out to the night sky, bats and raven's flying around.
Post by June Silva on Jan 18, 2021 16:16:49 GMT -5
Even with the back and forth, the odd dance of complements and sly insults to one another's family, it was clear that the Silva was enjoying herself. A slight grin tugged at the corners of her mouth, revealing that the petite woman was truly amused. The grin did fade a bit when Hania mentioned his background out of respect. She didn't want to give the impression that she was laughing at the fact that the white-haired man was adopted. If it were any other Ravencrest, June might have capitalized on that knowledge for petty insults, but Hania had proven to be worth more consideration than that. At the very least, he was pleasant to work with.
"That might explain why you have more sense than your cousins," she agreed, "however there are more interesting things to discuss than our less fortunate relatives. I find you much more interesting as an individual rather than a mere representative of House Ravencrest. I find that one's actions and accomplishments say more about them than any prestige that their family may have on its own." Her words were rather unorthodox for a noblewoman.
Many nobles pursued the glory and honor of their houses above their own, or derived their own prestige from that of their family. For the half-Silva, that simply wasn't enough. Respect and prestige handed to her regardless of her own worth was meaningless to her. June sought to rise above what her house could ever achieve and stop at nothing to rise to more ultimate forms of power.
June turned her head to get a better look at the magazine. Kalin simply adjusted where she was standing to continue working on the lady's hair. The noblewoman's silvery-blue strands were being carefully arranged into complex, four and five strand braids. The hair stylist raised her hands once she was finished to manipulate currents of air with her magic, gently drying June's hair with it. Once the Silva's hair was dry, Kalin began to gently take apart the braids, leaving the hair rather wavy.
"You are striking with dark hair. I am impressed they managed to find someone pretty enough to stand beside you without wilting."
The petite noblewoman's eyes squinted a bit as she examined the face of the person Hania was posed with.
"She looks familiar. I believe I've met her once. If she's the same one I encountered on a mission, then I must say her appearance far surpasses her manners. Then again, I suppose it must be rare to find someone who is both pleasant to look at and to deal with."
After that, June's chair was turned to give the makeup artist approaching her better access to her face. The noblewoman went quiet and still again to allow the makeup artist to work unhindered. Autumn had beaten such etiquette into her with all manner of scoldings and the occasional pinch. As such, June tended to be well-behaved for anyone who needed to do her hair or makeup or to dress her.
It felt strange to allow someone other than Autumn to get her ready for any type of event or appearance. Nevertheless, June allowed it because this was a job. Once the artist finished their work, the turned June's chair so that she could see herself in the mirror.
"For this photoshoot we went for a more natural look. We don't want the makeup to clash with the outfits Zel has chosen for you."
June blinked at her reflection, head tilting to the side a bit. She was still recognizable, thankfully. Hania's warnings about how... unusual and over-the-top Zel could be had caused her to worry a bit about what they might do to her face or hair. It appeared that they'd cleverly enhanced the shape of her face with contouring and made her eyelashes appear darker and more dramatic. The waves in her hair were tighter and more defined than usual thanks to Kalin's braiding technique.
A smile crossed June's face at her appearance. "This is truly impressive work," she commented.
Post by Hania Ravencrest✾ on Jan 19, 2021 0:52:36 GMT -5
The two nobles seemed to be enjoying their delicate dance of flowers and barbs towards each other and not only the other's family but their own. It seemed as if they both had grievances there but it was to be expected as a lot of weight was put on them due to their family's standings and the expectations that came with it from within and without the family. To the teenage heir, it felt like there were always eyes on him, some in admiration while others were waiting to see him falter so they could use it and capitalize on the mistake. It was one of the reasons his brain never really shut off nor that he could really just go with the flow as the Ryuutei seemed to. He did try but he was failing at it and hard.
He was smiling the entire time but noticed that June's had vanished slightly when he mentioned that he had been adopted, he wasn't sore about the fact, he never had been it was a matter of fact after all. Many houses had attempted to use it against him, it was strongly believed however that he was a noble as it was well known the Ravencrest would never sully their house bringing in a commoner. The fact was he honestly couldn't remember much about his biological family, he knew though he was an outcast he never wanted for anything so he guessed it had to be true. "Lady Silva, you don't have to lessen your smile upon hearing my past." he said calmly
"It is a well-known fact I am adopted within the noble circle and many have tried to use it against me." he said his eyes turning to look at her "Facts are facts but it doesn't change who I am as a person." he smiled slyly "I just made sure they couldn't show their face for a few months when they had to use such low hanging fruit in their arguments against me." It was clear that he was able to get around the stink many nobles tried to pull and still managed to come out untainted, all the while the one who instigated the issue was the one who kept what they tried to throw. Over the years the fact he was adopted started to taper off and he was just seen as any other Ravencrest that had been biologically born into the family. "I actually find it disheartening that your smile faded when you heard I was adopted, does it bother you?" he asked believing that everyone knew he wasn't originally of his house.
"Perhaps, but, you'd think that their mannerisms would have rubbed off on me over the years." he said thoughtfully, then again he was chosen as heir to his family meaning his steps had to be more calculated than his cousins. "I agree, it is a beautiful day and I have a stunningly sweet flower at my side, family issues shouldn't be something I should be thinking of." he said wanting to forget about his family and how he wanted to deal with the idiocy of some of them. "I agree. We are nobles of our houses but that isn't who we are alone, that isn't how it is to many of my family. They throw around our family name to get what they want, it is despicable and underhanded." his tone showed it left a bad taste in his mouth and he didn't condone such things.
"Family power and influence swells and wanes much like the ocean, just because we have power now doesn't mean in the future we will have it." he said his tone showing he had thought about this often. "If we ever fell out of favour for whatever reason, then what? They wouldn't have much to fall back on. I am attempting to make my own way but still stay in the lines that won't disgrace my family at the same time." he said honestly, it was truly one of the many reasons he had inner struggles even within the Ryuutei he never really let the prim and proper side of him fall, well at least not fully. There were signs that he was trying but it just never really happened.
"I am glad, I hate when people just see my family name and don't see me for who I am." he said honestly with a sigh "It's why I never introduce myself using my last name if I can help it." he was honest about that "It muddies the waters and all people tend to see is a noble who is likely full of themselves, not for the people they themselves are." he admitted "Even when I met Satori I just introduced myself as Hania, I also asked him for hand to hand training and for him to not hold back." he said with a chuckle "He did luckily but even then I'm sure he was going to knock my block off with some of those blows." It was that day things actually seemed to change for the teenager and though it had been a painful experience since he wouldn't have changed his actions.
"No offence to my stylist because she did an impeccable job with a fussy noble, but I hated my hair that shoot." he said honestly, the stylist didn't seem to take offence to his words, she actually seemed surprised at the compliment and the acknowledgement that he may have been seen as fussy. "You were fine, not everyone likes their hair altered or dyed especially when it could damage or be permanent." she admitted. It was true that he hadn't been unkind towards her but rather asked if it would have been permanent but that was due to the concern for his normal appearance, after all, it was unheard of for a Ravencrest to have dark hair regardless of reason. If it hadn't washed out he would have happily cut his hair off entirely and remained within his room until it grew back fully.
"Her name is Genesis, I believe she helped within Kikka." he said his face showing pain briefly as he forced himself not to move his hand towards his head not wanting to ruin his hair or makeup. He got some of the flashes though they weren't as bad as some he had, had recently. "I'm unsure about the first in regards to myself but I do try and be pleasant when I can." he said looking at how he looked in the mirror, it was more his style so he turned to look at June fully her hairstyle didn't match his own so it made him wonder what sort of crazy thoughts Zel was having this time.
"It's about time you both get changed" one of the many assistants said Hania got out of his chair having recovered moving to help June out of her own before they moved towards the dressing rooms. It would seem as if they were aware some of their models were nobles as like last time he had a large changing room while they gave poor Genesis a changing room the size of a bathroom stall to change in. "It seems as if they give nobles better treatment than the run of the mill models." he said shaking his head but he couldn't exactly say he was surprised because they both knew your station decided how you were treated in most instances. Opening her door allowing her to enter and closing the door afterwards he went towards his own changing room scared to see what he was wearing this time.
Post by June Silva on Jan 26, 2021 23:53:58 GMT -5
"I am not bothered by your adoption. I simply think it is no laughing matter," June replied to Hania's reassurances. "Your origins, while they may provide insight to who you are, are far from the complete tail."
The white-haired man's next words caused the short woman to laugh quietly. "You sound like Satori when you say that. He has never been a fan of relying on one's family name. I see it as just another means to an end. One of many tools at my disposal, though I suppose that in and of itself might seem blasphemous. However, I simply don't care to be bound by the arbitrary rules that nobles bend and strain to conform to."
A slight smirk crossed her face at Hania's pretty words. "After all, should a flower not stand tall and only lean whichever way the sun shines?"
The comparison was flattering, reminiscent of how Satori often called her flower as a term of endearment. June suspected Hania meant it in a more traditional sense, referring to elegance and beauty. Her intended one, however, knew that she was as deadly as the brightly colored flora found in texts about botany.
Hania's description of meeting Satori caused June's smirk to stretch into a more genuine smile. "Yes, Satori takes training quite seriously. Even if you had told him your family name, he'd have been just as brutish with you. He is not one to treat pretty things delicately on such occasions..."
For a moment, the silvery-blue-haired woman considered mentioning her intended one's gentler side. However, the idea of discussing it felt too personal and intimate for a casual conversation. Nevertheless, her cheeks reddened as blood rushed to her face.
"He is the sort to give you as much as you can bear and then some."
As June's thoughts started to center on her lover, the red hue in her face continued to spread. A few deliberately deep and slow breaths helped the woman to relax and stop feeling so flustered. Satori wasn't even there and she could already see the lightning mage laughing at her in her mind's eye.
"In any case, I am starting to understand why he took an interest in you. You are of unusual character for someone raised alongside nobility. You maintain a sort of independence of thought that is often lost to individuals of our station."
The petite woman's blush faded after she changed the subject.
"I indeed met her in Kikka. In the other magazine, she was posed quite... differently. Based on her dress it could have been Zel's work." There was a bit of distaste in her tone when the topic of conversation turned to Genesis. "Far too hot headed for my liking."
With that, it was time to get dressed.
"Now that I think on it, I am beginning to feel a bit apprehensive about what Zel might have chosen for us to wear," the noblewoman said as she accepted Hania's hand before getting out of her seat.
Like she had before, she kept a gentle hold on the tall man's hand for balance while they made thwaseir way to the dressing rooms. The rather spacious dressing room was still a good deal smaller than the room June stayed in at the Silva estate but it was nicely furnished. No expense had been spared on making the dressing room a comfortable space for the pair of nobles.
The Ravencrest's comment earned him a slight shrug.
"They know whom they can and cannot afford to offend." June released the tall, white-haired man's hand and carefully walked into her changing room, giving Hania an appreciative nod for holding the door open for her. Once the door was shut behind her, June sat down on a padded bench and took off her shoes. She let out a quiet sigh of relief. While beautiful, the shoes had been nearly impossible to walk in. After flexing and stretching her feet, the noblewoman looked up at the outfit hanging up across from her.
Post by Hania Ravencrest✾ on Feb 10, 2021 1:07:39 GMT -5
The white hair male just smiled and looked up "In honesty, it doesn't bother me at all and I do find it quite amusing." he said in a thoughtful tone. "I had just turned five when my own parents abandoned me." he turned his eyes to look at her "The Ravencrest are known to keep their household pure so to speak in terms of their bloodline, that is why they don't have bastard children nor are they known to have relations with commoners that end with the birth of a child." he explained it was a well-known and accepted fact that this was the way his family worked. "Due to the age, I was when I was adopted there's no real way I could now the standing of my biological family. I could have been born a commoner for all I know or I could have been from nobility and they got rid of me for reasons I'm not going to get into, especially here." he explained.
"Due to how my family are it's just accepted that I was a noble child accepted into my family, but, it might not be the case and this is why I find it amusing." he said his tone calm "Then again I would believe Lydia and my father would have done their due diligence so I'm likely noble-born. I've never given it thought so have never actually asked, perhaps it is something I should look into." he said thoughtfully, in honesty he was kind of worried of what he would find or what he may do to them. "So as I said no need to lessen your smile because of it, who I was isn't who I am now. Facts are facts but I've stopped seeing myself as adopted years ago. I am a Ravencrest as much as you are a Silva." It honestly was that simple to him.
"He's a smart man." he said calmly "You are quite stupid if you rely on your family name alone because power is always fluctuating within the noble courts as you know." he said with a sigh knowing there was always back ally deals going on. "Those who always watch their backs will meet death from the front." he mused to himself "Eventually every house will fall and those who rely on their family name alone will find themselves in a bad position if it ever happens to them. Whether it be by another disgracing them or by exile from the family." he closed his eyes knowing that his cousin had been punished severely when he stepped out of line, others had been exiled just because of their attitudes putting the family in danger.
"Blasphemous? Not at all, we all use what we need to survive and continue forward to get stronger." he said his eyes opening a little to look to her. He brought his hand up to his mouth as he chuckled lightly to her words "Yes, sunflowers stand tall and always face the sun proudly." he admitted to her. "But what many do not understand is that most flowers were pretty are dangerous and quite deadly, I suspect you are the exact same deadly beauty that one may find within the moonflower or the bleeding heart." he said with a smile bringing his hand down, the latter was quite rare and was very beautiful but it also held a double meaning. All nobles were seen as beautiful beings, more so if they were from main houses what they didn't understand was that under their masks of beauty they could be quite poisonous. However, he knew there had to be more than the normal to her to have Satori's interest.
"I know that now, but, in general, I don't use my last name if I can help it. I don't like throwing my families name around, it feels pretty dirty to do so." he said calmly, he knew how easy it would be to fall into bad habits and get what he wanted that way. He wanted to earn respect and make his own way in life and so that meant standing on his own two feet. "I am not delicate even if I do come across as a snowflake." he said with an almost saddened tone, he knew that wasn't one hundred percent true given how his health can be at times. He saw her cheeks flush and chuckled "Yes, I've heard over the last week, in fact, I'm pretty sure the entire compound has." he whispered with a chuckle so only she could hear, it wasn't something that he believed she wouldn't want the staff around them to hear.
He smiled softly looking into the mirror in front of him "I am unsure about that Lady Silva, I do which is expected of me to progress my family, such is my duty as my families heir." As much as he would love to say that he was independent he knew it was merely an illusion because he would always do what was in the best of his family. He knew screw-ups weren't tolerated especially for him and that was why he worked the way he did. "My independence is merely an illusion as is the freedom I seemingly have." he said as if this was just the way things were and he had accepted it.
He chuckled a little "Yes, I had to warn her that her hot-headedness would likely prevent her from getting work again within this industry." he explained remembering how she scolded Zel's staff for pretty much gushing over him and how he had quickly reminded her that she'd get into trouble if she allowed herself to be irritated the way she had so easily before dealing with the two women that she had scolded making them happy. It wasn't exactly that hard, a sweet word here, a flattering comment there, a kiss on the hand and they were gushing again forgetting what had happened beforehand.
With that, it was time for the pair to get changed "Yes, that is what I warned you about." he said calmly as he walked her towards her dressing room. "I would have to agree. Genesis had a cubicle dressing room while I had a very spacious one." he said wondering why they didn't give Genesis the same sort of thing or even made a changing room that was used by several people. With June within her own dressing room, he moved to the door next to it and headed to his own. He had requested that if he ever worked for Zel again that his dressing room would not have a mirror in it going forward. It had confused the photographer but it seemed he had agreed as there was no mirror in his room this time.
He moved to a soft seat and looked to the clothing bag in front of him, the feeling of dread welling in the pit of his stomach. He was dreading what was in the bag but knew it was better to rip off the bandaid quickly and so went to have a look at what he would be wearing this time. It was a simple silk lavender blush male kimono and matching hakama. The hems were royal purple and a semi-transparent lavender hatori. He released a sigh of relief and started to get dressed believing that he may have warned June for no reason. "Seems like I may have worried her for no reason as this is quite tame for Zel." he said with a soft chuckle, little did he know what the other was being made to wear.
