Edelgard von Hresvelg (![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
unyieldingmarch) wrote2015-10-20 02:15 pm
unyieldingmarch) wrote2015-10-20 02:15 pm
Entry tags:
Aefenglom Log Overflow
For logs that flow over!
I see...
[She does actually understand that. Friendship is a valuable gift. Standing beside a friend, going against one's supposed "purpose" is a blessing, too.]
A witch, then? I take it that whatever you could do before, you can now not? My own retainer lost access to his magic, and we both lost our ability to tap into our Crests.
[She does actually understand that. Friendship is a valuable gift. Standing beside a friend, going against one's supposed "purpose" is a blessing, too.]
A witch, then? I take it that whatever you could do before, you can now not? My own retainer lost access to his magic, and we both lost our ability to tap into our Crests.
No I cannot. [They look down at their feet on the ground.] All my abilities are gone.
[Maybe the worst thing is that they've lost their connection with the earth beneath their feet. Because their feet are on that ground, but the ground does not tell them anything anymore. It is just...the ground. Just dirt.]
So I take you are still able to use the abilities you had? Except for your Crest, that is?
[Maybe the worst thing is that they've lost their connection with the earth beneath their feet. Because their feet are on that ground, but the ground does not tell them anything anymore. It is just...the ground. Just dirt.]
So I take you are still able to use the abilities you had? Except for your Crest, that is?
My magic is gone. And my Crests are sealed, yes. I was not much of a mage, but the change did not take away my abilities as a soldier.
[She knows how to fight and use weapons, and that won't go away.]
It's strange. But I am not unhappy with the loss of Crest magics.
[She knows how to fight and use weapons, and that won't go away.]
It's strange. But I am not unhappy with the loss of Crest magics.
[Enkidu thinks they aren't going to become much of a witch. They are good at what they are created for. A weapon made to match the strength of a god.]
My abilities are all tied to my purpose. And I seem to have lost that.
[They have to find a new purpose here and they figure it is not going to be easy. This isn't Chaldea or the woods close to Uruk. There is no Grail and there are no gods that need to be defied.]
Quite a challenge.
[To say the least.]
Is it something bad? Crest magic?
My abilities are all tied to my purpose. And I seem to have lost that.
[They have to find a new purpose here and they figure it is not going to be easy. This isn't Chaldea or the woods close to Uruk. There is no Grail and there are no gods that need to be defied.]
Quite a challenge.
[To say the least.]
Is it something bad? Crest magic?
The magic itself, no.
[It's simply a tool.
A tool she does not like. Though, going into the why is a touch personal for the moment.]
However, in my world, society is based around Crests. Those with Crests make decisions and hold power and sway. Think of them as marks of status. The war I was involved with...the war I started...was to reforge our society into a world where merit and not Crests they were fortunate enough to be born with determines the worth of a person.
[It's simply a tool.
A tool she does not like. Though, going into the why is a touch personal for the moment.]
However, in my world, society is based around Crests. Those with Crests make decisions and hold power and sway. Think of them as marks of status. The war I was involved with...the war I started...was to reforge our society into a world where merit and not Crests they were fortunate enough to be born with determines the worth of a person.
What sort of merit will replace those Crests?
[They lean forward a little.]
Have you replaced your own Crest? [That seems a logic thing to do. Otherwise humans might think nothing has changed and things are still the same. And wars are never pleasant. Humans can be very violent and stubborn. They can say this and do the opposite.] Or merely refused to use it?
[They lean forward a little.]
Have you replaced your own Crest? [That seems a logic thing to do. Otherwise humans might think nothing has changed and things are still the same. And wars are never pleasant. Humans can be very violent and stubborn. They can say this and do the opposite.] Or merely refused to use it?
Ability. Some have natural aptitudes towards scholarship, others towards leadership or strategy...there will be meritocratic examinations for government positions.
[Simple as that.]
...As for replacing my own Crest, I have not. I cannot, yet. Crests are in the blood, tied in by magical means and passed down through family lines. Science has not advanced far enough to remove them yet, though my scholars are working on a solution to that.
When they manage the art, I will gladly be the first in line to have it removed.
[Simple as that.]
...As for replacing my own Crest, I have not. I cannot, yet. Crests are in the blood, tied in by magical means and passed down through family lines. Science has not advanced far enough to remove them yet, though my scholars are working on a solution to that.
When they manage the art, I will gladly be the first in line to have it removed.
[Enkidu smiles while they listen to her. She seems like a strong ruler. One that stands for her beliefs but also manages to care for the ones around her.
Of course, she isn't Gilgamesh. She is far from Gilgamesh. No one comes close to Gilgamesh. But still, Enkidu appreciates her demeanour.]
You want everyone to be equal, not? Also the ones without the Crests? I take it that the ones who are opposing you are the ones who like to keep these Crests?
[Once again they lean forward and when they look at Edelgard, their face is full of intense fascination.]
May I see your Crest? What does it look like?
Of course, she isn't Gilgamesh. She is far from Gilgamesh. No one comes close to Gilgamesh. But still, Enkidu appreciates her demeanour.]
You want everyone to be equal, not? Also the ones without the Crests? I take it that the ones who are opposing you are the ones who like to keep these Crests?
[Once again they lean forward and when they look at Edelgard, their face is full of intense fascination.]
May I see your Crest? What does it look like?
The ones that opposed me have been defeated, but yes. They were the nobility that clung to the idea of Crests as the sole determiner of worth, and the Church that preached their virtues at the expense of others.
[In other words, she had gone to war with God herself.]
As for showing you, I cannot. I...cannot summon them here.
[She could show Enkidu the markings, but no. That would involve showing them her scarred hands. That she will not do. No one has seen those hands save Hubert since she was released from the care of her tormentors. So, she lies. Somewhat.]
They require access to my magic to conjure, you see.
[In other words, she had gone to war with God herself.]
As for showing you, I cannot. I...cannot summon them here.
[She could show Enkidu the markings, but no. That would involve showing them her scarred hands. That she will not do. No one has seen those hands save Hubert since she was released from the care of her tormentors. So, she lies. Somewhat.]
They require access to my magic to conjure, you see.
But what if someone without a Crest lacks any ability to be of use for your goal?
[While humans are fascinating and exceptionally strong, they can also be without any sort of talent. They can be very lazy and very mean.]
This entire world is rather magical, I think it won't matter if you'd use your own magic to show it. [After saying that they finish their drink.] But I understand what you mean. [They keep on smiling and it is obvious that they enjoy this conversation greatly.]
[While humans are fascinating and exceptionally strong, they can also be without any sort of talent. They can be very lazy and very mean.]
This entire world is rather magical, I think it won't matter if you'd use your own magic to show it. [After saying that they finish their drink.] But I understand what you mean. [They keep on smiling and it is obvious that they enjoy this conversation greatly.]
Then they'll not have positions of rank within a government? If one cannot effectively lead troops, then one should not be a general. If one is bad with money, then they should not be a finance minister. There is nothing wrong or shameful about honest trades, like cooking or blacksmithing. So long as they are not turning to banditry or other criminal activities, they'll be able to do as they wish.
[She's all about that equality.]
This world is definitely magical, too, you are right. But I cannot summon it. this world's magic is incompatible with my own.
[She's all about that equality.]
This world is definitely magical, too, you are right. But I cannot summon it. this world's magic is incompatible with my own.
That is very fair. [They hum a little before they speak again.]I am not very experienced with troops... [That was more a thing Gilgamesh did.] ...but it is important that there is a common goal... [Oh, and...] ...and that the commander isn't an idiot. I think you fight for a noble cause, Edelgard.
[Enkidu nods slowly after saying that.]
I hope I will be able to see it one day.
[Enkidu nods slowly after saying that.]
I hope I will be able to see it one day.
Of course.
[She continues her easy steps, falling into a simple pattern of them.]
My home nation, Adrestia, is the southernmost of what was once three nations. The Adrestian Empire now encompasses the whole of Fodlan, as of my victory in the war.
[A truth.]
It's temperate, warm summers and cooler, milder winters. Lots of farmland, with a thriving coastal trade. It is not so different from this world, to tell the truth. Untainted, of course. The people of the Empire are a hardly lot. Hardworking and industrious, taking advantage of the milder climate. Once I return home and institute my reforms, it will be different. Anyone with talent and drive to succeed will be able to, regardless of birth.
I know it may sound strange, as an Emperor. But I intend to institute a meritocratic system of government. And nothing could make me happier.
[She continues her easy steps, falling into a simple pattern of them.]
My home nation, Adrestia, is the southernmost of what was once three nations. The Adrestian Empire now encompasses the whole of Fodlan, as of my victory in the war.
[A truth.]
It's temperate, warm summers and cooler, milder winters. Lots of farmland, with a thriving coastal trade. It is not so different from this world, to tell the truth. Untainted, of course. The people of the Empire are a hardly lot. Hardworking and industrious, taking advantage of the milder climate. Once I return home and institute my reforms, it will be different. Anyone with talent and drive to succeed will be able to, regardless of birth.
I know it may sound strange, as an Emperor. But I intend to institute a meritocratic system of government. And nothing could make me happier.
That surely sounds like a beautiful place. And one that you love a lot. I am certain that the people of Adrestia can tell that as well. I knew my first impression of you was correct, you are not only a ruler but also someone who loves her people.
[Loves them and prioritizes their happiness and wellbeing over the outdated systems for noblemen? She was smarter than most royalty Marie knew, including herself]
[Loves them and prioritizes their happiness and wellbeing over the outdated systems for noblemen? She was smarter than most royalty Marie knew, including herself]
All I do...all I have done, is for Fodlan. Yes, you were right about that.
[That was her life. That was who she was.]
Have you much experience with leadership, yourself?
[That was her life. That was who she was.]
Have you much experience with leadership, yourself?
[Oh. How exactly should she approach this question? Marie briefly wonders how someone like Edelgard would comment on her leadership skills. Ah well, she had no regrets]
I was born in Vienna, in Austria and traveled to France to marry the heir to the throne. I grew to love my new home and the people of France loved me as their Queen. I loved them back and I did what I could for their sake. However, they eventually... became dissatisfied with monarchy.
I was born in Vienna, in Austria and traveled to France to marry the heir to the throne. I grew to love my new home and the people of France loved me as their Queen. I loved them back and I did what I could for their sake. However, they eventually... became dissatisfied with monarchy.
So you were a Queen.
{Well, she has a queenly air, and Edelgard does not have the full context to really comment.]
Well...I am sure you did the best that you could do. Ruling is hard, especially in times of strife.
{Well, she has a queenly air, and Edelgard does not have the full context to really comment.]
Well...I am sure you did the best that you could do. Ruling is hard, especially in times of strife.
[Edelgard smiles gently, gaze returning to the lights spilling from the doors as she turns to lean against the railing.]
It is a tough rowdier than any formal gathering I've ever attended. But that seems to be the nature of the Mirrorbound. We are a varied lot.
[She's not bothered by the thought, really. Variety is the spice of life.]
The Academy was the last time I attended such a party, and we were all so young. And excited, too, to have such a formal gathering. I think maybe it's different now, that we are older.
It is a tough rowdier than any formal gathering I've ever attended. But that seems to be the nature of the Mirrorbound. We are a varied lot.
[She's not bothered by the thought, really. Variety is the spice of life.]
The Academy was the last time I attended such a party, and we were all so young. And excited, too, to have such a formal gathering. I think maybe it's different now, that we are older.
Varied is quite the word! [ An amused huff follows, trying to smile through her own reservations on this whole mess. The dancing, the music, the drinking – all far more free than she was use to, she realizes. This is how she wishes her people would be, at the sacrifice of her own leisure. ] I've never seen any celebration of this sort, even at my wedding.
[ Edelgard speaks of formals, she speaks of her own – unfortunately, both found in youth. She doesn't linger on the topic, listening to the Emperor's words more keenly. ]
Different... [ She has to ask: ] In a better way, with experience? ...Or..?
[ Edelgard speaks of formals, she speaks of her own – unfortunately, both found in youth. She doesn't linger on the topic, listening to the Emperor's words more keenly. ]
Different... [ She has to ask: ] In a better way, with experience? ...Or..?
[Wedding...huh. Edelgard files that away for later.]
I think that it's better here in some ways. Because it is genuine, mostly. The people here are happy, and not pretending to be.
In my world, at the Winter Ball, things were tense at times. The world was heading down the path to war, and it was sort of the last gasp of an attempt at peace.
But here, my classmates are either scarred by war, or not present at all. So, I feel their absence more keenly this night.
I think that it's better here in some ways. Because it is genuine, mostly. The people here are happy, and not pretending to be.
In my world, at the Winter Ball, things were tense at times. The world was heading down the path to war, and it was sort of the last gasp of an attempt at peace.
But here, my classmates are either scarred by war, or not present at all. So, I feel their absence more keenly this night.
I see. [ It feels tense to her, but perhaps Edelgard holds more optimism than her. Dany didn't agree with it at first — it felt as if they were ignoring the problems at hand. Now, with the ravishing music and laughs... it was as she said: truly happy people, not pretend. ] Then... the solution is to enjoy in their honor. Enjoy as they would.
Hah. I have not the nature for that. Dorothea, especially, is rather...flirtatious.
[And enjoying it as she might, or as Annette might by stuffing her face, would be disgraceful.]
[And enjoying it as she might, or as Annette might by stuffing her face, would be disgraceful.]
[That was... rather kind of her to say, considering everything]
I do not deny that there were things I could and probably should have done differently. But I still hope I could have been a good queen to my people.
I do not deny that there were things I could and probably should have done differently. But I still hope I could have been a good queen to my people.
Edited 2019-12-14 08:15 (UTC)
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