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[sapphirecontess]

Elysium Dormitories after the liberation, open to all

[Musse is nothing if not scrupulously attentive to her duties. As such, she is here to greet the new arrivals as they are brought to the dormitories. Although she is clearly a noble - her demeanor, bearing and method of speech make that obvious - she hopes that this can help to show that she, at least, is firmly on the side of the rebellion. She is here to greet them and to provide what assistance she can in feeding, assigning, and clothing the new residents, as well as helping assess their skills. If nothing else, she's been able to show her use by proving her knack for reading people's abilities and helping assign them to roles that would best suit them.]

Hail and well met. I am Musse Egret, and I'm here to ensure you are properly settled and cared for. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to ask.

Flotsam Waterlogged Row, open to all

[Somewhat surprisingly, Musse is something of a wallflower in this place but she enjoys coming anyway. The unbridled joy of Corsairs celebrating, swapping stories, and engaging in foolish challenges with each other is special to her. She'd never seen such a thing in her life as a noble, a genuine affection, even love for one's peers and comrades. She always make it a point to come here after a successful mission and soak in the atmosphere. Still, if anyone comes by, she'll make sure to call out. Any moments in this place she can claim for her own are special, after all]

Elysium, Musse's room - private to Maomao

It's been quite busy with the new arrivals. Tell me your thoughts.

Comments

[chosenkingoflucis]

Until the Empire falls? Seriously? That could be anywhere from... a matter of months... to hundreds of years!

[After all, The Niflheim Empire and The Kingdom of Lucis have been at war for hundreds of years. So it's certainly possible. Just his luck...]

And what about things back home? The Niffs and the Darkness aren't gonna wait for- [Noctis sighs and shakes his head. He shouldn't be taking his frustrations out on this poor woman.] Let me try that again. Musse Egret, was it? I'm Noctis. Noctis Lucis Caelum. You can call me Noct if you want.

[sapphirecontess]

It is a pleasure to meet you, Lord Caelum. And yes, it could be... a very long time. The Empire has ruled the lands for over a hundred years, after all. And you are not the first Outlander to have this realization. All I can say is we will do everything in our power to see this war to a successful end as soon as possible. That mission is why we are all here, united under a common banner.

[chosenkingoflucis]

Nice guess! If you're gonna insist on titles, it's 'Your Highness,' or Prince Noctis, though.

[Technically King, except he has yet to actually put on the Ring that is his birthright. Regardless, he says it with an amused smile. He's not that obvious is he?]

And how long have you, yourself been carrying this Banner Lady Musse?

[sapphirecontess]

I didn't realize I was in the presence of royalty, I'll have to be on my best behavior~

And as to my involvement in the cause, officially probably a few years. My parents were supporters, but they passed when I was little and wasn't old enough to carry on their legacy.

[chosenkingoflucis]

[The irony of the topic, given where they are, doesn't pass him by and he continues to be amused.]

Seriously though, Noct is fine. [He nods his understanding.] So it's a family gig. I can get behind that.

[Dropping his arms, he puts a hand on his hip instead.]

So what do I gotta do to convince you to take a break?

[sapphirecontess]

Why, for someone like you? No convincing at all. If you have need of my presence outside of work I'm always happy to provide it~

[Careful Noct, this one's dangerous]

[chosenkingoflucis]

[He blinks at her, not quite catching the innuendo there, but gets the feeling he's missing something so he awkwardly runs a hand through his shaggy ebony strands and offers a sheepish smile.]

I just thought maybe you could tell me what I could do to help speed up the process. [He sighs a little embarassed and shrugs splaying his hands in admission.] I'll be honest, I might've dozed off a little during the lecture.

[sapphirecontess]

[Musse giggles. This one will be fun.]

Well, you already speak our language quite well, so that's going to help you a lot. A lot will depend on what you choose to get involved in - some people want to fight, others want to gather or create supplies. Where your skills lie will determine where you ultimately end up within the Crimson Corsairs.

Oh no! 'Fun' I'm curious to see where this goes! Also jic spoiler alert: he's a virgin too!

[chosenkingoflucis]

[It's no surprise he was able to pick up the language well. Noctis is more than just a pretty boy, having been at the top of his class back in high school.

He's just a little lacking in the wisdom department. Spending almost his entire life sheltered and protected, training day in and day out to ensure he would live long enough to fulfill the prophecy, Noctis missed out on quite a few life experiences.

Intelligence is half the battle though, right?]

The Crown City, Insomnia, where I'm from, is kind of a melting pot. [He fusses with a bit of hair.] So it wasn't too hard to learn this world's language. Funny how that works.

[Looking thoughtful, his mouth cracks into a bit of a cocky smile.]

If it's combat skills you need, I'm your man, but I can also create healing and restorative items from ordinary drinks.

[He offers her his arm to take to see if they can find a suitable place to sit and chat. She did say she'd take a break.]

Walk with me?

Also spoilers so is she she's just super horny on main, mainly to cover up for her other stuff

[sapphirecontess]

[Musse signals to another worker that she's taking a break and steps to the side, subtly placing her arm to her side to indicate she expects to be escorted like a proper lady. You know how to do this, right Noctis?]

A city with many languages and cultures, how I would love to see it. In the one hundred years of the Empire's rule, the many languages and cultures of this world have more or less vanished. We Corsairs try to preserve what we can, but it is difficult work.

[She looks him up and down, her gaze surprisingly sharp.]

I had thought you might be a warrior. You'll find no shortage of need for people who can fight. I am a bit surprised Elysium was chosen as your home, perhaps priority was placed on your potioncraft.

I mean, I don't blame her for oggling. I've heard Square Enix called the "Sad pretty boy factory"

[chosenkingoflucis]

[[ooc: Of course he knows, However, his mun does not. All I know is the gentleman is supposed to be on the road side, and offers the left arm, haha. So we'll just say he does it properly hehe Also OMG SHE'S SHORT! He's 5'9"]]

Yeah, I guess it's pretty cool. We took in a lot of the refugees displaced when the Niffs- er, the Niflheim Empire annexed their homes. Places like Tenebrae and Galahd.

[He starts to escort her, glancing down at her just as she fixes him with that sharp gaze and he swallows; his cheeks dusting an ever so lightly pink as he concentrates his gaze forward and Noctis rubs at the back of his neck.]

I dunno, I've infiltrated Niff bases back home. Would those skills come in handy around Elysium?

[As they walk, one thing Musse may note, is that he has a slight limp; barely noticeable, but it's there.]

So, I'm more of a one-on-one learner... 'think you could tell me a bit more about what I'm up against?

She will oggle un-respectfully at every opportunity no worries there!

[sapphirecontess]

[[YEAH she's itty bitty]]

It seems Empires are the same no matter the world they're in.

[She notices the blush and there's a flash of a sly expression - only for a moment, before returning to a more neutral noble lady's face]

It sounds like you have a lot of skills that will be helpful to the Corsairs. Normally, we divide into four different roles, suppliers who find and build needed supplies, infiltrators who go into dangerous areas and gather information, combatants who fight, and negotiators who divert Imperial attention and obfuscate our movements. I mostly serve as a negotiator, I am a noble within the Empire even if I have rather intentionally destroyed my own reputation. It gives me some freedom to act, but also lets me influence matters.

As to the threats we face... the Empire has ruled these lands for over a century. Their power is nearly absolute. They mostly dwell in the Isles Above, massive landmasses that fly above this world. Their mastery of airships and armors allows them to assault just about any position with impunity. We are deeply outgunned and outmanned... but we are not without our own advantages. The Empire is deeply oppressive, and sees little value in human life. The people suffer under them, and if given the opportunity we believe the people can be lead to rise up against them. Our job is to strike the Empire carefully and methodically, expose the cracks in their armor, and bring more and more people under our banner.

She's valid. He's very pretty after all!

[chosenkingoflucis]

Boy, that sounds familiar. An Empire that sees very little worth in human lives. Or even worse, that which Noctis isn't even aware of, human experimentation with Daemons.

"So their aiships and armors... they got a pretty good grasp on Magitek?" He scoffs in disdain. "The parallels are uncanny."

Noctis huffs somewhat cocky-like.

"The good news is, I can handle my own against stuff like that. I guess I'll offer my services to the Infiltration and Combat teams."

Noctis looks back at her with a slight smirk. "By the way, I already had you pegged as a noble. Sabotaging your own reputation though." Gesturing with one finger he tilts his head a bit, obviously impressed. Not a lot of Lucian Nobility would even try something like that. Though he has his suspicions about Ravus Nox Flouret, the brother of his recently deceased fiancé. "Anyway, that takes guts."

He falls quiet then, looking thoughtful for a moment.

"What about the Emperor? What's he like?"

Re: She's valid. He's very pretty after all!

[sapphirecontess]

"Magitek? Magical technology? How fascinating." Musse considers for a moment. "I think that would be an accurate analysis of our technology - much of it is based on ether-rich stones that are mined from the ground. And yes, their mastery is quite advanced."

She gives a faint smile. "As to my reputation... well... it makes my life much easier if I'm being honest. High society is incredibly dangerous, and there are many who would be much happier if I were not in the way. I find I have had noticeably less attempts on my life acting as I do."

When the conversation turns to the Emperor, Musse seems to shiver. "He is... a dangerous man. Perfectly mannered. Imperious. Ruthless. I've been in his presence but a few times, it's not an experience I am eager to repeat."

[chosenkingoflucis]

Noctis listens, nodding along. Seems pretty similar to the Niffs too. Except they excavated their Magitek from the 1st Civilization, Solheim, from what Noctis understands, according to what Aranea said. However, the Aldercapt Dynasty uses Daemons to power their Magitek. It's unknown what Solheim used.

It's when Musse speaks of numerous attempts on her life that he frowns. Noctis also knows that one. One such attempt on his own life made by the daemon Marilith and sent by none other than the Niflheim Empire when he was only eight years old. It left him comatose and then paralyzed for years. He still hasn't truly recovered, and is why he can't fully master the magic of the Line of Lucis. Had he been back home, he would have Gladiolus, his Shield, and the others of his retinue to protect him now, not to mention the whole of the Kingsglaive if needed. Musse appears to have no one. His frown deepens further.

And further with the visible way in which she seems to recoil and tremble at the mention of the Emperor, and what a vile man he must be.

"You don't have any sort of personal guard or anything?" He asks, at length. "How many attempts have there been?"

[[ooc: just noticed I switched to prose... oops... Oh well...]]

[sapphirecontess]

Musse pauses for a moment, bringing the attempts to mind.

"This year there have been three so far, two poisoning attempts and one more direct assassination attempt. The poison is fortunately easily dealt with due to the profound talents of my attendant. The assassins... met an untimely end." She smiles faintly, but there is no joy there. "A useless, inconvenient heir is not afforded guardians. I make due with those I have found, and my own wit and ability to ensure my safety."

[chosenkingoflucis]

"Three? Shit..." He breathes, then his expression hardens. "Useless? Inconvenient? Seriously? But you're following in their footsteps! You're working to change things- Doing so much good! How is that useless!?"

Noctis is offended on her behalf, but manages to calm himself, running his free hand through his hair and shaking his head.

"What if-" He starts then hesitates, "What if someone volunteered for the position?"

[sapphirecontess]

Musse's eyes are sad and wistful, as if looking into a particularly painful past.

"Understand that opposing the Empire was my family's personal choice, but it wasn't necessarily known to our broader family. And if it was, they would have been turned in immediately. Indeed, that may have been the case. My parents perished in an accident when I was a little girl. I may never know if it was truly an accident. Either way, my uncle is an Imperial bootlicker, so I let him think I'm just a foolish girl. It's easier that way, believe it or not."

She laughs, but it's joyless. However, when he makes his offer, she seems to perk up again, recovering to the more lighthearted and devious demeanor of before.

"Why, are you offering? I have some access to my family's funds here, so I am able to take attendants for myself of course. I typically refuse my uncle's suggestions - I only promote those I can truly trust."

[chosenkingoflucis]

"I'm sorry..." Noctis says quietly, his cobalt gaze filled with sympathy. He knows that loss as well. The Empire attacked Insomnia, the Crown City during what was supposed to be a peace treaty signing. Noctis' father knew it was a trap, which is why he sent his son away from Insomnia, unbeknownst to Noctis himself. King Regis fell with the Crown City and the Kingdom of Lucis, and Noctis is still pretty bitter over the whole thing, even if it's what was best for the world.

Which is why there's quite a few people who would be pretty mad at him for answering her question as he does.

"I can't say I've ever been on the other side of things, but you said so yourself, you could tell I have a lot of skill..."

No Tsun-ing your way out of this one Noctis!

"So, what if I am?"

[sapphirecontess]

Musse starts laughing.

"Oh my, a royal offering to be my attendant! I must say I'm quite honored, 'Noct'." There's a bit of an emphasis on his nickname, she'll use it but it's still funny to her.

"I do wonder though, do you think me incapable of self-defense?"

[chosenkingoflucis]

A laugh is not what he's expecting as a response and he gapes for a moment, then can't help but scowl.

Also, she doesn't have to use the nickname, he just thought it would be a little more friendly! It's how his friends back home address him after all!

Noctis' cheeks pinken again as he tries to find his words, something he's not too great at.

"N... No. It's not that! B... But three attempts? I thought it might be helpful to have some extra security watching your back."

[sapphirecontess]

Musse giggles a bit. She's rather enjoying this. "Well, far be it from me to refuse such a generous offer. It will be an honor to work with you, Noct, it is heartening to have someone of your skill and stature at my side."

[chosenkingoflucis]

Well, it's not like he's not used to being roasted by his friends back home. What's a little laughter here?

At least her giggle is cute.

Noctis tugs on a strand of ebony hair and clears his throat.

"You're not even gonna ask me what I can do?" He pauses a moment, looking thoughtful. "Hey, how 'bout we grab a bite to eat and we can work out the details? I for one, am starved, and I bet you know all the best places in town?"

[sapphirecontess]

Musse's smile is mysterious and confident.

"I'm a better judge of people than you might think. You are lean, but muscular. Your hands callused from holding weaponry. You carry yourself with ease and confidence. But I agree, a meal would be lovely, as would knowing specifics. What kinds of foods do you prefer? I know many fine and not-so-fine establishments."

[chosenkingoflucis]

Noctis hums thoughtfully.

"I could go for some seafood?" A pause. She did ask for what he prefers, so why not what he doesn't prefer. "And hold the veggies. I'm not fond of them."

But what does she mean by 'fine,' and 'not so fine?' Are the 'not so fine' establishments places like the Crow's Nest and other such places that Ignis would give him crap about back home? Or does she mean 'not so fine' in some other way?