(no subject)

[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

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?

[sapphirecontess]

"Oh my, it is rare indeed for nobility to request such a dish. Fortunately, I know just the establishment. A bit of a curiosity in Elysium, but it should do well to meet his highness's expectations~"

It looks like Noctis is going to experience any number of forms of address with this girl. Fun, right? True to her word, however, she leads him to a rather fine restaurant off the beaten path. They are seated fairly immediately once the servers get a good look at her. A few murmured words has them placed at a corner seat near a window where they can watch people come and go. The menu itself, if Noctis is able to read the local script, has a number of fine dishes available, the caliber of ingredients used is apparent on even a casual observation.

[chosenkingoflucis]

He doesn't bat an eye at the method of address as he gets everything from "Your Highness," to "Prince Charmless," back home, that last one said affectionately by his own Shield, he'd just have to get used to whatever from her. Now what is he supposed to call Musse though?

Noctis scratches at the back of his head "Is it? I mean, I usually like to catch it myself, but..."

No matter, she seems to have a place figured out and he politely pulls her chair for her when they're seated, before taking his own place across from her.

As the menus are placed in front of them, that's where he has some difficulty; a problem presenting itself that he hadn't considered. He's picked up the spoken language of this world rather easily, with his home, Insomnia, the Crown City being a blend of cultures, but reading the language of this place hasn't come as naturally. He squints at the letters, trying to discern what any of the dishes are, before chuckling sheepishly.

"Ah, what would you recommend?"

[sapphirecontess]

Musse ponders for a moment, giving no indication that she noticed Noctis's plight (which is not to say she didn't notice, just that she didn't give any outward signs of doing so).

"The bass and salmon dishes are both quite fine, and I have yet to try but have heard wonderful things about the seared scallops."

[chosenkingoflucis]

Well, if she notices, she's not calling him out on it, which he's grateful for. It's a little embarrassing.

"Salmon sounds amazing!" He says, then looks thoughtful, "But seared scallops? I've never had them prepared like that before. I might have to go with those. You can have some too if you'd like?"

Noctis sets his menu down and focuses his attention on her.

"So, uh, tell me about yourself? You were born here?"

[sapphirecontess]

"To receive a portion of a prince's meal, to say I am honored would be not remotely enough to express my profound gratitude~"

If Noctis is going to be effortlessly charming and/or dense, Musse will absolutely take advantage.

"The seared scallops are indeed quite delicious. I'm personally fond of the braised salmon, which I believe will be my choice for the day. You are welcome to share mine, of course." She gives him a dangerously charming smile.

"And no, I was born on the island of Seisgrun, in my family's estate. We maintained an estate here in Elysium, so I would often come here with my family to enjoy the beach when I was little. While there are lakes in the Isles Above, there's something special about the beaches within the Eternal Ocean that you simply cannot experience anywhere else."

[chosenkingoflucis]

Dense. Dense is more like it. Any charm he's laying on is entirely accidental.

"I... it's no big deal." He says, rubbing at the back of his neck, her own smile earning another pinkening of his cheeks and he clears his throat to distract from it.

However, the mention of beaches has his eyes sparkling.

"Yeah? How are they for fishing?"

[sapphirecontess]

Musse smiles a bit at his embarrassment, but also Noctis a curious look.

"I'm not quite sure I understand the question. How would one fish upon a beach? The water level is far too low for the nets. We do set them out not far from the coast to help with our food supply, but they aren't especially close to the beach."

Noctis may not have counted on the fact that fishing is more of a primary sustenance, not a hobby for the Corsairs.

[chosenkingoflucis]

"Nets?" Noctis tilts his head in confusion, though 'food supply,' clicks and he mouths an, 'Oh.'

"I like to fish for fun. With a fishing pole." He explains, "It's relaxing."

Especially when it gets him away from more lessons on his would-be kingship.

"How about you, Lady Musse?" He may as well address her properly if he's going to be her bodyguard. "What do you do for fun?"

[sapphirecontess]

"Oh my, what a unique hobby for royalty. Most nobility regard fish, and the creatures of the water in general to be far beneath attention, much less recreation. As for myself..." she ponders for a moment. "I suppose I'm a bit unusual myself. I rather enjoy swimming."

[chosenkingoflucis]

"Really?" Noctis blinks, a little surprised. "So that's why you seemed intrigued when I asked for seafood." He then chuckles and flashes her an amused smirk. "Clearly the nobles don't like fun around here."

He raises a hand and nods his praise.

"You know what's up though."

[sapphirecontess]

"Didn't you know? Fun was outlawed by the Empire."

Her tone is cheeky, but there's some truth to it.

"This place is honestly quite special - it's a fallen continent where the Empire's eyes aren't as prevalent, which is why it's one of the only places nobility can go to amuse themselves. I was raised here, so I suppose my perspective is warped."

[chosenkingoflucis]

"No surprise here." He chuckles in return.

"Oh! Right! All the land masses in the Eternal Ocean were once floating." He relates his own knowledge of the world. "Amuse themselves away from prying eyes- or- illegally." He laughs softly again.

"Hey, I'm not judging." Noctis holds up his hands in a placating gesture.

That's when their food arrives.

"Aw wow! That looks amazing!" Noctis exclaims then politely requests a couple of extra plates so that they can share easier. The server does as asked and bids them enjoy their meal with a respectful bow.

"So tell me Lady Musse, do you have anyone special to share those biased beach trips with?"