ludovic-valesa

[ludovic-valesa]

(There are faint sounds in the studio. Rustling, snipping, tearing, mixing.)

(Then, clicking sounds of something like paintbrushes being put down into their containers.)

...That should do, I believe.

[ludovic-valesa]

A blue light flashes at Everstill Manor. From it emerges an Apathetic Essail Guard covered in a purple glow.

"Your attention is required, Toplander. I hold no desire for games. Bring me @high-priestess-velara's texts so we both may be on our way."

(Ludovic seems surprised at the individual appearing inside his secluded manor. He's in the middle of finishing a sculpture, and the sudden visit almost made his hands slip.)

(But that shocked expression doesn't last long. He quickly regains his composure, then speaks up.)

Ah, judging from your words, it seems like your High Priestess has lost some texts that are proven to be important.

How serendipitous. I myself also have lost some self-portraits for some reason. The attendants seem to be all worked up over this—no wonder why you are able to slip in without any announcements beforehand.

Does not matter—they will decay anyway. But I would hate to see my attendants spending so much effort in finding a thing I do not care that much about.

Enough of my matters. As for yours, I believe I do not keep anything you need to find here.

Go ahead and search the place, if you are still in doubt. All you will find in this ruin are just decaying things anyway.

[ludovic-valesa]

(Ludovic listens to what Fyodor explains. His expression barely shifts, but it is clear he's paying attention.)

So, in the world you reside in, I am your close friend, and a caretaker at some point. I see.

I do expect myself to help a lost child out, but to become close with one... that is one possibility I did not think of.

A Celestial Merlin... Not quite a common occurrence, or so I have read. And being so powerful as to bring another person back to life... I believe this has nothing to do with gravecalling. That itself is quite a feat, I would say.

If I were to assume, it seems like the title of Merlin in your world can be given by another Merlin, while they still retain the title. That is certainly an intriguing rule that I have not seen anywhere else.

You are free to linger here until you find a way to return to your home world. If there is anything else you need, do ask.

Despite the presence of candleguards, the universe has it own quirks in allowing unexpected visitors to find their way inside the manor. What looks as if a spirit making their presence known by a seamless entrance into this plane of existence came to be. Bearing fruit in the form of a nobleboy no older than 18 carrying that familiar aura of someone who bears Merlin's powers, walking into the lobby and main hall.

"Ludovic, I-I'm here! I've come to collect the suit for my coronation..!" The lad calls out to the Lord of the manor only to freeze in his tracks with wide eyes upon realising, immediately, this was not the Everstill Manor he knows. It may look exactly the same as he knew but given his experiences thus far in traversing other realms, he could tell he definetely wasn't back in his universe. Uh-oh. Why, why did it suddenly just send him to an alternate dimension on the whim?

He nearly panics if not for His Lordship himself appearing before him as he slowly hyperventilates.

(Judging from the boy's words earlier, it appears that he has been transported across dimensions against his will, and he might have a close relationship to the Ludovic in his world. The Viscount sees how he's hyperventilating, and speaks up softly.)

Please, try to stay calm. And do sit, if it helps.

(Taking a closer look at the lad, he finally notices the aura of Merlin on him. But he doesn't look like he's coming of age either. How odd, that the Merlin title is passed down to such a young boy. Or is it just the power? Ludovic can't tell, since worlds tend to have their own rules.)

(Pale skin, red eyes, pointy ears... he's likely a vampire. Vampires are supposed to live forever, but they don't stop aging at this stage. It should be safe to assume that this lad is still not an adult yet.)

Please state your name, if you may. I cannot guarantee that I might be able to assist you in going home, but rest assured that there will always be a way to.

[ludovic-valesa]

(The two attendants watch as Ciara disappears.)

Using some form of blockage to prevent being tracked? How convenient of them!

Even Lady Ciara failed... What should we do now?

Hey, cheer up! There are plenty of ways to retrieve stolen goods, you know, and tracking spells is just one of them!

We will find the paintings in one way or another.

(The front door creaks open to neither a human nor a Graveborn, but an enchanted teapot and an enchanted everbloom—Ludovic's attendants, no doubt. They immediately reach for Ciara's study, and call her.)

"Greetings, Lady Ciara." (The teapot speaks first, then inclines his head.) "If you have the time, can you please do us a favor?"

"A few things have been stolen from His Lordship, you see." (The everbloom attendant continues.) "I heard you are adept at practical magic, so naturally, we would think of you. Can you please help us track down the stolen belongings, and the culprit too, if possible?"

@ludovic-valesa

"What did you two just say?!"

Ciara's expression immediately twists into something that indicates she's genuinely pissed off, instead of just the usual grumpiness she has on her face.

"Someone dared to steal from Lord Ludovic?"

Then, taking a deep breath, she calms down.

"Fine, I will see if I can help. Tell me first, in details - which of his personal belongings were stolen?"

[ludovic-valesa]

Is something the matter, Lady Ciara? Does it work? Or is something hindering your spell?

Please tell us what you have noticed. If it's something we can take care of, we would be more than willing to do it.

(The front door creaks open to neither a human nor a Graveborn, but an enchanted teapot and an enchanted everbloom—Ludovic's attendants, no doubt. They immediately reach for Ciara's study, and call her.)

"Greetings, Lady Ciara." (The teapot speaks first, then inclines his head.) "If you have the time, can you please do us a favor?"

"A few things have been stolen from His Lordship, you see." (The everbloom attendant continues.) "I heard you are adept at practical magic, so naturally, we would think of you. Can you please help us track down the stolen belongings, and the culprit too, if possible?"

@ludovic-valesa

"What did you two just say?!"

Ciara's expression immediately twists into something that indicates she's genuinely pissed off, instead of just the usual grumpiness she has on her face.

"Someone dared to steal from Lord Ludovic?"

Then, taking a deep breath, she calms down.

"Fine, I will see if I can help. Tell me first, in details - which of his personal belongings were stolen?"

[ludovic-valesa]

It was some of His Lordship's self-portraits! And if I remember correctly, there was also a painting of the Flower Attendant being stolen too!

Do they have any idea that what they are doing is absolutely unacceptable?

Calm down, Mr. Teapot. We should focus on finding the lost paintings first.

...You are right, I really should not have lashed out in front of Lady Ciara. We are asking for her help, after all.

Anyway, yes, it was a few of His Lordship's self-portraits, just like what Mr. Teapot said. They are fairly new too, which we have noticed to be some of his most recent works.

Please tell us if you need anything else. We would do the best that we can to take back His Lordship's belongings, or at least find out who did it.

(The front door creaks open to neither a human nor a Graveborn, but an enchanted teapot and an enchanted everbloom—Ludovic's attendants, no doubt. They immediately reach for Ciara's study, and call her.)

"Greetings, Lady Ciara." (The teapot speaks first, then inclines his head.) "If you have the time, can you please do us a favor?"

"A few things have been stolen from His Lordship, you see." (The everbloom attendant continues.) "I heard you are adept at practical magic, so naturally, we would think of you. Can you please help us track down the stolen belongings, and the culprit too, if possible?"

@ludovic-valesa

"What did you two just say?!"

Ciara's expression immediately twists into something that indicates she's genuinely pissed off, instead of just the usual grumpiness she has on her face.

"Someone dared to steal from Lord Ludovic?"

Then, taking a deep breath, she calms down.

"Fine, I will see if I can help. Tell me first, in details - which of his personal belongings were stolen?"

[ludovic-valesa]

Mr. Teapot, have you and the Flower Attendant finished rearranging His Lordship's personal belongings yet?

Yes, we have! Although, there is one thing I have noticed, and I'm scared to tell His Lordship... I don't want to upset him.

Then please tell me instead.

Some of His Lordship's belongings have been stolen! And I can tell that they are not just simply lost, because both the Flower Attendant and I remember exactly where we put them!

Yes, I can confirm Mr. Teapot's words. I saw him carefully arranged them some time ago. Neither did His Lordship nor any of us attendants have touched them ever since.

Someone dares to steal from His Lordship? This is unacceptable!

Very well. As His Lordship's attendants, it is our duty to find the stolen belongings, as well as the culprit, if possible.

[[OOC: People who have visited this blog before, especially ones living in Whiteridge, there is a chance that Ludovic's attendants will visit you during this time to ask for help.]]

[ludovic-valesa]

How long does it usually take for you to finish a painting?

It depends on which medium you are speaking about. Each paint medium has its own properties, affecting the time I need to work on them.

It takes approximately fifteen minutes for a watercolor layer to dry. On the other hand, a layer of oil paint takes days, or even weeks to become touch-dry and ready to apply another layer on top, depending on which oil I am using to mix with the paint.

Another contributing factor is the number of layers per painting. I personally use around five to seven layers for watercolor, and anywhere from five to over twenty layers of oil paint.

Multiply that with the average dry time for each layer, and add approximately half a month to a year for an oil painting to become fully cured—though I would not count that time for the sake of this question.

Therefore, it takes me a few hours and up to a few days at most for a watercolor painting, and around three weeks to almost half a year for an oil painting.

Using magic to dry paint immediately, you say? No, I would never do that. Any kind of magic to affect artworks should never be used, as per my principles.

Besides, do not try to speed up the process by immediately painting on it while the layer is not dried yet. It will ruin the colors underneath, blur the new brushstrokes, and overall not recommended.

[ludovic-valesa]

A Merlin? And the new Archduke?

(For a moment, Ludovic seems shocked. Why would someone this young be given two such titles? He doesn't doubt Fyodor's abilities of course, since he has seen many capable people at a young age, but still, even a fully grown adult would be overwhelmed by such responsibilities.)

(Then, realization hits him. It is at that moment that he regains his composure.)

So there is really no other legible Valesas in your world, I assume. My condolences, if that is the case.

And... you mentioned you are "Merlin of Whiteridge". Does it mean there are many Merlins in your world?

How odd. "Merlin" is a title reserved for only the strongest mage, as far as I know.

Forgive me. It seems that my knowledge regarding otherworldly affairs are rather lacking.

Although, I do find myself a little curious about your relationship with "me" in your world. Would you mind explaining?

Despite the presence of candleguards, the universe has it own quirks in allowing unexpected visitors to find their way inside the manor. What looks as if a spirit making their presence known by a seamless entrance into this plane of existence came to be. Bearing fruit in the form of a nobleboy no older than 18 carrying that familiar aura of someone who bears Merlin's powers, walking into the lobby and main hall.

"Ludovic, I-I'm here! I've come to collect the suit for my coronation..!" The lad calls out to the Lord of the manor only to freeze in his tracks with wide eyes upon realising, immediately, this was not the Everstill Manor he knows. It may look exactly the same as he knew but given his experiences thus far in traversing other realms, he could tell he definetely wasn't back in his universe. Uh-oh. Why, why did it suddenly just send him to an alternate dimension on the whim?

He nearly panics if not for His Lordship himself appearing before him as he slowly hyperventilates.

(Judging from the boy's words earlier, it appears that he has been transported across dimensions against his will, and he might have a close relationship to the Ludovic in his world. The Viscount sees how he's hyperventilating, and speaks up softly.)

Please, try to stay calm. And do sit, if it helps.

(Taking a closer look at the lad, he finally notices the aura of Merlin on him. But he doesn't look like he's coming of age either. How odd, that the Merlin title is passed down to such a young boy. Or is it just the power? Ludovic can't tell, since worlds tend to have their own rules.)

(Pale skin, red eyes, pointy ears... he's likely a vampire. Vampires are supposed to live forever, but they don't stop aging at this stage. It should be safe to assume that this lad is still not an adult yet.)

Please state your name, if you may. I cannot guarantee that I might be able to assist you in going home, but rest assured that there will always be a way to.

[ludovic-valesa]

"Everbloom Bouquet"

[ludovic-valesa]

Despite the presence of candleguards, the universe has it own quirks in allowing unexpected visitors to find their way inside the manor. What looks as if a spirit making their presence known by a seamless entrance into this plane of existence came to be. Bearing fruit in the form of a nobleboy no older than 18 carrying that familiar aura of someone who bears Merlin's powers, walking into the lobby and main hall.

"Ludovic, I-I'm here! I've come to collect the suit for my coronation..!" The lad calls out to the Lord of the manor only to freeze in his tracks with wide eyes upon realising, immediately, this was not the Everstill Manor he knows. It may look exactly the same as he knew but given his experiences thus far in traversing other realms, he could tell he definetely wasn't back in his universe. Uh-oh. Why, why did it suddenly just send him to an alternate dimension on the whim?

He nearly panics if not for His Lordship himself appearing before him as he slowly hyperventilates.

(Judging from the boy's words earlier, it appears that he has been transported across dimensions against his will, and he might have a close relationship to the Ludovic in his world. The Viscount sees how he's hyperventilating, and speaks up softly.)

Please, try to stay calm. And do sit, if it helps.

(Taking a closer look at the lad, he finally notices the aura of Merlin on him. But he doesn't look like he's coming of age either. How odd, that the Merlin title is passed down to such a young boy. Or is it just the power? Ludovic can't tell, since worlds tend to have their own rules.)

(Pale skin, red eyes, pointy ears... he's likely a vampire. Vampires are supposed to live forever, but they don't stop aging at this stage. It should be safe to assume that this lad is still not an adult yet.)

Please state your name, if you may. I cannot guarantee that I might be able to assist you in going home, but rest assured that there will always be a way to.

[ludovic-valesa]

If you could go back in time, to make ONE change to history as YOU know it.... what would it be? If anything at all? Why? Or why not?

...no, I would not change anything.

It is not because I do not want to. There are many things that I wish I could change, that is true.

But, what is the point of changing history? Such changes are meaningless, after all.

Some things are meant to happen, and any attempt at trying to alter the outcomes would be futile.

Everything is bound to come to an end eventually—even this cursed existence. Therefore, why would I bother to rewind time to change a thing?

[ludovic-valesa]

"The Perpetual Concerto"

Another impressionism study.

Featuring Briar Hepburn - @briar-and-ciara-hepburn

[ludovic-valesa]

"Winter in Whiteridge"

A quick impressionism study.

Featuring NPC!Bea - @beaverthemerlin

My sincerest thanks for being my model for this piece.

[ludovic-valesa]

What are your thoughts on Magister Pirin and Merlin? Also, on the matter with mini-Pirin, since the Envy Hypogean Rila showed up at your place in person and admitted to having... warped & twisted the mini's mind and very behavior to associate you and your manor as home? (So that it would adamantly refuse to leave/be taken back)?

Have you encountered any other Hypogeans that have displayed malign attitude and the ability to make their magic impossible to trace/sense/distinguish from that of others (objects, people, fauna, flora, etc)?

Pirin? I do not have any strong impressions on him. Although, I do find it strange that one would straight up tell someone that the latter's counterpart is the former's partner.

I would rather not inquire further, as it might just be his culture.

As for Merlin... it depends on which Merlin you are talking about.

Take my world's Merlin for example. They are a chivalrous person, and all they did was for the greater good—even if their jokes are always terribly out of place.

But, it can be assumed that you mean the Merlin from Pirin's world. I do not know his motives, but his actions have been... quite a nuisance.

As of Mini-Pirin's case? If it is a Hypogean messing with him, then I do not have any comments. Such is the nature of the Hypogeans, therefore an explanation is unnecessary.

That being said, for your last question, are Hypogeans not twisted in their own ways? They have always wrecked havoc, such is why the gods had to seal them away.

But as for the ability mentioned, I have witnessed none in my world so far, until the arrival of Rila.

Though, I must inquire: Why do you ask this?

[ludovic-valesa]

Lord Ludovic, Greetings. I understand you won't need nutrition but if you think back ... was there anything you would never touch on your plate?

Your question, I fear that I may not be able to answer properly.

When I was still alive, the attendants were not allowed to serve me any dish that I showed signs of dislike towards a second time, unless if it was for my health and well-being.

Now, as a Graveborn, I barely consume anything other than tea.

Although, if this answer pleases you, then I would say that I have never liked bitter things.

[ludovic-valesa]

((Context can be found here - please read before proceeding.))

@briar-and-ciara-hepburn

A gust of wind suddenly blows towards Everstill Manor, carrying the scent of roses and rose petals - more like the petals are created in the wind. Those petals morph into a humanoid shape, then finally, to Briar.

"Apologies for any possible interruptions," she murmurs, then bobs a curtsy - a habit from her human days that she can't quite get rid of. Then, she takes out a flower crown with a note attached on it. "I believe that this is yours."

A pause, then her lips quirks up a little. "I didn't expect you to have met Nika too. But then again... coincidences happen, do they not?"

Briar, you rarely come unannounced, let alone teleporting here. Is something the matter?

(The question immediately gets its answer when Ludovic takes the flower crown and reads the notes on it.)

...This explains why she kept staring at my head when she was about to leave last time. How thoughtful of her.

I cannot guarantee that I would come, but if she insists on it, I will.

Ah, forgive me, I forgot to tell you how I got to meet Nika—although I would have to admit, it was not a pretty story at all.

Mr. Teapot has, in fact, snatched the flower crown that little girl made for you, which led to her arrival at Everstill Manor in an attempt to retrieve it. But it seems, she does not mind him coming along, despite everything.

Very well, I will ask him. Do tell me when Nika wants to meet up.