prionsis

[prionsis]

“He is a soldier, is he not? If he did not wish to fight for the sake of others, he would have chosen a different path for himself. If he does not want to fight for a lord then his parents are quite literally wasting their money in keeping that boy here.” Rufus gave Matthias a stink eye framed by exhaustion- it always revolved around this same nonsense. He has to fight this and that, he has to be the one to step out there and slit throats and mince frontlines, he has to be the one to do it all. “My brother’s nonsense has rotted your brain, Matthias. My battles are won through word and letter, the spill of blood is a last resort.”

“You are all far too comfortable with death and violence being the answer to all problems. So much so that suddenly it is a sin for one to not wish to partake in it.” The reply pushed through gritted teeth, both out of irritation and a bitter acknowledgement of his own hypocrisy. Violence and killing are a barbarian’s way of governing, diplomacy should be exercised more often in the Kingdom.

A right he never extended to Lambert or Dimitri, and most likely never will. Defining them as exceptions to his belief was, after all, easier than bowing his head and letting go of the last threads of pride he had. It was too late for all of this anyway, it wouldn’t make a difference. It would just make him more miserable.

Why bother?

Rufus fully turned to face away from Matthias, refusing to look him in the eye. “Are you now done with your incessant yapping? You have no moral ground to stand on, margrave. I could not care less if you think me lacking in expertise when it comes to combat, I am confident enough that my skills are sufficient and that is all I need. I do not pride myself in being a creature perfected for war, unlike you all.”

And the poke of that weapon again- a gesture so small yet so quick to annoy Rufus just enough to make him turn around and face Matthias a second time. “Ha, an offer for an outing? I did not expect you to be so civil after your display just now.” Tavern food was…not great, but at this point Rufus would take it. Having others in your debt was, after all, a pleasant exercise of power. He’d happily have it, scoffind with a small smile.

“Very well, lead the way. Though I hardly think said food and ale will impact my mood positively.”

That night Rufus did return to his chambers slightly plastered, but at least he wouldn’t remember it.

-end

you're cheating? pathetic | rufus & matthias

closed starter for @cielenruine | lance +1

[prionsis]

“They are being trained for it all the same, this boy will still serve a lord in his future. If he is lucky to come across one willing to overlook his faults, that is.” Rufus clicked his tongue, watching as Matthias lectured the shaken student as he tried to get back on his feet after his defeat. The situation was ultimately meaningless for the regent, being completely detached from any and whatever matters related to the academy’s workings- but since he had been forced to participate in this…might as well take whatever crumbs of satisfaction he could get from watching that spoiled brat getting scolded.

After it was done and over with, Rufus looked away in disinterest. “Must I repeat myself each time? I do not owe you nor that boy any performance, I am no instructor and was part of this mess simply because you forced me into it. If anything you should be thankful I was willing to lend you a hand, considering how before I stepped in to freeze that boy still he seemed to be getting the upper hand over you, margrave.”

At the end of it all, he had just begun to get sick of it. He just wanted it to end and for that stupid kid to leave. 

“Our situations differ, Matthias. Unlike you or my foolish brother, I do not fancy myself a warrior as I have full comprehension that my talent lies in matters external to the battlefield. My combat knowledge is sufficient because I am perfectly capable of making up for what I lack with other skills rather than condemning myself to being a war dog.” Rufus spent years honing his skills for combat indeed, but it was never his sole focus.

After all, he never wanted to prove that he was stronger than Lambert- an endeavor frankly impossible, but rather he’d prove he was a better, more complete ruler. 

He succeeded, didn’t he? In the end, his array of general skills was much wider than that of his brother. It was just that these idiots were far too blind to acknowledge it.

Uncrossing his arms, Rufus took a step forward- sparing Matthias a glance over the shoulder. “If you are done with your attempts at saving face through your infuriating snark, I shall take my leave.”

@cielenruine

you're cheating? pathetic | rufus & matthias

closed starter for @cielenruine | lance +1

[prionsis]

“They made the choice to send their spawn to a military academy, of all things. It is expected for him to suffer injuries in the process, it does not take a war veteran to become aware that there is no such thing as a soldier that has never known pain. Your insistence in coddling these youngsters is honestly ridiculous.” Rufus may not be the grandest warrior to grace the battlefield- preferring to completely avoid it if possible, but he knew the life of a soldier or knight was not for those unwilling to get hurt. 

“If this boy is too frail to endure a proper battle, he is better fit as a shopkee- agh!”

Student [0.5/12 HP] hits Rufus [12/12 HP] with Javelin at melee range!  Roll: 10, -1.5HP Rufus [10.5/12 HP] Rufus [10.5/12 HP] misses Student [0.5/12 HP] with Blizzard [ Roll: 3, -0HP ]

“Dishonored whelp! I am not the one you should be targeting!” The absolute nerve of this kid! Just as Rufus had begun to bask in the idea of being completely unnoticed during combat, the student seemed to suddenly become fully aware of his presence and advanced against him with javelin in hand. While the damage he suffered was minimal, it was still beyond annoying. 

Rufus [10.5/12 HP] barely hits Student [0.5/12 HP] with Blizzard! Roll: 7, -0HP Student [0.5/12 HP]  Student [0.5/12 HP] counters with Javelin at melee range! Roll: 9, -1.5HP Rufus [9/12 HP]

The regent even considered firing a surge of ice back in retaliation, but all that came from his attempt was a mildly chilly breeze and a handful of stray snowflakes- harmless. In the end Rufus stepped back, a hand holding his sore side that had been struck by that damned kid, teeth gritted in anger. “Matthias, do something about this bastard! This student is your responsibility!”

@cielenruine

you're cheating? pathetic | rufus & matthias

closed starter for @cielenruine | lance +1

[prionsis]

Rufus rolled his eyes, arms crossed before his chest as the flow of energy to his hands was halted for the time being. “This is an exam, is it not? If this boy is meant to serve a lord in the future and do battle, then it is up to him to prepare himself accordingly. The enemy he will face will not show a sliver of mercy and will jump at any and whatever opportunity to halt his advances, I am merely simulating such situation.” He looked away, the movement causing his hair to gently sway.

“If his reaction is so sluggish that he failed to avoid being attacked by the same technique twice in a row, then ultimately it is his burden to bear, not mine.”

His frown only deepened at the sound of the ice being broken, this time thanks to Matthias’ interference, releasing the now slightly dazed student. “You comment on this youth’s condition as a spoiled brat, but in the end contribute to it by trying to go easy on him. Absurd.”

Rufus [12/12 HP] misses Student [2/12 HP] with Blizzard! [ Roll: 1, -0HP ]

Once the student seemed to finally perk up again, his sights were almost completely on Matthias- as if Rufus didn’t even exist in the field as an opponent. It was partly a saving grace, as it meant less trouble for him to deal with. Rufus wasn’t exactly in the mood to participate in battle, much less one this wonky, so being ultimately spared from the activity and doing the bare minimum felt good enough.

On the other hand…there was this tiny, tiny part of him that grit his teeth in irritation at being disregarded with such ease. Rufus did nurse a level of pride, after all.

"I told you before, I have no interest to be an active participant in this nonsense. You are the instructor in this exam, not me." Ugh…he wanted to go to his quarters already and stop entertaining this foolish situation.

you're cheating? pathetic | rufus & matthias

closed starter for @cielenruine | lance +1

[prionsis]

It was terribly annoying, but there was one saving grace to this situation- Matthias could run his mouth all he wanted, because in the end he was still giving a less than optimal performance against a kid who frankly deserved to score a nice and bold zero for wanting to cheat in the exam in the first place. Rufus was there just because he happened to be around and Matthias is a sadist, that’s all. He was doing perfectly fine and proving his worth all while the margrave humiliated himself.

What came out of him could be almost called a scoff at the sight of the margrave’s lance barely scraping the ice encasing the student. And once it thawed, the boy just stumbled back and let the javelin clatter to the ground for a moment before scrambling to grab it again- at that point, Rufus facepalmed.

“This is honestly painful to watch. Had this been taking place in Faerghus I am almost convinced it would have been more than enough to drag my foolish brother back to life through nothing more, nothing less than raw and unfiltered outrage because of how damning this fight is.” Exam this exam that- only more reason why they should be putting in more effort. "Stop holding back, this is no newborn babe."

Still, the ominous thought of his brother showing up again as some vengeful spirit was enough to kickstart Rufus into acting, perhaps with more fervor than before.

Rufus [12/12 HP] hits Student [7/12 HP] with Blizzard! [ Roll: 15, -1HP ; Student [6/12 HP] ] Student is inflicted with Freeze! again

Once more, the sigil of ice glowed before his hand and released another surge of blizzard in the student’s direction, and just like moments ago the boy was back to being trapped in an icy formation. Cruel? Maybe. Deserved? Most definitely. Rufus didn’t think much of it, instead looking at Matthias with a frown.

“This is an immobile target, you better be able to strike him lest you humiliate yourself before the srengi in the near future.” He said with a sneer.

@cielenruine

you're cheating? pathetic | rufus & matthias

closed starter for @cielenruine | lance +1

[prionsis]

"And this is supposedly Fódlan's elite military academy..." A wince. Yikes.

Rufus watched the skirmish from a safe distance, his expression unshaken save for the occasional frown or the thinning of lips at the performance on display. He was no military or battle specialist, but that didn’t mean Rufus was entirely ignorant when it came to the art of war and he was perfectly capable of judging on whether someone’s skills were sharp or not. He just didn’t feel like taking on the role of educating this random youth because frankly, it wasn’t his business and he wasn’t interested.

But for a man who kept calling him dull, Matthias sure seemed to be rusty. “You sure run your mouth for a man putting on such a lackluster performance, Matthias. This may be a mock battle in which you must not kill the boy, but by the Goddess- your movements rival a snail’s. This is ghastly.” Was the role of a teacher that injurious to a soldier’s skills? Seemed like it.

Deciding that he was sick of this miserable display, Rufus took a step forward and raised his hand. Ice once more manifested on his fingertips, this time snowflakes giving way to a sigil ring of anima. Biting through the thick material of his glove, Rufus could feel the buildup of energy before his hand- there was no need for him to carry a tome. Not when the incantation was but engraved in his mind.

Rufus [12/12 HP] hits Student [9/12 HP] with Blizzard!  Roll: 12, -1HP ; Student [8/12 HP]  Student is inflicted with Freeze!

A silver flash gave way to a storm, encasing the student in an icy formation before Matthias. “Perhaps now you should be able to deliver a strike most satisfying? Tch.” Eyes full of disdain, enhanced by a spark of smugness far too clear in the pulled up corner of his lip. “I am not here to facilitate this battle for you. Be as snarky as you wish, but at least deliver a performance worthy of such remarks. Otherwise you seem like a maiden's toy poodle who is all bark but no bite.”

@cielenruine

you're cheating? pathetic | rufus & matthias

closed starter for @cielenruine | lance +1

[prionsis]

Disdain quickly shifted into a less than pleasant look of irritation and pure disgust. Past friends they may have been, and Matthias may have sadly changed for the worse thanks to Lambert’s influence, but this was something that somehow stayed intact- Matthias was an infuriating man. Somehow worse than his late little brother sometimes, because while Lambert simply happened to run on the same software as a coked up bear, the margrave was simply a master at annoying anything and anyone and remaining entirely unbothered as he did.

It was absolutely out of this world in the worst way possible. “Watch that insolent mouth of yours before I turn you into the newest entry for Gautier’s ice statue competition, margrave.” Venom was spilled through gritted teeth, though in true Rufus fashion its intensity was muddied by lack of drive. The regent’s wrath wasn’t nearly enough to make his threats a reality.

All he did in the end was just go along or escape if he had the chance. The world was exhausting to deal with, but even more exhausting to go against.

“I suppose I have no option but to carry on with this nonsense.” With another drawn out sigh and a pinch on the bridge of his nose, Rufus stood next to the margrave- facing their newest opponent. “Make this worth my time, cretin.” Free insult cast at the student aside, the regent made sure to get even more distance from Matthias- a couple more steps to the left, and perfect.

A slow blink. It wasn’t difficult to pinpoint how interested Rufus was in the mock battle ahead as shards of ice flickered around his fingertips.

Rufus [12/12 HP] misses Student [12/12 HP] with Blizzard!  Roll: 5, -0HP 

“If being called dull means I am less of a stubborn musclehead who thinks battle is the only way to reach conclusions, then by all means indeed, I am dull.” Aloof and monotone, Rufus quite literally flicked a single snowflake at the student. Of course, the effect was none.

@cielenruine

you're cheating? pathetic | rufus & matthias

closed starter for @cielenruine | lance +1

[prionsis]

Rufus had prepared himself to leave- before Matthias unceremoniously poked him with his lance and made the most grim request. Outrage was quick to invade his features as the regent voiced his displeasure. “You do not mean to include me in your troubles, do you? If this is a student of yours, then it is your burden to bear. I do not wish to be part of it.” And yet…his defiance held a tinge of defeat. Rufus was sure enough that Matthias wouldn’t let him go so easily, if his own past experiences with the margrave were to remain true.

He wasn’t part of this Academy’s inner workings, he wasn’t even faculty- he tried to remind himself over and over, but no comfort was to be found. “Utterly ridiculous.” He muttered to himself. And so much like so many things in his life, Rufus’ only option was to allow discontent to wash over his face like a veil, accompanied by a rather long and dragged sigh as cobalt blue irises rolled slightly.

The regent watched as the unsettled student hesitantly walked out of the shadows, lance in hand, positioning himself before Matthias so as to prepare himself for the upcoming test. Eyes flickered between the two figures, before resting on the margrave once more. “And what would you even have me do here? I do not possess any weapon on my person, much less am I keen on serving as a judge for this mock battle.” What, did the margrave want someone to offer rallies? Like he’s some sort of cheerleader? No way.

All Rufus had in hand was…well, his magic. “It would do you good to remember this is a lance exam, not a mixed combat activity. I am not going to just sit here and offer you company as you discipline your excuse of a student.”

@cielenruine

you're cheating? pathetic | rufus & matthias

closed starter for @cielenruine | lance +1

[prionsis]

Rufus blinked twice before his brows pinched into an irritated frown, the corner of his lip twitching slightly in a manifestation of mild disgust at his hidden companion. If these were the youth of tomorrow, set to take Fódlan’s reins and lead it into a brighter and peaceful future, then by the Goddess- this land truly was lost. “And what do you take me for, a jobless servant fit for fetch quests? Perhaps you would not be needing to slither around seeking for cheat sheets like a filthy rat had you used this time to study instead. Deplorable.”

The nerve of this kid. 

The regent had decided to take the day off for his own leisure- after days upon days of nothing but tedious meetings with the upper clergy as they discussed the next steps for Faerghus and the Church’s joint future. Had the context been slightly different, Rufus would’ve even appreciated the meetings- even if the subject wasn’t tailored to his interest, the very exercise of diplomacy was more than enough to keep him engaged and focused. He’d much rather spend years locked in an office surrounded by advisors and paperwork than wasting away in a chaotic battlefield, waiting for death to drag him by the ankles.

But it has been years since Rufus found true joy in anything he did, and the circumstances he found himself in now surely didn’t help. It wasn’t any particular distaste for the Church- the regent was rather unbothered by it, but the mere idea of having to discuss plans for Dimitri’s future as king made his skin crawl and his mood sour.

And now, this dishonest brat had the audacity to ambush him in hopes that Rufus would help him do something as miserable as help him cheat in an exam.

Before he could say anything more however, an addition to their group manifested. One that caused the cloaked student to shy away slightly- and that Rufus was familiar enough with as he turned around to face Matthias with that same look of contempt he had directed the youth. “If this is a student of yours, then by all means stop teaching and return to the Ruskas this instant. This behavior is abhorrent.”

you're cheating? pathetic | rufus & matthias

closed starter for @cielenruine | lance +1

[prionsis]

🎄data for your experiment

At last, a fair lady. If he was to entertain these less than proper attempts to nurture a festive atmosphere for the upcoming celebrations, he wished to at the very least be able to spend them with a gracious dame on his arm- and his pleas were finally heard. Just as he had passed under one of the many shrubs, a woman with the face and presence of a goddess stops by.

“And so I am freed from the fate of having to lock lips with bear-sized men, and am gifted with a lovely damsel instead.” The sigh that escaped him was of relief, the smallest smile blooming on his lips- just enough to wash away some of the gloominess from his fatigued face.

Holding the lady’s chin with one hand as one would cradle a gem, Rufus pressed a soft kiss to her lips.

With a special emphasis on soft, because before he could bask in the feeling a rather unpleasing chirp caused him to step back- and get pecked on the forehead. Not a returning kiss, not from a woman asking for more- but from a pissed off damn bird roaming the area. They were indoors! This was no place to have a nest! “This dreadful creature! This is no place to call home, it is not my fault you have failed to properly plan your livelihood!” Rufus cursed at the angry, swooping bird. 

Goddammit.

[prionsis]

‘TIS THE SEASON.

send 🎄for our muses to get caught under the mistletoe !!

[prionsis]

🎄

Rufus was aware of the end of year festivities, both big and small. Some were entertaining enough to participate in, others were a fool's errand. Such as this.

This one was particularly unnerving, as these blasted plants were in every single doorframe. And now this.

Rufus stared.

Sigh.

morion knows a lot about end of year festivities. shoot, when he was a young stone, he'd rip through the royal academy with mistletoe tied to a large tree branch just to see who would fold and who would meet him on his challenge. of course, he's much older now, much wiser... but still ready to terrorize the fellow olders of the monastery. because it's funny and he likes it.

he's been tracking which doorways have the fated Kissing Plant hung from them ( and quickly comes to find that literally ALL of them are like that ). oh nooo, it sure would be Terrible if a punchy lad or lass were to come on by and take him up on a challenge...

...but the person he bumps into is much more haggard-looking. " woah. hey there, buddy, " morion chuckles, noting how That Guy He Met A Little While Ago visibly sags at seeing who his Kissin' Adversary was. poor guy looks like he needs a boost.

no worries, morion'll make it fast. he grabs this guy by the collar and yanks, giving him a quick kiss---reminiscent of the times he's tried to throw his opponents off guard. all fun and games, that!

[prionsis]

“You are the lord in charge of Gautier. It is up to you to seek the aid of other lords and figure out the best for the border’s matters, rather than simply send complaints to the capital in hopes that I will magically fix what ails you. I do not know what boorish measures my brother used to take, but I see that he has done nothing but spoil you and Duke Fraldarius rotten." There was a squint of his eye after a short twitch. Not quite a full glare, at least not yet. “Either way, is there not a srengi able to comprehend our tongue? Have you considered, instead of holding onto the promise of battle, propose more diplomatic means to get your point across?”

Rufus remembers the whole fiasco involving Leif. He hadn’t been involved in the slightest, electing the plains of Itha as far more important than whatever skirmishes were taking place up north, but eventually notice reached him one way or another. A hostage taken as part of a deal- one that Matthias had chosen to teach the language and culture of Fódlan to in hopes of forging a bond, only for the boy to escape. He had never expected the margrave to have such naive side.

“Of course you would say that, a blind follower like all others. Regardless of Lambert may have offered to the throne, that spawn of his cannot replicate it. His only saving grace is that he is his child, and has the crest, nothing more. There is no sympathy for Faerghus behind those glassy eyes and varnished smile.” The corner of his lip pulled up slightly. “You have simply allowed yourself to fall for that boy’s trickery, much like all others. It must feel a lot easier to cope with the current status of the Kingdom when you place all your faith in a beastly teenager.”

Rufus let out a scoff, uncrossing his arms and placing his hands on his hips instead. “He has survived, so what? Having survived the tragedy does not exempt him from further battles. If he wishes to follow his father’s steps, founded on the mindless spilling of blood above the power of word, then it serves him right. Fight until flesh falls off his bones, prove himself better and stronger. That is what his father carved out for him in this land, is it not? What nonsense.” He gritted his teeth. 

“You have changed, Matthias. You have allowed a brute fool to pull silk over your eyes and tug you around like a stud. The man I knew all those years ago, respectable and unwilling to bend the knee for someone so stupid, is gone I see.” Somehow, his frown softened into melancholy. A resigned pity. “You wish for a second Lambert, do you not? Just like everyone else. Faerghus has allowed itself to create a cult around that ghastly man.”

@cielenruine

old men bickering

continued from here | @cielenruine

[prionsis]

ESCAPE THE BLIND BEAST

rufus? the horse is here.

AU - MOUTHWASHING

[prionsis]

“And you hope to pin this mismanagement on my person or other lords, so the burden does not fall solely on your shoulders. I am not so daft as to be so oblivious to your decisions and intentions, Matthias.” Rufus already had the weight of blame looming over him every day and night, he was more than aware enough of the rumors crawling up his legs little by little, forcing more lords to watch him with less than favorable gazes and further complicating his rule. It was only made worse when reality stared back, dead in the eye.

“Tch.” He clicked his tongue. “Do not place me on the same level as that man.” It was ironic- how Rufus wanted to be what Lambert was, all while absolutely despising the idea of being compared or equated to his brother. He wasn’t Lambert, he’d never be Lambert- a curse and a blessing all in the same blow. He’d never be as loved as his brother, he’d never be as beastly as his brother.

With a roll of his eyes, Rufus crossed his arms as irritation nicked at the hems of his patience. “Does it not tire you to be ignorant? Or perhaps my brother’s infuriating optimism has begun to blind you just as it blinded him. The peace between Fódlan’s nations rests on a thin thread, that much is obvious to anyone willing to pay attention, and Faerghus is as of now in a particularly vulnerable position. The Alliance is far too internally disturbed to try anything other than opportunism, but it would not be so out of question for the Empire to apply pressure on the Kingdom for its own gain.”

“These nations are not our enemies, but only an oblivious imbecile would perceive them as friends let alone trust them to not stab Faerghus in the back when it feels most convenient.”

A blond brow arched in mild confusion, though his expression reflected something almost akin to aloof defiance. “Then pray tell, Matthias. What option would you have preferred? If I am as weak as you claim, then if I had marched onto the battlefield that day and slain, the Kingdom would be left without a single individual apt to rule and its government would further fall into disarray because a mere child cannot be king."

"Or would you rather shelter the boy and force him to live in a fantasy world like a domestic mutt? If you perceive me as weak for not going into battle, then all the more reason for the prince to prove his might. A prince unable to quell a rebellion is not worth even coin.” There it was again- that bitter venom coating his words.

@cielenruine

old men bickering

continued from here | @cielenruine

[prionsis]

Training exercise, he repeated to himself.

This was merely just another training exercise, nothing more. He had been cordially invited to participate and what better way to prove his prowess and resistance than to play along? Climbing this muddy hill was nothing compared to traveling up the treacherous rocky sides of Itha, this should be easy and those students had no reason to whine. The rain was simply an added challenge as the battlefield was an ever changing beast with no warnings to give.

Or at least that’s the mantra Rufus had been repeating to himself, on loop, for the past thirty minutes in an attempt to retain his patience and sanity.

Rufus was not a teacher, much less a faculty member, and yet that insolent, arrogant, delusional professor decided he should be subjected to the very same lowly activity their students were being put through. He didn’t even have time to state his rank and proclaim his exemption from the school’s schedules before the regent was already being ushered up a mountain of mud under a miserable rainfall. He did hear something about ‘being there to help guide the students and ensure nobody gets hurt’- a bunch of nonsensical lies.

“Every day I become more sure that this must be some sort of punishment for my deeds.” A tired, low voice barely louder than the pouring rain was all he could offer before his foot nearly slipped on a loose rock, leading him to fall on his knee instead and further soiling his outfit. 

The church better have some laundry service to make up for this. It was the least they could do for the damage they were doing to his psyche.

After a particularly long sigh followed by a grunt as Rufus readjusted his footing, the regent continued to slowly make his way upwards. That- until a rustling sound caught his attention. Fairly close, just loud enough to be noticeable through the thundering rain, the noise came from a bundle of bushes a few feet away from his position. Rufus was inclined to brush it off- could be anything. A small animal, the wind, some struggling kid he had no interest in helping.

But then, he saw an odd figure alongside it. Definitely an animal, but a large one.

Dull cobalts widened in realization before his brows pinched into a concerned, angry frown. “-and these dastards had the audacity to pick a route crawling with beasts…quite literally throwing their so called ‘beloved’ students to wolves. Typical.” Taking a step back to put more distance between him and the canine, a chuckle escaped his lips. “Have I truly fallen for a cheap assassination scheme? I hoped to be more keen eyed than that…very well.”

His tome wasn’t even with him, too. Dammit.

a dog chased me in the campus im suing this damn place | rufus & volug

closed starter for @hatariwildheart

[prionsis]

Being sent to the monastery with a task to fulfill meant Rufus didn’t have the time to spare for frivolous nonsense. The students and faculty’s academy life weren’t part of his concerns, if anything he’d rather watch it all from a safe distance, where none of it could reach him lest someone shows up to his feet asking incessant questions. The last thing Rufus wanted was for youngsters to flock around his person- even more since he had no choice but to stand under the banner of the Blue Lions. Rufus didn’t want to draw unwanted attention from that lot, lest the beast tries to fool him into lowering his guard.

That being said, Rufus can’t exactly explain how he ended up in this mess. Not the diplomatic mission- this damned tournament. Directed by some nutjob named Lieutenant Lanton, all the regent can remember is passing by a crowd and approaching its margins simply to figure out what could be taking place.

Then staff saw him and ushered him in, and now…he was part of it. Standing in the middle of a small arena, cheering crowds being anything but the noise he wanted to hear at the moment- too loud, too cheap. Those weren’t cheers of reverence, but rather the perception that he was some circus animal for their amusement. Infuriatingly humiliating.

“I suppose…I have no option but to fight.” He mumbled to himself through gritted teeth as his opponent appeared. A man with long hair wielding a blade, a nobody in his eyes. “I have no interest in this foolish prize, however.” But he wasn’t keen on losing either- not before a crowd.

And- ah. 

The stupid mechanic of this tournament.

Rufus did offer a hand for the other man to shake, but also his tome. They’d have to swap weapons for this, or so the tournament staff said. Fine, the weight of a blade wasn’t entirely unknown to his hands. Even if lances were his preferred if he truly needed to wield a physical weapon, the regent had been trained in nearly all fronts to leave little room for failure. To prove himself.

“I assume you have experience with magic and are able to recognize this tome. If not…too bad for you.” He did still point at the described element at the cover- ‘Ice - Blizzard’. 

“Give me your name and let us begin already, I do not wish to waste any more time in this decrepit circus.”

does your weapon come with a user manual? | rufus & karel

closed starter for @otgolokh