serraic

[serraic]

October Activity

Status: Passed! Skill Points Gained: 2

Activity ➜ +1 Faith Thread end, You ARE Speaking to the Manager -> +1 Authority

Skill Changes:

Faith S (1/3) -> Faith S (2/3) Authority E+ -> Authority D

Obtained:

Rally Luck (from Authority D)

[serraic]

... Okay. You know, Serra hasn’t really been paying attention to this other guy that’s stuck with her. In fact, she doesn’t even know his name. She wasn’t really listening when they were introduced, to be honest, mostly still gawking at the whole hair net of the whole situation. But now that he’s up in her face, telling her she’s not quitting, she’s blinking amethyst hues at him and finally starting to tune him in for once.

For a moment, she’s reminded of the nuns — his booming voice frightens her for just the slightest hair of a moment, and she stills, blinking at him. But then her fire returns, and she scowls at him.

“H— how dare you speak to a lady like—”

Oh. He’s still going.

Get people to obey us... stand in an orderly line... Geez, what’s with his face at the thought of that? Not that Serra doesn’t get the appeal of ordering people around, but, isn’t that a little far?

“Disciplinary system?” she echoes, completely at a loss. Really — if they already don’t care to come get their food, why would they care for whatever this guy and she try to set up? He asks if she’ll hear him out, though, and she considers telling him that he’s creepy, and she’s leaving, anyway. But... he does seem like the sort of guy that might burn down the building if she doesn’t watch him. Ugh, look at her, being all charitable, helping out the monastery by not letting one of their own destroy their reputation! Maybe this she’ll get a coffer or vassals for... “... What do you mean?”

you ARE speaking to the manager. (lying)

toa anniversary board: authority +1

[serraic]

Wait, what?

Wait, what?

Did he just say yes?

No complaining? No dragging his feet? No carrying on, and on, and on? Just... yes? Well — yes enough, for him? He’s — he’s agreeing, anyway, isn’t he?

She blinks.

“Uh—” No, don’t act surprised! This was all part of your plan! She smiles instead, bats her eyes. “Maybe, like, tomorrow? I’m free then... and it’s an off day for school, too... Why don’t you pick me up at my room? You remember the way, don’t you?” Now she’s grinning broadly, all happy, excitable energy, again. “In the morning, too, just after breakfast is done! So we can spend the whole day out there! There’s a ship going out then!” Claps her hands together, once, happily. “Hehe... I’ll see you there!”

Poor boy... he hardly has a chance to respond. But what does he expect, really, with Serra?

Sunday Funday

[serraic]

You know, if Serra weren’t, like, about to faint, or something, she’d probably be totally embarrassed now.

Because here’s Erk, leaning over her, holding his bottle to her lips, his hand on hers, and this is an indirect kiss, and he’s holding her hand, but all she can think of, ahh, water.

It’s cool, and nice, and it tastes really good, for some reason. She takes a lot of greedy sips — too many to be polite, for sure. But finally, the world starts arranging itself into clean little shapes again, and Erk is by her side, eyebrow all angry, standing over her.

“... Why are you looking at me like that?”

He looks like he’s about to... maybe yell? Or something? She doesn’t really know, just — something’s up with his face. It’s really, really serious!

She didn’t say or do anything... weird... when she was out of it... did she?

Dreaming in the Rain

[serraic]

September Activity

Status: Passed! Skill Points Gained: 1

Activity ➜ +1 Authority

Skill Changes:

Authority - E ➜ E+

[serraic]

Despite appearances and looks and all that great stuff, Serra isn’t a stranger to hard work. After all, she’s worked for Ostia for years, and she was part of a war and all, and — suffice to say, she’s done her fair share of shaking her Staff about and looking beautiful. But... well... she hasn’t been in charge of food stuff since she lived in the convent.

Food is gross, really. Grimy, crumbly, gets everywhere. It’s a necessary thing of life, or whatever, and she enjoys a meal as much as anyone, but working with food...? That’s horrible. She’s always thought so, never begrudged the monastery chefs and what-not. Especially those entirely unfashionable hair nets...! Oh, the shivers the very thought of them wrought through her! But now here she was, at a makeshift food establishment, y’know, serving food.

... Eugh.

Her two pretty pigtails are in two little nets, with a big one then encircling them both. She’s wearing some uniform she wouldn’t be caught dead in, normally. All these reasons are why Serra’s been glued to the back of the store. She’d simply rather perish than be seen like this. Especially by some cute boy. Especially by Erk.

She throws herself on the break room chair, pulls out a nail file. This sucks!

“Why are you complaining about that?” Of all things to complain about...! “That just means we get to reuse the food for other customers! Less work for us!” She’s filing her nails a little too vigorously... “Ugh, why me! This is so gross... this isn’t the sort of place a lady should be! People have vassals for this sort of work...” She blows on her nails, frowns at them as though they’re to blame. “Why am I even here, anyway? Even if they offered me a whole coffer, it wouldn’t be worth it.” She stands, a sudden finality to her face. “You know what? I quit.”

you ARE speaking to the manager. (lying)

toa anniversary board: authority +1

[serraic]

Studies at the academy are all about preparing oneself for the future, and this consideration has led to an exercise on…parenting! A lucky few students and professors have been chosen to raise awareness for a monumental new program. Assigned with caring for a magically powered doll that requires rocking, reassuring, and cosseting (that will totally not scream and cry at set intervals through the night) what will you and your aptly dubbed ‘partner’ do to meet the challenge? Or will mommy and daddy fumble the diaper bag completely? [Grants Faith +1]

When Serra is told she’s getting a special, new, exclusive assignment, she lights up, head to toe, eyes sparkling, face overcome with an excitable simper, hands folded thoughtfully and lovingly before her. She bats her long, precious lashes at the young (boy) professor stood before a room of students and faculty alike, telling them all of their new duty — and it’s only when the words pass his lips that her face falls.

“What?” she cries. Quite audibly, too — the room turns to look at her. “I’m sorry, but— does it actually cry? Like... well, like a baby would?”

The young man smiles at her, a bit awkwardly. “Yes, of course! That is the whole point.”

And she pales. And she thinks — wow, actually, wow, I’m going to hate this.

But... you know, maybe it’s not all bad! She could be paired with a pretty young man, around her age, and show him what a capable mother she’d be, one day! Yes, yes, that would certainly work in her favor, in some way, (even if she hates the sound of children crying, even if it makes her skin crawl), yes, yes, it’ll all be saved, what for her partner!

That is — till she’s gestured to a green-haired, kindly-looking woman.

Oh, great. She’s super beautiful, too. Serra bets she’s aaaaall put together, the sort that’d be a great mother, the sort that already was amazing person, the sort that boys actually like, and all that. Great, just... just great.

Sour-faced, clearly unhappy, Serra sulks, silently, stood next to her partner. It isn’t long before they’re passed the baby doll — and she notices that they pass it automatically to this Elincia instead, of course.

Saint Elimine, why am I even here...? // @amitieos

fake tears real fears

[Faith +1]

[serraic]

Florina/Serra outfit swap

"Um, Serra, I don't feel any more confident..." "Well, I feel FABULOUS!"

By shan0732info.carrd.co

[serraic]

“H— hey!” Here he is, Erk, being unfair again, like usual. He holds something she wants — dangles it in front of her face — and when she shows the slightest hint of interest, he threatens to take it away. It’s a sharp wound to her chest, that causes her to look at him in a mixture of shock and fear. If she were a lesser person, she might think to grasp his hands pleadingly.

As it stands, though, she just shoots him her most wounded look — which, to be clear, is pretty wounded. (Serra’s always been fantastic at morphing her face into something, probably due to the strong feelings always running under the surface.)

“I already said I was free, didn’t I?!” She really does want to grasp at him... but she keeps her hands at bay, because it’s not really the sort of thing that ladies do, is it — hold the hands of their lover, before he’s even confessed to them, or anything?

But... he says something to eat... omigosh, omigosh, omigosh. Omigosh? Is it... actually a date?

You know— he flustered her... she may as well give as good back!

“Are you asking me out on a date, Erk? I knew it was only a matter of time before you finally came to your senses... To think I waited so long...! Well, anyway, I accept. So? Show me, what do you have planned?”

I'm Here To Make Sure That Doesn't Happen

TASK ⌁ FACE YOUR FEARS !

[serraic]

September Activity

Status: Passed! Skill Points Gained: 1

Activity Pass -> +1 Faith

Skill Changes:

Faith A+ (3/3) -> S (!!!!!!)

Obtained:

Live to Serve White Magic Range +

[serraic]

Today is another busy day.

Some of the knights of Seiros returned today; some had been on a hunting party, others dealing with bandits and the like, but regardless of where they’d come from, they all needed tending to. Being a bit of an early riser, Serra had taken to healing most of those that wandered through the doors, humming to herself as she went, placid and calm and serene as a lake on a still day. She’s only chastised some of them a little, here-and-there, and only a few of the people she’s healed glare daggers at her as they leave. So really — a successful, gentle morning.

She’s sent off to go get some food for herself, now that the sun beats directly overhead, and she does so with light footsteps, holding her Staff against a shoulder, gently with a hand, humming and swaying a little dance as she walks...

Serra!

She thinks maybe she’s forgotten something in the infirmary — but the person that hails her is none other than Erk. Her face breaks into a huge smile — one that freezes when he asks if she’s free today.

Is he... no. There’s no way he would. But what else could it be, if it’s not him asking her to spend time with him?

“R— Really, Erk. That’s such short notice.” She rubs the tip of her nose, looks away in thought. “You have to plan these sorts of things in advance, you know... but... just this once... I may be able to squeeze you in. What is it?” A date?!

I'm Here To Make Sure That Doesn't Happen

TASK ⌁ FACE YOUR FEARS !

[serraic]

It was a lovely enough evening for a little walk, and Serra had decided to take herself on one. It had become a routine, after a day’s of work, to take herself out in the cool evening air and stretch her legs. After all, after the embarrassment that had happened in front of Erk, she needed to start regaining her strength, so she didn’t, y’know, almost faint in front of people again!

She shivered, remembering the embarrassment, and wrapped her red-tipped fingers in the cowl that sat around her shoulders. It really was a beautiful night, if a bit too cold. It would be the perfect night, she thought, staring at the moon, for a boy to offer a coat, or a cape, to keep a soft girl like her warm...

A voice behind her startled her. In the low light, it took a minute, but that smile, that hair, that gaze was unmistakable. “L— Lyn?!” She’s beaming immediately, and offers her old friend a hug. “What a surprise! Whatever do you have to learn from a place like this?” She means the monastery, but hey, maybe Lyn is a teacher. That could be the truth of it. “Unless you’re faculty, like me... I had no idea! Ohhh... it’s good to see you! It’s been, like, years!”

Now, what was this business about... a guru? Maybe her confusion was too plain on her face — she had no idea what Lyn was talking about. But not wanting to seem unawares, or behind the times, Serra smiled a bit awkwardly.

“O— of course I am... you saw me during the war, didn’t you?” She twirled a pigtail, absently, blushing furiously. “I’d love to go with you!” In truth, it didn’t quite matter where Lyn wanted to go... she was just happy to be invited!

Girl-Bonding Through Our Girl-Trauma

[serraic]

The world is bright in an entirely uncomfortable way — too-bright, too-searing, and even Erk’s voice, which is totally lovely normally, makes her feel ill. Her hands are shaking where they are, knees weak... and before she can really think, she plops to the ground, sitting on the stair she’d just climbed.

“Maybe...” she mutters in response to him, trying to focus on the shapes of the world and how to stay steady among them. But her brain really, really wants to be dizzy, and slide away, and make her collapse into little, tiny pieces, and...

“Water...” That’s a good idea, right? Some water... that’ll steady her. Her voice is a bit of a croak, and not as demanding as normal, but... surely Erk will help her. He always has, after all, hasn’t he? He’ll help her... surely, surely...

Dreaming in the Rain

[serraic]

@erkcana

There’s something calming about island life when you’re not in the thick of work. The odd breaks you’ve managed to carve out for yourself offer the opportunity for an activity unique to coastal surrounds: exploring tide pools! These little pockets of seawater dot the intertidal zones of the rocky beaches about this section of the archipelago, and are treasure troves of marine microbiomes waiting to be discovered.

Okay, Serra... deep breaths... you can do this...

For some reason, Serra’s more nervous right now than she’d been when she applied for the monastery again. And why in all the world would that be? It’s only Erk, after all, isn’t it? Isn’t it? He’s — smitten with her. Like every boy is. He’s irrevocably in love, just like anyone would be, and why wouldn’t he be overjoyed — excited, even — at the prospect of spending a day outside with her?

But her stomach is in uncomfortable knots, that twist and clench and cramp. The world feels too-light, too-tight, in her worry... Ahhhh! Just go ahead and do it, already!!

She knocks at his door. Waits a moment for an answer. Knocks again. What, she’s anxious!

The door does finally open, and a weary head pops out from behind it. Serra beams. “Hiiiiiiii, Erk!” she sing-songs. (Another clench of nervousness. Ohhhh...) “So, um. You know, of course, the islands the monastery has been cleaning up for whoever... well, I hear it’s actually really pretty in some parts! So... we should go!”

Y-yeah... that was good, wasn’t it? ... Yeah....

Sunday Funday

[serraic]

@braveryinblue

It’s time to put all of your recent building experience to work toward a tried and true marvel in engineering: bridges, intended to connect all of the various islands in the archipelago. This job is a perfect workout for those itching to use their muscles, as there are tons of metal and wood to lug about. The supervisors in charge of the project, however, are a bit demanding. They drive you hard and have even begun prohibiting breaks! Will you write a formal complaint to the eccentric owner of these isles, or will you perhaps instead take matters into your own hands? [Grants Authority +1]

When Serra was pitched the idea of coming along with the other clerics and monks to a beautiful island, she hadn’t imagined it so, well... work... -y... There were huge logs of wood that needed moving, here-or-there, metal that needed to be set, bridges that needed to be built. But she was just a delicate little cleric! How could she help with any of that? So, she didn’t — she sat in the shade and sipped on a waterskin, expression sour.

Her only experience with the surf and sand had been the Dread Isle, but she always heard it was meant to be fun, and exciting. And it was much warmer here, anyhow, than it was back at the monastery, horrible weather it was this time of year. She’s got her chin pressed into the palm of her hand, almost sleepy in her boredom, when she spots— she spots—

She jumps up to her feet, light in her eyes. “Hey! Hector! Hector, it’s— Hector!”

He seems not to quite hear her. That is, till she bounds to his side.

Triumphantly, proudly, arms stretched out and basking in the sun, “I’m back!”

The Only Person Allowed to Talk That Way to Him is Me!

Authority +1

[serraic]

“Aren’t you listening at all?” For all his studying, he rarely seems to pay attention... “It wasn’t my strength, it was Saint Elimine, with me! She gave me the power... praise be her graces!”

Her sweet smile makes her appear like the young girl she still is. She spins, happily, and starts ascending the first flight of stairs of three.

“Come on, now... ladies don’t carry their own things, especially when there’s a strong young man with them! Don’t you have any understanding of etiquette, Erk? Or social standings? Let me explain it from the top...”

They’re up the first landing, halfway through the first set of stairs. Serra begins going on.

“Ladies are delicate and gentle creatures. We’ve been put on this Earth to be admired and loved. God put men on this Earth to take care of us, and to serve us...”

First set of stairs, done.

“Not all women are ladies, of course. Not all women have the social standing, or the upbringing, or the frailness. In fact, there are women that are even more powerful than men! You should know that better than anyone. Lyn is one of those women... you saw how skilled she is with the sword! She could take out hundreds of men with a single swipe! Of course, she still deserves to be admired and loved... but she doesn’t need to be looked out for, as closely as someone like me does.”

Second set of stairs, done. (Her heart is hammering in her chest. Her breaths are coming in faster. She’s so excited to see him, after all!)

“Ladyness is something that’s learned... how to dress, how to act, how to take care of yourself... it’s a very fine art, and not everyone—... not everyone knows it. It’s something you grow— inside of yourself! But—... as long as there have been ladies... there have been people to— to watch those ladies and take care of—...”

Third set of stairs, done. But... The desperate tempo of her chest has only grown, causing red-hot pain in her sides, her hands. She pauses at the top of the railing, gasping. Spots of white cloud her vision for the second time today. The world slides around her, moving, slipping, falling like she’s on a boat caught in a storm. “O— oh,” Serra mumbles, and leans over the banister.

Her breathing comes in shaking gasps. For the moment — she’s forgot to look brave in front of Erk. She thinks she’s... going to pass out...

Dreaming in the Rain

[serraic]

Restless in Elibe, huh? That’s just like him! She beams, happy to be right, happy to remember him and know him so well.

“Still studying? Don’t you think you’ve learned enough, after the whole business with the dragons?”

Evidently not... that’s so like him, too! She giggles to herself — leads the way towards where Father Meven told her her room was.

Of course, he asks about her being sick — only for a moment, before he loses his mettle. Oh, come on, Erk! You have to be braver than that if you want to get anywhere...! “What? Don’t you want to hear about my brush with death?” Her eyes are shining, as she turns back to him. Words fly from her animated, excited — as though she’s regaling something great and exciting, and not a pale girl stuck in her sickbed. “It was almost a full year! Healers didn’t know what was going on... you know, ladies are frail, so you really shouldn’t wait around. Any day could be your last! That’s what was really impressed on me that dreadful year... I was stuck in the littlest room, without any flowers or satin or anything...” And no visitors. That part was the worst. Well, she understands. Everyone is so busy... “There was a day worse than all the rest, though. The room kept moving, even though I wasn’t... and even breathing was difficult. And that’s when it happened... I saw Saint Elimine. The most beautiful woman you can imagine... and she took my hand, and told me— she said, ‘Serra, don’t be afraid. It isn’t your time yet.’” Her smile is... content. It reflects the warm peace she’d felt then, and still feels, now. “And after that, I got better. Very slowly, a day at a time. Until I could stand again... and force myself to eat and drink... and now I’m here! Isn’t that amazing, Erk? I actually got to speak to Saint Elimine! She came for me... she knows how faithful I’ve been, and actually came for me!”

Dreaming in the Rain