text | un: blackcrown

[elight]

Greetings. My name is Edelgard von Hresvelg, Emperor of the Adrestian Empire.

Much like all I have the other “Moonblessed”, I have found myself falling victim repeatedly to the effects of the lunar cycle. Were the side effects merely physical, I would think nothing of the process, however...the mental imbalance that the moon stirs within me often invokes...irresponsible proclivities. While many seem to have accepted this status quo of life in this place, I will continue to reject it for the sake of having full control over myself and my decision-making.

Currently, I’m seeking any scholars on the subject that can offer insight into possible/potential counter measures to the ostensible curse of the moonblessed. Much the way that demichroma is a synthetic that can ease the need for chroma proper, I have to wonder if there is something artificial or otherwise that can assuage the monthly effects of the lunar cycle.

Anyone with pertinent information or willing to discuss this topic are welcome to join me for tea.

Thank you for your time.
~
Edelgard von Hresvelg,
Emperor of Adrestia

Comments

un: grimm

[hagrides]

Greetings, Edelgard. It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance at last - Hubert has spoken of you warmly. [As warm as Hubert gets, anyway.] I am Grimm.

I have thus far kept Iris under control with practical arrangements with those similarly afflicted, but a more material remedy would be welcome. Sadly, I have little information to provide on this matter, but I do enjoy tea and meeting friends of friends.

[elight]

I would welcome you at the table, Grimm.

A friend of Hubert’s, then? Certainly rare, but I’m no less glad to hear it.

I’m interested in what you consider to be “practical arrangements.”

[hagrides]

He does seem the standoffish type, but he has been helpful to me and kind to my child.

Things not fit for public discussion, but most likely, exactly what you would expect from an Iris dealing with their heat. But if you have time to meet in person, I would happily discuss anything you like.

[elight]

[“In heat”...Ugh, this place.]

Any information is useful, and I’d be remiss to not be seeking it out on my own.

Seeing as you’re a friend of Hubert’s, I have no problem meeting in person. Allow me to send you a private message with my location.

[and moments later, she does just that – forwarding the location of a small café.]

Is there a particular confection you enjoy?

to action

[hagrides]

I must confess an ironic weakness for angel food cake.

[It's ironic for reasons Edelgard will soon find out. After arranging a time to meet at the cafe and how Grimm should identify her, Grimm arrives early, and Edelgard will be witness to the gothest six foot bug she's ever seen.

There's also a much smaller bug sitting on his shoulder.]

Emperor Edelgard, I presume?

[elight]

[Edelgard offers a polite smile and wave. She’s seen some strange things since she’s gotten here, so the impulse to tense up at six foot tall bugs has luckily faded by now.]

There’s no need to address me with that title - I have no power here. Using it myself has become a bit of a bad habit. [That said, she does enjoy it.

...Wait, is that his “child”?]

Please, take a seat. [You know, if sitting is a thing he does as a large bug person. You never know! What he’ll find however, is that there’s already two cups of tea at the table Edelgard has seated herself at. Not only that, but a slice of angel food cake sits opposite the young emperor.]

[hagrides]

As you wish, Edelgard. A pleasure to meet you.

[He bows, but then, he bows meeting everyone. He has a seat at the table, but the child flits off his shoulder to land on Edelgard's side of the table and lets out a nyah. They would normally just bump their face into her and demand pets, but Hubert had been skittish the first time they did that to him without warning. They're being considerate!]

My child is also happy to make your acquaintance.

[elight]

[Oh. This is...interesting. But it is rather cute, so Edelgard offers the child her index finger, as if “shaking hands”.]

Likewise.

...It must be difficult caring for a child in a place like this.

[hagrides]

[The child doesn't have arms or hands to shake with, so they lightly headbutt Edelgard's finger, meowing happily.]

It can be. Yet I am much relieved to have them at my side once again, rather than fretting for their wellbeing at home.

They are never in danger of running out of Chroma, besides - they like being pet.

[And who can resist petting this adorable child?\

[elight]

[Edelgard’s face is sure to hide just how cute she found that. So cute.]

They seem very friendly.

As do you. [Edelgard crosses her legs, taking a sip of her tea.]

Hubert has been helping take care of you, has he? [Directed at both him and the child.]

[hagrides]

Indeed. He is quite intelligent, and exchanging information here has been mutually beneficial.

[The baby nyahs.]

And he gives good pets.

[elight]

[That makes her cover her mouth and laugh out loud.]

Hubert gives good pets?

My, I didn’t know he had it in him.

Delightful.

[hagrides]

[Grimm wishes he had a picture of the soft expressions Hubert made at Grimmchild, so he could share it with Edelgard. She'd be even more delighted.]

He was a bit jittery at first - my child's usual way of asking for pets is nuzzling up to people, and I take it he is not used to sudden affectionate physical contact. I notice you did not do that today, my dear.

[An answering meow.]

Yes, it is good to be considerate with new friends. Well done.

text (sn: healerprincess)

[im_gonna_heal_u]

Hello!

I'm Konoka Konoe. Pleased to meet you! [ Always gotta be formal with royalty, at least at first blush! ]

I've found that if you're willing to Moonlace, it will keep the worst impulses at bay. Oftentimes, moonlacing on its own solves a whole host of problems, so just find someone to hold hands with! :D

Unfortunately, those effects aren't guaranteed to be the same level every time. Sometimes it's better to have a plan to vent it out in healthy means than fighting the impulses entirely.

[elight]

[Well, at least she’s earnest...]

It is my pleasure, Konoka Konoe.

Holding hands is your solution, is it? I was looking for a more...concrete, permanent, scientific solution, but I suppose any little thing helps.

I can’t say I’ve tried it.

My tendencies during the cycle tends to be...dangerous. I’ve typically avoided contact during.

[im_gonna_heal_u]

I take it you're Sanguis then, right? They like to fight.

Could you find another sparring partner? Probably a great way to vent the violence without hurting anyone. And even if you do, I can patch you up, given that I'm a healer.

[elight]

That’s correct. While I could likely find someone to...”vent” with, the idea of going too far and hurting someone...


No, that’s not it. I think it’s the matter of not being able to control my own actions that bothers me. My agency is important to me, and I refuse to hand it over.

...Or at least, I try to. I’m not interested in becoming another person, even if it’s only for a few days.

[im_gonna_heal_u]

I see. That's tough for me to say.

I've had some very wild influence from the moons, but I never feel like I haven't been *myself*.

Though if there's one thing I can say, is that choice matters, even if you aren't in control.

[elight]

That’s the problem, I don’t feel like I have a choice. I don’t have a choice of how I look, or how I act...

If you don’t have a solution, I’m not asking that you attempt to find one for me. Being able to talk about it at all is helpful in and of itself. I don’t often have the opportunity.

[im_gonna_heal_u]

Ah, guess you're right. It's good to hear from others every now and then.

I mean, if you want to talk, I'm always here. Though it sounds like maybe you need someone to bug you to talk every now and then, which I'm probably better at to be honest.

text | un: stormflower

[sleepinglotus]

Unfortunately the only remedy I've found to work is something that's unique to me. I can use it on others but it does sap Chroma to function.

[elight]

Very interesting.

Would you care to share more?

[sleepinglotus]

Where I'm from people have abilities called Aura and Semblance. Aura is inherent to everything with a soul, though it does take some steps to unlock and train in to something useful but once it is trained it can be used as a tool for defense and healing. It is limited even back in Remnant, though, meaning it can be drained and deactivated. Here that also means using up chroma.

Semblance is a specialized ability unique to every person that also has to be unlocked. Mine is Tranquility. I can calm negative emotions in myself or others. A completely depleted Aura does mean it can't be used until that recharges.

[elight]

So, you have the ability to affect the emotions and mentality of others, but at a cost to yourself, correct? Using your “Semblance” in conjunction with your body’s “Aura”.

Hypothetically, were someone to proposition you to use this power on them, it would cause you to greatly deplete your own Chroma.

Is that right?

[sleepinglotus]

I wouldn't say -greatly- if I'm only using it on myself or a single person. It's when I'm using it on multiple people at once that it gets difficult.

My teammate, Jaune, does have the ability to amplify Aura in others which we have used to affect as many as twenty people at once. I think that's my maximum with his help so far.

[elight]

Very interesting.

One moment, please.

[There’s a pause between this message and the next...which hasn’t now switched over to a private message.]

How long does the effect last?

I’d like to try it, if at all possible.

What can I offer you in return?

[sleepinglotus]

The initial effect lasts about thirty seconds without a boost, but the feelings from it vary from person to person. I use it on myself during Iris and generally don't have to renew it for a few hours at least.

I don't mind helping without compensation.

[elight]

That’s very charitable of you. As a Sanguis, I...have found myself becoming quite violent, or at the very least, desiring such violence greatly. It’s a difficult feeling to bear, and just as dangerous.

If I could use your semblance during the next cycle, I would be very grateful.

Might I ask your name?

[sleepinglotus]

Lie Ren.

I don't see any reason to keep it all to myself, though I don't actively broadcast my ability because I can't really take care of everyone in the city.

I understand that, though. Jaune had some issues with his first Sanguis moon as well.

If you want I could show you how it works before the next moon, if you want. Just so you know I'm on the up and up.

[elight]

If you would be willing to do so, I would like that very much, Lie Ren.

And as I mentioned in my original message, you are more than welcome to join me for tea.

[sleepinglotus]

That sounds wonderful. I should be there shortly then.

-> action

[elight]

Wonderful. Thank you very much.

[and she’ll send over the location of her place, a rather hidden away apartment. Despite the cold, Edelgard will be waiting for him outside her door until she sees the figure she can only assume is the person she’s waiting for.]

Lie Ren, is it? [Edelgard looks every bit as regal as her title would imply, though there are noticeable dark bags under her eyes. Life here isn’t as easy for her as it is for some others.]

A pleasure.

[sleepinglotus]

[He does cut a very unique figure, what with the long hair, magenta streak on one side. He's also carrying bright green pistols on his hips - not because he thinks she'll be dangerous but because it's just habit.

He gives a nod as he's greeted, putting a hand to his chest with a slight bow.]

Thank you for inviting me.

[elight]

It's no problem. I apologize for any disarray...We don't have visitors very often.

[Edelgard leads him inside, it's a pretty spacious apartment with a lot of different books and paperwork strewn about. By the window is a small, circular table with two cups of tea and all of the fixings. She tucks a lock of silver hair behind her ear and motions for him to take a seat.]

That said, it's a welcome change to have company over. Take a seat and tell me a bit about yourself.

[sleepinglotus]

[This place was a lot nicer than the one he shared with Jaune and Pyrrha, but that didn't surprise him. They had kind of gone for a similar feeling to the Beacon dormitories.

Maybe something they should reevaluate later.

In any case it was nice to get out of his place for a bit and start meeting new people again, even if it was with the intention of giving something in return for it.]

Thank you.

[Seat taken! The treats look lovely, too.]

Ah, well... I'm not the only one here from Remnant, so you may encounter others talking about Aura and Semblance.

[elight]

[Edelgard seats herself and nods thoughtfully, stirring her tea gently with a spoon.]

I too have various people from my home here as well. Though many of them...are not particularly fond of me. Which makes things difficult when it comes to meeting new people. Things can get complicated.

[A gentle sigh, but she shakes it off rather quickly.]

It must be quite helpful to have so many interesting powers. [while tapping the spoon lightly against the cup.]

I can't say I'm not a bit jealous.

[sleepinglotus]

[That earns a raised eyebrow, surprised a bit by that revelation. She seemed perfectly nice at first blush, but of course that doesn't tell him anything about her past.

But he also felt it wasn't his place to ask just yet.]

It... can be, but we're often limited in only having one. It can be trained and expanded, but I'm still a long ways from being able to do more with mine.

[elight]

My world has something similar, crests, but the power they afford us is much less interesting...Simple boosts in physical and mental capability, as well as the ability to wield particular weapons.

[But one of his comments makes her tilt her head.]

You're still in training?

[sleepinglotus]

That's... complicated. The school I was at was actually attacked and destroyed. I've been traveling with one of the teachers from Signal, though. Something of an extended mission.

[elight]

[“The school I was at was attacked and destroyed.”

That’s...an unfortunate coincidence. Edelgard can’t help but wince.]

My time at own place of study saw a similar ending, so I can relate. [There’s an odd kind of laugh as she looks down into her cup and takes a sip.]

Ahah, to be honest, the phrase “That’s complicated” is very resonant. You’re out of school, but still learning from your teacher?

[sleepinglotus]

[Ren gives a sympathetic and sad smile at that, feeling a bit of comradery in their similar backgrounds.]

Well, I wouldn't say learning so much as he's supervising. Even then, he was a teacher for Signal, not Beacon. We just wound up needing to travel to deal with the aftermath of Beacon's fall and he joined us along the way.

[spah]

Pleasure to meet you, emperor. [if this weren't text he'd be "uh" and "um"-in all over. southern manners never taught him how to politely address an emperor oh god oh jeez.] I'm Dell. I've been around since this whole thing started.

If it helps you any, I'm of the Sanguis persuasion. With all the extra aggression that comes with it, it helps me to get it out in a healthy way. Usually ends up being either sparring or punching something. I had to build a punching bag out of special material just to accommodate for the extra strength, but it actually helps.

I don't know which moon you fall under, but point being, maybe you can try out something similar? Not necessarily punching things, but finding ways to let that lack of control out in a way you can control.

un: academician

[leveilleur]

[An emperor? Alphinaud cannot help but frown once he spots this message. He knows a thing or two about emperors and he's not terribly impressed by any of them. However, that's neither here or there.]

You seek scholars to search answers, do you? Then I certainly wouldn't mind offering my aid considering all my allocates.