(A murder might have happened and a lot of people might be real upset but Claude isn't one of them. While he's certainly not pleased (who would be?), he seems to be handling all of this rather well. There's a lot of questions to be asked and plenty of answers to listen in on but after awhile, he knows he needs to start going for the source... so he tries to catch Jeanne when he has a moment to spare.
He approaches her and keeps his tone light and sympathetic,)
How're you feeling?
(He's not rude! He'll at least ask how she is first before he floods her with his questions.)
[ Jeanne is somber, but most of her emotions are reigned in. There's no denying she's serious, almost looking stern, about all the messages they've received, but she doesn't look angry or like she's about to cry.
She is Ruler. There is information that needs to be found and matters that need to be addressed first before anything else. ]
I feel like I would like to find out what happened if even the Leaders are at a loss.
[ She shakes her head and manages to give Claude a small smile. ]
(Well, at least someone's coping. It helps him relax a little. It's always easier to deal with these sorts of things when he doesn't have to put in as much effort. It's not that he doesn't care-- he care's a lot, actually-- but being sad won't help anyone right now.)
That makes the two of us at least.
(And many others, certainly,)
I've been better but I've also been worse.
(And he'll return her smile with one of his own, warm, friendly, the type that doesn't quite reach the eyes,)
I heard people found some things around the town. Did you notice anything?
[ Being sad won't help anyone right now is how she's operating, too. There's no saying how much time they have to figure this out before it's too late and what needs to be found is lost or gets destroyed.
She's seen those kinds of smiles enough. ]
I imagine you're not alone in feeling that either. At the planetarium, there was cereal on the ground and hair stuck on the door. It's an interesting combination. I think someone was awake when most of us weren't.
(Is this all a part of the mystery? Hair and cereal in the planetarium... what a riddle.)
So you noticed it too. (That everyone just went to sleep at the same time?) I wondered if maybe I was more tired than I thought but it looks like everyone else fell asleep too...
That and all of the doors locking suddenly... something's going on here.
Yeah, I knew I wasn't that tired last night. The next thing I knew, I woke up late and... there was that feeling. (He runs a hand through his hair thoughtfully,) Did we all forget something else, maybe? Or is it just related to what happened?
If they do unlock, I wonder what the conditions are.
I would like to say it's related to what happened, but I have no way to confirm it now. [ Would a Leader have an answer to that? Maybe they'll find out once they make themselves available again. ]
If we figure out what happened to Hajime, that may give us some idea.
[ Well, that trial ended in quite some way. A lot of people are upset, and Jeanne is one of them, but she doesn't seem any different than the day before. She's troubled, but life is like this, and she knows it.
She's taking a walk after being stuck inside a building for nine hours, and when she comes across Claude, she greets him. ]
Claude. What are your thoughts?
[ It's the same as how are you feeling, but she didn't miss him thinking about the ethics of all this. ]
(It's good to get out and get some fresh air. Claude isn't the type of person who does well when he's kept in one place for too long so he really needs to work off the energy and clear his head.
When he sees Jeanne, he greets her with his usual, casual smile, )
Hey, Ruler. (That's something he should really ask her about some time. Just like with "Archer.") Here to pick my brain?
(Facing her to give his full attention,)
About what exactly? If you mean playing detective and putting on a whole trial... Where I'm from, there are usually special people to do that sort of thing. You know, real knights and courts instead of whoever's standing around.
It doesn't feel good. We didn't really find Hajime's killer. In fact, we almost got the wrong guy. (Sorry, Rufus.) I'd say we got lucky in the end but...
I think we're all on an even field when it comes to being detectives.
[ The day proved they could all use a little improvement, and Jeanne's included in that. It's not something any of them expected that they'd have to do, and there's no fault in that.
Who expects to appear somewhere and have to (witness) murder? (A Servant.) ]
Pikachu displayed his skills in solving crimes wonderfully, and he met an end he didn't deserve. I don't wish there to be a next time, and in a best scenario, we wouldn't be here long enough for there to be a chance of a next time.
[ But. The statement ends heavy with an implied but it's likely not going to be that best scenario. ]
(Likewise, he doesn't sound too optimistic. He's an idealist-- absolutely brimming with ideals-- but he's undoubtedly a realist. )
Something isn't right here. I mean, I think a lot of us knew there was going to be some sort of catch but we just had to wait for it to drop.
Our powers or whatever you want to call them not working? Everyone getting stuck and falling into that weird sleep? It's all way too convenient for the wrong kind of reasons.
(He doesn't like it. He doesn't like it one bit and he frowns, running a hand through his hair,)
What do you want to happen to Virid?
(Not what does she think but what does she want. The difference is important!!)
[ What does she want? If only wishful thinking was enough. Isn't that what he said?
It's never really been about what she wanted, not from the time she took up a banner and not from the moment she'd been summoned. ]
Whatever would benefit all of us, for our hearts and our minds.
[ They all witnessed someone so young cut someone down. For someone so young to be driven to such actions, for all of them to vote for someone that young— it's not easy.
Nothing about this is easy. ]
If he really aimed to kill us all, he would have to be stopped. If he could be convinced otherwise, that would be ideal.
Whatever is best for the people, huh? That's awfully compassionate of you. I can't think of many people like that.
(He can, however, certainly name a few.)
I think you and are on the same page there, though. If he was someone who would have kept killing, we would have had to find a way to stop him but if we could convince him to work with us instead-- and in turn, convince others to work with him-- I would have preferred that.
... I'm worried about what will happen after. This is definitely going to hit everyone's morale.
(If we're talking about ideal situations. They wouldn't need to be here to collect Nova or solve murders or anything like that. They would be home taking care of their own problems.)
Like some sort of babysitter? (He's teasing, he's teasing and he holds up his hands, showing his palms to try and show that he's only playing,) Right, right. There are a lot of young people here.
(CLAUDE SAYS LIKE HE ISN'T 18 and cutting it real close to the lower half of the age range here.)
I've got people to watch out for too and I know there are others who will be doing the same. Between us, I think we can catch a fair number of people.
[ She doesn't look offended in the slightest. In fact, she smiles. Claude is sweet in his own way even if he does seem to hold himself at arm's length a bit with his humor. ]
You're right in all respects, but I would prefer to be called a morale booster than a babysitter. [ It's always something to hint to her history to people who aren't from her world. It feels less heavy. ]
I'm not out to run myself ragged, but I hope you don't let your mind get too far ahead of you either, Claude. We're lucky to have you even if our circumstances are what they are.
Like a dancer or a singer? (Someone that rallies everyone's spirits and can inspire people to give things their all,) I didn't see anything like that in your profile.
(Which is... honestly interesting and will probably warrant discussion some other time now that they've established some rapport with each other. The unfortunate thing about letting Claude von Riegan into your life is that he likes to dig in deep once he's there. )
If I knew how to stop it, I would. (No promises there. He's going to think a hundred miles a minute and nothing can stop him.) Careful, Ruler, I might think you're trusting me with something.
It's nothing quite so well-liked. Did you see the flag I brought to trial? It has something to do with that.
[ Jeanne doesn't mean to be coy or anything. She just doesn't feel the need to draw too much attention to herself, and she wonders if Claude isn't someone who'd connect the dots easily from that. ]
If your schemes aim to help more than harm, I don't mind.
[ Her smile is sure. If being betrayed means it'll help others in the long run, she can accept it. Her belief in people is they tend towards good even if they can and will also do terrible things.
She accepts it. ]
I would give you my trust, if you have need of it.
[ Near the port, the cries of a dolphin can be heard. They're quite animated and seem happy(?). Is that something anyone can tell if they can't speak dolphin?
Jeanne is sitting at the edge of the dock, her feet dangling into the ocean, and she's petting said dolphin affectionately. ]
(Claude is really digging this new setting so he's trying to enjoy it while he can. It doesn't take long for him to stumble onto Jeanne at the port! Real talk, he came here because he thought he heard dolphins and that's not something you get to see everyday. Running into Jeanne is just a nice bonus.
He'll kind of linger a little bit away because he doesn't want to scare them off or anything. Also because with how everyone's feeling emotions and all that, he's just... started trying to give people some space.
He's nosy, he likes to get in people's business, and he'll always do what he can to get information but this just feels tactless.
Jeanne can probably sense him watching, though. It's not like he's trying to hide himself or anything and he's pretty close by. )
(Look, they're intelligent creaturs!! So he's going to take it as a sound of recognition,)
Sorry.
(He laughs, a little embarrassed at being called out like that but otherwise, fine! He'll come over to approach. As he gets closer, she'll be able to tell that... well, it really shouldn't be all that surprising. He's confident, determined, and underneath that is curiosity-- a desire to know more. )
I didn't want to scare away your friend... Reeces, was it?
[ There's just a calm and general pleasantness coming from Jeanne. She's happy to be by the ocean and with the dolphin. It's nothing she's really had time to experience before. ]
You have it, but it'll take more than that to scare him away. He was quite fearless when I met him.
I wonder if he's used to humans.
[ Or maybe it's because this is one of the few things that will make Jeanne happy without too many reservations. ]
You can never really know with animals. Nature works in strange ways.
(Anyway, going to come right next to her and crouch down next to the water. He wants to get a better look at Reeces. He's never seen a dolphin this close before! But also, there was something he wanted to talk to Ruler about and that curious air around him begins to buzz,)
[ The dolphin stares back at Claude with his beady little eyes. Reeces squeaks and clicks.
Her contentedness becomes more muted the moment he says saint. Nothing in her expression shifts, but then there is a feeling of acceptance that overlays everything.
Jeanne did not hear much of anyone because she was too focused on not getting stabbed to death, but there aren't very many here she knows that would call her that. ]
(If he holds out his hand... like he is right now... would Reeces let Claude pet him...
He notes the change in the air though, even if it's only a little. In response, he only becomes more curious,)
I guess saints are always heavy topics, even to another saint. I don't think I ever would have guessed it, though. (Being from different worlds with different Lore and all,) You seem pretty normal.
(EVEN THE SCENE AT EXECUTION, while impressive, doesn't take away from how normal she seems. He's seen plenty of ordinary people take arms and fight for their lives.)
[ Reeces lets him! He rises to meet his hand with his beak for a moment before he splashes Claude.
There's a wash of appreciation at Claude's words, and a smile dawns on Jeanne's face. She has never considered herself someone great, and there's something almost like relief that accompanies being called pretty normal.
Even if no one normal would do half the things Jeanne did and have the deeds and history to become a Servant. ]
Thank you. I am but one person, but everyone has their own opinions. I... [ How does she put this? ] Do think others seem me differently than how I see myself.
It definitely puts things in perspective. The kind of person you are might not be the same person others see when they look at you.
(Something about this seems to reignite his own sense of determination, though, there's now something else... just the slightest twinge of sadness that sparks it all.)
There are saints where I'm from, too. I never really thought about them... I mean, I did since we had to learn about them at the academy but I've never really been much of a follower.
I dunno, the Church is pretty serious in Fodlan. I bet if you asked most people, they couldn't tell you much about any of the other religions in the world because there's only one goddess to them.
As a noble and one of the future leaders of Fodlan, I'm expected to carry out the Church's teachings. It's only fair, right? The Goddess blesses us so we can rule and we devote ourselves to her.
(Spoken like someone who truly doesn't believe but then again, being a noble has it's expectations, hmmm.)
Maybe the saints are fine with it. Maybe even the Goddess herself is fine but they aren't around to tell us so good luck getting others to listen.
I'd rather believe in the living than a bunch of saints and heroes who've been dead for a thousand years.
(...)
No offense. (He's still respectful, okay!!) I've got nothing wrong with the faith itself. If a person believes in a god and that god becomes a support system to them, that's a good thing. And if a belief in a god encourages you to be a better person, then that's great too. That's what a god should be; strength and inspiration.
But you can't win a war by leaving your fate in the hands of a god. Only tangible facts can decide that-- who has the most troops, the better tactics, the better organization and planning... those sorts of things. Of course, miracles can happen and by that, I mean things that are outside our control and can only be explained by some sort of fate... like the people you meet and the opportunities that appear before you.
(Basically, he accepts religion as a valuable part of society but dislikes the blind belief that comes with it.
As for what he would do when he takes his place? He can answer simply,)
That's easy. I'm going to change the world. (B O L D) I've had this dream for a long time and I've been working towards it ever since I got this title.
(Implying he hasn't always had said his current title hmm. And yet, he doesn't quite elaborate what his dream is. It looks like Jeanne's going to have to try that some other conversation!)
But that's enough about me. What about you? Even knowing a bit about who you are, I can't make sense out of some things... your profile, for example. Individually, I think I understand most of it but when it's all put together, I can't make sense of it.
[ can't believe jeanne has to grind his support levels for another pc
He can't know her history, but it's a little fascinating how at odds what made her a Heroic Spirit is with some of the things he's saying. She doesn't mind.
She isn't here to judge him for his beliefs on religion, so she accepts his words as they are. It's not as if she disagrees with all of it. ]
The living are who should be propped up. Part of what makes humanity great is the strive to become better and the ability to change. We have free will to make our own choices and to choose our own actions. If you want to change the world for the better, I can only encourage it. Your future is important.
[ She sounds firm and sincere about that.
At his question, he inclines her head. ]
What doesn't make sense to you? Nothing about it is wholly incorrect, but most of it has no application here.
How curious, he thinks, to hear a saint of all people to agree with him. He wonders what the church would say if one of them ended up being the same. Would the church have them erased like they had to that last hero?)
True name discernment, divine judgement, revelation. (He's just going for the interesting ones right away,) Does being a saint make you omniscient? Or are you one of those people... the type that just understands people? It would make sense.
(And also... the air seems to be particularly focused right now, like underneath all of this charisma is someone trying carefully to keep something else from bubbling up, a vague feeling like someone being cautious.)
No, those skills have nothing to do with being a saint.
[ She's quick to shut that idea down. She doesn't ever use her Saint skill. ]
It has more to do with how I'm an adjudicator for a competition. True Name Discernment and Divine Judgment would only work on select participants of that competition. [ Servants, but just like Jeanne has to grind Claude's supports, Claude has to grind Jeanne's bond points to get Servant lore, which is probably easier to do. ]
I am as far from omniscient as you can get, Claude. [ She smiles. It's a little funny, considering how much she doesn't know. ] I've spent a good amount of time asking questions when I'm not walking forward.
I would like to be the type of person who could understand others. I like to think I try to.
[ She isn't sure what's making him feel so cautious, but she's calm and steady as she explains herself. There isn't much for her that she cares to keep a personal secret. ]
(I will let u choose the day just let me know haha
But Claude is out and about, snooping the new location or cornering people in private rooms for certain discussions. You know, the way everyone else is at the beginning of the week. It's a little tricky with these bubbles floating around, sometimes coming up when he leasts expects them like now when he enters the same space as Jeanne and walks right into a bubble--)
In the chamber of a grand chapel, light pouring through ornate windows and reflecting off gold decor and marble floors. A beautiful woman, a stern man, and a sharp eyed woman stand in front of a group of men in religious robes, regarding them coldly.
"As all of you have committed a breach of faith, the archbishop will now pass judgement." The man announces.
The sharp eyed woman reads out the charges, "Inciting a Kingdom noble to rebel. Unlawful entry. The attempted assassination of the archbishop. An attack on the Holy Mausoleum. It is unnecessary to go on, followers of the Western Church."
The priests look surprised and snap, "What? We have nothing to do with the Western Church!" But they're immediately cut off by the man who explains there is evidence and they've been identified. It's clear that a decision has already been made. These men never had a chance at a fair trial.
The beautiful woman-- the Archbishop-- gives her judgement. She condemns the priests, proclaims them beyond the help of their goddess, and sentences them to death to atone for their actions. It's eerie, isn't it? How she can say all of this so beautifully and kindly?
"Wait! Please! The goddess would never forgive you for our execution!"
"Monster! We know you've already slaughtered many of our fellow brethren like this!"
The woman looks down on them and orders the lost souls to be removed from her sight.
The men are taken away, dragged off by knights past a dark haired woman with thoughtful eyes and Claude who had witnessed the entire thing. Claude is silent, keeping his words and thoughts to himself as he glances at the woman beside him who doesn't seem sure of what to make of everything they've witnessed. When all is done, the two excuse themselves. He bows in farewell to the Archbishop and gently nudges the woman to follow him.
"We should tell the others." He whispers and he hurries her away. Behind him, he can feel the Archbishop watching. But she isn't watching him. He knows that. The Archbishop isn't interested in him like that at all. It's the Professor she's watching, isn't it? It's always the Professor... why?
What on earth is going on here...?
In the distance, ahead of them, he can hear the priests yelling, cursing the church and crying for their goddess.
The Goddess is kind. The Goddess is merciful. The Church is almighty. And every good person will obey them both.
In this chapel with its marble floors and golden light, he sees how beautiful the Church is.
[ And then the memory plays without further ado. Her expression is solemn once it's done. ]
This is part of why you have such doubts about religion, isn't it?
[ Jeanne can't deny that there does seem to be something going on. She'd have to be blind even if it weren't form Claude's perspective.
For as much faith as she has, it doesn't mean all people are the same. It doesn't mean people don't have their own convictions even if they have faith. Nothing is so clean and simple. ]
It's one reason. The Church is powerful, what it says is true, regardless of whatever the truth might really be. They could probably tell us the sky is green and we would all have to accept it.
(And that sort of power is dangerous.)
To be fair, people would probably believe it without questioning anything.
[ Jeanne is devoted, but she is aware of the consequences of her actions. ]
I am someone who cannot look away from the truth if I find it and know it, but I am aware some people can't behave the same in order to live.
[ Does she agree with it? Not necessarily. Does she understand it? Yes. ]
Faith can only be stronger if it isn't blind. When you know something or someone for its flaws and still accept it, that belief has more weight. That connection is more sincere.
(Blind faith is the worst. Truthfully? He thinks the world would be better without some of these belief systems but he can see where they fit in with societies and the good they can do.)
I just think if there's a goddess or gods out there watching over us, a good one would want us to think for ourselves and actually live our lives. A goddess that controls everything and allows no room for human error... isn't for the people.
[ This is something Jeanne feels strongly about. It's a view that has solidified over the time she's been summoned. ]
If everything is ordained, that isn't truly living. It's existing in a stagnant world. There is no room for growth, no room for people to be good or evil. It doesn't raise lives; it crushes them.
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
WEEK 0, POST-INVESTIGATION
He approaches her and keeps his tone light and sympathetic,)
How're you feeling?
(He's not rude! He'll at least ask how she is first before he floods her with his questions.)
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She is Ruler. There is information that needs to be found and matters that need to be addressed first before anything else. ]
I feel like I would like to find out what happened if even the Leaders are at a loss.
[ She shakes her head and manages to give Claude a small smile. ]
How are you feeling?
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That makes the two of us at least.
(And many others, certainly,)
I've been better but I've also been worse.
(And he'll return her smile with one of his own, warm, friendly, the type that doesn't quite reach the eyes,)
I heard people found some things around the town. Did you notice anything?
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She's seen those kinds of smiles enough. ]
I imagine you're not alone in feeling that either. At the planetarium, there was cereal on the ground and hair stuck on the door. It's an interesting combination. I think someone was awake when most of us weren't.
[ Besides Hajime, she means. ]
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(Is this all a part of the mystery? Hair and cereal in the planetarium... what a riddle.)
So you noticed it too. (That everyone just went to sleep at the same time?) I wondered if maybe I was more tired than I thought but it looks like everyone else fell asleep too...
That and all of the doors locking suddenly... something's going on here.
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[ She frowns, thinking about the locked doors. ]
Something definitely occurred. I don't know how long the doors stayed lock, only that I think they unlocked before we all woke up.
[ She's not positive, but the evidence at the planetarium points to that, and whatever happened there is a part of it. ]
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Yeah, I knew I wasn't that tired last night. The next thing I knew, I woke up late and... there was that feeling. (He runs a hand through his hair thoughtfully,) Did we all forget something else, maybe? Or is it just related to what happened?
If they do unlock, I wonder what the conditions are.
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I would like to say it's related to what happened, but I have no way to confirm it now. [ Would a Leader have an answer to that? Maybe they'll find out once they make themselves available again. ]
If we figure out what happened to Hajime, that may give us some idea.
[ As grim as those conditions may be. ]
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Just one of the many answers we're going to have to try and figure out.
(Who killed her and why? Why did everything lock up? How did everyone go to sleep? There are too many questions.)
Looks like we got our work cut out for us. Let's give it our all, okay?
(And then it was all unfortunate tbh :()
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[ For Hajime and for everyone else. ]
As terrible as it is, at least it's something to work towards.
[ At least they know at least some of the answers they need to search for even if they don't know where to find them yet.
And then Saturday was Saturday. ]
WEEK 0, POST-TRIAL
She's taking a walk after being stuck inside a building for nine hours, and when she comes across Claude, she greets him. ]
Claude. What are your thoughts?
[ It's the same as how are you feeling, but she didn't miss him thinking about the ethics of all this. ]
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When he sees Jeanne, he greets her with his usual, casual smile, )
Hey, Ruler. (That's something he should really ask her about some time. Just like with "Archer.") Here to pick my brain?
(Facing her to give his full attention,)
About what exactly? If you mean playing detective and putting on a whole trial... Where I'm from, there are usually special people to do that sort of thing. You know, real knights and courts instead of whoever's standing around.
It doesn't feel good. We didn't really find Hajime's killer. In fact, we almost got the wrong guy. (Sorry, Rufus.) I'd say we got lucky in the end but...
(Rest in pikachu.)
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[ The day proved they could all use a little improvement, and Jeanne's included in that. It's not something any of them expected that they'd have to do, and there's no fault in that.
Who expects to appear somewhere and have to (witness) murder? (A Servant.) ]
Pikachu displayed his skills in solving crimes wonderfully, and he met an end he didn't deserve. I don't wish there to be a next time, and in a best scenario, we wouldn't be here long enough for there to be a chance of a next time.
[ But. The statement ends heavy with an implied but it's likely not going to be that best scenario. ]
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(Likewise, he doesn't sound too optimistic. He's an idealist-- absolutely brimming with ideals-- but he's undoubtedly a realist. )
Something isn't right here. I mean, I think a lot of us knew there was going to be some sort of catch but we just had to wait for it to drop.
Our powers or whatever you want to call them not working? Everyone getting stuck and falling into that weird sleep? It's all way too convenient for the wrong kind of reasons.
(He doesn't like it. He doesn't like it one bit and he frowns, running a hand through his hair,)
What do you want to happen to Virid?
(Not what does she think but what does she want. The difference is important!!)
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It's never really been about what she wanted, not from the time she took up a banner and not from the moment she'd been summoned. ]
Whatever would benefit all of us, for our hearts and our minds.
[ They all witnessed someone so young cut someone down. For someone so young to be driven to such actions, for all of them to vote for someone that young— it's not easy.
Nothing about this is easy. ]
If he really aimed to kill us all, he would have to be stopped. If he could be convinced otherwise, that would be ideal.
What do you wish to happen?
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(He can, however, certainly name a few.)
I think you and are on the same page there, though. If he was someone who would have kept killing, we would have had to find a way to stop him but if we could convince him to work with us instead-- and in turn, convince others to work with him-- I would have preferred that.
... I'm worried about what will happen after. This is definitely going to hit everyone's morale.
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If only we were in an ideal situation.
[ For as full of hope Jeanne can be, she's also someone who's lived through enough to know how unideal the world can be. ]
We'll have to keep an eye on how people respond, especially after we find out how Virid will be removed.
[ Will someone try to stop it? Would anyone even be allowed? ]
I'm going to try my best and see how some are faring, especially the younger ones.
[ Whether or not they seem like they've been hardened by their lives already or not. ]
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(If we're talking about ideal situations. They wouldn't need to be here to collect Nova or solve murders or anything like that. They would be home taking care of their own problems.)
Like some sort of babysitter? (He's teasing, he's teasing and he holds up his hands, showing his palms to try and show that he's only playing,) Right, right. There are a lot of young people here.
(CLAUDE SAYS LIKE HE ISN'T 18 and cutting it real close to the lower half of the age range here.)
I've got people to watch out for too and I know there are others who will be doing the same. Between us, I think we can catch a fair number of people.
Of course... watch out for yourself too, Ruler.
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You're right in all respects, but I would prefer to be called a morale booster than a babysitter. [ It's always something to hint to her history to people who aren't from her world. It feels less heavy. ]
I'm not out to run myself ragged, but I hope you don't let your mind get too far ahead of you either, Claude. We're lucky to have you even if our circumstances are what they are.
[ And what they are is terrible. ]
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(Which is... honestly interesting and will probably warrant discussion some other time now that they've established some rapport with each other. The unfortunate thing about letting Claude von Riegan into your life is that he likes to dig in deep once he's there. )
If I knew how to stop it, I would. (No promises there. He's going to think a hundred miles a minute and nothing can stop him.) Careful, Ruler, I might think you're trusting me with something.
(Skills: Being Betrayed.)
I'm a schemer, after all.
(And he owns it. )
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It's nothing quite so well-liked. Did you see the flag I brought to trial? It has something to do with that.
[ Jeanne doesn't mean to be coy or anything. She just doesn't feel the need to draw too much attention to herself, and she wonders if Claude isn't someone who'd connect the dots easily from that. ]
If your schemes aim to help more than harm, I don't mind.
[ Her smile is sure. If being betrayed means it'll help others in the long run, she can accept it. Her belief in people is they tend towards good even if they can and will also do terrible things.
She accepts it. ]
I would give you my trust, if you have need of it.
WEEK 2, WEDNESDAY
Jeanne is sitting at the edge of the dock, her feet dangling into the ocean, and she's petting said dolphin affectionately. ]
I hope you had a good catch today, Reeces.
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He'll kind of linger a little bit away because he doesn't want to scare them off or anything. Also because with how everyone's feeling emotions and all that, he's just... started trying to give people some space.
He's nosy, he likes to get in people's business, and he'll always do what he can to get information but this just feels tactless.
Jeanne can probably sense him watching, though. It's not like he's trying to hide himself or anything and he's pretty close by. )
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Why don't you come closer, Claude? He's friendly with everyone.
[ Or maybe that's just Jeanne's bias speaking. ]
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Sorry.
(He laughs, a little embarrassed at being called out like that but otherwise, fine! He'll come over to approach. As he gets closer, she'll be able to tell that... well, it really shouldn't be all that surprising. He's confident, determined, and underneath that is curiosity-- a desire to know more. )
I didn't want to scare away your friend... Reeces, was it?
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You have it, but it'll take more than that to scare him away. He was quite fearless when I met him.
I wonder if he's used to humans.
[ Or maybe it's because this is one of the few things that will make Jeanne happy without too many reservations. ]
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(Anyway, going to come right next to her and crouch down next to the water. He wants to get a better look at Reeces. He's never seen a dolphin this close before! But also, there was something he wanted to talk to Ruler about and that curious air around him begins to buzz,)
... Saint Jeanne, was it?
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Her contentedness becomes more muted the moment he says saint. Nothing in her expression shifts, but then there is a feeling of acceptance that overlays everything.
Jeanne did not hear much of anyone because she was too focused on not getting stabbed to death, but there aren't very many here she knows that would call her that. ]
Yes. That is what some call me.
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He notes the change in the air though, even if it's only a little. In response, he only becomes more curious,)
I guess saints are always heavy topics, even to another saint. I don't think I ever would have guessed it, though. (Being from different worlds with different Lore and all,) You seem pretty normal.
(EVEN THE SCENE AT EXECUTION, while impressive, doesn't take away from how normal she seems. He's seen plenty of ordinary people take arms and fight for their lives.)
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There's a wash of appreciation at Claude's words, and a smile dawns on Jeanne's face. She has never considered herself someone great, and there's something almost like relief that accompanies being called pretty normal.
Even if no one normal would do half the things Jeanne did and have the deeds and history to become a Servant. ]
Thank you. I am but one person, but everyone has their own opinions. I... [ How does she put this? ] Do think others seem me differently than how I see myself.
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(Something about this seems to reignite his own sense of determination, though, there's now something else... just the slightest twinge of sadness that sparks it all.)
There are saints where I'm from, too. I never really thought about them... I mean, I did since we had to learn about them at the academy but I've never really been much of a follower.
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I know to a certain extent that it isn't. ... I apologize, if I'm overstepping but it seems it may not be so different for you.
[ Jeanne accepts that people won't be as religious as she is. That is the way the world works, and her time as a Ruler isn't to proselytize. ]
It may be that your saints are fine with that.
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As a noble and one of the future leaders of Fodlan, I'm expected to carry out the Church's teachings. It's only fair, right? The Goddess blesses us so we can rule and we devote ourselves to her.
(Spoken like someone who truly doesn't believe but then again, being a noble has it's expectations, hmmm.)
Maybe the saints are fine with it. Maybe even the Goddess herself is fine but they aren't around to tell us so good luck getting others to listen.
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[ It isn't accusatory or judgmental, only an observation. ]
I am dedicated to the Lord, but that does not mean other people have to be. What is it that you hope to do when you ascend to your position?
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(...)
No offense. (He's still respectful, okay!!) I've got nothing wrong with the faith itself. If a person believes in a god and that god becomes a support system to them, that's a good thing. And if a belief in a god encourages you to be a better person, then that's great too. That's what a god should be; strength and inspiration.
But you can't win a war by leaving your fate in the hands of a god. Only tangible facts can decide that-- who has the most troops, the better tactics, the better organization and planning... those sorts of things. Of course, miracles can happen and by that, I mean things that are outside our control and can only be explained by some sort of fate... like the people you meet and the opportunities that appear before you.
(Basically, he accepts religion as a valuable part of society but dislikes the blind belief that comes with it.
As for what he would do when he takes his place? He can answer simply,)
That's easy. I'm going to change the world. (B O L D) I've had this dream for a long time and I've been working towards it ever since I got this title.
(Implying he hasn't always had said his current title hmm. And yet, he doesn't quite elaborate what his dream is. It looks like Jeanne's going to have to try that some other conversation!)
But that's enough about me. What about you? Even knowing a bit about who you are, I can't make sense out of some things... your profile, for example. Individually, I think I understand most of it but when it's all put together, I can't make sense of it.
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He can't know her history, but it's a little fascinating how at odds what made her a Heroic Spirit is with some of the things he's saying. She doesn't mind.
She isn't here to judge him for his beliefs on religion, so she accepts his words as they are. It's not as if she disagrees with all of it. ]
The living are who should be propped up. Part of what makes humanity great is the strive to become better and the ability to change. We have free will to make our own choices and to choose our own actions. If you want to change the world for the better, I can only encourage it. Your future is important.
[ She sounds firm and sincere about that.
At his question, he inclines her head. ]
What doesn't make sense to you? Nothing about it is wholly incorrect, but most of it has no application here.
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How curious, he thinks, to hear a saint of all people to agree with him. He wonders what the church would say if one of them ended up being the same. Would the church have them erased like they had to that last hero?)
True name discernment, divine judgement, revelation. (He's just going for the interesting ones right away,) Does being a saint make you omniscient? Or are you one of those people... the type that just understands people? It would make sense.
(And also... the air seems to be particularly focused right now, like underneath all of this charisma is someone trying carefully to keep something else from bubbling up, a vague feeling like someone being cautious.)
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[ She's quick to shut that idea down. She doesn't ever use her Saint skill. ]
It has more to do with how I'm an adjudicator for a competition. True Name Discernment and Divine Judgment would only work on select participants of that competition. [ Servants, but just like Jeanne has to grind Claude's supports, Claude has to grind Jeanne's bond points to get Servant lore, which is probably easier to do. ]
I am as far from omniscient as you can get, Claude. [ She smiles. It's a little funny, considering how much she doesn't know. ] I've spent a good amount of time asking questions when I'm not walking forward.
I would like to be the type of person who could understand others. I like to think I try to.
[ She isn't sure what's making him feel so cautious, but she's calm and steady as she explains herself. There isn't much for her that she cares to keep a personal secret. ]
Week 4, ???
But Claude is out and about, snooping the new location or cornering people in private rooms for certain discussions. You know, the way everyone else is at the beginning of the week. It's a little tricky with these bubbles floating around, sometimes coming up when he leasts expects them like now when he enters the same space as Jeanne and walks right into a bubble--)
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In the chamber of a grand chapel, light pouring through ornate windows and reflecting off gold decor and marble floors. A beautiful woman, a stern man, and a sharp eyed woman stand in front of a group of men in religious robes, regarding them coldly.
"As all of you have committed a breach of faith, the archbishop will now pass judgement." The man announces.
The sharp eyed woman reads out the charges, "Inciting a Kingdom noble to rebel. Unlawful entry. The attempted assassination of the archbishop. An attack on the Holy Mausoleum. It is unnecessary to go on, followers of the Western Church."
The priests look surprised and snap, "What? We have nothing to do with the Western Church!" But they're immediately cut off by the man who explains there is evidence and they've been identified. It's clear that a decision has already been made. These men never had a chance at a fair trial.
The beautiful woman-- the Archbishop-- gives her judgement. She condemns the priests, proclaims them beyond the help of their goddess, and sentences them to death to atone for their actions. It's eerie, isn't it? How she can say all of this so beautifully and kindly?
"Wait! Please! The goddess would never forgive you for our execution!"
"Monster! We know you've already slaughtered many of our fellow brethren like this!"
The woman looks down on them and orders the lost souls to be removed from her sight.
The men are taken away, dragged off by knights past a dark haired woman with thoughtful eyes and Claude who had witnessed the entire thing. Claude is silent, keeping his words and thoughts to himself as he glances at the woman beside him who doesn't seem sure of what to make of everything they've witnessed. When all is done, the two excuse themselves. He bows in farewell to the Archbishop and gently nudges the woman to follow him.
"We should tell the others." He whispers and he hurries her away. Behind him, he can feel the Archbishop watching. But she isn't watching him. He knows that. The Archbishop isn't interested in him like that at all. It's the Professor she's watching, isn't it? It's always the Professor... why?
What on earth is going on here...?
In the distance, ahead of them, he can hear the priests yelling, cursing the church and crying for their goddess.
The Goddess is kind. The Goddess is merciful. The Church is almighty. And every good person will obey them both.
In this chapel with its marble floors and golden light, he sees how beautiful the Church is.
And how frightening it can be.)
let's go wednesday before the mini event
[ And then the memory plays without further ado. Her expression is solemn once it's done. ]
This is part of why you have such doubts about religion, isn't it?
[ Jeanne can't deny that there does seem to be something going on. She'd have to be blind even if it weren't form Claude's perspective.
For as much faith as she has, it doesn't mean all people are the same. It doesn't mean people don't have their own convictions even if they have faith. Nothing is so clean and simple. ]
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(And that sort of power is dangerous.)
To be fair, people would probably believe it without questioning anything.
(Which is the other part.)
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[ Jeanne is devoted, but she is aware of the consequences of her actions. ]
I am someone who cannot look away from the truth if I find it and know it, but I am aware some people can't behave the same in order to live.
[ Does she agree with it? Not necessarily. Does she understand it? Yes. ]
Faith can only be stronger if it isn't blind. When you know something or someone for its flaws and still accept it, that belief has more weight. That connection is more sincere.
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(Blind faith is the worst. Truthfully? He thinks the world would be better without some of these belief systems but he can see where they fit in with societies and the good they can do.)
I just think if there's a goddess or gods out there watching over us, a good one would want us to think for ourselves and actually live our lives. A goddess that controls everything and allows no room for human error... isn't for the people.
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[ This is something Jeanne feels strongly about. It's a view that has solidified over the time she's been summoned. ]
If everything is ordained, that isn't truly living. It's existing in a stagnant world. There is no room for growth, no room for people to be good or evil. It doesn't raise lives; it crushes them.