CitrusArms

Rising Stars: A Fairy Tail AU

“Wh- really? Yea-hea!” Trinity played a short triumphant fanfare with the synth and lyre and struck a quick pose with her fist up, then followed along after Jenna.

As Jenna went quickly into her office, Trinity called up a trumpet and played something ceremonious-sounding. Where to put the mark? Trinity considered the question for a moment before pointing to a spot on her clavicle, just over her chest, “I'll have to show it sometimes, right? This spot should be prevalent enough.”

She closed her eyes and pictured.. her hair color. A gentle lavender. That way, she didn't have to worry about it clashing with her clothes.

She peeked down at it after it was given, “cool! So, I..” the music lulled momentarily, a mute appeared on the trumpet, her eyes came back to Jenna and she touched her finger to her own cheek, “guess I'll look at the job board, unless you've got something special for me? Oh," the intensity grew and built anticipation, the mute came off gradually, she caught her lyre as it floated into her hand and she began to play it herself, "there's probably some kind of orientation or something, right?”

Rising Stars: A Fairy Tail AU

((I hit quote and not edit))

🗡 Roses and Daggers 🎕

Stratya Durmand

Time: 25th, Morning
Location: Edwards Estate
Attire: Officer’s Formal
Family Dirk + Crest
Interactions: Ariella @Tpartywithzombi
Mentions: Anastasia’s servants, Callum, Charlotte

Aah, what a lovely young lady! It didn’t seem like she was just being flattered, the compliments were genuine and thought out. Her uniform wasn’t grand or extravagant, but it was very sharp and powerful. She hadn’t thought of it like that, distracted by all the finery and jewels. The compliment brought an appreciative smile to her face. Beautifully, powerfully, feminine. Ooh, goodness, she could get used to this. ”Y’ think so? Ooh, ‘at’s good to ‘ear. I’ve been yet shy o’ these even's. Hearrin’ such sincerre complimen’s is rreassurin’, thank you.”

Charlotte, perhaps for the best, did not pick up on the Captain’s trepidation regarding the Prince. Yes, it wasn’t anything she needed to worry about, ”’e cer’ainly does, tha’ ‘ighness, him,” Stratya supposed she should just take the compliment, for now. Callum waved to her with the bread and she couldn't decide if he was being saucy or not. It seemed like a plain enough motion. ”I didn' expect anyone ta eat t' 'ole loaf, though.”

A voice shouted something rather scandalous.

At the same time as Charlotte, Stratya and the lady offered under their breath, ”oh dear.” It was, of course, Duke Lorenzo. She nodded as Charlotte turned and excused herself, ”g’on ahead, darlin’.” She eyed the Count, who seemed.. incredibly furious.

Callum blared in next, repeating the scandal. Just as she had been considering how best to distract the Count, the younger prince did something, himself. Maybe not the way she would have hoped to distract him, but it was interesting to note that Callum had done something to deflect from Lorenzo. Perhaps he meant to irritate the Count? Whatever the case, the Count would watch himself doubly so when faced with the Royal Family. Right? The Queen’s Knight caught herself watching the Count and turned her attention away, back to the servants carrying Anastasia’s presents. She sighed softly, deciding this was the least troubling to deal with. Right, let’s organize that mess.

“A’rrigh’, lads, ‘ere I come.” Stratya strode toward the gift-burdened servants, struggling with the crowded bottleneck at the gate, and wondered about how to organize this when she saw her solution just there. Stewart was taking his time, having a leisurely drive on his way home. He must have gone down and come back around. What luck! ”Oye, Stewar’! You faffin’? Bring y’sen hence ‘n ‘elp these lads with ‘at car', put 'er," Stratya took a moment to choose a place, "there. You lads stage there once Stewar’ stops aroun’ and take those ‘eavy ones in two- or three-man teams from there.” She stood by for a moment to see that her orders were working out and nodded, before going to the bar she'd spotted.

She’d been about to get herself mead, but stopped, ”Gods, maybe I shoul’ go ta nice liquorr ‘ouses morre, ‘old on.” Brown eyes scanned over the bottles behind the bar she leaned on with deliberation, ”Oooh, mix me a surrprise, barrkeep. Some’in’... sweet.” When handed a drink, she took a sip and her eyes lit up.

The next thing she saw was the chocolate fountain. What in blazes? The Captain approached the fountain, sipping her drink and looking over the fruits. She settled on a strawberry, sticking it with a toothpick and running it under the chocolate. She let any spare chocolate drip off for a moment before walking away, or so she thought. She saw some about to drip off as she lifted the fruit to her lips and quickly caught the drop on her tongue before taking a bit.

Ooh, she’d tasted fresh strawberry before, but good chocolate was another matter. This was incredible. It was so rich yet so balanced, the way the richness of the chocolate complimented the sweet lightness of the strawberry, she.. had to put this in bread. Stratya had herself a seat with a young lady who, herself, had just sat down to a table alone. The knight had yet to meet Ariella. “Strawb’rries and chocola’e go very well. 'At gives me an idea f'r brread, i' does.” The woman gave a soft ”mmm,” she sat as she finished her strawberry, a pleased smile on her lips, and swallowed before she spoke ”think I’ll ‘ave ta ‘ave morre in jus' a minu'e.” She turned her attention to Ariella, smiling warmly, ”I don’ believe we’ve me’. Cap’n Stratya Durmand.”

🗡 Roses and Daggers 🎕

Stratya Durmand

Time: 25th, Morning
Location: Edwards Estate
Attire: Officer’s Formal
Interactions: @princess Charlotte
Mentions: @Helo Callum, @SilverPaw Wulfric, Annie, James

The Captain felt a little underdressed. She decided she was fine, but the finery all other attendants were wearing made her feel underwhelming. Even the estate itself felt done to the nines. Duke Vikena's attire was particularly fabulous, the color a fine contrast with his surroundings without being overstated.

Someone who was not done to the nines was - James, did she hear his name was? Such a scruffy cat, to be given to Lord Edwards as a birthday gift? Herself, she'd not complain, but she had the suspicion her standards were, ooh, slightly different. She fought the urge to kidnap the cat aside for a quick grooming. Check for fleas, comb out any matts, like she'd done for so many barn cats. Ooh, but, surely the princess knew what- is that the same cat I pet on my way here? Surely she knew what she was doing? Aah, this was probably something better left to - there he is, Wulfric, bringing a stately horse. Yes, she'll let Prince Wulfric worry about that.

Just the distraction the knight needed, she heard a voice next to her introduce herself. One foot moved and the other pivoted, she turned to face the daughter of the Duke she had yet to greet. Charlotte. “Lady Charrlotte, a pleasure. Cap’n Stratya Durrmand.” The woman offered a warm smile, and then took a somewhat theatrical look around before coming back to the young lady and looking her over once, “an’ ‘ere I though’ ‘is uniform was sharp. Well, ’s sharp enough, I s’ppose. Though, I think even the groundskeeper ‘as outdone me,” there was a bit of humor in her voice as she took in her surroundings for a brief moment, and added softly “what fine work ‘as been done ‘ere. 'Ere mus’ be a few skilled pairs of ‘ands abou' it.”

Her attention turned to the gifts Anastacia’s servants were struggling with. She wanted to help somehow, but resisted the urge. She’d been told to mingle, so here she was mingling, here she would stay mingling. She let her attention shift to the gifts themselves, and the sheer amount of them. She touched a finger to her lips sheepishly, and asked quietly, “should I ‘ave brrough’ more gif’s..? I made a baske’ abou’, oh, yae big,” she motioned with her hands, “full o' swee' brreads, and brrough' some good mead. Oh, an’ I made tha’ alcoholic brread, there,” She gave a nod of her head in the direction of what remained. ”Someone rran off wit’ a 'ole loaf, I think.” The Knight looked about and, before very long at all, found her loaf. And the absconder. She took a sharp breath through her nose, “_{and there ‘is ‘ighness is..}” To be devouring that so quickly, so early in the day, had her concerned. She enjoyed a drink, herself, but she didn’t usually start the day with booze. She found him in the slums the other night, too. There could be other problems with that matter in particular, but this overindulgence on alcohol had her concerned. She made a mental note to talk to her sergeant about the location she found the Prince. And.. Wulfric, on the matter, as well.

Stratya turned back to Charlotte, deciding it best she divert her attention for now, back to the matter at hand, rather, the young lady she was speaking with. One hand raised next to her face and she clapped the fingers of her other hand lightly into the palm, “so, how’s t’ day find you, luv?” She settled her chin into her palm with her fingers. A beat, she cleared her throat briefly and said deliberately, ”Lady Charrlotte.” She found herself blushing just a bit for the second time that day.

🗡 Roses and Daggers 🎕

NPC army hands for the army Captain

Enlisted Man, Sergeant Gale McLeary

Army Sergeant
Gale McLeary, 34, Male

---

Appearance

Height: 5’10”
Weight: 230 lbs
Eye Color: Brown
Hair Length/Texture: Short
Hair Color: Dark Brown
Skin Color: Tanned
Facial details: Sturdy, strong features and a seemingly permanent five-o’clock shadow.
Distinguishing features: There's a scar across the back of his right hand, and he's got a nice rural Vermillion accent
Clothing Preferences: Usually found wearing some amount of armor, he wouldn't be caught dead in anything fancy.

---

Psychology

Likes:
Cap’n’s baked goods, Cap’n’s mead - alas, “she's gone an’ spoiled the cheap stuff f’r t’ men, she ‘as” (she has), a good steak, leave time, the squad, good cover

Dislikes:
Open field combat, fine dining, his men having it rough, crossbows

Sexuality:
‘at’s my business, thank ee

Hobbies:
Evenin’s at the pub, wood carving, archery

Life Goals/Dreams:
Retire quietly with a family

Personality Summary:
A gruff but kind man, Gale is a seasoned soldier that survives because of his good judgement and experience, not because he’s a particularly skilled combatant. His focus on keeping his squad alive and coordinated has seen a distinguishingly few number of casualties among his men. That said, he values the lives of his men and himself over an immediate victory.

---

Background

Current occupation:
Army Sergeant

Any past occupations?:
Town Guard

Relatives:
Thanks to Cap’n, his sisters and nieces and nephews are much safer.

Skills:
Archery, whittling, squad coordination

History Summary: His first love was lost to bandits when he was still just a lad. He still thinks about her, sometimes. Perhaps his entry into the guard and then the military is some way of avenging her, even though he’d rather live than fight. He was part of Stratya's squad during the raid two years ago.

A Classic Officer, Lieutenant James Clearwell

Army Lieutenant
James Clearwell, 23, Male

---

Appearance

Height: 5’5”
Weight: 130 lbs
Eye Color: Green
Hair Length/Texture: Slightly long, slicked back
Hair Color: Black
Skin Color: Fair
Facial details: Slender, soft features, slightly tall face
Distinguishing features: He wears rectangular glasses
Clothing Preferences: James will almost always be found in some variety officer's uniform.

---

Psychology

Likes:
The Captain's baked goods (but he’ll never admit it), a tidy desk, a glass of wine for too much paperwork, classical music, a fine meal, writing and receiving letters
Dislikes:
The Captain’s drinking habits, poor manners

Sexuality:
Private, thank you.

Hobbies:
Reading, writing, stargazing

Life Goals/Dreams:
Bring prestige to his family

Personality Summary:
He’s a man that’s looked up to the nobility since he was small. He wishes to stand among them, someday. He’s jealous of the Captain’s meteoric rise, but he also respects her for it.

---

Background

Current occupation:
Army Lieutenant

Any past occupations?:
Student

Relatives:
Mother, father, two sister

Skills:
Etiquette, logistical and strategic organization, math and forensic science

History Summary:
History Summary:
James has had a comfortable, upper-middle-class experience in the Sorian capital for most of his life. With some hard work and a scholarship, he was able to gain entry to university. Two years ago, Knight Captain Stratya Durmand, Hero of Encia, took him as her squire and, subsequently, stuck him into her personal squad in the army. She told her men she’d be training him to be their lieutenant, and before very long, they’d left the Capital Sorian on an investigation, with himself kept close by her side. She only took her closest men and him with her. The Captain relied on his education heavily during her investigation, and by the time it was over and they’d returned to the capital, he had earned her men’s respect and his position as Stratya Durmand’s officer.

Sum up your week in roleplaying in just 3 words

I'll do it in two.

I LIIIIIIIIIIVE

🗡 Roses and Daggers 🎕

Stratya Durmand

Time: 25th, Morning
Location: Edwards Estate
Attire: Officer’s Formal
Interactions: @princess Duke Edwards, Count and Countess Damian, @Lava Alckon Drake
Mentions: Duchess Edwards

Oooh, what a wonderful start to the day. “Who is this now?” Mm, yes. She decided to put that aside for now as Duke Gideon Edwards stepped in and greeted her with such warmth. Her positive impressions of him overrode whatever impression his wife moved to present. Perhaps the woman was stressed. Stratya was familiar with that feeling; she’d been a little particular yesterday, herself. She owed Riona a drink somewhere nicer. One where she might actually relax reliably. There was that one drinking ritual coming up. She and her squad liked to celebrate it as a way of remembering their hometowns. Perhaps she would invite Riona to it. Have a proper grieving.

Anyway! “Duke Edwarrds, I mus’ thank you f’r y’r council an’ advice. Constrruction is movin’ along smoothly, thanks tae yourr ‘elp.” She offered something between a curtsy and a bow. Tucked her left foot onto its toe, behind her right, and crossed her right arm over and bowed at the waist. As she straightened and met his gaze again, “attendin’ a parr’y on such lov'ly groun's is nae trouble.”

Flowers in mouth, check. Not that she didn't mean it, mind ye.

Drake appeared and Stratya could not have possibly missed ”they’re going to love us- you.” Mmm, mmhm. Mmhm. Mmhm. Of course, she vocalized nothing, deciding instead that it was good she brought booze. Maybe she’d dig into one of those - one loaf was gone already? W-wow..

“A blessed day, indeed, Lorr' Edwarrds. The Gods see you, I think.”

The young man of the party greeted her and Duke Vikena and Count and Countess Damian before scuttling off to the gates to greet incoming guests. Stratya turned her own attention to the Count and Countess. She still had things she’d rehearsed up her sleeve, “Coun’ Damian, yourr beau’iful esta’e is easily matched by y’ lovely wife. Coun-tess, you arre exquisi’, as always.”

Some of her servants she begrudgingly kept (she treats them very well, she's just not wholely comfortable with it yet) had overheard her rehearsals, to her dismay, and offered to help. Such sweet things.

They had their daughter with them? A devilish idea crept into her mind and, before she could stop herself, "Aah, 'oo is this, now~," she asked with interest and fascination, a stark contrast to a certain greeting she'd received just moments before. "I don't believe I've 'ad t' pleasure. Cap'n Stratya Durmand." In the same stroke as her introduction, she answered the rude greeting she'd received. Though, now she rather wanted to escape.

🗡 Roses and Daggers 🎕

Gale McLeary and James Clearwell

Time: 9:50 am

Since her knighting, the captain had done much for her men. One platoon had been ordered out to her land to construct a village specifically for her soldiers to keep their families in and retire to, should they choose. From sharing drinks with the young lady, he knew she planned to build a second brewery and bakery there, in her family name.

Her personal platoon had more interesting orders. The rest of the platoon was to work with the Adventurer’s Guild and maintain a positive relationship with them. They would then use that positive relationship with the Adventurer's Guild to receive support the Army could not provide, like the cover of working for the Adventurer’s Guild when they really weren’t.

The squad’s standing orders were to blend in, and keep an ear and eye out in the places where the city enforcers did not tend to go, and even, sometimes, in places where they did. To ingratiate themselves to the slumfolk, but not so much they'd draw unwanted attention. Try to draw in the troubles of the slumfolk by gaining their trust. The men of the squad were comfortable with this strategy.. It boiled down to act natural and listen, pretty simple, and pretty lenient. They could even drink reasonably, whatever they needed to make the act a convincing one. After all, a genuine act was also a convincing one.

This is how the three men came to that particular place in the slums. They were idling about, chatting, keeping an eye out for anything while they did. The sergeant grimaced as his nose caught a whiff of something that reminded him of a certain head space. That was the smell of a fresh, dead body. It was faint, though. “Anyone smell ‘at?” One man said no, but the other confirmed after a few sniffs. “Hmmn. Mac, wha’did you say you ‘eard?”

After a brief explanation of what MacGregor heard, which wasn’t too much, the sergeant nodded. Someone hadn’t been seen for a day or two. Well, that was enough for the sergeant to poke around, as per orders. With enough snooping, one of the two men with him found blood and a rusted grate. Great. The sergeant and the other man went in to check it out. The man up top passed down a torch and lit it as he did.

The light let the sergeant see well enough to find something interesting. Two puncture wounds on the neck. “Mac, go tell the Lieutenant we’ve found a body. It’s interesting.”

~

Time: 10:00 am

The Lieutenant was at the desk he had in the space outside Stratya’s office. He often intercepted paperwork headed for her desk. He knew she would avoid it, and had resigned himself to completing what he could for her. For all her accomplishments, written language and etiquette were two battles she seemed to fear, or at least avoid. He supposed he had to understand. He felt similarly about combat, but she seemed so cavalier about that sort of confrontation. So confident.

There were, of course, papers he could not do for her. He had to track her down, sometimes, or tell the sergeant to relay the message. He always seemed to have some luck finding her, usually at the tavern. This time, luckily, she came to him when she delivered a basket of her baked goods to the knight's barracks, and he was able to inform her of some paperwork that needed her specific attention. She was on her way to a social event, and mentioned she was under direct order to mingle. The way she said it, the way she looked at him when she told him.. there was more to it she shouldn’t discuss openly.

A member of the squadron approached. James straightened up from the paperwork he was going over, nodding to the man, “MacGregor, what is it?”

“Lieutenant, we’ve found a body. Someone bothered to dump the bloke in the sewers. The Sergeant says its, ‘interesting’. Whatever that means.”

Lieutenant Clearwell leaned back in his seat, considering the information. The sergeant was not a fool. If Clearwell had been sent for, then clearly McLeary had something that was, indeed, interesting. To start with, hiding a body in the sewers in the slums was an fascinating move. Just hiding it in the slums might have been effective enough, but he could see why the Captain had her platoon doing what it was doing. To find things that would normally not be found, she was doing things that would normally not be done. “No name yet?” No. Hm. Well, then, there was only one course for it.

He put the papers on his desk away and locked the drawer before standing, “I’ll go. Bring a cart from the hospital to carry the body. We’ll take it to the morgue.”

🗡 Roses and Daggers 🎕

NPCs! These two men are part of Stratya's squad, within the larger company she commands.

Enlisted Man, Sergeant Gale McLeary

Army Sergeant
Gale McLeary, 34, Male

---

Appearance

Height: 5’10”
Weight: 230 lbs
Eye Color: Brown
Hair Length/Texture: Short
Hair Color: Dark Brown
Skin Color: Tanned
Facial details: Sturdy, strong features and a seemingly permanent five-o’clock shadow.
Distinguishing features: There's a scar across the back of his right hand, and he's got a nice rural Vermillion accent
Clothing Preferences: Usually found wearing some amount of armor, he wouldn't be caught dead in anything fancy.

---

Psychology

Likes:
Cap’n’s baked goods, Cap’n’s mead - alas, “she's gone an’ spoiled the cheap stuff f’r t’ men, she ‘as” (she has), a good steak, leave time, the squad, good cover

Dislikes:
Open field combat, fine dining, his men having it rough, crossbows

Sexuality:
‘at’s my business, thank ee

Hobbies:
Evenin’s at the pub, wood carving, archery

Life Goals/Dreams:
Retire quietly with a family

Personality Summary:
A gruff but kind man, Gale is a seasoned soldier that survives because of his good judgement and experience, not because he’s a particularly skilled combatant. His focus on keeping his squad alive and coordinated has seen a distinguishingly few number of casualties among his men. That said, he values the lives of his men and himself over an immediate victory.

---

Background

Current occupation:
Army Sergeant

Any past occupations?:
Town Guard

Relatives:
Thanks to Cap’n, his sisters and nieces and nephews are much safer.

Skills:
Archery, whittling, squad coordination

History Summary: His first love was lost to bandits when he was still just a lad. He still thinks about her, sometimes. Perhaps his entry into the guard and then the military is some way of avenging her, even though he’d rather live than fight. He was part of Stratya's squad during the raid two years ago.

A Classic Officer, Lieutenant James Clearwell

Army Lieutenant
James Clearwell, 23, Male

---

Appearance

Height: 5’5”
Weight: 130 lbs
Eye Color: Green
Hair Length/Texture: Slightly long, slicked back
Hair Color: Black
Skin Color: Fair
Facial details: Slender, soft features, slightly tall face
Distinguishing features: He wears rectangular glasses
Clothing Preferences: James will almost always be found in some variety officer's uniform.

---

Psychology

Likes:
The Captain's baked goods (but he’ll never admit it), a tidy desk, a glass of wine for too much paperwork, classical music, a fine meal, writing and receiving letters
Dislikes:
The Captain’s drinking habits, poor manners

Sexuality:
Private, thank you.

Hobbies:
Reading, writing, stargazing

Life Goals/Dreams:
Bring prestige to his family

Personality Summary:
He’s a man that’s looked up to the nobility since he was small. He wishes to stand among them, someday. He’s jealous of the Captain’s meteoric rise, but he also respects her for it.

---

Background

Current occupation:
Army Lieutenant

Any past occupations?:
Student

Relatives:
Mother, father, two sister

Skills:
Etiquette, logistical and strategic organization, math and forensic science

History Summary:
James has had a comfortable, middle-class life in the Sorian capital for most of his life. With some hard work and a scholarship, he was able to gain entry to university and graduate before transitioning into a role in the army, seeking glory and prestige.

🗡 Roses and Daggers 🎕

Stratya Durmand

Time: 25th, Morning
Location: Stratya’s House → Edwards Estate
Attire: Officer’s Formal
Interactions: @princess Duke and Duchess Edwards, Count Damian, @FunnyGuy Duke Vikena
Mentions:

Stratya had been fussing over how to dress herself for the event. That, and being unarmed always left her feeling naked. Like she was forgetting something. Nobility was such a fussy thing, as if being an army officer weren’t complicated enough. Aah, but she shouldn’t complain. Things were quite well for her, she should be thankful her duties weren’t as dangerous, anymore. Instead of raiding bandit camps, she was going to parties. It was hard to argue, when you put it like that.

When she did finally get something good together, the knight took a look in the tall mirror in her armory and had to pat herself a few times, as though confirming that was the image of herself. She didn’t often take the time to look in a mirror, so she was still caught off-guard when she did, sometimes. A far cry from the village lass she’d been ten years ago. The uniform was sharp and flattering, and it was an opportunity to wear her antique dirk with the family crest on it.

At last prepared, Stratya left her house with what she appropriately called “The Big Basket”. Despite its physical size, the task was familiar. Nostalgic, even. Walking in the sun with a basket on her arm took her back to her village, and the gently rolling landscape she’d walked so many times.

There was enough for the party and the birthday boy. It was filled with cinnamon rolls and strawberry-banana muffins and chocolate-chip cookies, and large cheesecloths between each layer of sweets to aid with distribution. Over the top had gone her family tartan, making for quite the picturesque bread basket.

One servant drove a horse-drawn cart behind her, loaded with two crates of bottled Durmand Mead - one original, one berry flavored - and a couple loaves of alcoholic bread. Her brother was quite the passionate brewer. Ever since she's gotten proper brewing equipment for the village, the quality had grown like a fern.

”Alrrigh’, wait ‘ere, Stewar’. I’ll ‘ave someone come ‘n collect t’ mead anon. Once she’s unladen, take ‘er ‘ome and ‘elp yourself ta some owt’s left.”

As she entered the Estate grounds, a servant collected her basket of baked goods and a brief explanation that, oops, all sweet breads. As well, Stratya gave the direction to collect the crates of mead and boozy bread, though perhaps it was yet early for drinking. She would leave that decision to someone else. She slipped the ceramic bracelet over her wrist when given it, finding it charming.

Her burden relieved, Stratya reminded herself that she’d been told specifcally, by The Queen, not to wallflower herself. It couldn’t be worse than marching into combat, right? Right. You've read enough etiquette. In you go.

She caught sight of the hosts and some guests, already gathered. She was part of the first to be here? At any rate, she approached with a smile, ”Duke and Duchess Edwarrds, Duke Vikena, Coun’ Damian, good morning! Wha’ exquisi’e weather forr a par’y, trruly the Gods ‘ave blessed this day f’r celebrration.”