TRP is a post-Great War AU RWBY RP set in Mistral City and Haven Academy with no canons, no rank claims, no maidens, and no god interference. We offer a progression system and site-wide events that change the setting based on player actions.
Post by Bianca Sabbato on May 4, 2020 13:40:44 GMT -5
After the whole crazy ordeal that had been the vital festival (both as a participant and as an spectator) I was looking forward to a couple days of quiet study and relaxation inside the sanctity of my room. And that also meant staying up late reading until 5 a.m. But since I had nothing to do the next day I assumed it would be fine.
So imagine my surprise when I woke up to a message sent at 7 a.m from the faculty announcing that I was to be assigned a roommate for whom I was to make accommodations for the time being and until further notice.
And of course, I, like the responsible student I was. Decided to simply turn off the damn thing and tuck it under the pillow without even reading the message. So now I had just woke up at who knows what hour, taken a bath, brushed my teeth and was about to go grab something from the cafeteria when I decided to check out my scroll to see the later news when I noticed the missed message.
So there I was, on the verge of panicking as it was almost the time to meet my partner and I had done absolutely nothing to get the room ready. I haven’t even procured a bed for them, so unless one of us was sleeping on the floor tonight I had to go get a faculty member and ask for one.
There was also the matter of finding someplace to store clothing, maybe getting a nightstand. Cleaning my damned table if I didn’t want to cram another into the room. Figuring out what to do with “The Box”...
And still, I hadn’t even picked up a single thing to eat so my already convoluted line of toughs was being slowly eroded from the building rumbling in my belly.
Checking my scroll again, I hastily read trough the message again. Apparently it was someone called Berwyn Rhodes... Damn. Was Berwyn a girl or boy’s name? It sounded foreign, so I wasn’t sure at all. “Wyn” made me think of a girl, but “Ber” made me think of bears which are often associated with male names.
If he was cool I wouldn’t mind sharing with a boy, to be honest I’d probably prefer that as long as he’s not a creep... Shit, I should have taken the chance to ask Ryan or Artur to share with me (Well, maybe not Artur since I didn’t want to get Tifus). But I honestly tough I could get away with having a room for myself.
I mean, sharing between 2 was not bad, I certainly had worse. But still, a full room only for myself had been a tempting prospect, even if a little lonely at times. But well, at least sharing it would help me socialize with my classmates and shit.
If Berwyn was a girl... I was not sure if I preferred her to be pretty or ugly. Specially when having to live with her leaved me completely open to embarrass myself in any of a multitude of ways over the course of my stay within Haven.
Would they be nice tough? Or at least decent enough... In the end of the day that was the most important thing about sharing a room. Being able to actually inhabit a place without stabbing each other while we slept... Would them have a problem with me being a faunus?
Closing the message, I decided to give a last check to my mailbox to make sure I wasn’t forgetting anything else... And a series of messages gave me pause and make my heart jump to my throat.
-Wait... Didn’t that girl Ae-glee wanted to have a talk or something with me... Like... Today- With a blank expression on my face. I silently glanced at the clock, and then back at the old message. -Like... Right now?-
Well, shit. I really needed to get an organizer for that kind of stuff. I saved the thought on a mental note that would more than likely get ignored until it ultimately disappeared from the confines of my mind.
A heavy know on my door took me out of my trance. And as I gave a last glance to the room behind my back. I let out a sharp exhale before facing the music. Since there was no fixing it now, at least I would with my head held high dammit!.
I opened the door to greet my new roommate. And was received by a mass of bulging abs aimed directly of my face. Confused, I raised my head to look at my new companion in the face.
Nope. Those are her boobs, so it’s a girl. I raised my head higher.
Nope. That’s her neck. Straining my neck to it’s limit, I turned my gaze even higher.
Ah, that’s it. That’s her face. It was surprisingly cute for such an imposing frame, I specially liked how silky and vibrant her hair was. Still, my attention couldn't be stolen from the gigantic arms and broad shoulders of the girl... She was even bulkier than Arno, and taller than Ryan as well. Gotta wonder what did they feed that girl each morning. Steroids?
-Hello. You must be Berwyn. I'm Bianca, apparently we will be roommates... So nice to meet you I guess!- I said extending my hand in her direction in the friendliest tone I could muster. Wondering if Aegle would be willing to help me get her all set up.
925/925 Words.
Last Edit: May 4, 2020 14:08:15 GMT -5 by Bianca Sabbato
Post by Berwyn Rhodes on May 4, 2020 14:50:36 GMT -5
A friend!
Berwyn hoped to make a friend.
At Beacon sharing your room with your team was not an optional choice when you joined up for your education, so when Berwyn was asked if she 'wanted' to share her room with someone... she was surprised that it was a question. While Berwyn considered going solo for a split second, she knew that she would just get lonely. Not having a permanent team would already be a big change, but also loosing having someone to talk to at the end of the day would just be a downer. Further pressing the issue by explaining that Berwyn's medical condition meant that it would be smart to have someone near her when she slept sealed the deal. Berwyn was getting a roommate. A girl named Bianca Sabbato.
And hopefully, B.S. would become a friend.
Berwyn had brought a room-warming gift to make a good impression as well. Everybody likes getting gifts. It is why birthdays are extra fun when you are younger and your parents buy you stuff.
Standing in front of the door while wearing a refitted suit, Berwyn looked more like a gigantic saleswoman than a fellow student. Her hair was placed in a bun to try and contain the wild extremes of her otherwise luxurious mane. Building up the courage to knock on the door, she bit the bullet and made two solid knocks. Knock, Knock. Wait, shouldn't you do three? One more knock. Knock. Best things always come in threes.
Knocking that she will be forced to almost always look down, Berwyn had already focused her eyes downward to look at Bianca. The giant of a woman kept her hands behind her back, keeping her surprise still a...surprise. Bianca looked 'outbackish'. Vacuoan perhaps? The gift will most likely fail if she was the rugged and roughened type, but it was the thought that counted. She would most likely take offence to Berwyn bending down to meet her face-to-face. Placing a smile on her face, Berwyn responded to the greeting by showing the 'gift' she had brought with her.
Presenting the object that she had kept behind her back, Berwyn showed a medium-sized bear holding a heart with the text 'I am Beary Happy to see you!'. It was the kind of gift you would give to either your childhood sweetheart or someone who is laying in the hospital. Completing the childish ritual of gift-giving, Berwyn added in her loud and rough sounding voice: "Hey Bianca! Berwyn Rhodes here, and I am beary happy to be your roommate."
431 words
Last Edit: May 4, 2020 14:51:15 GMT -5 by Berwyn Rhodes
Post by Bianca Sabbato on May 4, 2020 15:45:25 GMT -5
I saw the overly cutesy gift and considered it, considered it long and hard alongside the bear puns present both on the doll’s heart and the woman’s greeting words. And I also considered the woman herself to be honest. And I could clearly see that the similarities between her and a certain posing obsessed blonde chevalier didn’t end in their imposing musculature.
"Even so, the gift was kinda cute..." NO, bad Bianca!, vanish those toughs from your mind! You shall not find stuffed bears cute at your age!... "It’s still cute tough"
And for the love of me... I honestly didn’t know how to respond to it! Of all the things I was expecting, certainly that was not one of them. And in my brain a council of little Bianca’s was currently having a meeting to decide what to do about it. Right now the balanced options were to run and don’t look back, (no matter where, just run) take it in stride and give the adorable girl a big ol’ bear hug (embracing the madness and puns for what they were) or siding with the more diplomatic approach and politely accepting her gift... In the end, the last one seemed the more sensible even tough the prospect of hugging something so broad my arms wouldn’t link was a tempting one.
I could tell this girl was gonna kill me with diabetes if she didn’t crush me with her muscles. And to make things worst, now I had to think on something to gift her if I didn’t wanna look like a prick.
Shrugging off. I smiled again and accepted the gift from the giantess. —Well, I hope you can... “Bear” with me then, Berwyn- I said, feeling like somehow I had signed a death sentence on myself.
Still, a little fun and games never hurt anyone, so I invited her to come in as I decided were to put her gift. I had little space to be honest, so until we got a little more furniture the bear would have to sleep with me... Kinky.
-Let’s just get Ms. Bearta on the bed for now... It is a “she” right?- I said making a show of lifting the bear and peeking behind the cloth heart. -Damn Berwyn, first day and you already manage to get a girl in my bed? I can feel you are going to be a good wing-woman from the get go-
Letting the toy lay there, I gave her a second to take the room in before I began to explain myself.
-Look... I’m gonna be honest, I should already have this thing ready for you to move in right now- I said watching at my phone screen. —But sadly the big boss just informed me you would be coming a little while ago, so I hadn’t had time to get to it- I angled the phone in a way that she wouldn’t be able to see I had received the message hours ago.
-So I hate to ask you to do this since you’re probably tired. But would you help me get all the things necessary to make the accommodations?-
Shooting a meaningful look at my surroundings, I realized that if the girl had any bags or the like we probably would to use the bed to house them as well.
-We need at least a bed and some place to put your clothes in if we want to begin to establish our little base of operations. We can probably get those from the staff or salvage them from an unoccupied room if you’re in a hurry-
As my stomach loudly grumbled, I was remembered that I had not taken any kind of meal since I woke up.
-Or maybe you want to go get some grub first? I was expected to have a small reunion with the class representative today, so maybe we can make it a threesome if you want? We can also use the time to decide what else do you need for your side of the room, and maybe she can help us-
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Last Edit: May 4, 2020 15:47:18 GMT -5 by Bianca Sabbato
Post by Berwyn Rhodes on May 4, 2020 16:34:45 GMT -5
Heh, she went with another bear pun. Everything went according to plan. Berwyn smiled at the bear-pun, knowing full well that it was going to be her fate to keep hearing them now that she had opened the floodgates. As long as it was kept to puns and playful jabs she would be fine. She...she just didn't wanted another 'honey-incident' like at Beacon.
Luckily the doors at the academy were generally tall enough her so that Berwyn only rarely needed to bend forward to enter them. Now standing inside of the room, Berwyn looked at what her new roomies' interests were. Books, some form of instrument, and...dirt? From her high vantage point, Berwyn could see that it was actually a crate of earth and not a clever way to hide someone's dirty laundry. Well, it wouldn't be clever... Still, I now share a room with someone who collected dirt! Neat! Or well, not neat!
Berwyn stopped considering if the collection of dirt was neat or not, when Bianca seemed to not only have named her gift, but also placed it on a place of high praise. Her own bed. "Ms Bearta. Cute name." Berwyn gave a smile at apparently having this kick-ass of a roommate, but that smile turned quickly enough into a dumbfounded face as Bianca spoke about getting girls into her bed and Berwyn acting as a wingman. "Wait, why would-" Seeming to put two and two together, all that she said as a slight blush formed on her cheeks was: "Well, I can always 'pick-up' any chick you want."
Berwyn stayed quiet for a few excruciating seconds trying to move past her own awkwardness being becoming more awkward.
"Because I am so strong and tall."
And she went on to explain her bad joke.
"And all of the girls here small and light."
And she went even further. "Just put a sock over the doorknob."
Too much info Berwyn.
"When you are...you know..."
STOP TALKING!
"...Yeah..."
Luckily, Bianca soon started to talk about other things that were less awkward, and business-suit Berwyn could at least try to save the situation. She looked at the scroll for a moment, but she trusted her roomie. "Ah, don't worry about it. I need a special bed anyway. Being plus like me means that you need a plus-sized bed. And plus-sized clothing. And plus-sized meals. And...just be ready to hear me say plus a lot. I don't mind helping out. It will be most likely easier than a workout, so it is fine."
When the topic of grub and the audible sound of a girl with hunger were noticed, Berwyn came to the rescue. Unbuttoning her suitcoat, Berwyn searched inside of some interior pockets and soon retrieved three different kinds of protein bars she deftly held in her hand. She made sure that they were plainly to see in front of Bianca's face.
Chablis Tesla HIGH-EXTREME Protein Energy Bars in the following flavours:
Dangerous-Durian
Furious-French-Fries
Certainly-Chocolate
As the proud provider of quick food, Berwyn gave a happy smile as she came to the need of her roommate. "If you are hungry, I always got something to munch on in my pockets. I would be happy to have a threesome with you to meet my class captain. I believe that we are both in the Red Class, right? Where were you supposed to meet?"
Post by Bianca Sabbato on May 4, 2020 18:27:26 GMT -5
I smiled at Berwyns adorable attempt of cracking a joke, and when the silence dragged on I was just about to say something when the girl started explaining her own joke.
I chuckled a little at her nervousness. She was fun, and seemed nice enough.
-Will do Berwyn... Will do... Same thing to you tough. If you ever wanna bring someone in just send me a message and I will get my ass out of here faster than you can say “get your ass out of there!”- I winked in her direction as she entered the room. And made haste to drop the joke as to not put her in an uncomfortable situation.
-As you may have noticed. If I have to put up with the bear puns you will have to do the same with my good-natured teasing!- I said with a smile before she told me of her needs to have everything in a plus-sized format.
It made a lot of sense to be frank, even her clothes were probably tailor made instead of bought in a regular store. I had to wonder how it felt to be so big and intimidating.
I often had to draw upon theatrics and attitude to earn myself some respect. But she probably didn’t have that problem at all, she could act like a giant pink teddy bear and still vert few people would be willing to mess with her.
Still, it was not as if that didn’t come with its own set of disadvantages as she had just let me know.
Frowning a little, I had to reevaluate our plan. -Then the bed at least is gonna be a problem. I hope the brains on the faculty foresaw that and actually got you a bed according to your needs. If not, feel free to bring 2 beds in here until we manage to get you a proper one. I have little few things so we can make space-
But going back to the topic of food. I had to admit I paralyzed when I saw her unbuttoning her suit and reaching for something inside her pockets.
“Oh no... Not another Carmim... Nor another Carmim and as my roommate please!”
Luckily, instead of some cheesy aberration from the depths of culinary hell, she produced a fair assortment of large, still wrapped protein bars that honestly looked like a full mean in and out of themselves.
The chocolate one seemed to bland and the fries one sounded disgusting. So I went for the easy choice of the fruity durian. Secretly hoping it didn’t have the so characteristic rotten meat smell of the real fruit.
-Oh, thanks Berwyn. That’s honestly really cool on your part, both this and the gift- I said taking a munch of the bar, it tasted pretty good and the smell was mildly distracting at best. I would really need to think on some way to repay her.
-Yeah, I’m also on class red. The girl I was talking you about is going to meet me here at my room, even tough we could go somewhere else if one of you want to. It’s pretty much the same to me- I remember I had Artur to guide me through my first day here, so probably would be nice to do the same for Berwyn.
-Come to think of it. Since you are in class Red maybe she will want to greet and talk to you as well. I heard she was doing that for anybody... Her name is... Aigl... Or Aegel? Dunno, it’s a hard as balls name. She should be arriving pretty soon so let's leave the door open-
Post by Berwyn Rhodes on May 4, 2020 19:00:49 GMT -5
Good-natured teasing was great! Taking a protein bar and not asking why she has three protein bars all for herself is great! Berwyn saw honestly little reason to dislike Bianca from this short introduction, and they would certainly become besties. Though it placed Berwyn in a kind of weird position. While she had tried not to stare, it was not that hard to have noticed that Bianca has another appendage dragging behind her. It is like...awkward if you bring up institutional racism at a meet & greet, not bringing it up despite a war having raged about the very subject a few years ago also is like...weird. Taking the French-Fry protein bar for herself, which was honestly just a potato flavoured product with image issues, Berwyn took off the wrapper with her teeth before she took a bite. With a full mouth, she just addressed the issue in the most casual way she thought possible.
"So...I saw that you have a tail..." Munch munch
"...That is neat..."
Munch munch "...if I pull it off, does it grow back?"
Munch munch
"..."
THAT IS NOT HOW YOU BRING UP RACISM!
Regaining a noticeable blush again on her cheeks, Berwyn considered her options. She could apologize, she could act like nothing happened, or she could go stand in the corner facing the walls on time-out. Seeming to go for the least offensive option she finished her protein bar, which was already inside of her at this point, looked at Bianca with a rather serious expression.
"You got free reign on giant and butch jokes and/or questions for the day."
They call it equal exchange, and Berwyn was a firm believer in the concept. She honestly was chill with Faunus at Beacon. People, in general, were more chill with Faunus at Beacon. Sure, stuff still happened and that was horrible, but there were enough people standing up for Faunus. Or at least that was what Berwyn experienced. Not that she was exactly scorn free with how she looked and acted. While there isn't like a grand conspiracy to enslave or demean overgrown woman who smelled like a sunbathing cow after training, it wasn't all fun and games either. Not wanting to make bigger issues about this than she wanted to, Berwyn simply went over to sit on the side of Bianca's bed. The frame creaked slightly under the sudden weight on a single place, but it was otherwise fine. Still feeling awkward, Berwyn took Ms. Bearta on her lap and held the little plushy tight enough. "I...I am fine with talking to Eagle with you if you are...if you don't have a problem with that...I mean..."
Holding Ms. Bearta tight, Berwyn hoped by everything that was holy that she didn't just accidentally committed a microaggression. People in rehab were always so finicky about not doing that. Words: 474 Thread: 1467
Last Edit: May 4, 2020 19:01:20 GMT -5 by Berwyn Rhodes
Post by Aegle Verdant on May 4, 2020 20:19:00 GMT -5
There were few things which made sense to Aegle, and what she was about that morning was not one of them. 'Crooked and twisted, with a mind about as bent as my back, what works as well as my hands...' she cracked a twisted little smile, giggling quietly at how even the parts of her that lined up didn't really line up at all. There was a discontinuity to her actions, like she was doing something that she knew was pointless, and likely to end in disappointment, but was carrying on anyway. She blamed Argent for that. He was the cause of her inertia, her inability to stop, assess, and ultimately determine what a bad idea this all was. It had gotten worse, that discontinuity, ever since her talk with him. It had been there for a while, of course, the sense that there was nothing she was meant to do, nothing she was truly any good at. For the last half of her life, she'd felt out of place, like she was shaped just wrongly enough to never quite fit in. 'Good thing a sound mind and a working set of fingers ain't required for making my classmates feel welcome.' Aegle giggled again. She wasn't sure who was the bigger fool in this endeavor. Argent, for having suggested it, or herself, for having gone along with it. In the end, she decided it must be Argent. She was mad as a grass helmet, and that madness went a long way to explaining some of the more inexplicable and pointless things she did, whereas Argent seemed about as straight and rightly shaped as it was possible to get. Indeed, she wasn't sure she'd met another person quite so self-possessed, and he certainly didn't act like an idiot. It made her wonder what he saw that she didn't. 'And that's quite the thing to be wondering, being as used to seeing what others won't as I am.'
The best explanation Aegle had been able to come up with was that Argent wanted her to fail. He knew she would screw this all up, that her efforts to make things better, to help her class, to prevent another Qiu'li, would end with her on her back with egg on her face. Her failure would undermine the very tenuous authority she still wielded over Class Red, and give Kishka an in as her replacement. Even at her most irrational, Aegle couldn't really believe in that explanation, Argent had seemed so genuine, but it was the only one which made any sense. All of which only added to the sense of unreality Aegle felt as she climbed the stairs towards Bianca's room. All of which only made her smile all the wider, and giggle all the louder, for she was sure this must all be some kind of joke, and she was eagerly anticipating the punchline.
'What mask should I wear.' She wondered fatalistically. She'd been intentionally vague in her message to Bianca, setting up this little rendezvous, because, at the time, she'd been unsure what tone this meeting should take. Should she play the friend, the concerned captain, or the fastidious enforcer? Was she there to check on Bianca's well being, root out problems, or ensure good behavior? Aegle still didn't know; She'd never done anything like this. The notion that she was in a position of authority remained alien to her, an irrational bur in the side of her mind, one which her best efforts had been unable internalize. Even now, as she neared Bianca's door, she expected Van Sange to lurch out of the shadows, cackling at the prank he'd played. 'He won't, of course, but that won't stop me from expecting nor hoping on impossible things.'
What a relief that would have been, to find out this was all a mistake, all a sick joke played on a troubled girl by an even more troubled man. To find out that, really, no one expected her to be a Captain, whatever that meant. To be freed, that a better candidate might take her place. But Van Sange was dead and, like it or not, Aegle was Class Red's Captain.
Whatever that meant.
'There must be grooves in my mind from all the circles I think myself through.' Aegle stopped before Bianca's door, still wearing that bemused grin, and giggled at herself. 'If there are Gods,' there weren't, and never had been, 'But if there were, they must long ago have stopped paying mind to what happens in my head. Which, come to think of it, would go some way to explaining how disordered it's gotten of late' Aegle tittered again, shaking her head, as she tried to think of something more trite and tedious than listening to her thoughts must be.
Raising a hand, she knocked three times, in rapid succession, on Bianca Sabbato's door.
When she'd first come to Haven, she might have worried about how she looked when Bianca opened the door. Even a couple of months ago, she might have struck a pose, or affected some intense interest on some imperceptible spot on the floor. That was before Qiu'li, and Rochdale, and Van Sange. Before Solomon, and Vytal, and her epiphany. Now, Aegle did nothing to lessen the impact, when Bianca opened the door, of her twisted, gangly, unnatural frame and too bright eyes.
Aegle had never been a pretty girl. Her features as a child could have been best described as 'plain', and time had not improved matters. Scrawny and small, she stood hunched, head hanging to one side, one shoulder slightly higher than the other, on hobbled legs, upon feet that went pigeon toed when she wasn't careful. Her usual stoop was additionally exaggerated by the heavy duffel bag she carried, slung tight over one shoulder, whose contents might well have weighed more than she did. The worst part was her face though. Deathly pale, it was dominated by feverish emerald eyes, surrounded by dark sleepless circles, and a crooked smile, that showed off far too many teeth. None of which was helped by hairstyle she'd taken to wearing specifically for the Vytal festival. Her usually brown hair was shaved into a mohawk, showing off even more of the pale skin beneath, and dyed an eye-bleeding shade of danger orange, not unlike the kind seen on construction equipment. It was an utterly absurd hairstyle, for an equally absurd human being.
Post by Bianca Sabbato on May 4, 2020 21:43:15 GMT -5
The girl seemed so nice and friendly that I was a little taken aback by her sudden commentary regarding my tail. My first reaction was to raise an eyebrow in confusion as I saw the girl just munching away without a care in the word. It was only when she decreed free reign on jokes at her expense that I understood that she was just nervous and had fucked up a little.
-Yeah... It’s pretty neat I guess... I can grab things with it... Oh, and I decked Ruqa Reyes in the face with it once in vytal... I like Ruqa’s tough, but damn didn’t it feel nice to do that- I remembered the event fondly, that had been awesome even if it costed me getting yeeted to the other side of the arena.
Getting a little more serious, I addressed what seemed to be Berwyns main concern in a more sober manner. I understood that she didn’t mean bad. So I would not let it trigger me so easily.
-You know... I can see that you didn’t have bad intentions when you said that. So don’t sweat it. The tail is a part of myself, so I don’t mind talking about it the same way we could talk about how fucking pretty your hair is. So as long as you don’t let the tail define me, I’m cool-
I was a faunus after all, and proud to be one. People often think a lot about the faunus war and what it entitled. But a lot of them seem to forget that just a couple years prior we had the great war in which so much of our self-expression and identity was put on the line... It was in respect of those people that I would never hide who I was.
-Hey... Wanna touch it? I can tell that you’re maybe curious, so I don’t mind- I said presenting the tail to the woman to sate her curiosity if she wanted. Most people tend to think reptile tails are oily and coarse. But they are surprisingly dry and soft to the touch, after all they are only hardened skin in other format and mine was no exception.
I actually didn’t know what kind of lizard faunus I was. I liked to think I was something cool like a komodo dragon or a monitor, but probably it was something lame like a gecko or an iguana.
-And it actually grows back. I could even detach it at will if I wanted. I won't plan on doing it tough, doctors say only the first tail is actually strong because it has all the bones inside. Every one that follows is just cartilague, so I would go from having a third arm to be walking around carrying a giant, flaccid... Ah, I think you catch my drift-
Still, I was not about to let pass the girl’s offer of a free snip at her expense when it would mean getting even with me. So as soon as a few seconds passed since her sitting on my bed when I could be sure the whole thing wouldn’t break under the weight, I readied my weapons.
-Gee wonder what I could ask you tough- I said with a devilish smile on my face. —Say Berwyn. You’re a big girl. Do you like BIG boys too? I know a few I could hook you up with- I asked putting a special emphasis in the world “big” so she knew exactly what I was talking about. Yep, that would be a fair punishment for little Berwyn there.
And then she started to act strangely, like there was something bothering her.
—Yeah. I’m fine with it, we are gonna be roommates so you probably will hear and see things about me that I wouldn’t tell other people... But if you want to, I can get out if you want to talk to Aegle by yourself... Sorry to ask but, are you ok Berwyn? You look a little down...-
Just a couple minutes after that, I heard the three knocks that signaled Aegle’s arrival.
Standing up, I gave a comforting smile to my new roommate before reaching for the door.
And there she was, “o captain my captain” Miss Aegle Verdant. Her malformed appearance was not a novelty, not to me nor any other student in Haven academy to be honest. Even so, meeting her so close and personal let one really focus not on the overt and evident things. But in the small details like the liveliness of her eyes or the stark contrast they made with how pale her skin truly was (Or how eye-stabbing orange her hair had been dyed)
But what truly caught my attention were none of that. But the heavy bags under her eyes and how forced her smile appeared to be at first sigh.
Deciding that simply staring at the girl was something impolite at best, I tended my hand in her direction as I greeted with a slightly upbeat tone.
-Heya boss. How’s it going?-
I held the door for her to come in as a signal of respect. For even if I had not taken part of the process of electing her as our class representative. I still held great regard both for the fact that she had been chosen as a leader in any way and the little I had seen of her on Vytal and the few classes we had shared together.
And I was not afraid of admitting. Aegle Verdant was one of the few people I really admired and set as an example for myself. Born without a semblance, without any outstanding skill and even cursed with a body that every day conspired to kill her... And still strong, still standing. Still choosing to become a huntress even tough no one would blame her if she chose a simple life on a menial job in the capital.
Truly, when comparing myself to her. I was like a little candle overshadowed by the light of the sun itself. If I even was the candle and not the darkness that hid from it.
Banishing unnecessary bleak toughs from my mind, I went for the lonely chair I used to study and set it up in front of the bed Berwyn and I were sharing, so she could speak to us directly.
-This is Berwyn. We are to become roommates from now on- I left a little time for the big girl to introduce herself in any way she wanted.
-We still need to find her a proper bed and as much furniture as she needs...- I didn’t ask right away for her help, but I left the thing floating in the air for her to catch on later.
-But getting back to topic. Did you want to talk about something with me? The message was pretty vague, so I hope I’m not in trouble- I said sitting straight in the bed (Or as straight I could with Berwyns weight currently depressing the bed to a point I was almost sliding to her side)
Post by Berwyn Rhodes on May 6, 2020 19:57:23 GMT -5
All right, great! You amazing new roommate does not think that you’re a bigot! Also, she likes your hair! When Bianca said that Berwyn should not sweat it though, she almost immediately made a mental check if she by accidents did not started to perspire. It was an issues that she dealt with. Still, her pits didn’t felt more wet than normal, and she didn’t smell anything when she inhaled. All right, just a matter of speech then. Good. “Well, that is awfully kind of you. Sorry for that.
When the offer arose to touch that weird appendage, a big smile did appear on her face though. “Really, that is so cool!” As if you gave a child a present. Keeping the bear on her lap, Berwyn extended her hands towards the tail when it came within reach. With just the slightest hint of hesitation, Berwyn took the leap and well…touched the tail. Gently, as if she was handling someone’s fine dining set she let her fingers glide over the tail. It would most likely tickle a bit, yet Berwyn seemed to be too shy to fully grab the tail despite some small voice inside her head wanting to run her cheek over the length of it. She stopped the soft caressing of the tail completely when Bianca confirmed Berwyn’s question.
“So you are like a salamander! I watched that once in one of those nature documentaries. I love watching those things! Did you know that you could detach your tail when you were born? Like on instinct?” Not knowing exactly how much force was needed to make the girl shed her tail. Berwyn returned her hands back to keeping a hold on Ms Bearta. Still, it was not hard to notice that the big burly woman sitting on the side of the bed was brought at ease by the gesture.
Whatever meaning of the word Bianca might have implied with her words, the full extent of the phrasing went over Berwyn’s head completely. Still seeming to be in a state of trust and openness, she plainly explained her situation. “I am honestly not picky when it comes to size. I haven’t had a proper date in years! I think that most boys do not like having a girl with more muscle than them…or they cannot even reach to kiss on the mouth... or well, I guess I haven’t been looking lately.” The last sentence was said in a calmer and more reflective tone. You honestly don’t find the best examples to date in rehab. People are too focused on fixing their own problems most of the time, and almost everybody there was way older than Berwyn anyway. Even before rehab, Berwyn had other things on her mind than dating. Despite being interested in some extent in Bianca’s love life, Berwyn decided to drop the issue, for now, to ensure that she didn’t have to explain her own troubles in that area for now.
When the issue of Aegle was brought up, Berwyn looked sullen for a moment as she remembered things that she honestly didn’t want to remember. Still, that is why you talk about those kinds of things with people you can trust, right? Class captains and roommates should be able to be trusted. With a firm nod Berwyn concluded that: “No, I want to be here. I want to meet this captain. She is a captain, right? Should I say captain or Aegle? Captain Aegle?” C.A? I will just call her how you call her.” Berwyn was now merely waiting on this class captain Aegle person to arrive. She tapped her knees slightly and looked at the bear in her lap a lot. Berwyn didn’t actually know how she looked like, so she envisioned some big and imposing figure. Maybe with wings, like an eagle. She honestly should have paid better attention to the class rosters and all that. She would definitely do that when she had the time!
When she heard a knock on the door, Berwyn decided to stand up. It was honestly the best approach to people getting used to her length. If they see you standing up, there are not any surprises. If she was sitting and then stood up, they usually responded more negatively as they saw the gap widening and widening between their height and Berwyn’s. Speaking of responding negatively… The moment that the giantess laid eyes upon Aegle, she could not stop herself from flinching slightly at the sight of the girl. She looked…not well. Despite regaining a more neutral expression a few moments later, that initial shock and the slight sound of reflexive wincing were all plain to see on Berwyn’s face. She hadn’t planned on responding this way, it just happened at seeing well…boss Aegle.
She…Aegle reminded Berwyn about something that she once saw in a documentary on birds. Well, chickens. The tastiest of birds. Aegle reminded Berwyn of those chicks who just hatched from an egg. You see their wings without feathers and your mind goes all like ‘chicks should be cute and fluffy, but you are not cute and fluffy because I can see your fleshy bits and your bones and your skin’. It was how the girl carried herself too. Like she wasn’t used yet to knowing how to walk correctly yet, but something primal within her brain ensured that her legs could make the movements.
The more rational part of her brain could make the connection that this appearance, and the bags under her eyes, were most likely caused by the stressful life that many students have. The training, the fighting, the injuries. While Berwyn wanted to hug this poor girl, she didn’t know enough about her and if she was the type that didn’t want her authority to be questioned. One of those types who didn’t want to appear weak, or wanting to be cuddled.
When Bianca introduced Berwyn, the friendly giant had recovered from Aegle’s initial appearance enough to give a more solid greeting than shouting that she looked weird. Clearing her throat for a moment while looking down at Aegle…in the friendliest of ways possible with a smile and happy eyes. “Berwyn Rhodes, boss! Born in Argus, attended Sanctum, tried to go to Haven but I got injured and now I am here! Closer to home and my dad and brother! I can float! Here, have this!”
Without even realising, Berwyn had extended her hands to present Ms Bearta to Aegle with a smile, making sure that the bear was within the reach of captain Newly-Hatched. In truth, she panicked as she had kept her eyes on Aegle long enough. She hadn’t even actively noticed that she was still holding the bear, nor did she actually plan to give Aegle this bear. It was Bianca’s gift! Berwyn didn’t even know if it was out of pity, or respect, or simply because she liked giving things. Well, it would be rude to not go on with this. Bianca and Aegle could maybe share Ms Bearta? Switching every weekend in which bed the bear got to sleep? Maybe Berwyn could get Bianca another bear?
Berwyn gave Bianca a slight apologetic glance for a moment to try and make it known to her roomie that Berwyn was winging it at this point.
words: 1218/ thread: 2686
Last Edit: May 6, 2020 19:57:45 GMT -5 by Berwyn Rhodes
Post by Aegle Verdant on May 7, 2020 21:23:48 GMT -5
Aegle had only a moment between knocking on the door and the door being opened to consider her next step, though that turned out to be significantly more time than she needed. Absurd as this endeavor surely was, the only appropriate course, or so it seemed to Aegle, was to wing it entirely.
Hearing movement beyond the door, Aegle made sure her smile was still in place. It was a bit of a relief when Bianca opened the door, confirming that Aegle had at least gotten the room number correct. She didn't know much about Bianca Sabbato, being honest, beyond that which could be gleaned through casual observation. Beyond Aegle's dubious distinction as her Class Captain, neither one had ever had cause to interact; Aegle didn't even think they had any mutual friends. Perhaps they shared some common interests at least, though Aegle's life nearly as devoid of hobbies as it was confidants, so that seemed equally unlikely. What she did know was that Bianca was a Mistral native, a determination based entirely on the faunus' accent, and that she fought with a spear, which Aegle had seen in action in a couple of classes. There weren't any rumors about her that Aegle had heard, and she seemed well-liked enough. At least, nobody Aegle had asked about her had anything bad to say. 'She's also rather cute,' Aegle thought, meeting the taller trainee's gaze. Admitting such thoughts had become a bit easier, following her confession to Carmim, though it made Aegle feel no less crooked and ungainly. Like seemingly every other trainee, Bianca was in excellent shape, with a figure well suited to the life of rigorous physical activity their shared training demanded. A little on the thin side, but Aegle could well imagine the definition in whatever musculature wasn't already on display. "Heya boss. How’s it going?" Bianca greeted her. 'Boss, is it?' Aegle wondered, her grin twitching a little at one corner, 'If only...' "Goin', not quite gone." She answered, amusing herself, and likely no one else, with a bit of word play as she passed Bianca into the room beyond. She paused only a step in, emerald eyes finding the unexpected third to their company.
And what a third she was. The stranger was tall. So tall, in fact, that Aegle, hunched and crooked like she was, had to take a step back just to meet her eyes. Her grin flexed a bit more on her fact, as she tried to make sense of the scale before her. 'Bloody Damn, but she's got to be two strides tall.' and proper strides, at that, not the hobbled kind Aegle made do with. It wasn't like Aegle hadn't met people as tall. Nasrin's friend, the one who'd helped to torment Kishka, was about the same height, but nowhere near as solidly built. In fact, Aegle was pretty sure Berwyn was half again as broad as Heidi, with arms which made no secret of the sheer strength contained within.
The pair of them stared at one another for several heartbeats, each seemingly stunned by the other's appearance. Not that Aegle could blame Berwyn for that. Her's was the sort of appearance which stunned the unprepared, and Aegle did not fail to notice the sympathetic wince and discomfort which flashed briefly across the giantess' face. She at least tried to hide it, which Aegle appreciated, especially given that she wasn't making much of an effort to conceal her own surprise and awe. In fact, Aegle was having a bit of difficulty fully absorbing Berwyn's height. Looking at her, it was impossible not to feel like there was something wrong with the whole perspective of the room. 'Is this how people feel when they look at me for the first time?' Probably not. Aegle wasn't even the smallest person she knew, while Berwyn was certainly the biggest, and by no small degree at that.
Berwyn was quickest to recover to, seemingly prompted by Bianca's introduction of her, though she did muddle her way through a second and, to Aegle's mind, mostly unnecessary introduction. Curiously, more so than the rather ambiguous claim that she could 'Float', she thrust forth the stuffed toy she'd been holding since Aegle entered. Blinking bemusedly, Aegle lowered her eyes to the toy, only to blurt out an unsteady titter upon realizing it was a bear. 'How much more on the nose can you get?' It wasn't a small bear either but, held out before Berwyn, it seemed positively tiny. Unsure what else to do, Aegle slipped her hands free of her pockets. Both were swathed in layer upon layer of wraps, with only the very tips of her fingers visible. Despite this reinforcement, her fingers still trembled slightly as she took the proffered toy. "Uh, thanks?"
Turning the bear around in her hands, Aegle found there was a message on the heart it held. Reading it, she felt even more awkward, and let out another nervous giggle. 'Beary happy to see me?' She looked up at Berwyn, and was just in time to catch her sending Bianca a chagrined look. 'Well, that certainly makes more sense.' Aegle's grin twitched again. 'This has to be the most surreal experience of my life.'
The strangeness of it all, if nothing else, helped kick her lurching mind back into motion. Giggling shrilly, Aegle let her duffel bag fall to the floor with a hefty thud, then turned her ghoulish grinning countenance upon Bianca. "I see what'cha mean 'bout the bed, aye? Guess I'll talk t'Lynn and see what can be done." She said, tittering and glancing up at Berwyn, "Mean time, would y'mind sittin', maybe? Reckon my neck'd appreciate that." Her accent was broad and her words quick, but there was no mistaking the amusement in her tone. "S'good that y'here, at least; Saves me a visit later on." Reaching down, Aegle wound the straps of her duffel bag around her wrist, then hauled it across the floor, getting it out of the way. The effort was accompanied by a mechanical whir of protest from under the ratty hoodie she wore, along with a couple of quiet metallic clicks. In the same motion, Aegle turned to survey the rest of the room which, until then, she'd taken little notice of. Doing so revealed little Aegle couldn't have already guessed at; A few tools and books on a nearby desk, the latter of which bore the plates for Haven's library, a handful of forgotten clothes under the bed and, through the door to the adjoined bathroom, the exact number of hair care products Aegle would expect, given Bianca's hair style. The only strange thing was a box in one corner which seemed filled with nothing but soil.
Aegle completed her visual circuit by settling her green eyed gaze on Bianca once more. It had all painted a quite singular picture of the faunus. 'Her room's just about as empty as mine is.' In fact, were it not for the clothes that wouldn't fit, the conspicuous lack of pill bottles and miscellaneous mechanical parts, and the absence of any Carmim specific detritus, it could even have been Aegle's room. 'Which means she lives a full an active life outside of this room,' Aegle's grin twitched, 'Or she lives about as much as I do.' "Dinnae what Bianca's told y'bout me, but I dinnae reckon there's all that much t'tell." Aegle looked to Berwyn, sparing Bianca her scrutiny for the moment, "M'Aegle, 'n m'not gonna tell y'not t'call me boss, but y'dinnae need to neither, aye?" She winked, "I'm from the Highlands, as y'can no doubt tell from my common way o'speakin'." Sizing Berwyn up, Aegle had no details of the larger woman's living space to go off of; She had only the behavior she'd seen of Berwyn thus far. Behavior which suggested an enthusiastic and well meaning personality, though one prone, if her guess about the bear was correct, impulsiveness when she got nervous. Aegle remembered her own first day at Haven and guessed Berwyn must have been feeling quite nervous right then.
"As for why I'm here, and what it is I wanted t'talk with ye 'bout," Aegle looked back to Bianca, and held out the bear for the faunus to take, "The answer t'that bears askin' how honest an answer y'want." Even Aegle wasn't entirely sure want answer she wanted to give. Part of her wanted to be entirely too honest, just to see how the pair of them responded. The thought tugged at the corners of her smile. "Bearin' in mind," The crooked girl continued, emerald eyes narrowing with mischief, "I've a bit've a reputation f'bein' half cracked, and an honest answer is wont t'make us all uncomfortable." Aegle tittered, as if to prove her claim about being just a little bit mad. Then, with difficulty, she shrugged. "Y'not in trouble though, so y'can stop worryin' 'bout that. I'm only here is my capacity as captain, in so much that I can't really approach anyone in our class outside of that capacity, y'ken?" She glanced between the two women, her grin twitching, straining to grow just a little wider. All at once, she decided to be honest. "I dinnae know ye. Neither of ye. Seein' as I'm meant t'be y'captain, whatever that's meant t'means, well, just seems a sorry state is all, and one I'm keen t'rectify." Aegle managed to grin wider, somehow, and shrugged, "That ain't all the reason, but it's most of it. If y'can stand me long enough t'let me know y'both, then I reckon I could tell ye the rest, aye? Assumin' y'would care t'know, that is."
Post by Bianca Sabbato on May 8, 2020 2:00:25 GMT -5
I watched with a slight smile on my face as the girl gingerly reached for my tail. It was saying something that she hadn’t felt disgusted by the offering itself. I neither saw any kind of expression of discomfort while she gently caressed the tail in a way that kinda felt good, like a light massage.
And she also asked good questions, if was not every day that someone actually cared enough for my tail as to ask such interesting things.
-Not since I was born, probably because the muscles needed for it were not fully developed. But I would say once I was 5 or 6 I knew I could do it, but trying so hurt like hell, so I never followed trough. Plus, my parents made sure to hammer well enough in my head that if I detached it, it would never grow back. It was a lie but it made the trick-
Yeah, my parents had told me many white lies when I was a kid. Don't make faces or they will get stuck like that. Don’t try to use the violin bow like an actual bow or you will cut off your fingers. We will never leave you...
... Shit, why did I have to bring my parents again? Whatever. Going back to the safer topic of my tail.
-It’s kinda like how you instinctively know how to spit. I can feel the muscles I need to use and how to use them but still it would take a conscious effort on my part to do it... Or maybe it’s more like if you could actually succeed in ripping off your own arm-
It was weird to be honest. Living with that each day, it felt alien to me to think other people didn’t have detachable limbs to make an analogy with me. But as lines of tough so bizarre as those could only lead to more madness, I decided to address the topic of our individual love lives (or lack of it, to be honest) And since my teasing seemed to have flown right over her head, I simply smiled at her innocent answer and dropped the joke.
-Pretty much the same here. Never have been in a serious relationship before, just fooling around and the like. And even that seems to be falling quite short lately- And luckily, Berwyn didn’t seem to be into girls, so that would let us avoid any silly sitcom misunderstandings that could have arisen otherwise... Or at least I hoped.
Going back to Aegle. I couldn’t avoid a chuckle at her “going not gone” introduction, it kind of reminded me to how we greeted each other in my time in the gang.
From my position, I saw the brief exchange between the two other girls with muted interest.
When I saw Berwyn apologetic expression after presenting the bear of wrath to the captain. I dramatically rested the back of my wrist to my forehead while I slightly arched my back backwards in a faux betrayed expression while the other hand clutched at my chest like my heart had been ripped. Luckily my playful smile betrayed my true feelings.
I noticed her gaze upon me, like if she were trying to see something she caught a glimpse beneath the surface... Or maybe that was only my imagination. Whatever it may have been. I held my gaze on her in mostly the same way. —Thanks for offering your help with the bed, we owe you one- I really wanted to ask what the duffel bag was for but somehow I felt she would bring it up if she wanted to talk about it.
On the other hand. Was I really calling her boss? I had that stupid habit of doing so, and no matter how much I promised myself to be more conscious about that, I always ended doing it again.
In a similar fashion as I had done with Berwyn, I winked at the captain when she returned to bear to me. But still have the clearance of mind to avoid making an inappropriate joke to someone technically ranked above me.
Putting on a more serious visage. I silently listened to the boss explanation of the meaning of her visit... And I had to admit. The more she speaked the hardest a time I was having actually understanding what she said, not only her accent was as thick as concrete, but I think she was consciously or unconsciously starting to incorporate bear puns to her speech.
-You are our captain, if you feel like you should speak your mind even in something that could make me uncomfortable, then you shouldn’t think twice-
On the other hand, if I was understanding her right, I felt a little surprised she said she could only approach us in a captain role, that and saying we may not... Stand her long enough? I mean, I didn’t know her, but I wasn’t averse to trying to be her friend or something... Her grin also felt kinda... Wrong, and not only on an anatomical level.
Managing to smile even trough my suspicions, I tried to give her an answer as reassuring as I could. —Well, that sounds like a personal challenge- I said smirking deviously. -Sure thing, I’d like to get to know you better Aegle. We can hang out whenever, we can even do it now if you want- I mean, I'ts not like we had anything better to do... Besides getting Berwyn a bed, but we kind off were better doing that together anyway so...
-Do you have anything in particular that you need to know? Hell, we can even turn it into a bet or some shit. Answer a question and get to ask one to the others- I said thinking the prospect could be an easy and direct way to get to know each other... Other part of me immediately feared that would be lame as balls.
Getting up, I walked towards the drawer. -I mean, If you are cool with that, we can always just hang out regularly. Do you have something you like to do in your free time? Maybe we have some interests in common or the sort- I said taking out the violin case from an almost empty compartment of the drawer. I had hidden it there in case my new roommate was an asshole that could threaten to damage it in any way. But since Berwyn was... Well, Berwyn. I felt safe pulling it out.
-I know how to play this thing. I’m not very good but I’ll get better. Just last week I started a music club that... ah- Memories of that nasty encounter with Holly and Carmim suddenly came to mind, and for a second I feared that it showed in my expression. —It didn’t go very well, but we are just starting up so...-
Panicking, I suddenly searched for an easy way out, and as I am a little ashamed in admitting. I found it in Berwyn. —What about you Berwyn? Got any hobbies?-
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Last Edit: May 10, 2020 20:44:48 GMT -5 by Bianca Sabbato
Post by Berwyn Rhodes on May 12, 2020 20:40:16 GMT -5
Bianca’s anatomy is neat. Berwyn honestly wanted to see how her tail connected to the rest of her body. Not that Berwyn wanted to see her roomie without pants that badly. She wanted to see it all on like, on an x-ray. How the bones connected, or how tissue went from human to lizard. That is super interesting.
When the boss took the bear, and didn’t tore Ms Bearta’s head off, Berwyn was somewhat glad that she hadn’t made at least a complete fool of herself. The giggle almost made it sound like she was about to tear off the head of the bear. It was a weird giggle. Why would someone giggle when giving a bear unless you thought it was some kind of joke or insult? Still, the bear is still in one piece, and the captain was seeming to settle in the room for now. Berwyn could swear she could hear something…mechanical…or robotic from the way the captain was moving. Maybe she had a really good-looking prosthetic leg? Was that why she was walking weirdly like that? It must be.
“I will join you to see this Mrs. Lynn about the bed if you do not mind. I know the specifications and a place where big sized beds can be easily acquired…if they don’t already have one in storage somewhere.” When the captain turned her head at Berwyn, it was again not hard to see that the big lady in the room was again just slightly unsettled by Aegle’s appearance. While she tried to be as cool about it as she could be, there was seriously something not jiving with how the captain looked and acted. She couldn’t exactly place what it was either, which was maybe the worst part of it all. Still, when giving the question if she could sit down, Berwyn squinted slightly before she crossed her arms.
“I rather stand.”
The big lady didn’t sound too amused while she still gave somewhat of a smile. Even if the captain hadn’t meant anything with the comment, it irked the girl. It wasn’t that Berwyn didn’t want to accommodate people by sitting to make this whole interaction thing possible… She would have honestly done so if the captain hadn’t asked. But being asked to sit down? It honestly never sat right with Berwyn. She didn’t exactly ask to be miss tall and broad. She hadn’t signed up for the handicap lottery that was her life. She had to deal with looking down and dealing with that the same way most people needed to deal with looking up…or looking at her chest if they were looking straight ahead. It might be childish in a way, but Berwyn wasn’t going to just sit on command just because someone else needed to look up.
Still, not wanting to come over too unfriendly or in the way, Berwyn walked over towards one of the walls that was still empty enough for her to lean against it. She gave a determined glance over towards Bianca, seeming to indicate to her roomie that she wasn’t just going to give way on this matter. Still, Berwyn was not unreasonable. The extra distance between the three of them meant that they at least didn’t needed to hurt their neck to look up sharply. It was the middle ground Berwyn was willing to accept. Responding on the captain’s own introduction, Berwyn seemed to have regained her more amicable tone of voice and body language soon enough. “Good to meet you Maegle! I haven’t met too many people from the Highlands, but I will manage. I will be happy to get to know you better!”
Still, the more Maegle continued to talk and…I guess that you can call it grinning…just didn’t made Berwyn feel at ease. It uhm…it just didn’t felt natural. Which was weird, because she honestly didn’t wanted to judge books by their cover. Berwyn wanted to give everyone a fair shot. But Maegle she just set Berwyn on edge. Berwyn had half of mind to just say Maegle that she didn’t had to smile if she didn’t wanted to…but Berwyn knew full well that that would not only have been plain rude, but also hypocritical. Maegle might move a bit weird, or have weird way of speaking, and a weird ass grin… but that was alright. We are all different but that doesn’t mean we are lesser for it. Berwyn had to believe that.
Looking at her roomie get out a violin was unexpected, but still exciting. Or at least it seemed like a violin case. It wasn’t so much surprising that Bianca could play an instrument…she just didn’t seem like the kind of girl for such a delicate instrument. Berwyn would have expecting drums, or like…is shouting an instrument? Something that was loud and exciting or cool. Not to say that violins aren’t cool!
When mentioning that her roomie’s music club wasn’t a succeed, Berwyn just suspected that nobody showed up. That is like, the only way you can ruin the first day of a club, right? Wanting to give Bianca some good news on that front at least, she happily said: “I would maybe join your club, though I haven’t been that musically gifted in the past.” After giving a slight glance at her own hands she added with an embarrassing smile. “I broke must of the instruments I tried to learn. Big hands.” She snapped most of the instruments in two in a fit of rage, to be completely honest, but that is not a story Berwyn wished to expand upon. She wasn’t that person anymore.
When the question was asked to Berwyn, she knew how to almost act naturally in telling about the things she liked, having expected such an inquiry already before coming in here. She seemed genuinely excited to talk about what she liked. “I like refitting clothing to fit me, and I like nature documentaries. The one is more a hobby out of necessity…which I think doesn’t make it a hobby anymore now that I think about it. I do like watching animals doing animal stuff though! I like the ones about fish the most because I like swimming. It is easier on my muscles.”
Berwyn could have gone with the boring option and just ask Aegle or Bianca if they had a favorite animal or sport, but that is boring. She knew that she could do better than that. Thinking about it for a moment, Berwyn decided to go bigger. “All right, Maegle! What is your favourite drink? And I don’t mean soft drink! Mine is wine, I like wine. I am a wine gall.” Said with all the class of a middle-aged dockworker. Berwyn didn’t really ‘knew’ wine and drank it almost by the bottle because of the amount she needed to feel anything from it. Still, her father always drank wine and that meant that the only thing she could easily… get her hands on… was wine.
Post by Aegle Verdant on May 28, 2020 17:40:29 GMT -5
'Well, this is off to a great start. Unnerved the one and insulted the other,' Aegle tittered softly, 'Almost like coming in with no plan was a bad idea.' Perhaps her usual fixed grin was no longer the correct expression for the situation, but Aegle was at a loss of what to replace it with. With the exception of Carmim and her own family, all of whom had been given ample time to get used to her crookedness, Aegle had precious little experience with interacting with others. She was off-putting at the best of times, and she well knew it. 'Crooked and bent and cracked all over, who wouldn't be a little off put?' If only it were just her appearance, she might have been able to do something about that, but she could already sense the strain and suspicion in Bianca's regard. It wasn't just how she looked, but the way she was behaving, which was upsetting the faunus. Berwyn's own momentary frostiness was at least a bit easier to explain; The tall woman obviously hadn't much cared for Aegle's request that she sit down, or at least make it a bit easier for the considerably smaller girl to maintain eye contact, though even that wasn't at all helped by whatever else Aegle was doing to leave her ill at ease. Clearly both of her erstwhile hostesses were beginning to wish she wasn't there, and this interaction was turning more into an obligation.
To say that didn't twist Aegle up a little inside would have been an outright lie. She'd come here wanting to do right by her classmates, to finally do something with the responsibility, however hollow and powerless, Van Sange had saddled her with. Only, now she was reminded of why she didn't speak to people, or seek others out. Why, in fact, she spent the time when she wasn't training with the few people who could best tolerate her strangeness. She felt out of place. She was starting to wish she hadn't come, hadn't saddled these two with the responsibility of politely putting up with her.
Aegle couldn't stop smiling, feeling that, to do so, might further erode whatever semblance of normalcy her warpedness left room for.
When Bianca pulled out a fiddle, or was it a violin; Aegle had never known the difference. Anyway, when she pulled it out, Aegle's crooked grin flexed up at one side. She had played the recorder when she was younger. She'd known how to play two songs and nothing else. And those two had been 'Huntsman's Star' and 'Maisie had a little Ram', whose tunes were almost identical. 'Maybe saying I could play the recorder is a bit of a stretch...' It was moot anyway. That was a life time ago, a different Aegle. One who'd wanted to learn to play the pipes, when she was big enough to actually carry a set. 'Present Aegle doesn't play much at all...' She realized she wanted to hear Bianca play. She'd never really liked the fiddle, but she was in suddenly in a very macabre frame of mind.
Before Aegle could go on picking at that scab, Berwyn launched into her own interests and hobbies. "Might need t'get ya t'modify some've my kit too, aye?" Aegle said with her characteristic crooked grin, "I've got a similar necessity, if in the opposite direction, but I'm all thumbs when it comes t'handicraft." She shrugged helplessly, goodnaturedly, as she stuffed her thickly bandaged hands back into her pockets, where they belonged.
Mention of swimming called to Aegle's mind memories of spring dips in freshly thawed mountain streams. Her grin twitched again. 'I am morbid, all of a sudden. Must've been something I ate.' She giggled to herself, without really meaning to. 'Come on, hold it together. They already think I'm weird and rude, best not add crazy to that list on our first meeting.' Not that it would take them very long to learn she was hopping-mad. She'd be surprised if Bianca wasn't already aware of some of the insane things Aegle had done since arriving at Haven. "Reynard from class Blue makes somethin' he calls 'cider' in a still in his room." She said to Berwyn, trying to cover up the cause for her mistimed humor, "I don't reckon it's anythin' like cider, tastes more like turpentine m'bein' honest, but I ain't never tried nothin' else, so I guess it's my favourite by default, aye?" She grinned massively at the pair of them, trying to make it clear what she'd just said was a joke, despite every word of it being true. The funniest jokes were completely accurate. 'The saddest too...' Aegle giggled again, then sighed.
Sagging down, Aegle seated herself on the edge of Bianca's bed to give her legs a bit of a break. The climb up to this room, as well as the few hours of training which had preceded it, had finally caught up with her. 'Or maybe I'm just inclined towards comfort while I'm making a fool of myself.' "My brother gifted me his whole comic book collection a couple years ago. That was the nearest thin' I had t'a hobby for a long while. He'd bring me a any issues I might've missed each time he visited; Must've read 'em all thrice times each, aye?" Aegle's grin turned fondly towards the memory of her littlest big brother's smiling face. "Don't really got the time for that now, though, bein' at Haven and all." Then she tittered and glanced between the other two girls, "I reckon I came out on top of that trade, on account of not havin' much t'share t'begin with." Then her emerald eyes focused on Bianca once again, "Though I guess I did answer ye question too, in a round about sort of a way. I dinnae really do much other than train, bein' honest. S'all I really got time for, makin' up f'lost time as I am." Aegle glanced at Berwyn's hulking physique, "Never enough hours in the day, m'sure y'can relate."
Post by Bianca Sabbato on May 29, 2020 12:03:09 GMT -5
I found myself conflicted when Berwyn put her foot down and refused to sit down.
On one hand, I owed respect and obedience for my captain (whatever that position meant) But on the other, I owed loyalty and backing up for my companion... And in the end, I guessed she was right about not having to comply to do what others told her in her own damn room.
So I discretely sent a nod of approval in her direction when her gaze set upon me, to let her know I had her back on this one for better or for worse.
-I’d love to have you if you want to come, Ber. There are a shit ton of instruments so we just need to find you the right one- Even though I wasn’t so excited for the club as I had been a couple weeks prior, I still was down for the idea of helping another student discover her musicality!
My gaze turned towards the captain when I heard her start giggling again. Wich was weird since no one had said anything funny.
Was this girl ok...? What am I talking about, this was Haven, of course she wasn’t fine...Well, whatever, variety it’s the spice of life. It could be way worse than random fits of laughter, so as long as it wasn't threatening I’d let it go.
-How do ya know how turpentine tastes anyway? Bah... Nevermind. Gotta pity you for having the dubious honor of tasting something made by Raynard himself tough, luckily my lips still remain clean of such impurities. I’m more of a beer person myself-
I admitted with a smirk of my own as to not make the captain feel too out of place.
-I and the rest of team MSRA actually had Raynard scheduled for a beating, shame that we never seemed to find him anywhere, so we kinda already gave up on that one but... If you ever see him again, tell him he has it coming, let him live in fear- I commented half-jokingly as I saw the crooked girl make her way towards my bed.
-Hey Ber! First day and we got two already, what did I tell you?- I grinned in her direction rememorating the small joke I had made when she gave me Bearta. Aegle would not get the joke but part of me thought that was for the better. So I shook my head and send a dismissive wave in her direction to let her know it was an inside joke.
And apparently said captain was a fan of graphic media. I never was an admirer of comics myself, since they always felt too short to the point they won't even last you 10 minutes, so acquiring them was just a waste of time and effort. But the fondness she expressed when talking about them made a small melancholic smile grace my face.
-I can relate I guess... I remember being delighted every time I managed to get my hands on a new music sheet or a small novel. Damn, I used to go at those things like there was no tomorrow, to this day I can probably recite a couple of those word by word even after all these years- At least those that weren’t the regular smut the rest of the crew seemed so fond of.
Yeah, the reason that was even possible was that the boss liked how I played, so I was allowed to continue doing so as long as it didn’t interfere with my training or my responsibilities towards the gang... I remember one time when they tried to take it away from me... Only once they tried.
Shuddering, I set aside that memory for another time... I really needed to do something about those fucking intrusive thoughts or whatever they’re called. So I didn’t pay much mind to Aegle’s renewed laughter fit since I was not one to chastise her for having weird ticks and quirks when I was no better myself.
-That’s fine, don't sweat it... Ya like boxing right? I’ve seen you in action and I have to praise your defense, it is impeccable. Gotta help me polish that on myself one of these days... If you are willing to share your secrets, that's...- And just as I was answering her, I finally considered the last words the slightly crooked girl had uttered toward us.
...Was that a jab at Berwyn?...
Nah... I didn’t want to believe it, probably was just the girl being nervous and spouting some stupid shit in a rush... Still, I didn’t know if Berwyn would take it that way so this could potentially be dangerous.
Well, this felt like the perfect time for a fucking distraction.
-N-New question!- I called pointing one finger towards the roof. Running my mind for good conversational material as the long seconds of awkward silence stretched before us.
What options did I have? Hottest teacher? No, Berwynd doesn’t know the teachers yet. Favorite classmate semblance? No, Berwyn cannot answer that either. Partners for the dance? Dammit, Berwyn! Work with me for a second!
I was running out of options that weren’t just boring as hell. And I was not about to be the girl that asked “what’s ur fav animal lol”
...Clapping my hands loudly to drag all the attention towards me, I finally came with a suitable question that was both safe and interesting.
-Why did two you choose to become huntresses?-
I asked both of them, people tended to have good histories to tell when you asked them that one so it felt like a good, natural way to keep the ball rolling. Even if that left me in the position of having to go first on my account.
-I guess my reason is simple enough... I was hungry and this deal offered 3 meals and a clean bed. So lo and behold here I am- It was, in reality, a little more complicated than that, but those were unsavory details I was not willing to share with neither of the girls just yet. In broad strokes, I was here because of what I had said. –It’s not much, I know, but to be honest, I don’t feel like going into details now, maybe some other time if... When. We get to know each other better-
Post by Berwyn Rhodes on Jul 19, 2020 19:19:34 GMT -5
Maegle is weird. Is it weird to call Maegle weird? It is most likely weird to call Maegle weird.
Berwyn wanted to get over how odd the captain was in both her appearance and mannerism. She honestly wanted to put a nice bow on the observation and move past it onto other things. Fully aware of her own appearance, Berwyn was a fierce proponent of looking at a book cover, noting how odd it is that you cover is that way, and then start reading the book to figure out why you wanted to name your novel ‘Alpha Wolves of Passion’ and have three bare-chested men on the front with no wolves what so ever. Sure, Berwyn would ideally want to be the kind of gall that would not judge a book by their cover, but that is like…the kind of bullshit some angsty teen would hang on her wall or write in their diary.
On the offer to join Bianca’s music club Berwyn simply gave a big smile and a quick response. “I am sure we can find something that doesn’t break as easily! If not, I maybe can sing? Singing is music, right?” Singing was music, right? Did singing fall under music? Berwyn honestly didn’t know the answer to that one.
But Maegle…ugh, it was hard to give her the fair treatment that Berwyn desperately wanted to give her. The friendly giantess tried to look at Bianca or in another direction when she could, but totally not looking at Maegle when she was speaking was just plain rude. So when the captain asked for Berwyn to modify her clothing, all that the wild-haired wine aficionado could muster was focusing on Maegle’s torso while speaking more than a few decibels too high in her masculine voice: “I CAN MAKE YOU LOOK PRETTY!” Too loud and just plainly wrong thing to say! Berwyn blushed again before her tone got slightly more manageable again. Trying to save the situation, she just blurted out the best recovery she could manage. “Not that you are not pretty now! I would totally date you if I could! Even with your thumbs!” Berwyn wanted the wall she was leaning against to absorb her and escape this situation completely if she could. Why was moving through objects, not her semblance? That would be so much better than floating!
Maegle’s comment about Berwyn being a total gym rat who prayed at the altar of sick gains and shredding went a bit over her head.
Despite her quite impressive physique and stature, almost all of it was more a product of nature more so than nurture. Or like…supernatural if her parents somehow upset some angry spirit or demon and got their child cursed. Honestly, that would explain a lot… Berwyn spent enough time in the gym to ensure that her muscles didn’t atrophy but she honestly didn’t try to gain more of them. She used to be even a bit more buff than she was now when she was on the stuff. She felt comfortable with how she was now. Or well, more comfortable than she had been in a long time. So, Berwyn decided to simply comment with a joke from her comfortable wall position. “There is always the same number of hours in a day. I cannot add to them like I can add to how many times I can try to embarrass myself within this conversation.”
The big friendly giantess made added a whole comedic sting by imitating a drum roll in the air, including the ‘Ba dum tss’. Looking at Bianca, Berwyn actually snickered slightly as she found actual humour in her faux attempt earlier. “Bia, are air drums an instrument? I am basically a pro at them, as you just witnessed.”
Berwyn was still amused by the concept when Bianca asked a new question. Bianca’s reason was not something that was surprising to hear. If you are in poverty, and you have an innate talent for fighting, then becoming a huntress was honestly one of the more legitimate means of not starving to death. Somewhere, Berwyn was a little bit disappointed that Bianca did not say anything more. “You know, if you say that there are more details, but you do not provide said details, don’t tease us with them. I am up next!”
Taking a step away from the wall of shame and bad jokes, Berwyn loosened her shoulders. Thought for a few seconds on how best to present her backstory, and began. “Ok, so basically I am very big. You might have noticed. Have been for a while now. I used to be pretty angry as a kid about it all. Woe is me and all that kind of junk that would make a good dramatic teen movie one day. So, being two heads taller than other kids and having a lot of frustration, you start to use lefty and righty more than your mouth.”
Berwyn raised her hands for both girls to inspect. They were indeed the big kind of hands that would break teeny tiny instruments with ease. Or like…someone’s arm. They both looked rather big and clumsy and most regular-sized hands would probably call them ‘sir’ or ‘mister’ to not upset them.
“So, I was told to use my talents productively. I could have become, like, a kick-ass construction worker or maybe a woodcutter. Must be quite relaxing, actually. My parents found that a bit too… Uhm… beneath me, so I joined a combat school instead. I basically signed on to the most dangerous career because of my unique qualification of being born plus-sized.”
Berwyn did not exactly sound happy with her origin story as it was presented. Her tone of voice was more informative than it was its normal excited tone. She honestly would have most likely have been healthier and happier as a construction worker. You get to lift all day, make friends with people who don’t use more than four-syllable words, and you get to maybe not have a heart attack because of drug abuse to keep up with far more gifted peers because you cannot compete with aura by simply bench-pressing.
The girl returned back to her wall again after having said her piece. A bit more sombre now.
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Last Edit: Jul 19, 2020 19:20:11 GMT -5 by Berwyn Rhodes