[ Nero sidles up to the front window, peers through it, catching sight of Pyra, and then quickly opens the door after she confirms who it is. Oho! She must have come for something important! Or frivolous. Either is fine with Nero. She beams at her, and fortunately for the redheaded girl, Nero is fully (and snugly) dressed. ]
Ah, Pyra! This is rather sudden, but certainly not unwelcome. What brings you here?
[ From the part that Wei Wuxian threw at their place a few weeks ago, she's seen some of Nero's art. And she thinks it's beautiful-- just what she needs. ]
Anyone who doesn't notice your talent is blind. [ That is a fact.
Anyways, stepping in.... Yep, after seeing all the pieces of art in her home while not drunk only solidifies Pyra's opinion that she came to the right place. ]
But I do have a few questions first. Do you have experience in sculpting depictions of gods?
[ Nero helpfully closes the door behind them when Pyra enters, and she lights up at Pyra's question. Fortunately, Wuxian isn't here right now to hear her excitement, because it is quite tangible. ]
But of course! Gods, generals, emperors...we [ as in, her people/civilization/empire ] sought to make them the most awe-inspiring of figures! Though the materials here are not of the highest quality, I have put my all into fashioning what I can of the resources here. Indeed, working with wood has been a new experience for me, but a highly engaging one!
[ The Romans were quite enamored with statues of their gods (like the Greeks) and their emperors, so it is only natural for her to proclaim so. She places one hand on her chest and outstretches the other toward her artwork, some of which are sculptures of, well, herself. Gods, plural, so it's probably(?) not the Christian one or any figures related to that...else things might be Awkward given her history. ]
Wonderful! [ She seems to brighten at Saber's answer. ]
I promised someone I would make a shrine for him-- I, ah, [ A soft, apologetic look to her. ] can't tell you who he is, because he wishes to keep his godhood a secret.
[ But anyways! ] So far I've constructed the structure itself, but it does need one more thing. [ A smile. ] It requires a statue or depiction of him or-- or so he's told me.
Would be be able to craft something liberally, oh, perhaps... based on a description of him rather than actually seeing him? [ Aka, this is definitely a challenge quest. DO ART! But not without a model! Can Saber use her artistry to accomplish that?! ] What he symbolizes is more important, I think, than how he actually physically appears.
[ He wants to keep his godhood a secret? That's not very common for the people she hangs out with, but she can understand if he's not associated with something pleasant. Nero nods along as Pyra explains. ]
Hm...I admit, having such inevitable inaccuracies in my work would feel mite strange.
[ Yet if he wants to keep his identity a secret, then the client's wishes come first. And she understands this feeling, of keeping one's reputation a secret from the populace, because she is doing that exact same thing, taking the moniker of "Saber". ]
But if it cannot be helped, then I will fashion a most grand image of him to the best of my genius, yes!
"Grand" is... it's one way to describe him, but not in the traditional sense, even if he is a martial god. But his magnificence isn't something one can readily pick up from how strong he appears-- honestly, he's quite lithe and slender. [ and can be mistaken for a woman ]
Instead, his splendor comes from here. [ She taps her chest, as if to place a hand over her heart. ] He is a very kind, caring person, and genuinely compassionate. ....And most importantly, he is indeed a god that wishes to actively help others. [ Which is more than she can say for any other god she's met. ] He is as graceful as the dawn, his brilliance shining through and touching whoever he meets... but also subtle, as if his divinity is clouded in a somber mist. I doubt his godliness is something anyone would be able to pick up on unless he'd reveal it.
[ She continues: ] But for a more concrete image, he's told me that traditionally he's often depicted in royal garb, with a sword in his right hand and flowers in his left. And he's mentioned that it isn't so much the image itself, for it is rare to see gods and know what they actually look like, but the symbolism. [ So yeah Pyra interprets that as she can definitely take artistic liberties. ]
[ Nero quickly grabs some spare paper and pencil lying around on the nearest table, though she does motion for Pyra to keep going as she speaks, gesturing with her fingers curled towards herself. She might be plagued with headaches on occasion, but her memory will suffice, don't worry.
She frenetically scribbles down her notes of Pyra's description, nodding to herself all the while. When she pauses, Nero looks up. ]
I see, I see. [ She'll probably base it off a Servant she knows that fits those traits closely enough, although with some alterations. ] What kind of garb is considered royal where he presides over? Different societies have different wear.
[ Indeed, royalty in Japan or China would dress differently than she did back in her days as a Roman emperor. ]
[ Upon Nero's doorstep, she'll find a neatly wrapped parcel complete with a bow on top reading:
To: Saber
From: Pyra
Here are some chocolates to show my appreciation! That's what the quest says, right? But I feel a lot more than just "appreciation" for you-- I truly admire you! So, I hope you enjoy these chocolates. :) ]
[ What a wonderful gift! Nero beams upon opening the door and seeing the gift left for her, the message warming her heart. Clearly, this means that Nero has to give something in return...which she's prepared already anyway. Why? Because it's Valentine's! She's not quite sure what it's about, but it's good to see people happy.
Although Nero was sad she couldn't give it in person since the other woman was out at the time, Pyra finds a chocolate confection from Nero in a parcel as well, sitting on her own doorstep the next day. A note is neatly tucked into the folds of the box. Her handwriting is neat and graceful, the letters almost like small calligraphic works of art themselves, befitting an emperor who had to write missives all day.
"Valentine's is a fine holiday to pour your feelings, your trust and love, into chocolate and express your gratitude. Indeed, it is my forte! Your gift is much appreciated, and you deserve only the best in return, my dear Pyra.
I can only express some of my feelings through this, but I will bestow it upon you. Behold!
I made this by myself!
The laurel wreath is a symbol of the rulers of my empire, you know. You'd better keep that in mind while you gnash your teeth on that chocolate!"
Nero signs it with "Saber" and a small doodle of a rose insignia pretty much the one used for this inbox post, a touch of flamboyance as she wishes. Most importantly, the chocolate itself...is pretty good! ]
[ A Servant? A penalty? Well, far be it from Nero to deny him the choice of who to contract with...actually, it seems like she's referring to a regular servant with a lowercase S. Oh. ]
Oh, Mythra!
Archer is indeed an enigma, and us Servants are used to contracting to Masters. However, I presume that is not the sort of Servant you mean. This will be a tricky request for even me...though I did have a feeling he was that type of man.
[ Nothing. Well, that's what Nero's here for, isn't she? She can't disappoint the both of them now, can she? ]
Hm...he seems to often be embarrassed around me and my artworks, but I am certain that his reactions are as such because it is I that he flusters so easily around, and not simply anybody else.
[ The woes of sharing a face with his king. Unfortunately, she can't simply transfer her/Artoria's face over to Mythra. That would be a quick way of getting Tristan to squirm, real quickly. ]
[ Actually. He did mention the Sabers in particular, when she inquired further.
But he also asked her not to talk about that, specifically, so she won't. Funny how Tristan didn't want that supposed "secret" to get out, but Nero's already guessed correct that it is, indeed, her face. ] okay so
yeah
how about a different angle.
if he's my servant, i wouldn't mind be treated like royalty. you're an emperor, got any tips for lording over someone?
[ Lording it over someone? She's lorded it over many someones, but not Tristan in particular. Knights of his type weren't exactly the norm for knights in Nero's own empire.
Still, it comes to her naturally. So naturally, in fact, that she finds it a bit difficult to simply...teach someone how to rule. To assert one's superiority. ]
Hold your head up high, in full confidence of your accomplishments. Recognize your own superiority and genius, and assert it wholeheartedly! Mythra, do you understand what a genius is?
[ It's fine, Tristan's used to being bossed around. That's the problem of this whole thing anyway, and he's sure to enjoy being bossed around by pretty girls!! ]
A genius is not someone who possesses superior talent or abilities. We would simply call that "skilled" instead. No, a genius is someone who understands the difference between themselves and others. And so, know your limits, but also your accomplishments. Take pride in what you can do and others cannot!
Truthfully, I could use the manpower of a Servant like him. There are some rose garden boxes I have been whiling away at in the town, as well as helping build a theater for performances.
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
backdated to 1/17!!!
BIATCH WE'RE GOING SHOPPING!!!Read: Pyra has a request, and so she's approaching Nero's assigned home. ]
no subject
Ah, Pyra! This is rather sudden, but certainly not unwelcome. What brings you here?
no subject
....Actually.
[ She smiles sweetly at her. ]
I have a request-- a commission, actually.
no subject
[ Nero's smile widens, and she opens the door, inviting the other girl to come in.
At least she wasn't scared off by the less...covered artwork.]Ah, I am heartened that you would seek out my artistic genius! It is usually the other way around, you see.
[ Commissioning public works projects, statues of herself, fountains, theaters...and so on. ]
no subject
Anyways, stepping in.... Yep, after seeing all the pieces of art in her home while not drunk only solidifies Pyra's opinion that she came to the right place. ]
But I do have a few questions first. Do you have experience in sculpting depictions of gods?
no subject
But of course! Gods, generals, emperors...we [ as in, her people/civilization/empire ] sought to make them the most awe-inspiring of figures! Though the materials here are not of the highest quality, I have put my all into fashioning what I can of the resources here. Indeed, working with wood has been a new experience for me, but a highly engaging one!
[ The Romans were quite enamored with statues of their gods (like the Greeks) and their emperors, so it is only natural for her to proclaim so. She places one hand on her chest and outstretches the other toward her artwork, some of which are sculptures of, well, herself. Gods, plural, so it's probably(?) not the Christian one or any figures related to that...else things might be Awkward given her history. ]
no subject
I promised someone I would make a shrine for him-- I, ah, [ A soft, apologetic look to her. ] can't tell you who he is, because he wishes to keep his godhood a secret.
[ But anyways! ] So far I've constructed the structure itself, but it does need one more thing. [ A smile. ] It requires a statue or depiction of him or-- or so he's told me.
Would be be able to craft something liberally, oh, perhaps... based on a description of him rather than actually seeing him? [ Aka, this is definitely a challenge quest. DO ART! But not without a model! Can Saber use her artistry to accomplish that?! ] What he symbolizes is more important, I think, than how he actually physically appears.
no subject
Hm...I admit, having such inevitable inaccuracies in my work would feel mite strange.
[ Yet if he wants to keep his identity a secret, then the client's wishes come first. And she understands this feeling, of keeping one's reputation a secret from the populace, because she is doing that exact same thing, taking the moniker of "Saber". ]
But if it cannot be helped, then I will fashion a most grand image of him to the best of my genius, yes!
no subject
[ Hm, where to begin? Ah-- ]
"Grand" is... it's one way to describe him, but not in the traditional sense, even if he is a martial god. But his magnificence isn't something one can readily pick up from how strong he appears-- honestly, he's quite lithe and slender. [
and can be mistaken for a woman]Instead, his splendor comes from here. [ She taps her chest, as if to place a hand over her heart. ] He is a very kind, caring person, and genuinely compassionate. ....And most importantly, he is indeed a god that wishes to actively help others. [ Which is more than she can say for any other god she's met. ] He is as graceful as the dawn, his brilliance shining through and touching whoever he meets... but also subtle, as if his divinity is clouded in a somber mist. I doubt his godliness is something anyone would be able to pick up on unless he'd reveal it.
[ She continues: ] But for a more concrete image, he's told me that traditionally he's often depicted in royal garb, with a sword in his right hand and flowers in his left. And he's mentioned that it isn't so much the image itself, for it is rare to see gods and know what they actually look like, but the symbolism. [ So yeah Pyra interprets that as she can definitely take artistic liberties. ]
no subject
She frenetically scribbles down her notes of Pyra's description, nodding to herself all the while. When she pauses, Nero looks up. ]
I see, I see. [ She'll probably base it off a Servant she knows that fits those traits closely enough, although with some alterations. ] What kind of garb is considered royal where he presides over? Different societies have different wear.
[ Indeed, royalty in Japan or China would dress differently than she did back in her days as a Roman emperor. ]
backdated to 2/6
To: Saber
From: Pyra
Here are some chocolates to show my appreciation! That's what the quest says, right? But I feel a lot more than just "appreciation" for you-- I truly admire you! So, I hope you enjoy these chocolates. :) ]
no subject
Although Nero was sad she couldn't give it in person since the other woman was out at the time, Pyra finds a chocolate confection from Nero in a parcel as well, sitting on her own doorstep the next day. A note is neatly tucked into the folds of the box. Her handwriting is neat and graceful, the letters almost like small calligraphic works of art themselves, befitting an emperor who had to write missives all day.
"Valentine's is a fine holiday to pour your feelings, your trust and love, into chocolate and express your gratitude. Indeed, it is my forte! Your gift is much appreciated, and you deserve only the best in return, my dear Pyra.
I can only express some of my feelings through this, but I will bestow it upon you. Behold!
I made this by myself!
The laurel wreath is a symbol of the rulers of my empire, you know. You'd better keep that in mind while you gnash your teeth on that chocolate!"
Nero signs it with "Saber" and a small doodle of a rose insignia
pretty much the one used for this inbox post, a touch of flamboyance as she wishes. Most importantly, the chocolate itself...is pretty good! ]#27DEA9
archer lost a battle against a plushie version of himself. he’s now my servant for the week, and since he lost he needs some sort of penalty!
i need help thinking of ways to embarrass him!
got any ideas?? the man is an enigma, he seemed very happy at being at my beck and call
no subject
Oh, Mythra!
Archer is indeed an enigma, and us Servants are used to contracting to Masters. However, I presume that is not the sort of Servant you mean. This will be a tricky request for even me...though I did have a feeling he was that type of man.
[ A male M, in other words. ]
What have you tried already?
no subject
nothing yet. we're still in the planning phase!
no subject
Hm...he seems to often be embarrassed around me and my artworks, but I am certain that his reactions are as such because it is I that he flusters so easily around, and not simply anybody else.
[ The woes of sharing a face with his king. Unfortunately, she can't simply transfer her/Artoria's face over to Mythra. That would be a quick way of getting Tristan to squirm, real quickly. ]
no subject
But he also asked her not to talk about that, specifically, so she won't. Funny how Tristan didn't want that supposed "secret" to get out, but Nero's already guessed correct that it is, indeed, her face. ] okay so
yeah
how about a different angle.
if he's my servant, i wouldn't mind be treated like royalty. you're an emperor, got any tips for lording over someone?
no subject
Still, it comes to her naturally. So naturally, in fact, that she finds it a bit difficult to simply...teach someone how to rule. To assert one's superiority. ]
Hold your head up high, in full confidence of your accomplishments. Recognize your own superiority and genius, and assert it wholeheartedly! Mythra, do you understand what a genius is?
no subject
[ GENIUS THO? MYTHRA? Noooooooooooooope. ]
and nero, i think you're the real genius here. that's why i'm asking, duh.
so because he's my servant and you've done me a favor, anything you need him for, that i can lend him to you?
[ ...Pimping out Tristan, wonderful. ]
no subject
A genius is not someone who possesses superior talent or abilities. We would simply call that "skilled" instead. No, a genius is someone who understands the difference between themselves and others. And so, know your limits, but also your accomplishments. Take pride in what you can do and others cannot!
Truthfully, I could use the manpower of a Servant like him. There are some rose garden boxes I have been whiling away at in the town, as well as helping build a theater for performances.