Dux Gladiorum

#KNIGHTETERNAL ── a study in the loss of home, rebirth of purpose, and devotion even in death - a story penned by prince/pj

rp blog for hysilens ( they/she ) of honkai star rail ── affiliated with @gnostichymns

| RULES && MUN. | DOSSIER. | IMPORTANT HEADCANONS. | TALENTS. |

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-ˏˋ♫ x ♘ˊˎ-

-ˏˋ⋆ x ⋆ˊˎ-

-ˏˋ♪ insert words ♬ˊˎ-

─── ⋆⋅♘⋅⋆ ─── ♬ shall we play a piece together? -ˏˋ ic ˊˎ-

─── ⋆⋅♘⋅⋆ ─── ♬ dux gladiorum has set down their blade -ˏˋ ooc ˊˎ-

─── ⋆⋅♘⋅⋆ ─── ♬ a solitary performance endured for hundreds of years -ˏˋmusings ˊˎ-

─── ⋆⋅♘⋅⋆ ─── ♬ life is as fleeting as a bubble -ˏˋ visuals ˊˎ-

─── ⋆⋅♘⋅⋆ ─── ♬ the songs of whales cannot be heard by their own kind -ˏˋ audio ˊˎ-

─── ⋆⋅♘⋅⋆ ─── ♬ insert text -ˏˋ thread ˊˎ-

─── ⋆⋅♘⋅⋆ ─── ♬ insert text -ˏˋ companion ˊˎ-

─── ⋆⋅♘⋅⋆ ─── ♬ though the ripples are fleeting they converge into waves -ˏˋ commission board ˊˎ-

─── ⋆⋅♘⋅⋆ ─── ♬ the storm's cacophony is calling -ˏˋ answered ask ˊˎ-

─── ⋆⋅♘⋅⋆ ─── ♬ that was our favorite game when the sea was still pristine -ˏˋ prompt ˊˎ-

─── ⋆⋅♘⋅⋆ ─── ♬ even if tomorrow is but an illusion it is still an intoxicating one -ˏˋ headcanon ˊˎ-

─── ⋆⋅♘⋅⋆ ─── ♬ i'd much prefer playing songs of triumph -ˏˋ birthday wishes ˊˎ-

She snuck into the unknown, following behind her most trusted blade, and because of that The Imperator found herself able to walk at ease. She stared at the back of her Dux Gladiorum, who was suspiciously quiet. Granted, they weren’t someone who Cerydra needed to speak; the silence shared between the Imperator and her Dux Gladiorum was the most beautiful sound of all, one indicative of their trust and comfort. 

   However, today’s silence gave fuel to the Imperator’s curiosity – first they called Cerydra with a request to follow, then upon meeting together there was silence with exception for the crunch of snow beneath both of their feet. Cerydra understood the heart of her most devout blade, yet even this sudden summons was curious to the Imperator. It had also been evident, from the way in which they walked, and how their hands remained up front rather than at their sides, that her Dux Gladiorum was carrying something. What, that something had been though, Cerydra was uncertain. ‘Mayhaps it is relevant to this summons…’

   Once they were a sufficient distance away from Belobog’s walls, the Imperator called out. “This is far enough, is it not?” Her voice is soft as it always had been when she and her Dux Gladiorum were alone with one another, save for a rare few times where it carried a strong harshness. “Dux Gladiorum…”

   Gentle curiosity took over the Imperator’s tone of voice, “what do you wish to give to me?” Cerydra sauntered close to her blade’s back, as she soon found her arms wrapped around her blade’s figure. The Imperator’s guess for the purpose of this summons was simply that – a guess. However… 

   If anyone were to make a correct guess on Hysilens’ intentions, then it would be none other than the Imperator who understood them better than anyone else, would it not?

Snowswept StampCard 4(5)/5 | accepting if anyone still needs a fightclub

The trek had been quiet, but the siren can find comfort in the silence. Not everything has to have a melody to accompany it- and it works just fine for the two of them. They have been side by side for many, many years now, so not everything needs to be said allowed for them to understand each other. Though, it was a tad difficult to make sure that the floral arrangement they had assistance in compiling together was hidden from her view. It was meant to be a gift- a surprise- after all.

They wanted the presentation to feel more.. personal. Eventful? Atmospheric? The city limits was not the painted backdrop that they wanted to have the moment in. So, they had asked the Imperator to follow them to somewhere Hysilens felt would be more.. appropriate a scene. There's only the slightest hesitance in their step as they come to a halt- at Cerydra's insistence that it was "far enough". They hoped it wasn't too uncomfortable a walk for her- they must remember to do something for her later as an apology.

That would be then, and this is now.

Arms encircle their form, and the siren easily relaxes into it- a touch they cherish and would do anything to keep. Hysilens slowly swirls in that embrace, now facing that soft voice with a equally soft smile of their own. Of course the Imperator knew what they had been up to- she was far too smart and knew their knight far too intimately to be incapable of such a feat.

In their hand was a rather small bouquet, with an evenly split type of flowers that encompassed the arrangement- of both the Ball Peony and First Snow. They had simply went with both of the lovely songstress' suggestions, as both had seemed to fit what the siren was going for ( or at least the best the two of them could come up with on a semi-short timeframe ).

❛ For you, dear Imperator. I hope you will accept these as a token.. ❜

A token of what? Their loyalty? Their devotion? Their affection? Their appreciation? Their respect? Their everything- as she was their everything. One hand rises to pluck a single First Snow from the batch, only to slide the stem over Cerydra's ear- letting the flora stick out as an accessory to further highlight the Imperator's beauty. Hysilens' gentle grin only grows more fond as they stare at the gift that had put together for their most important person.

❛ A perfect fit. ❜

Dual Blades, a talent he can respect as Mistelteinn blooms into existence by his side. The blade is no longer in its usual shape as he stalks around the edge of the ring akin to Gold's hounds, no to use the blade as a shortsword would be highly discourteous to his opponent, instead he calls up the needle like shape of a Khaenri'ahn rapier. Ice coats the blade like a sea of hoarfrost, yet it does little more than reduce the deadliness of the sting as he prepares himself to face off against someone he suspects is likely to feel the cold kiss more than even the sharpest incision.

"Lady Hysilens, a pleasure." The only curt acknowledgement he can give before ice condenses almost into wings, propelling him forth as blade trails behind. Battle, he finds, is like chess, except to win one must be willing to even sacrifice their king, so The Captain looks eagerly forward to seeing the action she takes, will it be defence, or will those blades attempt to cut him down where he stands?

He knows, after all, that those are not the eyes of softness, instead a knight prepared to kill, and so he finds himself looking forward to this dance of twisted steel.

Snowswept StampCard 3(5)/5 | accepting

They aren't entirely sure what brought on the sudden urge to enter the arena- perhaps simple idle curiosity at the strength of lands beyond Aquila's Sky. Whether for their own benefit, or for their Imperator, it matters not. Indigo scans the being that entered the ring just as they had, nearly as tall as the Mountain Dwellers- though not quite. Frost is easily visible as the man steps forward, and the heat behind the mask-covered gaze is flaming.

This might be more interesting than they thought.

The siren gives a polite bow, eyes only closing for a brief moment- cannot allow the upper hand to be taken so early on. Water swirls down one of their arms, the other rising straight outward toward the side- ready to slice through the air once that bell rings. The rules stated clearly that participants were not to kill each other, but that won't stop them from going all out should the opponent prove worthy- and this being radiates respect and and underlying sense of honor that fills the siren's ribs with something dangerously close to affection. A strange sense of kinship, in the most unlikely places.

❛ To you as well, sturgeon. Let me hear the song you can weave. ❜

"... Probably a different type of struggle than what you're used to, huh."

Standing guard alongside Hysilent, Dan Heng wonders just how she feels about weather quite like this. Struggle and hardship in themselves were no doubt something they were both accustomed to, but this was, nevertheless... different.

To him, much as he enjoys visiting Belobog, it feels somewhat... lonely, in a certain, very specific way, that he doubts anyone other than maybe her could understand. Their souls both belonged to the sea, but here on Jarilo-VI, whatever sea there once was was likely a singular large chunk of ice by now - or if by some miracle water still existed in a liquid state somewhere, it would nevertheless be locked beneath a thick frozen layer, creating a lifeless prison beneath, a place where he would never wish to be.

"... In a way, I guess you could say this place has something in common with Amphoreus," he notes, partially to her and partially to himself. "This city is this world's last bastion of survival, and must be protected at all costs. And its people are doing all they can to pull through. I've been here a few times before - I could tell you more if there is anything you're wondering about."

Snowswept StampCard 2(4)/5 | accepting

It is a tad surprising to see the little dragonfish having reverted back to his original shape- but only just. From what they've heard from the Deliverer, the raven has more than one. Very interesting- but they shan't pry. 'Tis not the siren's place.

They listen intently, genuine in their interest of the tale of the tundra below their feet. The fire before them glows faintly, the warmth hardly felt in such an icy atmosphere. But that isn't really a problem.

❛ The temperature is an issue for most on land, I assume. But to me, this is.. nostalgic, in a way. The sea is often cold- much colder than this place- so it doesn't bother me. ❜

Hysilens semi-assures with a soft grin, moving to grab a new piece of wood- ready to tend the fire when the time comes. They do miss the ocean, don't get them wrong, but the desire for the open water isn't strong enough to be overwhelming- for now.

❛ I see.. Belobog is much like Ohkema was near the end of Amphoreous' cycles.. the last stronghold for living things. I respect their strength and dedication to their of survival. ❜

The siren has seen many fall, either from the Black Tide or were pulled under the Imperator's rule. Or even their own home below the waters.. many kin gone in the blink of an eye. The beings of the land are far more resilient than Hysilens' had given them credit for.

the false stars twinkle like real ones. you sit off to the side, at a remove from the others, and try to count how many of earth's constellations you still remember the sight of. it's a somber thought, so you let your surroundings distract you from it — your attention drifting away from the man-made night sky to your fellow visitors. a young man holding up a baby as she outstretches her stubby arms. an old couple sitting together in content quiet. then, you notice them — a stranger who, amidst the strangers that surround you, stands out the most.

their posture, like a soldier's. their expression, inscrutably serene, yet tinged with — sorrow, wistfulness, hope? you can't quite identify the latent feeling.

“it's quite charming, isn't it?” you glance back up at the simulated stars, now standing beside the stranger. the bits of glass, quartz, and polished stone gleam as they reflect the tiny artificial lights nested among them. “i wonder how accurate the placements of the stars are, compared to what we'd see on the surface.”

you make a guess: your companion must be a visitor, too. “i'll never get used to it — standing under a completely different night sky, every time i visit a new planet.”

Snowswept StampCard 1(2)/5 | accepting

The approach of a trout is unexpected, but not entirely unwelcomed. Though they had been told these stars were not real, that they were entirely flesh-being made, that does not diminish the twinkle that spreads out from each dot. Fascinated at the mere concept of inorganic being fabricated into being, Dux Gladiorum cannot peel their gaze away.

❛ Indeed. I hardly, if ever, looked skyward.. Now, a small piece wishes that I had. Not for nostalga's sake, but because I would be intrigued by the differences. ❜

Obviously they never went beyond Aquila's territory ( for multiple reasons ), so this fish-out-of-water is taken and reassured in an odd way by the knowledge that life continues to flow regardless where the home takes root. This isn't the first time Dux Gladiorum had been shown an entirely new way of life, but seeing another new one is always something that would drag them through heavy currents. It was a rough transition. Thankfully this is just a visit.. but the time spent here won't be so easily forgotten.