#de dorian

Dasha

Thinks you are absolutely adorable.

Explain your situation to her and she understands immediately.

Steps up right away: you want to write instead of speaking? Dasha will write too! You want to help another object but are too anxious to talk to them? For all intents and purposes, Dasha's your voice now! Want help becoming more confident when speaking? Dasha's great at helping!

Uses practice dates as a way to improve your social skills.

If you manage to talk your way through the date, even if it's just a little bit, she'll be so pleased with you: you're improving, that's great!

Will lift you up and try to make you giggle and/or squeal. It's not her fault you make the cutest little noises.

When she notices you've been smiling and vocalizing more around her, her heart swells. She's seen all the effort you've put into improving yourself for the sake of everyone in the house and she's deeply touched by that.

When you finally work up the courage to ask her on a proper date she's the speechless one, you've never seen someone turn so red. She accepts of course, she would be a fool not to after how many times she's fantasized about this moment.

It's almost impossible to feel sad or insecure with Dasha around, she's always there to pick you up (literally and figuratively; often both at the same time).

If you're able to speak to another dateable on your own, brace yourself for the biggest bear hug imaginable. In her eyes, every word spoken is a huge leap of progress and she couldn't be more proud.

Mateo

Takes him no time at all to understand and grow accustomed to your silent manner.

He takes a very gentle approach when interacting with you, always incredibly patient with you and your needs.

Never makes you feel pressured to vocalize. He's happy to communicate in whichever way is most comfortable to you.

Admires how you push yourself to help others even if you're too anxious to talk to them.

Especially grateful when you set aside time to help with the inanimals.

In your silence you have grown very observant and attuned to your surroundings, so finding Davi when he runs off is a breeze. You actually find it quite fun to focus on a task that doesn't involve talking to others. After you return with Davi Mateo becomes especially soft with you. You're something special (not to mention cute) and he doesn't want to let that go.

Interacting with animals has always been easier for you; there's less expectation or judgement. Because of this you're able to speak to the inanimals without trouble: cooing at them, telling them they've done a good job, comforting them when they get hurt. In fact, while he's heard you say a few words here and there, this is how Mateo first hears you properly speaking:

One of the smaller inanimals snagged a thread on a piece of furniture and you were patching them up, soothing them with your soft, sweet voice and delicately placing them back onto the ground with a cheerful 'Good girl!'

That's the moment it truly sunk in just how precious you'd become to his world.

You're still in that state of comfortable affection when you look up at him and say hello. He can't help the adoring smile that crosses his face as he pulls you into his arms, thanking you for helping out his little friend.

Doesn't patronize or make a big fuss about you talking, although his smile does seem just a bit brighter when you do choose to use words instead of silent communication.

You find yourself naturally becoming more vocal with him as the time goes by, conversations don't leave you exhausted, they just seem to flow naturally, and as a result your overall confidence when speaking seems to improve. It's gradual, but you find yourself able to talk to some of the others in the house, especially when you have one of the inanimals with you (they provide a perfect topic for conversation, and a perfect excuse to leave when you start to feel awkward)

Always there to cuddle if you feel overwhelmed, or on days when it feels like your throat's been barricaded shut. You're always at home in his arms. And if he's ever busy, you're free to snuggle with all the inanimals you want (they absolutely adore you).

Airyn

...

She's already in love with you from the moment you meet.

You understand the importance of letting yourself breathe without unsettling the air with meaningless chatter, and that makes her feel seen. Recognized. Respected.

The few words you do speak are spoken with reason and often give her a new perspective to consider, you are thoughtful, you do not waste the air with unnecessary contrivances, you actually interest her. She's always sure to respond.

She only speaks to you when spoken to, otherwise she's happy just enjoying the silence. You feel safe in these silences, enjoying the company of another with out the pressure of words.

Your relationship is a pure mutual understanding. Uninterrupted tranquility.

When you realize her the dynamic shifts entirely, though not in an unwelcome way.

You still never feel the pressure of carrying a conversation, but now it's for the simple fact that even if you wanted to speak you probably wouldn't be able to get a word in.

She can and will talk you to anything and everything, always with the most eager, dreamy smile on her face, not just because she enjoys talking, but because she enjoys talking to you. She's truly beautiful like this.

If you want to shut her up for a few seconds just give her a kiss. It's always sure to leave her breathless, in a way she never thought could feel so good.

You use those few moments of quiet to let your own voice be heard, and heavens above is that her favorite sound (she can't wait to tell you all about it once you've finished speaking).

But for now she'll listen. She never forgot how to listen.

Dorian

So incredibly understanding.

Never pushes you to speak if you don't want to.

One of the first objects in the house you feel comfortable speaking to: the upfront way he offered his friendship right from the get-go made you feel safe, like you'd already known him for a while (which you sort of did, in a technical sense).

He always seems to know what you need from him whenever you approach. Your questions get answered without you having to ask them.

Admires your willingness to help others and the courage it takes for you to push aside your anxieties when doing so.

You have a very difficult time saying no and expressing boundaries and thus often find yourself feeling cornered into doing things you'd rather not. But don't worry, Dorian has become quite adept at reading your expressions and body language and will immediately step in if he notices you looking uncomfortable.

Quite protective: he doesn't want you being used by the wrong sort.

If you whisper to him that you need his help with someone he'll be right there at your side, ignoring the fluttery feeling he always seems to get at the rare sound of your voice - this proof of your trust in him.

A steadfast companion, not to mention incredibly soft on you - he finds your gentle and friendly, albeit hesitant, approach to others endearing.

Once you've interacted with all of his forms he can no longer deny the strong attachment he's formed to you; the genuine kindness and patience you've shown, the dedication to truly getting to know him despite your anxiety, you have no idea how much that all means to him.

He feels fulfilled in the knowledge that you trust him deeply, and he can trust you just the same.

Luke Nukem

Definitely thinks it's some cool 'silent killer' thing. He barely even bats an eye.

Encourages you to write all your notes to him in code (yes you do spend a full session with him inventing your own secret code; can't risk any swarmers deciphering your communications).

Initially you feel too awkward to explain the true reason for your silence so you play along, and honestly, it's pretty fun. The escapism of stepping outside of yourself and becoming a 'ranger' actually makes the socializing easier.

Luke's authority and... muchness still sort of scares you away from vocalizing, but you'll find your voice eventually.

When he opens up to you following the magnetron incident, you find his vulnerability gives you the courage to speak on your own dishonesty/omissions. You express to him the truth behind your silence, the paralyzing fear that comes with talking to others, the heavy loneliness of not being unable to express yourself.

When you turn back to him, his wide eyes are full of tears and before you can speak another word you're wrapped in a bone crushing hug. He babbles into your hair about how he's never met another person who understood the crushing weight of isolation and the terror of not being able to trust those around you (you never know who might be an enemy). You're comrades for life now, ranger; the secret of your voice is safe with him.

Yeah... he still doesn't quite get it but he cares and that's what's important.

He's honored that you trust him with your voice, and only thinks you're even cooler and braver now that he knows your truth (or at least his twisted version of your truth).

Tell him you love him. Go on. Use your pretty voice and tell him. You've never seen a man look so frazzled. He's buzzing. Literally.

Say anything to him and his day get's brighter. No amount of powercrank could give him the high your words do.

The Heir is not pleased by the idea of having -what they consider- a babysitter, but understands the Ruler’s stresses and anxiety. Doesn’t mean they’re happy about it. But they give Dorian grace, he is simply following orders, besides, with him now by their side, they are actually able to leave the castle for the first time in months! Besides, they figure that after a month or two with no incidents, the rulers will realize that the man wouldn't be necessary any more and they’d be free of their armour cladded nanny!

It becomes quickly apparent that Dorian was to stay. Much to the Heir’s dismay.

Headcanons

Personal

Family: A mother (Alderia*) and two younger brothers (Yates* and Merrit*)

Lifestyle: His family lives in poverty, but has slowly been upgraded to lower class because of the payments from his job he has been sending back

Motivations: He wishes to protect his family and his kingdom, giving back the kindness his family was given. But he also wishes to give his family a better life, making sure they’d never have to worry about where there next meal would come from ever again.

* = Alderia is a pun off Alder, most commonly used wood out exterior doors. Yates and Merrit are english names that mean Door

General (Romantic)

Dorian Centric 

Dorian will only call the Player; “My liege, Your Highness.” Any attempts of them trying to get him to refer to them by name will be cut down, Dorian is very professional and the action of calling their higher as anything but their rightful title is considered a great act of disrespect (in his eyes.)

Player convinces him to say there name once, whilst the two sat in their royal chamber by themselves. Dorian whispered the name with such care it felt as if the name itself was spoken like a prayer- it felt so intimate that the player never brought it up again, too embarrassed by the way there heart fluttered at the sound.  Dorian is both thankful at the drop of the subject but also a little sadden, as the way their name rolled off his lips felt as right as the sword in his hand.

Does everything in his power to avoid touching their bare skin. Even if he has gloves on, he will only touch ((ONLY WHEN NEEDED)) where their royal garments cover. He gets extremely flustered and horrified if he accidentally does.

He took an oath to protect the player from any and all harm, and to him the idea of his tainted, bloodied and battle torn hands touching theirs, unblemished, is a far cry from what he promised with his oath.

Is always two paces behind or infront the player. There is rarely a time he walks with them, only following or leading their way. 

They are always within an arm's reach away from him, and when he lead them he will always check back on them routinely. And in crowded spaces, if he knows it will be such a way, will have another guard so the Player is flanked on both sides. The reason behind this strange walking is because it has been drilled into him that walking the path is for those who can keep their pace in both life and status. He, a knight -royal guardian or not-, is not to match their pace– ever. He may lead, and he may follow, but he may never join them at their side. The first instance of this happening, of him -even for a moment- joining your side, was after a long a grueling Ball filled with boring conversation and too many lingering stares. Dorian walked you to your chambers, being your crutch as exhaustion seeped from every pore, your knight now used as a less than comfortable headrest as you dragged your feet down the looping halls. Truly, a small thing, one that many wouldnt pay a second thought to, but the way his skin burned at the echo of the touch– even if it was separated by the cold iron plates of his armour, he never felt closer to you than in that moment.

Dorian swore an oath to his kingdom, to the Rulers, to you. An oath that swore that every swing of his sword would cut the throats of enemies who bewitch your name, that his shield would take every blow aimed for your royal heart and soul, that everything he did from that moment on was to protect ‘The Heir to the Throne’– You.

And it follows it to a T. No matter the countless nights of restlessness, nor the anxiety that bubbles in his chest when you leave his sight, nor the moments when all he wants is to rest his aching bones in the soil of the gardens. He would follow his word to the ends of the earth. Yet, no matter how often he lets the words roll off his tongue to remind himself,to keep his duties straight,  he cant help but fumble the words the longer hes by your side. Soon enough, you’re not just the royal heir. And soon enough, his cheeks burn from under his helm as he realizes he’s sworn to protect His Heir.