#violent violet

2. What does your full name mean? “Io is the name of one of the moons of Jupiter, discovered in 1610 by Galileo Galilei and Simon Marius. At Marius’ suggestion, it was named based on Greek mythology.” She sniffed, swirling one of her wrists before folding her hands gently but firmly in her lap, her gaze cold as it flicked up to meet yours. “Sørenson is simply the name I inherited from my father, derived from his Norwegian heritage. Although no longer fitting in it’s origin as ‘son of Søren’, I have been told that it’s root meaning is more appropriate, although I’m not aware of what that is.” (Hint: Google is fun.)

3. What are your nicknames/other names? “I do not encourage such informalities.”

4. Whats your gender? "Woman.” She blinked. The muscles in her jaw tightened ever so slightly. Aside from that, there were no notable changes in expression or tone as she continued, “That has no bearing on my performance as captain, I can assure you.”

5. Whats your sexuality? “A trivial detail, for I feel no need for any form of relations with others aside from professionally acquainted allies.” A soft vertical line appeared between Io’s brows, her eyes falling to the side. “In other words... I find closer dynamics to be... inconvenient. Unpleasant. Undesirable.” (She’s aroace, mates.)

6. Where are you from? Her gaze snapped back up. “I’m afraid that is not for public knowledge.”

“... What.”

“My father was from England, and that is all you are to know.” Certainly that’s where she sounded like she was from. But... Was her accent slipping?

7. How old are you? "30 years of age on the next February.”

“You came up with that number... quickly. Most I’ve talked to haven’t a clue of specif--”

“Age is crucial to ranks, and as a younger captain, it has been important to recall.”

“You certain that doesn’t have anything to do with the fact that everyone thinks you’re way younger?” Her eyelids flickered.

“Inconsequential.”

8. What is your magic form/species? "Excuse me?” 

“J-just... human, I’m assuming?”

“You act as though there exists anything else that could answer,” she paused, her hands clasping tighter, her stare unwavering. “There does not.”

9. What does your human form look like? The breath she took was deep, her shoulders loosening but still stiffly straight as she released a sigh. She again returned her attention to picking at the fabric of her gloves. “This interaction has a written transcription, I presume?”

“Y-yes, captain. A brief description should suffice.” She dipped her head curtly.

“Brown skin; dark, small curls contained neatly in a bun at my neck; the uniform and cocked hat of my rank; and the hazel eyes of my father.” The hesitation in your expression prompted her to continue: “Is there a problem?”

“... You omitted the fact that... you’re, ah...”

“My height is not crucial to this line of questioning.”

“... I’d have to disagree, captain. Being four feet and a half at your age is... a rather identifying feature.”

“Four feet and eight inches is not equivalent to four and a half.”

“Right! Yes, of. Of course. My... my mistake.”

10. What’s your aesthetic? “... Asset tick? What is--”

“Ah, the other one said the same thing.”

“The other one? Who--”

“Your aesthetic is... things that you feel represent you, in perhaps more of a vague manner.” Io didn’t seem incredibly pleased with your interruptions. The tense silence was discomforting, particularly because of the piercing glare currently directed your way. “If... you could... provide an answer, captain, that would be, uh. Appreciated.”

Captain Io didn’t reply. She smoothly drew forth an officer’s saber from the sheathe at her waist, her eyes flicking down to the shortsword which she now polished carefully, methodically, with a rag from her pocket.

“A clean blade, not for lack of use, but rather for its owner’s diligence in its care. Pristine gloves and uniform, well kept and well tailored. Pistols shot and sabers whirled within the moment it takes for your eyes to blink. And my ship, the Compass. A classically designed, elegant English galleon 45 guns and 194 sailors strong, renowned across the seas for never--” She tilted her head, emphasizing the word with a tap at her blade, the impact ringing through the cabin. “Never losing a fight.”

11. Who’s your best friend? “... My work takes the majority of my time. I do not have any to spare for forming friendships.”

“What about... closest allies, instead?” She deliberated on this for a long while before replying, her index finger pulling across her lower lip.

“When at sea with such a large crew, a mutual respect is required between a captain and her mates, the next of rank and the rest of the officers, else she risks mutiny. First Mate Solarin has earned my respect in the performances of her duties, and hence is responsible for captaining the ship in the event of my absence or inability.”

12. Would you ever get a piercing/tattoo? “There are reasons... aside from my adherence to formality, for why neither of those are options for me.”

13. When are you happiest? She sheathed her sword, the edge of her lip quirking in distaste. “That is none of your concern.”

“It’s one of the questions, captain.”

“One I am not answering.”

“Can’t admit you have emotions, or just too asha--”

“If you follow where your words are leading you, there’s a possibility you may not leave this room entirely whole. Or at all.”

“...”

14. What’s your biggest secret? Io blinked, her expression impassive. “If I shared that, it wouldn’t be much of a secret now, would it?”

“The classic answer. Well, is there something you can share?”

“Gloves are not a part of the Naval uniform.” She lifted her hands, folding her fingers together to place them on the table in emphasis of her point. “It’s a personal preference.”

“That’s... that’s the secret?”

“No.”

15. What was your first impression of ______? (Phoenix, in this case.)

“Skilled and competent, but in unfortunate circumstances which did not allow her to well display that.” Her eyes drifted away with her thoughts, a bit of a haze in the hazel. “She was far younger then, we both were. Inexperienced. Reckless. I suppose you could say I was... impressed. Inspired, by her tenacious spirit.”

You could have sworn there was the lightest dance of a smile over her face.