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Searching for: Posts from Immortes.
Posted: Wed, 31/07/2024 22:11 (3 Months ago)
· · ────────────────────── ·𖥸· ────────────────────── · ·
Dezerae Li
Picture (not so) Perfect | Illusion Studios


Hanahaki Disease AU
marescent

TW: Fictional depictions of chronic illness, body horror




mar·ces·cent | /märˈsesənt/

(of leaves or fronds) withering but remaining attached to the stem.

Latin marcescent-, marcescens, present participle of marcescere to wither, inchoative from marcēre to wither; akin to Middle High German mern to dip bread in wine or water, Middle Irish mraich, braich malt, and probably to Greek marainein to waste away


Segment 11 Report || ██████ - Hanahaki Case 4057

Patient name: ██████

Flowers
______white rose (silence)
______willow (sadness)
______hyacinth (regret)
______pink carnation (mother's love)
______white peony (forgiveness)

Illness Status:
Chronic, long-term condition.

Patient status:
Alive with treatment.

Disease Timeline:
______Illness originated during early childhood.
______Initial onset believed to be triggered by intense emotional repression and unreciprocated affections.
______Symptoms diminished temporarily during adolescence, possibly due to psychological suppression or emotional distancing.
______Resurgence of symptoms observed recently, correlating with renewed proximity or emotional triggers involving the unidentified “affection source.”

Clinical Overview
Hanahaki Disease (commonly referred to as “Lovelorn Affliction”) presents as an abnormal, aggressive growth of flowers in the respiratory system, triggered by unrequited or emotionally unresolved love. The case of patient ██████ is particularly severe, classified as “Chronic Hanahaki,” with symptoms persisting and fluctuating over many years.

Symptoms: Mild/Moderate Stages
______Persistent coughing, often accompanied by hoarseness.
______Difficulty swallowing and periodic choking sensations.
______Chest pain and pressure, especially during emotional distress.
______Frequent episodes of lightheadedness and muscle fatigue.
______Coughing up flower petals, most recently observed with significant blood-streaked specimens.
______Notable bulging in the esophageal region, likely from entangled roots or emerging blooms.

Symptoms: Severe Stages
______X-rays reveal root systems intertwined within the lungs and trachea, suggesting deep-set growth.
______Fully developed blooms have been detected on multiple occasions during chest scans, constricting airflow.
______Patient reports severe difficulty breathing after stressful events or during emotional encounters involving the unidentified “source.”
______Periodic episodes of blood-filled coughing.


Critical Notes

- Hanahaki Disease : also called being "lovelorn"; a diagnosis in which the afflicted suffers from abnormal growths of flowers in the airways, resulting in respiratory distress, internal bleeding, and eventual death if allowed to progress to severe stages.
- Flower petals may offer insight into the patient's psychological and emotional state, however there is no current data to suggest any clear correlation at this time.
- Able to be managed by medication, however without a cure and if allowed to exacerbate without treatment, symptoms may rapidly worsen.
- Stages may also be denoted by symptoms of emotional distress, the absence of certain individuals causing symptoms akin to withdrawal.
- Symptoms worsen when subject ██████ witnesses the individual socializing or displaying affectionate behaviors with others.
- Surgery possible to remove flowers possible alongside chemical treatment. ██████ is unwilling.




Tentative Plot Ideas/Prompts

Insert I: salix babylonica, weeping willow
[...] initial diagnosis and coping mechanisms, loveless childhood result in early manifestation of the disease. recieves (and loathes) the initial pills designed to prevent excessive growth of the illness.

Insert I: rosa alba, white rose
[...] the illness abates when meeting pantalone (manipulation keeps the doctor away), dottore (with his unorthodox and sometimes painful treatments), and estella (true love at a cost). ray does not speak of her hanahaki disease outside of the fatui as it could impact her image. illusion studios meeting where anne and dakota work together causes ray's symptoms to come back.

Insert III: hyacinthus orientalis, purple hyacinth
[...] shows how the treatment's side effects take it's toll on ray's health and prevent her from being fully there for the models. on the outside it looks like she doesn't have time for them, and she remedies this by finding more unconventional ways to show her love. with the revelation that the cure to hanahaki is love, ray tries to delude herself into thinking anne loves her (or that she's being greedy). illusion studios act iii takes place. symptoms persist with ray hiding the bloody petals.

Insert III: dianthus caryophyllus, pink carnation
[...] "I love you Anne. But you cannot keep relying on me to help you, you know? I can't be there for you forever." ray is bogged down by her treatment resulting in a less than enthusiastic mother's day. she tries her best to reciprocate anne's gestures but ultimately loses her patience when a photoshoot goes wrong. illusion studios act iv-v. events gossip turns anne against her with lies - estella and ray break up - and ray is forced to resign. symptoms worsen on the drive home. resentment, anger and grief against her daughter for siding with dakota; ray acknowledges she hasn't been there for anne the best way.

Insert IV: acanthus ebracteatus, acanthus
[...] surgery comes up, a likely cure in the case that the treatments are not able to keep them in bay. ray refuses, convinced that if she stays away from illusion studios, she'll likely forget about anne in time. show how ray is unable to leave the woman she once regarded as her daughter. pride and artifice mix. symptoms get worse. worried pantalone for once who tries to keep her in the fatui permanently.

Insert V: paeonia lactiflora, white peony
[...] either ray dies in the hospital or her daughter confesses to being difficult. ray has to understand how her undrestanding of love is inherently flawed - and maybe she's okay with letting anne go. she arranges surgery to take the flowers out; will anne feel better if she forgives her?


[Read more]
Posted: Thu, 25/07/2024 17:13 (3 Months ago)
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Brighella, The Enchantress
Picture Perfect


Business Relations

▻ Pantalone ◅
"...like father like daughter" ... words

▻ Dottore ◅
"...quote" ... words

▻ Pulcinella ◅
"...quote" ... words



[Read more]
Posted: Tue, 23/07/2024 15:45 (3 Months ago)


✦•······················•✦•······················•✦



「 ✦ 𝕿𝖍𝖊 𝕱𝖆𝖙𝖚𝖎 ✦ 」


Délice masqué • the comedy of the fools


⚝ Prologue:
"No tree, it is said, can grow to heaven unless its roots reach down to hell."
___- Carl Jung


⚝ Introduction
____ In the shadows of virtue, the places where the sun doesn't reach, words that are never uttered except out of private rooms, sin flourishes. The prevalence of mortal delinquency leaving rotten wounds to fester where need is abundant, whether mortals are inherently vulnerable to their base desires or if the concept of sin is an artificial construct. The Fatui as an organization becomes the city's answer. Over time, the Fatui grew fattened on the desperation, vices, and personal desires of the city.
The Fatui are spread out over the city, some more overtly than others.


⚝ About the Fatui: Sin under Virtuous Guises
____ words

⚝ About The Fatui: Recruitment and Initiation
____ words

⚝ About The Fatui: The 11 Harbingers and their Queen
____ words




[Read more]
Posted: Tue, 23/07/2024 14:44 (3 Months ago)


✦•······················•✦•······················•✦



「 ✦ 𝕮𝖊𝖑𝖊𝖘𝖙𝖎𝖆 ✦ 」


les voix du ciel • heavens' voices


⚝ Introduction
____ words

⚝ About Celestia: The Seven Heavenly Virtues
____ words

⚝ About Celestia: Flaws and Stagnation
____ words

⚝ About Celestia: Missionaries and Public Presence
____ words




[Read more]
Posted: Mon, 22/07/2024 21:09 (4 Months ago)


✦•···································•✦•···································•✦

「 ✦ 𝓡𝓮𝓿𝓮𝓻𝓲𝓮 ✦ 」
/ˈrev(ə)rē/

a state of being pleasantly lost in one's thoughts; a daydream


late 15th century: from French reverie, (obsolete) resverie,
from Old French reverie, resverie ‘madness, revelry’, from rever ‘be delirious’




Master thread for all Illusion Studios: Picture not So Perfect Lore
Factions, some NPC characters, and their relevant ideologies take inspiration from Genshin Impact
but they are interpreted in an OOC way to fit with the storyline.


✦•···································•✦•···································•✦

▶ Factions (Picture Not So Perfect)
__ __the fatui || xxx
__ __celestia || xxx
__ __illusion studios || xxx
▶ Locations (Picture Not So Perfect)xxxxxxxxxxxx
_______the wolf and the lamb || bar
_______illusion studios || studio and residence halls
_______bellevue || music and performance hall









[Read more]
Posted: Mon, 22/07/2024 10:29 (4 Months ago)
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Dezerae Li
Picture (not so) Perfect | Illusion Studios


Acolyte of The Financial Arcanum


heir | /er/

a person inheriting and continuing the legacy of a predecessor.


blurb here

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leg·a·cy | /ˈleɡəsē/

the long-lasting impact of particular events, actions, etc. that took place in the past, or of a person’s life.

Among the most prevalent of her worries, should she need to take on Pantalone's mantle as the Regrator, she'll no longer be able to ignore the ramifications of Pantalone's actions. While like most businessmen, Pantalone is no shining star of morality, Ray has heard through his late-night rants and hidden cruelty the desperate extremes he will use to even the scales. The legacy of the Regrator will be one cast in blood and tears and the doings of a rich man will not end with him.

Prior to her ascension to the ranks of the eleven Harbingers, Ray's status as Pantalone's heir apparent was kept secret. Too many eyes and ears could do harm with the news. Even her closest agents will remain unaware of the exorbitant inheritance upon her shoulders. When they first met, there was very few frills and feathers. Pantalone's contract with her was straightforward. In exchange for a sizeable funding, enough for her performances to serve mostly as her only funding...


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ex·pec·ta·tion | /ˌekˌspekˈtāSH(ə)n/

a belief that someone will or should achieve something.


blurb here




[Read more]
Posted: Sat, 20/07/2024 17:58 (4 Months ago)
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Dezerae Li
Picture (not so) Perfect | Illusion Studios


Ministry of Civil Affairs and Business Relations
aka. brighella's department in the fatui


"Well I guess you could say it's human resources. But trust me I'm not that crappy at my job."
"Organized crime? How crude. We prefer the term nobility."
"The politician who plays the servant ultimately becomes the master."


Ambasador between Two Worlds.

tba

Two faced Kindness; Devil in The Details.

tba

Avoiding Detection; Hiding in Plain Sight.

Dezerae, more often than not, reaps the bitter pains of her low station. The rank of Harbinger is far less glamorous when you're at the mercy of your coworkers after all. Rather than indulge in grand aspirations and




[Read more]
Posted: Mon, 15/07/2024 01:23 (4 Months ago)
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DEZERAE LI
Picture Perfect/Genshin Impact


Profiling
prompt


An Animal: Red Fox

"Foxes and wolves belong to the same family — .... canine. And the difference is that the wolf when he shows you his teeth,
you know that he’s your enemy; and the fox, when he shows you his teeth, he appears to be smiling."

Red foxes are found across Britain in a variety of habitats. These animals are only absent from the Scottish Islands, except for the Isle of Skye. These foxes are easily identifiable from their bushy tails and rusty red coats, with white fur around the muzzle, neck, belly and tip of the tail. They also have patches of dark brown on the ears and legs.

Red foxes live around the world in many diverse habitats including forests, grasslands, mountains, and deserts. They also adapt well to human environments such as farms, suburban areas, and even large communities. The red fox's resourcefulness has earned it a legendary reputation for intelligence and cunning. They are able to adapt to urban settings as well. Foxes have developed strong stomachs and immune systems, so they're unlikely to be affected by rotting food scraps. Urban foxes primarily scavenge for food, but when they hunt it is usually for birds or small mammals such as rats and mice, helping to keep rodent numbers under control.

According to Japanese folklore, the Kitsune, a mischievous and cunning fox-trickster, is believed to have been the creator of the enigmatic shapeshifting fire. This elusive creature possesses an otherworldly radiance that calls out to us from beyond, much like the fox itself, which appears suddenly and dazzles us with its brilliance, only to vanish as quickly as it appeared. In Japan and China, no other entity has been endowed with such remarkable spectral potency as the enigmatic and alluring fox.

• The occult | • Liminality
• Beauty | • Charms
• The harbinger of change






A Flower: Orange Lilies

"The lily I condemned for thy hand, And buds of marjoram had stol'n thy hair: The roses fearfully on thorns did stand, One blushing shame, another white despair" - William Shakespeare, The Plays of Shakespeare with the Poems”, p.775

Lily flowers symbolize beauty, femininity, and purity, making them a favorite choice for religious ceremonies and special occasions. In some religions, they are likened to the Virgin Mary as they are believed to have sprung up from her tears when she wept for Jesus’ death.

In Greek Mythology, Lilies were the flower of Hera - with the white lily coming to symbolize immortality and purity. According to ancient Greeks, lilies were a gateway between life and death, thus they were often placed on gravesites and honored at funerals in order to remember those who have passed on. The lily is one of the oldest symbols in Greek mythology, representing hope and new beginnings.

Like most flowers, different color lilies symbolize different things; despite its jovial and energetic color, orange lilies symbolize hatred and disdain.

• Healing/Harm
• Hatred | • Pride
• Restoration | • Disdain






A Color: Cognac #9A463D

Cognac is a type of brandy that is made in the Cognac region of France. It is a distilled spirit made from white grapes, and is aged in oak barrels to give it its distinct flavor and aroma. The drink dates back to the 16th century of Charente, France — around the same time when wine was first being distilled. It became quickly known as ëEau de Vieí or ëWater of Lifeí due to its high alcohol content and perceived medicinal properties.

Cognac also carries symbolic meaning related to friendship and camaraderie. It is often served after meals or at social gatherings, making it a symbol of togetherness amongst friends. One of the most apparent effects of drinking cognac is relaxation. This may be due in part to the ingredients used in production

The power of Cognac as a luxury symbol has been growing for centuries, and is now firmly entrenched in the hearts and minds of those who appreciate the finer things in life. Cognac is a type of brandy made from white grapes grown in the Cognac region of France. It is aged in oak barrels and has a distinctive flavor and aroma that has been seducing drinkers for generations. Its popularity and prestige have been further enhanced by its association with luxury, high quality, and sophistication.

The flavor of cognac is usually characterized as having deep, woody notes combined with a hint of sweetness. It has a range of aromas from fruity, floral, and spicy to smoky, woody, or nutty. A good quality cognac will have a long, smooth finish with subtle nuances that linger on the palate.

• Sophistication | • Wealth
• Luxury | • Tradition






A Gemstone: Mother of Pearl

"The pearl represented the journey of the soul or spirit along the path to perfection. In ancient burials, mourners placed pearls in the mouths of the deceased. Since pearls apparently contained the principles of life, they hoped they could assist the dead on their journeys beyond."

Perhaps the best-loved gems of all time, pearls—natural and cultured—occur in a wide variety of colors. The most familiar are white and cream, but the palette of colors extends to every hue. Natural pearls form around a microscopic irritant in the bodies of certain mollusks. Cultured pearls are the result of the deliberate insertion of a bead or piece of tissue that the mollusk coats with nacre. Cultured pearls are popular for bead necklaces and bracelets, or mounted in solitaires, pairs, or clusters for use in earrings, rings, and pendants. Larger pearls with unusual shapes are popular with creative jewelry designers.

• Purity • Balance • Water/The Ocean
• Inner Wisdom • The Moon

"ray quote here"






A Fragrance: Rain, eucalyptus, and a dash of cinnamon

...Icy tears from the heavens, biting yet pure
A verdant array of scents reminiscent of the forest cling to her cloak...
...A spice, intensely sweet and just a hint bitter, lingering in her wake.

The air hangs thick with the scent of rain, a refreshing balm that mingles with the earthy aroma of eucalyptus, evoking the sensation of icy tears cascading from the heavens. Each droplet carries with it a bite of purity, as if nature itself has wept in celebration of a new beginning. As she glides through the dampened landscape, a verdant array of forest scents clings to her cloak, enveloping her in a lush embrace. The vibrant notes of damp earth and foliage blend seamlessly with the crispness of the eucalyptus, creating an invigorating atmosphere that whispers of rejuvenation.

Trailing behind her is a spice that adds an unexpected layer to the olfactory tapestry. Intensely sweet yet tinged with a hint of bitterness, it lingers in her wake like a memory that refuses to fade. This dash of cinnamon weaves through the freshness of the rain and the green notes of the forest, grounding the experience with warmth and complexity. Together, these fragrances form an overall impression that is both ethereal and earthy—a harmonious dance of nature’s elements that evokes a sense of peace and renewal, inviting those who encounter it to pause and breathe deeply, if only for a moment..






A Mask: Vicarius Aureas

"Comedy is an escape, not from truth but from despair; a narrow escape into faith." - Christopher Fry

The Fatui are distinguished from other organizations by their mask, which they don in mockery of the gods. Their name meaning 'fools,' anyone more ignorant believe they make wisdom from folly. Their reputation of fear preceeds the extreme methods they use in the Tsaritsa's name. Covering Ray's entire face, her mask leaves much to the imagination, sparking debate abroad as some delegates have never seen her without it. Purely white, the color of the mask is uncanny - even more so because of the painted, rictus grin and bold black lines in the shape of eyes and faces. Golden eyes full of mirth and mischief shine through; her only human trait.

When juxtaposed with the Fatui's grim visages and threatening demeanor, her pallor is jarring. Brighella enjoys portraying herself as a young woman - and her charismatic demeanor is deeply highlighted by her youth. The mask itself is already adorned with a smile, creating an illusion of cheerfulness and lightheartedness.

Over time, Brighella learned that a beautiful face is a greatest deceiver.






An Instrument: The Clarinet

The "clarinet" is a versatile woodwind instrument with a single-reed mouthpiece. Known for its rich and distinctive timbre, the clarinet produces sound by the vibration of a reed against the mouthpiece when air is blown through it

The clarinet's sound is often described as warm, mellow, and expressive. Its unique tone is a result of the reed's vibration against the mouthpiece and the instrument's cylindrical bore. The clarinetist uses a combination of fingers and breath control to produce different pitches and dynamics.

In orchestras, the clarinet plays an essential role in woodwind sections, contributing to harmonies, melodies, and solos. In chamber music and jazz, it takes on both lead and supporting roles, demonstrating its agility and expressive capacity. The clarinet family includes various sizes, each with its own range and tonal characteristics. The B♭ clarinet is the most common and versatile, while the bass clarinet adds depth to the lower register. The clarinet's unique sound quality makes it suitable for classical, jazz, klezmer, and even modern experimental music.






A Role: Servant of Two Masters | Snezhnayan Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration

"In order to become the master, the politician poses as the servant." - Charles de Gaulle

words




[Read more]
Posted: Mon, 08/07/2024 21:19 (4 Months ago)
xxx8. Mythology/Gods
xxxxxxxa. God and mortal?

xxx9. Divergent Trilogy

xxx10. Maleficent Diology
xxxxxxxa. Dark fae and human?

xxx11. Detroit: Becoming Human
xxxxxxxa. Android and Human

xxx12. Genshin Impact

xxx13. Food Fantasy
xxxxxxxa. Red Wine x Steak
xxxxxxxb. Vodka x Boston Lobster

xxx6. Post apocalyptic
xxxxxxxa. Mxf romance
xxxxxxxb. Future / Past
xxxxxxxc. Alien Invasion
xxxxxxxd. Zombie Apocalypse

xxx7. Hunger Games Trilogy
xxxxxxxa. Victor/victor
xxxxxxxb. The reaping/first games together
xxx0. Fandom
xxxxxxxa. Sub-interest

xxx1. Star Wars
xxxxxxxa. Clone Wars
xxxxxxxb. Galactic Civil War
xxxxxxxc. Sequels
xxxxxxxd. Star Wars Rebels
xxxxxxxe. Sith/Jedi survival situation
xxxxxxxf. Dark/Light side seduction/redemption
xxxxxxxg. Jedi/Padawan
xxxxxxxh. new! high school au

xxx2. Pokémon
xxxxxxxa. Journey
xxxxxxxb. Crossover with Star Wars Rebels
xxxxxxxc. Champion and trainer
xxxxxxxd. PP/PM for details

xxx3. His Dark Materials / Golden Compass
xxxxxxxa. Daemons
xxxxxxxb. Mxf romance

xxx4. Canine / Warrior cats / Were-creatures

xxx5. Ancient cultures [ PP/PM to discuss ]


[Read more]
Posted: Mon, 10/06/2024 01:41 (5 Months ago)
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Dezerae Li
Picture (not so) Perfect | Illusion Studios


✐ᝰ Schooling


“Pardon me, we can raise her better”
“Ray doesn’t need algebra”
“Shakespeare, who?”


You'd never realize it from looking at her, but Dezerae Li's experience in higher education was: homeschooling. Entirely.

She'll never drive past a school without a wistful glance, watching on as groups of high-school children mingle and laugh.

It hurts. To know what she will never have.

There were several key reasons to pulling Dezerae out of school freshman year; time constraints, lack of academic vigor, and (privately discussed perhaps between Dottore and the Regrator), school being an open forum for ideas incongrous to their goals. With Dezerae still developing her ideals, to send her off into a place where the lessons Pantalone taught her might not be accepted was too much of a risk to take.

That and Pantalone was not willing to pay for anything less than top-notch education.

Given that he was sponsering her, Pantalone got the final say on everything, and needless to say he was not impressed. By the end of the fall term, the principle (and her) recieved a curt letter from Pantalone stating that he'd found alternative suitable academic accomodations for her. Dezerae mourns (privately) that last bit of normality being taken from her. Already struggling to blend in with children her age due to her cloistered upbringing, Dezerae was often unable to make time between her 'missions' and her performances. This often left her feeling detached and awkward around kids her age, and she often formed superficial relationship that were easy to cut.

The training she underwent as a Fatui agent was technically split between Arlecchino, Pantalone and Dottore - with a healthy load of the other Harbingers specialties thrown in for good measure. While most of her learning was done in a typical classroom setting, there were plenty of hands-on jobs that allowed her to apply her knowledge real time. Self defense became especially important after Signora's mysterious disappearance and death.
(because ray definitely didn't have a whole week's worth of panic attacks after that)

As a result of her cloistered upbringing, Dezerae wound up taking after Pantalone most in terms of working style, unconciously incorporating his ruthless methods in her every day life, as well as Dottore's skewed ideologies regarding Fatui politics. Down the line, Dezerae was aware of the fact that many of her concerts were in fact hubs for Fatui socialization and scheming — an unspoken contract. After all, wasn't that what a good Fatui operative did? Maintain a cover while carrying out their notorious schemes?

Even so, Dezerae cannot help feeling like something was missing. The makeshift promenade Pulcinella hosted on the same day as the actual school event (filled to the brim with the Fatui elite) didn't really help either.


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[Read more]
Posted: Sun, 09/06/2024 02:50 (5 Months ago)
Previous misdeeds: Um lets see: may have had a hand in isolating her girlfriend (NPC for now) by getting her “Bad friends” expelled and underwent a ritual to exorcise her old self

jkjk

Unless…

[Read more]
Posted: Sun, 09/06/2024 01:04 (5 Months ago)
considering elites do not have significantly more plot-value or superpowers attached, I do not see the issue. If anything it will be interesting to explore how being at the very top affected their character and decisions going forward.

[Read more]
Posted: Sat, 08/06/2024 19:59 (5 Months ago)
question, I know multiple powers are allowed
but can multiple species be allowed as well? e.g. faerie, changeling, kitsune, etc.

[Read more]
Posted: Sun, 02/06/2024 06:46 (5 Months ago)
· · ────────────────────── ·𖥸· ────────────────────── · ·
Dezerae Li
His Dark Materials/The Golden Compass

[ Daemon ]

"I do not believe that any peacock envies another peacock his tail, because every peacock is persuaded that his own tail is the finest in the world.
The consequence of this is that peacocks are peaceable birds."
- John Ruskin




"Vince" (Van-Gogh) | Askalaphos "Kala"
Indian Blue Peafowl Pavo cristatus • Phasianidae


xxx
Voice Claim - Jayce from Arcane

❖ Etymology
★ "Vince" - v(i)-nce
Vincent is a boy’s name with Latin origins.
Meaning, “prevailing” or "conquering,"


★ "Van Gogh" - v-ah-n goff
❖ A Dutch Post-Impressionist painter who is among the most famous and influential figures in the history of Western art. In just over a decade, he created approximately 2100 artworks, including around 860 oil paintings, most of them in the last two years of his life.
❖ Born in 1853, Van Gogh struggled with mental illness throughout his life. He suffered from depression, anxiety, and eventually developed epilepsy. These conditions made it difficult for him to maintain stable relationships, and he often felt isolated and alone.


❖ Symbolism
Vince embodies Dezerae's pride, vigilance, and cunning, reflecting both power and vanity in their strategic role within the Fatui. Pantalone’s choice to name the daemon Vincent Van Gogh adds a layered irony—glorifying Brighella’s genius by comparing it to the renowned artist, while also cruelly alluding to Van Gogh's tragic life of suffering and unrecognized brilliance.

❖ Settling
★ Settled when Dezerae was about 14-15 years old.
★ After Dezerae got the keys to her new residence among the Fatui, having cut ties with her family for the last time, she enjoyed the new feeling of liberation granted to her. Her confidence boosted, she felt ready to embrace a double life without being tied down by her fears of abandonment or recognition. Vince would take his final form on stage during the perfomance that final night.


❖ About: The Peacock - ref
❖ Symbols of beauty, elegance and confidence
❖ In courtship, vocalization stands to be a primary way for peacocks to attract peahens. Some studies suggest that the intricacy of the "song" produced by displaying peacocks proved to be impressive to peafowl.
❖ Peafowl lives a long time—between 10 and 25 years in the wild and up to 50 years in captivity.
❖ During mating season, male peacocks perform elaborate displays to attract female peahens. They spread their tail feathers into a fan-like shape, creating a mesmerizing spectacle of colors.
(slang): being a peacock; having a very high opinion of oneself, filled with or showing excessive self-esteem


❖ Personality
Enneagram 3w4 ★ MBTI ESFJ-A - (ref, ref)

A natural showsman, Vince embodies the confidence Dezerae can only put on as a mask. He'll walk in the room like he owns the place, tail aloft to avoid collecting a single speck of dust. Vince's vain like that, preferring a clean line of thought - and action. Stick to one course of action and see it through. The peacock rarely displays the anixety or guilt that weighs on Dezerae like a burden, serving as a mental anchor to which she can cling to in times of need. Much in how Dezerae relies on her charisma to get people to lower their guard, Vince relies on his looks and his intuition. Between Dezerae and him, they are usually able to cover all the bases. Much unlike Blanche who approaches every situation an anxious, trembling wreck, Vince knows he has little to fear from those around him.


❖ Past Forms
Most prominent forms during childhood years
____★ Ghost Bat (Bunolagus monticularis), symbolizing androgyny, darkness, and obscurity
____★ European Polecat (Mustela Putorius), im(morality), misunderstood, tenacity
____★ Russian Blue (Felis catus), shyness, independence, intuition, curiosity
____★ Death's Head Hawk-moth (Acherontia atropos), undesiribility, death, omens, change
____★ Screech owl (Megascops asio), the underworld, messenger, harbinger of danger

Most prominent forms after possession and during her Fatui training years
____★ Red Fox (Vulpes vulpes), symbolizing the occult, liminality, the harbinger of change
____★ Pine Marten (Martes americana), symbolizing nobility, providing, exploitation
____★ Jackal (Canis Aureus), symbolizing opportunism, death, sycophancy
____★ European Storm Petrel (Hydrobates pelagicus), symbolizing travel, bad reputation, the ocean

Most prominent forms during her performances
____★ Chinese pheasant (Chrysolophus pictus), symbolizing auspiciousness, power, promises
____★ Blue-headed hummingbird (Riccordia bicolor), symbolizing fluidity, beauty and joy.

❖ Headcanons
____★ Vince...who alwayas takes up the entire back seat due to the size of his tail.
____★ Vince...who uses his tail as a parasol for Pantalone's daemon Midas. It helps that he loves to fan his feathers out, maximizing shade for the spoiled sable.
____★ Vince...whose former birth name is Askalaphos (Ασκαλαφος), nicknamed Kala. Ray changed this name herself when she left her biological family for good.



Mini Gallery




past forms





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Posted: Sat, 01/06/2024 22:12 (5 Months ago)
· · ────────────────────── ·𖥸· ────────────────────── · ·
Dezerae Li
Genshin Impact | Illusion Studios


Playlist


Always Been You - Jessie Murph
"Sometimes I feel like it's one-sided" | "Like some type of unrequited love"

Labour - Paris Paloma
"For somebody I thought was my saviour" | "You sure make me do a whole lot of labour"

Rattlesnake - Caravan of Thieves
"Singing in the slaughterhouse." | "A skinny silhouette with a clarinet."

Sweet Dreams | Eurythmics
"Sweet dreams are made of this..." | "Who am I to disagree?"

Happy Face - Jagwar Twin
"Get your kicks and let's go" | "If you're sad, don't let it show"

Lost on You - LP
"Wishin' I could see the machinations" | "Understand the toil of expectations"

Overgrown Garden - Beetlebug
"The thorns grew tighter everyday" | "You placed a crown of marigolds on my head"

Garden - Crane Wives
"The crows in the garden are laughing at my expense" | "Drowning out all the lies that I might have told instead"

Curses - Crane Wives
"Oh, ashes, ashes, dust to dust" | "Tell me I am good enough"

An Unhealthy Obsession - Blake Robinson Synthetic Orchestra
"You just don't know it yet, but you love me and I love you the same" | "One day we'll have a pretty wedding, and I'll be your everything"

To be Beautiful - DHeusta
"Let me re-arrange your design" | "Take your flaws and make them mine"

Gilded Lily - Cults
"I remember when you told me it's an everyday decision" | "But with my double vision, how was I supposed to see the way?"

Passerine - The Oh Hellos
"You were the song that I'd always sing" | "You were the light that the fire would bring"

Youth - Daughter
"And if you're in love, then you are the lucky one" | "'Cause most of us are bitter over someone"

Power and Control - Marina and The Diamonds
"Give a little, get a lot" | "That's just how you are with love"

Hanging Tree (Lucy Gray Version) - Hunger Games
"Strange things did happen here, no stranger would it be" | "If we met at midnight in the hanging tree"

Poker Face - Lady Gaga
"Love game intuition, play the game with spades to start" | And after he's been hooked, I'll play the one that's on [her] heart"

Dollhouse - Melanie Martinez
"Picture, picture, smile for the picture | Pose with your brother, won't you be a good sister?"

Primadonna Girl - MARINA
"Living life like I'm in a play | In the limelight, I want to stay"

The Moon Will Sing - The Crane Wives
"We could have been anywhere, anywhere else" | "Instead, I made a bed with apathy"




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Posted: Fri, 24/05/2024 15:06 (5 Months ago)
wip reservation :)


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Posted: Tue, 14/05/2024 02:43 (6 Months ago)
All good things bloom technicolor
My eyes illuminated in so many shades...
Which flower pleases you, darling?
I'll take the finest of your heart's supply



XX. INTRODUCTION
"Monarch Butterfly"



𝐷𝐸𝑍𝐸𝑅𝐴𝐸 𝐿𝐼


Dezerae snapped out of her reverie as the elegant shuttle-bus jolted to a stop, one hand reached out to steady herself. A sizeable crowd swelled over the banks of the street, alive and pulsing like something hungry. Even from within the car, Dezerae could sense her audience's excitement and it caused her to shift in the butter-soft seats of the coach. Stately and solemn-faced attendants in fine-pressed tuxedos opened the door before stepping aside to let her pass. A quick glance back revealed the Regrator sitting with his eyes turned forward, a serene facade covering up his stoic irritation at being dragged so far from his usual state of affairs. Pantalone was socially adept enough to mask his reaction so that the pincushion he was sitting on could be hard wood, but to a trained eye, his displeasure was palpable.

She couldn't help but raise an eyebrow at her mentor and she patted his wrist, adorned with a glittering silver watch. "Regrator. I've seen cats happier. You're not fooling anyone, and certainly not me." She quipped dryly, a playful smile turning her lips, "There's no need to pretend to be excited or flustered for my sake. And if you must insist, I'm sure that you'll find a way to make good use of the time. I heard we've turned out quite the crowd this afternoon." Pantalone's sourness needed no more cure than a change of mind, and with a muffled chuckle, she exited the coach. The sunlight was muted through her sunglasses as she reached back to help him out. He rejected it briskly before stepping out himself, light catching in his raven locks. Silver chain swayed in the light, glinting coldly as he took in the scene with a heavy sigh.

Dezerae shook her head and turned away from his brusqueness; guilt at the prospect of thrusting Pantalone so far out of his element dissolved at the excitement of seeing him step forth into these gilded halls. Was she being selfish? She rubbed her rejected hand with exaggerated ruefulness as she sought a way to assuage Pantalone's state of mind. She would not glance back at him once until they had entered the gilded halls, where classical music hung ethereal and faint upon its pearly white walls. She quickly pocketed her shades to take in the spectacle. Sober businessmen and their families filled the room with idle chatter with children hanging around their parents side so as not to interfere. Grand pillars upheld the walls between crimson booths reserved for the elite. Angelic choirs of young aspiring voices hung above it all.

She caught her mentor fixing his glasses as he scanned the scenery like a hawk, eyes sharpening with observation and analyses. Social situations were one of her mentor's many strengths, weaving words into deceptive tapestries of promise as he struck one contract or another. Large gatherings were the Fatui's hunting grounds, especially with minds distracted by good wine and the performances ahead.


[ 382 words ]
dress | concert attire




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Posted: Sun, 28/04/2024 02:57 (6 Months ago)

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𝙻𝚈𝚂𝙰𝙽𝙳𝙴𝚁 𝚇𝙸𝙰𝙽𝙶 "𝕿𝖍𝖊 𝖂𝖍𝖎𝖙𝖊 𝕻𝖗𝖎𝖓𝖈𝖊"
Twenty four [24] | Male He/him | Wrath |
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Eyes inevitably drawn toward the light dappled cast over the quaint imitation of polished mahogany, Lysander sat through the usual routine pressed up on him by the makeup staff; porcelain facade marred by the irritated flutter of his lashes when an unwelcome comment hits his ears or a hard scowl when someone tugs on him too hard. Years of such invasive treatment restrict his irritation to tightened knuckles about the chair. Waves of punishing ire boil threateningly close under the surface, and each time he forces it down with equal vigor. While his position is unflattering, breaking his calm over this quaint treatment would be nothing short of demeaning. Restricted to idleness, boredom hit him in a wave and his eyelids suddenly started to droop.

'Double booked for the second time in a week. Curse this fate of mine.'

He was jerked awake by a jerk to his hair as a comb hit a snag.

A shocked hiss escaped him as his spine locked up. "Yes?" He demanded curtly, clearing his throat when he caught the harshness in his tone. He averted his gaze from the flustered stylist and he tried again in a milder tone. "Ah, pardon. It's not you. Apologies. I fear my schedule is catching up with me." Never mind that photoshoots were never his forté. His hand idly brushed her hand so the comb slid off his polished locks and he finally stood up to approach the stage admist her flustered squeaks and sighs. Lysander just managed to avoid an eyeroll of disdain as rosy hues bloomed on her skin. 'How did such a witless damsel wind up here of all places?' As much as he hated being pampered and judged for his physical presentation, Lysander was conversely aware of how his status and the weight of the crown he bore. Oh the names they called him, voices dripping with obsequious awe and pretentious glee. The White Prince, Prince Charming, Illusion Studios' Golden Boy, bringing the studio and agency to uncharted territory, the one who would make lots and lots of coin.

"Someone like you is going places, boy!" "Your public awaits!" "Glad to see someone with old money again." "Aspiring and a pretty face. How lucky you are."

Like I give a fuck what you guys actually think of me.

A blink and he returned to the present, eyes narrowed in a calculating squint as if she wasn't bored out of her mind. "I've kept you waiting but aren't all good things worth their patience in gold?" Crane like steps ascended him to the false setting, his boots thudding mutely as he squared off against his photographer. Arms tucked neatly behind his back like wings, gaze straight ahead. Some of his coworkers may go for a more dynamic or bejeweled presentation, but staying rigid allowed the Prince to fully model his natural beauty. As always, as the camera shuttered to capture his still frame in time, Lysander found his gaze captured by the venetian clock nearby. It was all fake of course, the walls closing in on him like the shackle of a Vacheron Constantin watch on his wrist. The heart no longer beat within its gilded-bronze confines and close inspection would reveal the scent of wood had faded, but the sway of the pendulum was soothing. He counted the seconds.

"Where are we sending this one?"

"Vogue for one, dear Prince." Lysander's eyes narrow just a hair as the pompous tone of his photographer grates over his ears, "They've been asking after you for quite some time. But that's normal for someone of your status. Cosmopolitan, Elle also express their interest. They all want to see you. And I assume you can't make space for an interview with—"

"That'll do." He raised a hand, feeling his stomach twisting. As if his schedule couldn't get any fuller than this. "I appreciate their interest in my talents. And I know we have many good friends there—" These words he spat out like poison. "But I can't make it."

Is this a bidding war or a photo shoot?

"Unfortunately Prince—" Lysander braced himself for a condescending rebuttal, "I'm sure your manager will say otherwise. But we'll grant you the luxury of choosing the time, yes? Wouldn't want the Prince to fall asleep on his throne of course."

His knuckles turned white. "Yeah, that would be absolutely awful for the audience, wouldn't it?" Lysander growled, his temper bubbling up ravenously beneath the surface. He took a deep breath before he would lose it. The walls spun around him, deep oak closing in on the alabster bird trapped within its confines. He took a moent to breathe, and then ended the conversation with a cold, "I'll let Estella know of the message. Thank you for your time gentleman."

Lysander exited the set before he really lost his nerve, elegant script on crumpled paper carrying the note that would damn him to many more of these suffocating sessions and pretentious audiences. A bitter glare suffused with tension swept over the main lobby space until he spotted a familiar mane of fine blonde hair. Immediately guilt seized him and the Prince forced himself to relax as he joined the damsel's side, a firm hand finding its way to Mercymorn's shoulder for a brief moment before he looked her over. "You sleep good? You're starting to look as cranky as me."

Chatter caught his ears - something about dinner, Casmir's misplaced phone, and a french restaurant. He then added to Mercy, a little hastily, "Sleep on the way there. I won't tell Estella. Just wear something comfortable."




---New Messages---

~Lysander Xiang
Welcome to Illusion Studios, Dakota!
Feel free to direct any questions or concerns towards ~Dezerae Li, our resident manager.

Make yourself at home and see you at dinner at La Coucou.


[830 words]

────────────────────

"But a prayer that he sends from his heart's deep core, [b]ut a plea, that upward to Heaven he flings—
I know why the caged bird sings."



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Posted: Mon, 22/04/2024 02:32 (7 Months ago)

────────────────────
 𝐷𝐸𝑍𝐸𝑅𝐴𝐸 𝐿𝐼 "𝑭𝒐𝒙 𝑺𝒑𝒂𝒓𝒓𝒐𝒘" 
Twenty Five [25] | Female She/Her | Guile/Deceit |
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A surprised hum left her mouth as the russet-haired director spun around to face her once the pair cleared the imposing gallery surrounding the front hall. A pair of silver elevators awaited their arrival to the upper floors; although residence halls for staff and the models were separate — and her own quarters were considered strictly administrative and doubled as a study — the distance between them was generally ignored in favor of much more subtle barriers. Walls created internally rather than externally. All in all, the various sectors of the apartment remained interconnected and thus fairly accessible to all members,

"Fate, huh?" Dezerae murmured distractedly, her voice bringing with it lower undertones of what sounded like dry amusement. Her gaze remained facing forward as she replied, "I think fate is a matter of perspective. It may seem all too easy to resign yourself to current circumstance — and the whims of fate. Some are cursed with misfortune at every turn, while others revel in boundless relaxation and prosperity. Regardless of which party you may belong to, it's hard to resign yourself to current circumstances unless you're truly out of options. And even that is temporary."

Memories of her late night card games with the Regrator come to mind. The first few, she lost in spectacular fashion — crushed beneath his cunning and ruthlessly competitive edge. Most infuriating was how Pantalone had seemingly gone out of his way to keep the Ace of Spades out of her hands every time. He would always move first, setting the stage. It kept her on the back foot, kept her dancing to his tune. It was only after she was being led around by the nose (and soundly humiliated) for four games straight did she realize that going in blind did have its advantages, clearing the mind of initial biases and conceptions that could affect her choices.

Seeing Dakota fumble between assertive and diffident was simultaneously nostalgic and amusing. Not that the Director was fooled; Dakota's fixation upon the grand portraits in the foyer was enough of an indication of where her interests lay.

Win a heart with a kiss and the eye with a diamond

A short ding preceded the elevator door sliding open gracefully to reveal glass interiors. Even from within the box, the lobby is visible as the car rises upwards. A smile found itself on Dezerae's face as she shook herself from her musings. "After you." She uttered sweetly, waiting until Dakota had crossed the threshold before joining her. She pressed the button for level four before turning back to Dakota; in the background, the elevator began to rise with barely a jolt.

"I must say; your earrings compliment your aesthetic nicely. You certainly have an eye for the expensive." She said with an interested hum, "I've found that there are one of two criteria when people have one of two reactions when it comes to discerning the value of jewelry: the sales price or the jewel on display. Both beauty and price are up to subjective judgement, of course, but the result is the same. So yes, I do believe you'll be staying for quite a while in these silver halls. And I am glad to hear of your determination."

The elevator opened to the residence halls; most of them empty as the recent exodus of Illusion Studios' clients cut the roster down to the smaller group it was today. Dezerae decided not to enlighten Dakota on this little piece of news — it wouldn't do to scare the poor girl immediately and if she wanted, she could do her own research.

"It's really depressing to tend to a garden full of wilting flowers, don't you think?"


[602 words]

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"Suddenly I remembered that her eyelids had never quivered, and that her lilies had not dropped a black petal, or shaken from their places
and understood that I danced with one who was more or less than human, and who was drinking up my soul as an bat drinks up blood"



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Posted: Fri, 12/04/2024 03:16 (7 Months ago)

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 𝐷𝐸𝑍𝐸𝑅𝐴𝐸 𝐿𝐼 "𝑭𝒐𝒙 𝑺𝒑𝒂𝒓𝒓𝒐𝒘" 
Twenty Five [25] | Female She/Her | Guile/Deceit |
────────────────────

"You're right on time, sweet thing." Dezerae's voice fills the air with low tones as the vulpine maiden made her presence known to her guest. And what a sight was the Illusion Studios' manager, making innocent passerby gasp and stutter over the sight as they stood outside in a straggled flock of agitated birds. Illuminated in a golden halo, Dezerae stood there with practiced patience, her attire belying the casual slope of her shoulders and attention-averse gaze forward. The sunlight amply bathed the russet locks creating a fiery halo that almost offset her coy eyes. A laziness marked her prowl, grace stemming from confidence and experience slowing her stride to a saunter as she removed herself from the door to meet Dakota. Searching eyes took in the most prominent aspects of her presentation — Ah, do I spot a pixie cut? How fitting, many in our current roster will never vouch for something so grungy...joggers, crop-tops, I see - quite casual,...my, oh my, is that a tattoo. A true rebel this one.

Dezerae greeted her with a dry smirk, "Ah, Dakota, yes? You certainly brought your finest for first impressions." Her eyes slid to the inky whorls on her shoulder and she raised an eyebrow with a dry chuckle, "Every model has their own flair; from the ostentatious to the borderline unconventional. If this is your attempt to make a fashion statement, I must say I look forward to what you bring to the table."

Taking but a moment to note Dakota's response to her words, Dezerae spun on her heel with a polished smile, her mask back on her face. Automatic doors slid on oiled hinges as the two women came into polished halls and porcelain corridors. Above them, former models, stars, predecessors, looked on from their hung frames, captivating but empty. Dezerae wasn't surprised to see Dakota's gaze wandering steadily upwards with each step forward, wonder stretching her eyes into adoring saucers. She's certainly got ambitious tastes. Dezerae noted to herself before turning back. "They do look so lofty up there, don't they?" She remarked lightly, "The roster of clients' featured by Illusion Studios has been fairly dynamic in recent years; many simply traverse our halls as one step on their journey to success. Their time is sadly fleeting."

Not a touch of disappointment affected her otherwise matter-of-fact tone, as if the transient nature of her residents did not bother her in the slightest. If anything her tone was even, at best. Thoughtful. "What we have preserved her is merely a memory, a moment, like an insect preserved in amber. We may miss them, but any and all grief is greatly overshadowed by the hope we have at their success." She smiled at Dakota, eyes sparkling like gems set aflame at the core, "But let's not dwell on them, shall we? To fixate on them is to reminisce on the past, but the only way you'll move forward is by focusing on the present. Your present to be more specific"

Dezerae nodded towards the elevators to the upper floors, her tone brisk, "Estella is with your future coworkers at a photo-shoot. Let's get you settled in before they get back. I don't think civilized bedlam makes for good introductions."


[540 words]

────────────────────

"Suddenly I remembered that her eyelids had never quivered, and that her lilies had not dropped a black petal, or shaken from their places
and understood that I danced with one who was more or less than human, and who was drinking up my soul as an bat drinks up blood"



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