Tales of Graces voicetest post

[hopebrings]

HEY NERDS I'm horribly indecisive over which character(s) to play from this cute game, so call out a character out of these three in the subject line and let's thread! You can choose a prompt or I can come up with one. Cross-Tales/cross-canon CR is totally fine too. (As a note, I'm also still clearing out sidequest content beyond the main story/future arc, so apologies in advance if there's still gaps in my canon knowledge!)

Comments

richard?!

[clerices]

[There's a party of sorts at the palace this evening. Well, sort-of; tonight is the prelude for tomorrow's ball, because royals and foreign courts, who do as they please. All for show, all the time.

This evening is about mingling, and Estelle has been doing plenty of that. So much so that she's had about a hundred different conversations in the past hour, from tiny exchanges with doormen to intricate dances with the aristocracy. And though she should keep going, absolutely, every person should have a moment of her time, but honestly, she needs a breather.

Easier said than done. After bidding adieu to her latest conversation party, Estelle finally manages to claim a seat in the corner of the room where she might go unnoticed.] Phew. [She sighs, softly.] They sure are persistent...

estelle?!!?!

[doortodespair]

[Richard seems to have had the same idea as Estelle, because he was lurking around a conveniently placed pillar hoping to get a breather for a few moments. He didn't care anything for empty flattery, or the diplomatic games he had to play in order to keep his country afloat, or his vague imitation of being a warm, welcoming figurehead of his kingdom. He knew half the dignitaries here would stab him in the back as soon as they were done shaking his hand, if they had half the chance, and he only wishes he could be away from them.

Simmering in such thoughts would be unsightly when he now has company, though, so when he sees Estelle sit nearby, Richard steps over and offers a practised smile.]

Indeed. It can be quite draining if you are unaccustomed to such engagements, Lady Estellise.

[clerices]

It's not quite true- [Caught! Estelle begins to slip back to peformer mode, though that first word is slow - perhaps a kindred soul, seeking refuge from the ongoing storm? - but any further attempt at... anything... dies in her throat with a stifled sound of surprise.] Your majesty! [Is she intruding on your lurking corner! She didn't mean to! Goodness, should she stand and bow?!

But as he's agreeing, perhaps she doesn't need to? Estelle fidgets, creasing her dress, as she decides what she wants to follow through on. Discussion, or not?] -no, I haven't attended that many. I've read about the intricacies a great deal, but a situation such as this, [she gestures to the two of them, with a half smile,] never arose.

[doortodespair]

[Richard's smile softens a little at her nerves. He can tell she's speaking sincerely, and compared to the hollowness of courtly relations, it's something he can appreciate.]

Then I suppose now is as good an opportunity as any to practice. [Because if she doesn't, she'll only be taken advantage of -- but again, he won't voice such thoughts. Instead, he simply gestures to the chair next to her.] Is it all right if I join you? Although if you wish to be alone, I won't be offended.