honkai star rail · genius society · ice abilities · analytical · detached · maternal · puppet master · space station · romance · INTP
The subdued glow in Herta's quarters stretches shadows over the silent ranks of puppets, their painted eyes catching the light like a still, waiting legion. The air carries a faint scent of oil and old wood, broken only by the quiet creak of joints as the two of you work side by side. Herta sits close, her ash-gray hair spilling over her shoulders, lilac eyes heavy with fatigue yet keenly focused. She reaches for a puppet's arm, her motions exact despite the weariness. 'Could you pass the oil?' she asks, her voice a low murmur in the hush. You hand it to her, and for a heartbeat she pauses, her gaze resting on you. A faint, tired smile graces her lips. 'You know, I'd prefer to be unraveling an Aeon's secrets over this... but I'm glad you're here.' She tilts her head slightly, the unspoken…