hresvelged

[hresvelged]

Their lack of words spoke more volume than the sentences they did utter— They refused not the sheer desire to point fingers lodged in their jealous eyes. Instead, her attention perked at the proposition. "Yes," she interjected with approval. "It's useless to continue speaking here. Take us there. We will follow."

They are led towards a smaller body of water, nothing liken to Airmid River northernmost of the empire's border. The grass on its sides was moist and she felt the heels of her boots sink with each step closer. It was not deep nor easy to miss, but it was apparent that its abruption happened recently.

"I understand." Edelgard broke the silence. "You admitted it, yourself. Your instinct is to think they interjected with this water." Adrestia's shadowed foes and sunlit nobility exemplify one thinking, but sympathy sung a hidden song. She cared not to invite more squandering, pointing them towards scattered tree sticks to momentarily usher them away.

As the two men move off to their leftmost yelling anger into the air, Edelgard's own are direct to her right: "I'd like to follow this trail. Whether or not they agree, what we lack are both angles." The princess pushed her gloves back into place, crossing her arms with a pointed glare. "Helping them blindly invites ignoring everything else." The now will alter the later.

— no blue, no green.

#( thread: no blue no green ) #( season: fracture ) #peerlessscowl

[hresvelged]

She is delighted to hear of Nel's intentions, a sip of tea simmering nearest perched eyes as she draws a response. "I have met Professor Rafal. Your brother is strong, but I'm sure you already know this." Edelgard places the cup down, running her pinky finger on its top.

She doesn't consider Dimitri and Claude close allies; they are far. Unable to understand. "Oh, did we now?" Her head shakes. For some, that appears to be the ideal; all three getting along. For her, she can't quite picture it. "How interesting. I can't say I've ever thought of Dimitri and Claude as complements to myself.. They and I aren't familiar enough to work in tandem fluidly."

Maybe she is thinking too much— Asking questions that should not leave her lips. And yet, she feels incentive to ask. There is nobody else she can ask nor would she speak it with. For now, her voice softens. "What did you think of them? ..The Emblem, that is."

　𝐮𝐧𝐚𝐝𝐨𝐫𝐧𝐞𝐝.

#( thread: unadorned ) #nelithic #word count: 166 #i like edelgard having to think about it! it interests her #3h bracelet definitely keeps them surface level

[hresvelged]

[ 𝐠𝐫𝐢𝐦 ] : sender has killed someone who threatened the receiver. - it is in her blood, after all, fated-loyal mercenary 'til the end. she had followed edelgard to garreg mach, and there is no hesitation in her blade, the swift swath not-quite loyal but certainly unquestioning.

She does not cry for the fallen; weep for the past. All she can do is keep moving forward, even as the red against her heels continues to grow. Edelgard will never be a leader to remain distant while those who fight for and with her take to the front lines. No, she stays alongside them. It is her job and desire to show herself; to exemplify her ideals to others.

It is the ultimate test of trust— Of assurance. She finds it easy for people to swear loyalty or merely tell her they will aid, but it means nothing without acting. They can lie. They can change their minds in mere seconds. To trust is to earn. Swords clash, meaningless words fall on her ears. She hears them all, but does not reply. What is there to say? One seeks her demise, the other utters nonsense. A third, holding a weapon that does not suit them.

There are too many facades dug deep within Fódlan that even she cannot separate. It infuriates her. But, that is not Shez. Her work is impressive, undeniable. The more they fight together, the further her curiosity stems. Their styles are different and expectedly so. She swiftly takes out the foe aiming for her before she can even react. That trust, she finds, remains real. Her life is spared; she stands still.

Edelgard was right within her thoughts. Words of gratitude need not be said in the midst of a fight against such strong foes, only a step forward as she thrusts herself back into the scene. She looks Shez in the eyes— An emperor's glare is an all-powerful being, but the girl's shifts into one of gratitude. Her life is important. Necessary. Powerful.

This fight cannot be won alone.

#( asks ) #partnerindestiny #they intrigue me :pleading: #thank you for sending!

[hresvelged]

[ 𝐰𝐚𝐫𝐦𝐭𝐡 ] : sender drapes a coat / cape / etc. around receiver's shoulders.

The darkness shrouds her path forward. Eerie, as the only sound accompanying her footsteps resides in raindrops overhead. She cannot see where she is walking; she sighs. Edelgard is nothing if not aware— Of herself, of her actions, of the world. It is she and she alone.

Yet, for as alone as she begins on this venture outwards, one turns into two. The sound startles her, at first. A young girl once heard similar; shuffling towards her ankles and flames she cannot extinguish. She lets out a tiny gasp, dropping her shoulders when she sees Yuri.

The why's and how's flutter her mind, yearning for an answer. Her lips begin to pour a well-prepared line of questioning, but she is interrupted. Unequipped for the rain she may be, they were not. She finds a coat draped over her shoulders while Edelgard tightens her fingers around it. Her piercing eyes sway towards her right as the raindrops glossing her face fall away: "Hm? .. How dismaying. It appears I've become easier to read than I thought." Adrestia's heir forces a laugh amidst her poor attempt of a joke, shrugging off her words. Why this encounter occurred, she does not know. They may very well have knowledge that she herself lacks. It intrigues her— Incentives the young, blossoming emperor. Wilt her petals may, the stem ever-blooms.

"But, thank you. Normally, I would say this is the business of nobody's but my own. However.. I've changed my mind. Just this once." Edelgard leaps over the muddy grounds, feet landing perfectly on the clear space before her. With one hand remaining on the coat, her other extends forward. "I haven't heard your truth just yet." Her book of secrets is locked tight— Even so, there are many more pages to be read.

#( asks ) #aubins #edelgard and yuri are so neat #thank you for sending! :D

[hresvelged]

[ 𝐰𝐚𝐫𝐦𝐭𝐡 ] : sender drapes a coat / cape / etc. around receiver's shoulders.

It's a thoughtless gesture, almost, swirling the cloak from his shoulders and tucking it over hers instead. Never mind that they no longer look one another in the eye at level, that the edges of the cloak drift against the snowy ground or that the fur ruff threatens to envelop her much slimmer shoulders.

He almost has to laugh at the redness of her nose and cheeks, a vibrant match to her house colors. Blowing his breath into his hands a bit, Dimitri crosses his arms. "Come, we shouldn't stay out in this too long. Let's find somewhere to escape the elements, if only for a moment - I may be more used to this than you are, but I'm still only human, aren't I?"

For once, she isn't prepared. The frigid cold bites at her skin and claws at her knees. Edelgard shivers and shakes, much to her chagrin. She loathes for others to see her in such a state no matter how hard she attempts to downplay the weather's cruel tactics.

Perhaps it is the void in conversation that offers a cue, or maybe it is merely her body actions calling out for themselves. Without waiting for a response, Dimitri aids her. There are many reasons he may have thought of its necessity. Obligation? Merely to get on her good side for the sake of their respective lands? Friendship? No, that cannot be so. Edelgard's lips pout as her fingers glide over its carefully crafted composition. It feels unbefitting for her form, but she does not remove it. The wrinkles on her furrowed brow deepen with an admittance of its need.

"Heh. Indeed.. You are human," she finally says. He is human as much as she— Heirs to their respective forms, destinies unbeknownst to even she. He, too, is a person thrust into this unforgiving world. While she moves to look him in the eyes, Edelgard wonders how many more times she will be able to do this. One, two, three? Four, if the cruelties of Fódlan do not snatch them away beforehand. In another world, she thinks the tides of ally-ship could last a second longer. The obligatory waves are cruel; Edelgard is destined far away. "It appears I can no longer hide how cold I really am.." The shivers pause; her expression downcast. "I hate to admit it, but I'd much prefer finding warmth sooner rather than later. Only then can I carry on properly."

She begins to walk forward— Once in front, only this time directly next to.

#( asks ) #blaiddllodi #i love dimitri so much ough #thank you for sending!

[hresvelged]

[ 𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐝 ] : sender takes a hold of receiver's both hands.

No matter how many nights she sleeps here, it never feels any more welcoming. Edelgard bolts awake and notices her fingers dug deeply into the pillow. She sighs, then. Deep and heavy. The outside air will feel much more refreshing. She's been here before; silent and free (never truly). Even so, it is the only moment she can think by herself. There's the sound of the little pond and its fish splashing in its wake. There's the night sky with stars she can never quite reach. There's the..—

Steps..? The visage comes into her view; she hears and witnesses it but is not prepared for the company. Her mind continues to soar and her facial expressions hurry to hide themselves. Shaken and concerned, arms drawn in towards her chest. When one becomes two, Edelgard's lips part as she begins to prepare a speech. 'I was merely getting fresh air.' 'Pay no concern to me.'

But then, it's the kindness that follows. Her eyes widen as Bernadetta's fingers wrap around her own in a comforting gesture. To say she isn't surprised would be wrong, but the physical touch coupled from the sheer fact it is from someone liken to her classmate washes away the sorrow hidden behind her. "Bernadetta..?," she says with a softness to her tone.

".. I appreciate it." Silence. ".. As you can see, even I have my own fears and worries. That being said.." Her un-gloved hands tighten with an affirmative nod. Behind Edelgard's lips are a story she tells none— Of sorrow and loss. Of regret and vengeance. Night's crisp air presses onto her neck and the scent of flowers offers a grounding solace. She should retreat— Leave and allow the two a chance to merely move on from the rarity that is her unusual moments. She can't do that. It isn't fair for herself; for Bernadetta.

White strands fall in front of her face as she speaks, dropping her tensed shoulders: "I'll hardly be able to sleep if I were to go back now.. After all, you haven't told me why you're awake, either." Shaken as she felt from the nightmares, her lips escape laughter.

"Listen to me carefully, Bernadetta. This kindness you've shown me just now.. I do hope you'll maintain this in mind as we continue forward." Another gust of wind, strong and ferocious. She plants her feet firmly on the ground while her hair continues its movements. "Keep speaking with me."

#( asks ) #hermidetta #have i said i love bernie because #i love her. weeps #thank you for sending! :pleading:

[hresvelged]

[ 𝐡𝐮𝐫𝐭 ] : sender has gotten injured protecting the receiver. ( no one lays a finger on edie ! )

The further she treads down this path, the more enemies she continues to amass. It is a difficult point to contest, she finds. Faces at the academy smile and laugh; she squints and dismisses. No matter how many people flock towards her side, there is a loneliness she cannot wash away.

But Dorothea is strong. It's a trait Edelgard has always respected about her. In a world as cruel as this, a person need not rely on the obscurity of crests or hereditary nonsense. No, all they need is their own strength. It is for this very reason that she will continue to fight for such righteousness. This battle is no different. This, and every one, has a purpose.

The darkness that is the forest leaves much to be desired. Her shield is raised, but she can't protect herself from everything. A red, eerie grimace forces a trickle down her spine. She begins to turn around, but she is not quick enough. And yet.. "Dorothea..!" Edelgard moves herself back towards the songstress's side and forces her to lean her weight against her. "What were you.. — Never mind. It doesn't matter right now." Her voice rises like a flame in the darkness, unyielding: "Bring a healer here immediately. Make this a top priority."

She chose to protect her— To aid Adrestia's princess instead of moving herself to safer quarters. There are many in service of the empire who would do such a thing, but she? She is an ally. She is a classmate. She has become a friend.

If Dorothea were to know about the future, would she continue to follow? To protect the emperor? Her goals require her to continue wearing a crimson cloak filled with uncertainties. While she does not know what the answer will be, she hopes it is yes.

Facials etched themselves with concern, drowning out the crowds of bustling soldiers moving back and forth. "I swear to you this— Your efforts to protect me will never be forgotten. Now, then.." Her tone lowers. She smiles but does not lock eyes with the injured songstress. She doesn't even know if her words are heard. "Thank you. Though, I would prefer it if you were to avoid injury.."

#( asks ) #encantresse #dorothea :pleading: #thank you for sending! #i don't know why this got so long. context etc ASDGL

[hresvelged]

𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐢 𝐰𝐨𝐮𝐥𝐝: a little assortment of prompts revolving around painful, bottled up affection and endless yearning, as well as the possible result of finally taking action. remember to tag your dark themes. add +reverse to swap the roles.

[ 𝐥𝐨𝐧𝐠𝐢𝐧𝐠 ] : receiver notices sender looking at them longingly. [ 𝐝𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐦 ] : receiver hears sender calling their name while asleep. [ 𝐰𝐚𝐫𝐦𝐭𝐡 ] : sender drapes a coat / cape / etc. around receiver's shoulders. [ 𝐬𝐜𝐞𝐧𝐭 ] : receiver is hugging a coat / cape / etc. that belongs to the sender. [ 𝐜𝐚𝐥𝐦 ] : sender is helping the receiver through a panic attack / severe anxiety. [ 𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐝 ] : sender takes a hold of receiver's both hands. [ 𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐭 ] : sender and receiver are spooning for comfort and warmth. [ 𝐚𝐥𝐦𝐨𝐬𝐭 ] : sender and receiver are finally about to kiss, but are interrupted. [ 𝐭𝐚𝐬𝐭𝐞 ] : sender and receiver are finally sharing a passionate kiss. [ 𝐟𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐝 ] : sender has just found the receiver who's been missing for weeks. [ 𝐥𝐨𝐬𝐬 ] : after being misinformed that the sender has died, receiver is grieving. [ 𝐥𝐨𝐮𝐝 ] : sender is expressing anger over receiver's constant recklessness. [ 𝐣𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐨𝐮𝐬 ] : sender is voicing their negative opinion about a person who appears to be close with the receiver. [ 𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐞 ] : sender has just told receiver "you belong to me". [ 𝐰𝐡𝐲 ] : sender has just asked receiver "why don't you love me". [ 𝐯𝐢𝐨𝐥𝐞𝐧𝐭 ] : sender has harmed someone who threatened the receiver. [ 𝐠𝐫𝐢𝐦 ] : sender has killed someone who threatened the receiver. [ 𝐡𝐮𝐫𝐭 ] : sender has gotten injured protecting the receiver. [ 𝐚𝐥𝐨𝐧𝐞 ] : sender is getting frustrated with their repressed affection and asks receiver to leave them alone. [ 𝐜𝐫𝐮𝐞𝐥 ] : unable to handle their fondness towards receiver, the sender lashes out and they end up in a heated argument. [ 𝐚𝐩𝐨𝐥𝐨𝐠𝐲 ] : sender is apologising for appearing cold. [ 𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐩 ] : sender is telling receiver they "deserve better than whatever this is".

#( ask meme ) #will default to platonic

[hresvelged]

There was a weight to Dimitri's words that caught her for surprise. Liken to her own, if not contradictory. The importance of alliances and collaborations did not pass her. All cannot be done alone, even if the burdens of the world push her to be so. Edelgard believed in people following their own paths as much as she understood the reality of divergence.

A curt nod in agreement.

While she created distance from her initial steps, the gap was closed before Edelgard could react. She looked up and around, crossing her arms at the scene before them. She observed the powder below their feet, noting the way it seemed to fall. "Yes, it does. How peculiar.. There's no doubt," she replied. The ground against her crumbled and cracked as she dug her boots into its premise. She pressed her right foot into a small trail of the powder, rubbing her heel up and down as it spread across the ground.

"Ugh. Worse yet, they left clear evidence behind for us to find.. My suspicions appear to have been..—" Her trail of thought was cut by the sound of a soft noise within the distance; leaves crunching and winds rustling. She took a step back, lowering her voice: "What was that?"

too much (never enough)

#thread: too much (never enough) #( season: fracture ) #blaiddllodi #wahh. tysm tches that means a lot to me #i love your dimitri :pleading:

[hresvelged]

The princess's head tilts, albeit slight: "Oh? I suppose that is to be expected.. In that case, I will inform you." While Shez breaks the eye contact, Edelgard brings hers only inches higher— She rolls her shoulders back as her crimson cape falls.

"It's best to begin with the most recent events. That is, why the church deigned it appropriate to bring her here." She gestures forward— The church confines Pasithee where none can see her. Wrongdoings and failures are bound to be exposed with time.

Shez's readiness to accompany her brings itself in her mind again. The further they speak, the more her curiosity blossoms. "We were told Pasithee was planning a large scale attack. At the time, this was reinforced by strange phenomenon's.. Even the sky itself, as strange as it sounds now."

"That being said.." Her words bounce off the sweltering walls. "Those threats were not tolerated. It's a shame, though. We are told to only guard the door. Why not allow us a chance to exchange words?"

She already knows the answer.

moon of milky briar blooms sleeping.

Pasithee has been brought back to the monastery and locked away, but the guards who watch the entrance to the dungeons are in need of a couple of people to fill certain night shifts. You didn’t even know that the monastery had a dungeon, much less one as high-security as this, but given that guarding the door is the easiest of the security jobs here, you don’t expect that you’ll see much in the way of secrets here. Nevertheless, volunteering might get you something down the line. Or maybe a peek at the monastery’s powerful new prisoner.

#( thread: moon of milky briar blooms sleeping ) #( season: recovery ) #partnerindestiny #i am always happy to do shorter replies :D

[hresvelged]

Each word out of the Duke's mouth— every syllable and utterance— felt prepared and precise. He spoke much like other Adrestian nobles she knew; a cold warmth. Edelgard's arms crossed as her widened eyes followed the trail of his finger, edging closer to the intense expression nestled on her face before moving the prodding elsewhere. She looked to her side narrowly as they were inched into the abode by the Duke. It was an expression indicative of wariness. Of watchfulness.

The man walked a few paces ahead of them, turning his faux perfection around once every few steps to familiarize them with the space. To their left was an illustration; to their right was a dusty spot where a painting once was. His past self, tucked away for none to see. She knew of people who wore the masks of faces they shouldn't don— This felt no different.

He led them up a corridor of stairs and took the pair towards the end of the hallway where two rooms stood in wait. It was Edelgard who spoke first: "Ah.. Thank you for the hospitality. I suspect your house takes great pride in this find."

The consciousness of her facials settled, making a thorough and rough effort to remove the creased brow. Then, she turned her attention away from the Duke and back onto her earlier unspoken sentences. "Perhaps we can reconvene once we are settled..? I would like to hear about the potion's technicalities."

to show the world its shame

#( thread: to show the world its shame ) #( season: recovery ) #peerlessscowl

[hresvelged]

Edelgard's own desire for knowledge stems deep, its vines gripping her tight and refusing to let go. She cannot usher Fódlan into the new age it so desperately needs without it. The web filled with lies and secrecies continues to grow the longer she remains here.

It will only get bigger.

"There are many questions left unanswered," she concurs. Her expression remains neutral. "It's regrettable." Edelgard says as much, albeit she doubts it needs stating at all. Adrestia's heir takes a step forward and presses a palm against the wall. Every groove and rough surface pushes itself into her hand. Her index finger traces the hard center, lingering before moving it away. If it were up to her, she would force this space open and confront Pasithee herself.

Even so, she finds Lachesis' voice to be one that fills the silence— Here, she is not alone. She cannot say the same for Pasithee. While the chains around the princess's ankles are but a metaphorical tie, she is not free.

Then, she cuts a path forward with her voice. "I have never seen this part of the monastery before." Turning on her heel to face her professor once more, she allows her hands to fall towards her sides. "How odd, then.. That they would reveal it to us now. Don't you think?"

between darkness and light

recovery mission board / night shift

#( thread: between darkness and light ) #( season: recovery ) #pridedprincess

[hresvelged]

word reaches quickly among those laid up in the makeshift med tent, injured soldiers and healers alike. despite everyone's best efforts in the name of their own house, a tie between all three had been the decided outcome. it wasn't a loss, but it certainly wasn't a win either... the idea damaged his pride just as badly as his personal defeat had. perhaps the years away from his homeland had softened him in ways he could not perceive.

that or each opponent he faced, all from the black eagles, were strong in their own right. though he had prevailed in his first match, it had not been an easy victory, and the toll of that battle followed him into the next. sloppy movements and a slow mind lead to his own defeat. even worse, he hadn't been able to deal the deciding blow on anyone... he had been forced to leave it up to the others. teamwork was rewarded in gauntlets like this, but still... maybe he would meet the girl with a wild axe again, or maybe that gaudy man with an interesting outfit.

as he lamented his spectacular loss to the eagles, the king spotted their very own leader passing by. now that the battles had officially concluded, he supposed it made sense she would be joining them all. had she made it farther than him, or had she fallen short of him? it mattered little, but his curiosity at her own strengths was peaked enough for him to make his way over. "greetings," he introduced his presence swiftly, "congratulations of your efforts, your house was a force not to be trifled with."

"each one proved a suitable challenge... i was not disappointed." silently, ephraim wished that he had been able to gauge her talents for himself. alas, one could not pick the battle that had to fight, at least not with certainty. nor would he trade for anyone he had fought on the field, they all had pushed him to fight his best. "i'd like to know, though, how well did their leader fare this year? i've heard tale that 'lady edelgard is as strong as all 3 houses put together.' might that be true?"

Reds, yellows, and blues sprinkle the field of victory— A three way tie. She can't claim to have been expecting that nor did she believe it possible.. Within this mock battle, they all celebrate together. Once, there was war between the Empire and Kingdom. Today, there are cheers. Realistic this may not be for years to come, Edelgard is pleased with what she has seen and witnessed on the ground's past history.

She is equipped with an answer to the question; words clear and confident. "Thank you," she begins. "The Black Eagles are composed of many strong faces. We were able to prevail in thanks to their dedicated efforts. I would be interested in hearing more about your battles against my peers. Doing so will allow us all to continue growing." A person cannot improve without realistic challenges; she will take up the mantle of encouraging that very prospect.

A petite laugh leaves lined lips, brushing her hair away from her face: "Strong as I might be, my ambitions aren't sated just yet. I was able to defeat a few opponents of my own, but there came a certain point I was forced to retreat." She had not even caught the names of the Blue Lions back then, only leaving behind a trail of words as she had gracefully left the field. One day, should their paths cross again. "It's unfortunate, but I regret nothing. In the end, it seems every house won. I extend my congratulations to the Blue Lions, as well."

#( asks ) #solarsbrace #toaboel2024 #:pleading: edelgard is nosy ASDGL #thank you for sending :D

[hresvelged]

🧃 “Good job out there darling. Take a moment to rest before going back out to cheer on your classmates.”

Nothing will stop Edelgard from wishing to see the Black Eagles succeed— No blast of magic nor pushes and shoves will change her mind. She desires to watch her allies intently.

She takes a breath, letting one hand linger to her side while the other cups the beverage: "If I stay here too long, it's possible I might miss a critical event." She knows how these battles fare. Change can swerve within a singular moment's notice.

"Even so, your concern is noted. I'll make certain not to over-exert myself."

#( asks ) #maligknightsthorns #toaboel2024 #thank you for sending :D

[hresvelged]

It's a little bit surprising when her eyes land on the leader of the Eagles. Edelgard is eye-catching, it's true... but finding her inside the medical tent rather than far afield startles her nevertheless. Maria knows her to be a woman of no small strength, having even fought Marth in a previous year, if memory serves -- though perhaps that illustrates the feasibility of the Adrestian heir's retirement as well.

"Hi, Edelgard!" Regardless, departing from Gronder Field came with the expectation of spent energy, and Maria appears before her now with flat palms, a row of juice boxes neatly sandwiched between them.

You fought hard out there, huh? It isn't a question, not really, and so she doesn't ask it; she already knows the answer, the line of her lips firming, corners upward-listing, with a quiet-yet-warm sort of appreciation for her determination. Besides, from a Lion to the leader of the Eagles, it might just come across wrong! Instead she jostles the beverages in her hand (lightly!) to pull in the other's attention.

"Do you want some juice? There's lots of flavors!"

She would much prefer to still be fighting alongside her fellow eagles, but she knew she had to retreat. Those who faced her all have a similar goal in mind— She could sense it from the way they forced their abilities to remove her. All this means is that she must continue further preparing herself.

It is the sound of Maria's voice and juices in hand that takes Edelgard out of her strategic thoughts. She readies the topic of battle at hand, surmising that to be why many might approach her. She is wrong. It is not unwelcome, but rather, a pleasant surprise. Edelgard eyes the beverages with a thoughtful glare. On this friendly rivalry field, she can accept the helping aid and indulge in these fond memories. Her features upturn despite her own curiosity.

"Is that so?" Lips upturned, relaxed shoulders, fingers lightly pushing her gloves back into place as she points towards a specific box. "I could go for a beverage. Hm.. I will take apple. Though, I suspect that to be a popular flavor of choice."

#( asks ) #toaboel2024 #princessmacedon #:pleading: i adore maria #edelgard appreciates it

[hresvelged]

🧃

He approaches with a smile, having seen her defeat at the hands of his house. It isn't meant to rub her nose in it - far from it! - for she performed admirably, both in this round and the previous, but there's a part of him that suspects that she will take it as such anyway.

"You are a fright on the battlefield, Edelgard," he says, laughing, shaking his head, as though he can't believe she's real - or as though he couldn't have expected anything less. "It is a shame, I think, that the two of us couldn't meet in combat."

It's a promise, almost. In the same way, on his birthday, that she had wanted to make her mark in his history, he craved to make that mark on hers, on this storied field, as their families had done so long ago.

For now, though, he thinks that perhaps sharing a flagon of juice in defeat will suffice.

When Dimitri enters her line of sight, Edelgard's instinct is to think that he is here to speak of her loss— How, despite her strong wins, it is a Blue Lion who feels the compulsion to remove her from the battlefield. The furrowed brow she wears alters into momentary surprise as he does speak; words of friendlier terms.

Thus, she matches in kind. "Oh? I could say the same of yourself. I've caught wind of your own battle. I must say.. The idea was a sound strategy."

She, too, wishes they could have clashed blades. Fódlan was once united as one, long ago. Gronder Field's ancient lands are filled with grass and twigs that have seen more than the human eye ever could. "It is regretful.. I had hoped for that outcome, myself. There may very well still be a day when you and I will fight one another." She takes a breath and looks up towards him, letting a hand rest on her hips. "When that happens, I won't be holding back."

#( asks ) #toaboel2024 #blaiddllodi #ough the mention from his birthday.. weeps

[hresvelged]

This scene is nothing new to her. She has been under watchful eyes for some time now. First, in Fhirdiad. Second, in Adrestia's deepest dungeons. Third, in Garreg Mach. Edelgard is no fool— Perhaps they deem her a threat by virtue of her status. She's played this song and dance before. 'Remove the leader and their morale will lower.' Surely, that can be effective. However, a leader is nothing without allies by their side whom hold confidence in one another. Her eyes etch those words as she matches the contact.

The first thrust of this woman's magic is strong, finding herself pushed out of the way by Caspar moments later. Adrestia's princess grabs onto her shoulder, pulling her crimson cape tighter.

Then, another man pushes the Blue Lion back right in her range. It is predictable, but she does not say as much. The magic is fast and strong, nearly knocking her off her feet. The Black Eagle House is known for their magic— It is time for Edelgard to match that.

She brings a hand up towards her lips and wipes it across her face, jaw pained and sides wounded. Her back is turned, but her words are loud enough for her declared opponents to hear: "You fail to take in all your surroundings. Your strategy is not sound." She does not even know this woman nor the others who she is allied with, but she supposes it doesn't particularly matter. Edelgard's words remain the same. One step, two steps. A turn on the heel: "Remember that well."

highs and lows at gronder field

BOEL round 2 // battle 17

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