Tumgik
#And great lord Dimitri with his two eyes
randomnameless · 15 days
Note
Hello!
I'm sorry if this a silly question, but, do you mind sharing where you got those nice images of Zanado in one of your recent posts? If there are more for other locations, that would awesome and useful for writing stuff. ^^ I understand if not, though.
Thank you for answering, I hope that the rest of your day is pleasant!
No problems !
I downloaded them on the spriter ressource, you have a lot of content there, character portraits, the backgrounds, their chibi pixalated units on the map, etc etc !
However the backgrounds are not organised, they're just in five different folders so have to open everything to see what's Zanado from what is Enbarr etc etc.
Hope this helps !
6 notes · View notes
moltz23 · 5 months
Text
Did a Potential Overhaul in the Post-Timeskip Cutscenes mess up with 3H's Development? - Development Mystery/Theory
Back in 2021, Nintendo released a video called Fire Emblem : Vol 1 to celebrate the franchise's 30th anniversary. And around 30:35, the video shows the 3H Movie "Rematch", used for Chapter 17 of the Azure Moon and Verdant Wind routes.
With a catch.
It's not the same one that ended up on the final game:
Tumblr media
A glimpse into an alternate reality?
People went wild back when they noticed Edelgard and Claude in this version are using the outfits of their Emperor & Barbsrossa classes rather than the Armored Lord and Wyvern Master ones seen in the game we got, leading to much speculation surrounding what this meant for Three Houses. And it goes without saying that, while unseen, fans suspect that Dimitri uses his Great Lord outfit rather than the High Lord's in this version. So... The heck is up with this movie???
Well, as uncovered by VincentASM from sereneforest.net, it's highly likely this take of the movie shown in the promotional Nintendo/FE video is from an early build of the game. A build so early, that Edelgard skin and eyes were more saturated, and characters still didn't use unique palettes when using generic classes (which was incidentally used in February's JP Nintendo Direct of 2019).
Tumblr media
Your call as for which version looks better.
It doesn't just end there though; if Three Houses' datamine is anything to go by - namely, the internal order the classes have in the code - we can find evidence that can answer why the endgame lord classes were used in this variation rather than the "middle ones" early on: simply put, Armored Lord, High Lord, and Wyvern Master did not exist during most of 3H' development. In turn, this explains why the Flame Emperor Class - Edelgard's enemy-only class for Part 1 - is internally, a model swap of her Emperor class rather than Armored Lord's: the latter didn't exist during development of Part 1, so Emperor was used as a base instead.
With this evidence uncovered and the answer giving resolution to the promotional footage shown, hopes waned down for the future of 3H, and everyone moved on.
This raises two questions I haven’t seen anyone point out before, though.
How much (if any) did this change mess up the post-timeskip movies? Is it the reason why the Silver Snow Theorem happened?
To explain these inquiries further, I'll go into greater detail about each one:
1. Two Types of Animated Movies.
Tumblr media
Corporate needs you to find the differences between these two pictures.
Three Houses uses 2 types of animated movies for important scenes. The first one (see the one on the left), was done in-house by KT through pre-rendering shenanigans with the 3H engine. Meanwhile, the second one (on the right) was outsourced to SANZIGEN.
The distinction between both is relevant because the movie showcased in the FE Castle Conversations video - as well its final version - belong to the former category. Meaning that, should the character designs get tweaked during development, in the best case scenario, as far IS & KT were concerned, swapping models should be enough to keep things up to date, which might as well be what happened with the "Rematch" movie once the House Leader's main post-timeskip designs were swapped.
But what about tweaking the other type of movies, though? The ones commissioned to the animation studio? I can't imagine the whole process being cheap in their case, more so given that 8 out of the 11 movies commissioned to SANZIGEN feature the 3H lords post-timeskip:
Tumblr media
What's important here is that ☆ = Doesn't feature any 3H lord in any capacity.
Granted, the smartest course of action in this instance would've been to simply commission the post-timeskip movies near the end of development to avoid consistency/revision issues, for which there is a plausible chance that’s the case. After all, in the E3 2018 trailer for the game - which was the first instance we ever saw footage of it - the only animated movie outsourced seen was the one from the intro.
But... What if that’s not the case?
Call me paranoid if you want, but I raise this worry for a reason-
2. "The Theorem of What?????"
Tumblr media
Love this banner so much.
A few months ago I did a breakdown on how 3H distributes it's movies across routes, and if there's anything that stood up a ton besides the predictable stuff, is that the game followed a clear pattern which determined which routes would get the most movies, versus which ones would get screwed instead. In my breakdown, I coined this pattern "The Silver Snow Theorem" which proposes the following:
"The amount of movies and fullscreen CGs present in a route’s main story by Part 2, is directly and inversely proportional respectively, to how much the narrative follows Silver Snow’s story beats."
And as a refresher, Silver Snow matters to the development of Three Houses because: A. That's the first route the developers worked on; and B. was used as the basis for the other 3:
Which route specifically did you create in the beginning to establish the world-building? Kusakihara: It was one of the two paths in the Empire route—the one fans refer to as the “church route”: “Silver Snow” [...] afterwards, we had Koei Tecmo’s scripting team start work on the nitty-gritty of the other house leaders and the story of their respective routes.
While Silver Snow having this much influence over the Part 2 movies is noticeable in hindsight, truth be told, I did initially brush it off as just a side effect of being used as a template for development. Looking back now though, a part of me now wonders if the Part 2 movies were first commissioned once Silver Snow was late into development and AM and VW had been already decided to borrow a ton from the route’s first half. Because if that’s the case, then there might have been cutscenes outsourced to SANZIGEN that did feature Edelgard, Dimitri and Claude with their second post-timeskip lord classes rather than one ones fans are most familiar with.
But then, it was decided during development that the house leaders would rather use different outfits instead. And this might have caused problems with budget since changing those outsourced cutscenes ain’t an easy task compared to the ones KT made in-house.
Tumblr media
Like, seriously.
Goes without saying that all this is merely conjecture. But I feel it’s worth making the question because, to reiterate, the Silver Snow Theorem highlights that the more a route follows Silver Snow’s story beats to a tee, the more animated cutscenes (and less CGs) it gets. And given evidence points out the lord’s main post-timeskip classes fans are familiar with were a late addition… I guess y’all know where I’m going by now.
I usually don’t make threads focusing on fan theories and stuff, but this has been in my mind for a long while so I wanted to see what you guys think about it. Do you think more movies with the lord’s 2nd classes got made before the outfit swap was made? Or perhaps the issue the devs ran with that caused the Silver Snow Threorem might be due to something else entirely…? Also, what's y'all's opinion on SANZIGEN's movies compared to the ones done by KT?
23 notes · View notes
Text
WIP Wednesday
Excerpt from: the Wolf Lord
"The war won't last until next winter," Dimitri said, crossing his arms. "It ends here. I will ensure it."
"Uh... that enthusiasm is good," Annette nervously said. "But we shouldn't get overconfident—"
"As long as Edelgard is dead... Nothing else matters," Dimitri grumbled.
"Anyway," Byleth cut in. "When the war is won, we will need to rebuild. Having the resources of Gronder Field will be good for us no matter what. Now that Count Gloucester backs us, the Alliance's Roundtable has voted to join us in the invasion of the Empire. We will consolidate our forces on Gronder Field."
"Not on Myrddin?" Dimitri asked. "It' d be best to merge and reshuffle our troops before the greatest pitched battle of this entire war."
"The Great Bridge of Myrddin is large, but it does not have enough largeness for all of our armies together," Petra calmly said. "If we are delayed because of this... um... strangle point, Edelgard would not have to be fighting all of us at the same time."
"Exactly," Byleth said. "The Empire has the advantage in a battle of attrition. We cannot get delayed on the crossing of the river. We will pass through the Great Bridge of Myrddin first, and then Claude will cross his army through all the minor bridges along the Airmid, following in after us."
"You would allow our army to be stuck between two potentially hostile forces?"
"Again with this?" Byleth resisted the urge to roll her eyes. "Don't you think Claude and the Alliance deserve the benefit of the doubt? He cooperated with us to capture Myrddin. It would make no sense for them to try to attack us now."
3 notes · View notes
starres-stuff · 8 months
Text
FFXIV Writes 2023 | Day 13 | Check
Another visit with 'Mother' provides Dimitri with family history and grim news about his Sister, Viviane.
Tumblr media
For days after the first meeting with his Mother, Saphelle, Dimitri did everything he could to avoid going to see her. It was a great deal to process in a short time and with his education and experiences thus far with voidsent it was for the best that he had sunk himself into something distracting.
On the morning of the fourth day, he finally felt he was ready to return to the expensively decorated loft to check in on the creature inhabiting his Mother’s body. In the time that he had taken to unpack all that he had learned he also went about strengthening his wards. Despite these efforts he still found himself struggling with going to face the creature again, especially knowing that Viviane had no idea what she was dealing with.
The walk from where he had been staying to the loft felt much longer than it was. The sense of dragging his feet was quite noticeable to the man since with legs as long as his it took no time to clear distances. On his way, he kept telling himself things would turn out alright, but as soon as he saw the outline of Lily Hills in the distance he felt his stomach churn and his throat tighten. There were too many unknown variables in this equation and Dimitri was not comfortable with the unknown. The creature could be lying or have its sights on Viviane because of her aether abilities like it had their Mother. The Sharlyan felt his jaw tighten as he thought about the various ways this entire situation could end up and before he knew it he was in the lobby moving towards the aetheryte to the top floor.
“Lord Dimitri.” A crisp voice, one of Garlean origin by the accent, greeted him at the door in the shape of his Mother’s butler Atticus. This was the other thing that deeply disturbed him profoundly. While it was well and good that the man had escaped the Empire's grasp and found his way to freedom in Ishgard, he found it deplorable that his Mother had him answering doors and engaging with guests, especially those who could be from areas that had been dominated by the Garlean war machine. While Sharlayan was not one of them and had remained neutral with the Empire as they did with any other nation or City-State on the Star he had heard enough horror stories that led him to feel that a lower-profile job would have been better for the man especially since he was not one to cover the trademark third eye that loomed from his forehead.
“Here to see your Mother? She had just asked me to ring you on the linkpearl and ensure that you were safe. She is looking forward to another visit with you, she is even in her sitting room this morning instead of her bedroom. Of course, this does not mean much.” The man confided, as he straightened his starch white gloves and then moved to take Dimitri’s coat from him to hang in the closet in the hall.
“Mm yes, I do imagine that it is more of a matter of a change of scenery,” Dimitri replied evenly, reluctantly handing over his leather trench coat to the butler and trying not to stare at the third eye even though he felt like it was staring at him, he even put on a faint smile to try and look somewhat dignified as his coat was placed on a hanger and put away until later.
“Now head down the hall, past the bedroom, and to the second door on your right. Then just knock on the door two times, that is the code she set for you.” The smile was returned evenly, and the older man bowed the silver strands blended into his otherwise platinum blonde hair catching Dimitri’s eye, before he gave a nod and headed off in the direction he was told passing by parts of the apartment that he had seen in his last visit, and a piano that he had not noticed. Here he made a note to stop on his way out and see if it was in tune or if it needed service. He had learned to play in Sharlayan, and often he would play to relax when found himself overthinking a matter as he was now. Pressing on he arrived at the door which was half closed and he knocked once then twice as he had been instructed to do.
“Oh do come in!” Saphelle’s voice called. “I was worried about you my dear boy. I had not heard from you after our first meeting and I was concerned you got lost in the nightlife of Eorzea as most visitors do.” How she could simply act like she was a normal person infuriated the Sharlayan for there was nothing normal about her. She was a monster, there was no other way to think of it, at least that was what his Professors had taught at the Studium and what he now taught himself.
“I am quite well.” came his reply as he stepped in the door, straightening the vest he wore at the same time, and making certain his tie was straight, appearances were everything after all. “After our first talk, I needed time to think and to check on a few things.” Dimitri knew his face was grim, and there was no way of hiding that fact from the woman before him. Today she sat in a chair by the window wrapped in a snow-white shawl with her long Raven hair fashioned into a high ponytail at the back of her head and on her nose sat perched a pair of glasses.
“I do not feel bad about telling you the situation so if you came looking for an apology there will not be one,” Saphelle said sternly and then motioned towards the other side of the table where a folder sat brimming with information on something that threatened to spill all over the table. “I cannot tell your Sister any of this, she is quite delicate. You would never notice that looking at her but the Chiurgeons who cared for her after her rescue were quite firm that she could not tolerate stress or it chanced all the work they had done to help her overcome her brainwashing from the Cult.
“Excuse me?” This was even more jarring than learning his Mother had been dead for years. “What Cult? Are you trying to tell me my Sister is a Cultist being left to wander around Eorzea on her good word alone that she has no agenda?” Across the room he moved, and soon he settled into the chair, his hands moving to the folder which he did not wait to open and he found within kidnapping pictures, old articles in Ishgardian beseeching the Cultists to bring Viviane Jienuex home, and other information that he often used in his investigations.
“Cultist not by her own choice. When I am gone Dimitri I will need you to check on her. It is a long story; the documents within that folder tell you most of it. In short, Viviane was kidnapped in her fifteenth summer by the Lambs of Dalamud. She was kept in captivity until she was in her mid-twenties and then returned to us by an unknown man. None of this is my concern, those who cared for her were successful in treating her and reversing the hold of the cult. There are things that I need to tell you of her condition, that a man of your training will understand.”
It was at that moment that the door closed all the way, pulled from the other side likely by Atticus who had been lying in wait for a keyword or sign from his employer to do so. The sound of the door closing caused the Sharlayan to jump slightly in his chair as his fingers moved through page after page, including medical reports from those who had tended to his Sister. His head shook every so often as he read every single word on every single page. “The Lambs be damned.” He finally said looking up towards Saphelle’s ruby eyes, he still did not understand why she was helping them but at this point, he had relented enough to listen to her.
“As I told you during our first meeting the Jienuex family originated within the sacred halls of the City of Mhachi. Your ancestor was named Neipionne the Scholar. She never had a last name that I knew of. Perhaps you have been told that voidsent cannot love, and for most that is true. However, when you are summoned by a soul with enough power to draw you from the void to their side, you learn to love them and remember what love is if you have forgotten.” Lifting her teacup that somehow was still steaming she took a few sips from it before continuing, Dimitri now sitting quietly, his attention locked on her.
“I loved her, for all she was and all she believed in. I loved her so intensely that when it was her time to die, I agreed to her request to watch over her descendants until I met my bittersweet end or I was dismissed from my Oath. I have seen each of you as my children because of this oath. Neipionne and I often saw each other as bonded, how could I not look upon all of you as anything else? It has been a long road Dimitri but one that has been most rewarding to me. I have watched generations of your family grow and take over the House as their own, each time I vanished for a time ready to be there in the end to educate the next generation about their heritage.”
Slowly she lowered the teacup and she rested her slightly wrinkled hands on the table. “Your Sister has been told she has an illness, what she has not been told yet is that her Illness makes her pact bound to a Voidsent, and I have had no success in determining who or where this Voidsent can be found.” Saphelle’s brow creased, and the light in her eyes dimmed quite a bit before she raised them to the Sharlayan’s “What you will not often find in written Ishgardian history is that the Lambs of Dalamud were Thaumaturges who used blood as a focus. Many thought that they were akin to conjurers since they were devout to an Aspect of Menphina; this has never been the case.” Around her slight frame, her arms wrapped in a self-hug as if the story she told him disturbed her greatly.
“Knowing this would bring no surprise I am certain that blood was given to your Sister while in captivity. That is precisely ten cycles of daily infusion and they used voidsent blood.” She arched her eyebrow at him and then looked to see if he followed along.
“Fuck” was the only word Dimitri could manage, he knew much of blood used in rituals and the powers of voidsent blood over a mortal. Several times he started to open his mouth to speak but nothing came out, and when that didn’t work a finger raised to call attention to his desire to speak only moments later to lower again until both of his hands were folded on the table as well.
“The Mhach scholars were known for a ritual that tied voidsent and their summoner in other ways, ways that Neipionne and I never agreed with. It was because of this we never shared blood, a smart move indeed as she would have become like your sister with the things she had been exposed to in her research and the fact she took part in the rituals herself before we met. The Red Mages of Ala Mhigo can tell this story better than I if you ever meet one. They have tales of a family tied to the Void Queen Lilith that cursed them until Lilith was banished back to the Void. The condition is called Nightkin, an Aether vampire.” Saphelle said seriously. “And until we can find who the blood Viviane was given belonged to, she will bear this curse with no cure.”
Dimitri’s fist came down on the table, his eyes wide with fury. “And she is being allowed to walk around the Shroud like an innocent woman! I have read accounts from Ala Mhigo, the horror that poor woman went through. How is it safe for my Sister to be out there!”
“She has been trained. For the past five years, she has been with Saphelle’s sister Doshaine in the deep woods. They had the same condition, Dimitri, while Viviane thinks it is an illness that leaves her in need of aether transfusions she has been taught to live in the manner that Doshaine herself lived. Unfortunately, we lost Doshaine just last Moon, and now I need you to watch over your Sister, and check in on her. Make certain she goes to Ishgard for medical care and other things. In that folder is everything you need to know that Doshaine put into place. I cannot stay in this form much longer, I have already stayed too long and you are the only one I could trust with this knowledge, it is what you have been taught to do.”
Tumblr media
To be continued
3 notes · View notes
the-elusive-libbin · 2 years
Text
When desperation calls - (A Hubert hunger/stuffing fic - FETH)
Description: Almost two years after the great war, Linhardt is unexpectedly reunited with a man he previously thought to be dead. Under some unusual circumstances, the poor man’s malnutrition becomes clear.
This took me a few hours and I’m rarely in the mood to write nowadays. It’s very self indulgent and involves my favourite Fire Emblem character. I hope you enjoy. 
**********************************************************
It was market day. Outside of Garreg Mach monastery sat a small market square that, once a month, welcomed merchants and traders to its land. Tiny stalls popped up across the square in higgledy piggledy placements, each boasting an array of peculiar and not so peculiar items. These stalls, stacked, wooden frames with tent-like coverings of differing colours, sprouted up like flowered foliage and their numbers were impressive. Cobblestone roads bustled with people seeking new and unique wares whilst the sky tinted itself a light blue, allowing for the sun to gasconade. Ever since the fall of the Adrestian Empire not two years prior, the monastery had learned to thrive once more, its walls had been reconstructed and the building stood dignified, as for The Leicester Alliance, that had disbanded and in the place of these once large powers ruled The Kingdom of Faerghus. King Dimitri lorded over Fodlan and ruled generously, those few that had defected from the Empire now stood with him, Linhardt was one such person.
Hearing of all the fascinating trinkets that would often materialise at the Garreg Mach market had finally become too much of a lure and after months and months of hearing about it, the crest researcher halted his laziness, grabbed a satchel, which within contained a monogrammed coin purse and headed out. It was not a long journey, for Linhardt lived his days within the monastery walls as he had done for many a year, the beginning of which had occurred during his days as a student - Long before the great war.
In a typically Linhardt fashion, the man “just hadn’t the time or effort” for such ventures. But once Caspar had ceased being his annoying self and set off travelling with Ashe, the green haired mage found himself feeling ever so slightly lonely, not lonely enough that he would immediately seek to find companionship mind you, but lonely enough to feel the need to decisively take a short venture of his own. So many things to see, so many weird and wonderful things! Though thus far nothing had caught his eye and that was rather a disappointment. At an interval, Linhardt had stopped to caress the cover of a book on Crestological findings only to find that upon peeking inside, those findings were antiquated and moreover, factually incorrect. The bookseller had not appreciated the mage’s input and found himself angered when he was evenly and loudly outed to be selling irrelevant and wrong information. Had the green haired man not dodged the same book he had been holding moments before, it should have left a nasty bump on his forehead. “Do not get mad at your own misgivings.” Linhardt had shrugged. “You would do well to not waste good stock with neither your ‘talent’ nor your tantrums. It will get you nowhere”
No, there was nothing to see worth seeing and Linhardt was becoming rapidly disinterested.
Surely something would reveal itself if it wanted to be found.
Lurking around a corner, keeping to the shadowed areas of the stalls and structures, a caped figure tailed the wealthy looking mage. A noble was always an easy mark and the figure could always tell a noble from a commoner, no matter how they dressed. Linhardt certainly had not been making an effort to cloak his status and had in fact, entered the market wearing some of his most regal, blue robes; the common folk could not take cognizance of the fact that the mage had actually been wearing them for three days straight due to being lost within his own musings and research. Not that it mattered. This figure had seen the green haired mage before. He had seen him on many occasions. He knew exactly who he was. His name, his status and that he had to be carrying with him a pouch of gold. Dressed in black, the man as the figure licked his teeth, following with a discreet smirk. Finally, he would be getting what he deserved, what he needed.
Linhardt had just about resigned himself to leave when he stumbled upon a dated, silver trinket, possibly a bookmark, that despite being in need of a good polish, bore an unusual resemblance to the crest of Cethleann. A crest that the mage himself bore as a brand-like, black image above his left shoulder blade. A minor crest though it was, Linhardt had once known someone who had been blessed with a major crest of the same type. He thought of her for a moment until flashes of her stern older brother replaced them and Linhardt decided that now was not the time to reminisce. Deeming the find fascinating and worthy of purchase, he did just that; popping the trinket into his satchel, he smiled to himself, at least he would not return empty handed. Glad that the venture was not for naught, the mage turned to walk away but bumped promptly into something. “Ouch, hey.” Mumbled the mage as he tripped but did not fall. He gazed upwards and met the blackness of the inside of a hooded robe where there surely would be a face hidden away. “My apologies, I did not see you.” Nodded the mage as he sidestepped the figure and proceeded onward without looking back. “I must be going. Good evening.”
A few steps had been taken before a cold sharpness prodded his back. It felt as though it could pierce should more force be applied. The feeling was not pleasant.
“A knife? That old trick?”
“...” Only silence returned his words. 
“Oh, are we playing the silent game then? I shall go first and walk away.”
Linhard set himself to leave but the blade followed and this time, slightly more pressure was applied. He sighed. This was irritating and the green haired male was becoming increasingly more tired of this marketplace.
“Look, can we just get this over with please? Lower the knife and let us speak like adults. What do you want from me?”
“Not here…..there.” Came a low, eerie voice that sounded almost familiar. The figure, who Linhardt had correctly assumed was the one he had bumped into prior, motioned to an alley with a movement from his knife. The blade passed the mage’s face stretched ahead toward the darkness of the area that the figure wanted them to move to.
“Why? Afraid these people will hear you try and mug me?” Scoffed Linhardt. This earned a low snarl from the cloaked figure.
“Get moving.” “Okay, I will do as you ask, just remove the toy please, there is no need for such a drastic thing with a compliant victim.”
The pair found themselves alone in the depths of the alley, shaded and sheltered from the busy chatter of the common folk behind. The figure loomed tall over Linhardt, who in turn was no pipsqueak, and growled low once more. “Give me all of your money.”
“No.”
“I said, give me all of your money.” He repeated no less sternly.
“Why should I?”
“Do you not realise the dire weight of the situation you are in right now? Or the danger that will follow from your declining of my simple request?”
“Obviously not. Look, I am very tired, very busy and I would very much like to take my leave.”
The knife was reproduced and placed against the mage’s chest. Meanwhile, the figure was seemingly starting to lose his composure; Linhardt swore he could feel a sense of urgent desperation in his intonation.
“You are testing my patience. I need- Urk, I demand you hand over your gold.”
“What if I do not have a gold pouch on my person?”
“What noble would be without one in a busy market place?”
“Maybe I left mine at home, is it not rude to think all nobles of the same ilk?”
“I saw you purchase an item with the money from a pouch.” He let the tip of the knife gently lift up the flap of Linhardt’s satchel momentarily before replacing it at his collarbone.
“Did I? I think I would remember doing something like that.”
“You’re trying my patience.”
“And you are trying mine with this farce.”
The figure made a noise that sounded rather like a moan of sudden pain and clutched his free hand to his stomach.
“J-just give, urgh…Give me the money.” He hunched over slightly and moved the blade to the neck of the victim. “I-I need it.”
“I assure you, I do too. What reason do you have for wanting it so badly?”
“I….I-” The figure groaned as the knife blade wavered and a deep, gurgling, rumble came out from beneath the thick, black cloak.
There was a pause.
“Was…that your stomach?” Linhardt raised an eyebrow. He had seen the figure clutching at his midsection and previously assumed him to be hurt, incorrectly so. It appeared that after putting two and two together, the green haired researcher concluded that the man was very hungry.
“I see. You need the money for a decent meal don’t you?”
Taking a step back, the figure stuttered. “Y-you would do well to keep quiet if you know what’s good for you. You know nothing.” “I know that stomachs don’t tend to growl like that unless they are empty and in need of food.” 
At his words, a similar groaning rumble could be heard, this time louder than before.
“Shut up!” Snarled the figure, his hand rubbing circles into his groaning belly.
“Are you talking to me or your stomach?”
Without warning, the man used some force to push the mage into the wall, knife to throat and hand against the stonewall, encompassing him to prevent any attempt at escape. From this angle, Linhardt could see the gaunt cheeks and dry lips of a malnourished man and he could smell him too. A foul mix of body odour and dirt, a scent accumulated no doubt by rough sleeping and lack of water to bathe in.
“Quickly, give me your money….before I….Starve…” The force of the knife loosened as the figure wobbled in place, his energy fading and his words trailing off softly. Seconds later, he had collapsed onto Linhardt and was now being held up with his head resting on the mage’s shoulder. “Oh dear, now what am I to do with-...” The crest researcher paused his words and gazed upon the face of the man who had held a knife to his throat. Blue eyes widened. With his hood no longer a cloak for his face, the mugger had been easily recognised as a man Linhardt once knew very well, a man who had betrayed he and his friends years ago, even going to war with them as enemies. This man had studied, ate and trained with Linhardt as a fellow mage until the day of his betrayal. This man was thought to have died on the battlefield years ago after losing a battle in the defence of the empress he once served as retainer. 
“It simply cannot be….Hubert?” 
Hubert awoke to the groaning of his hollow, empty belly and throbbing head, but more so to the delicious scent that wafted through the air and dared tantalise his starved being. He groaned, as he sat up from the bed he lay in. His tattered, filthy clothing had been removed from his torso so that only his legs and waist remained clothed. Confused, he chanced to look at his surroundings. He was in a small, cluttered bedroom turned study that looked at present to be more like a ransacked library flooded by books. It was a wonder that patches of wooden floor could still be seen. The room was lacking in furnishings and aside from the multitude of books, it contained only a bed, a desk and an assortment of bookshelves- currently half filled of course. The dark mage shook his head, where on earth was he? The last he remembered was threatening that irksome noble Linhardt for money and- 
He blanched, his face whitening as he remembered nothing after that. He had quite clearly passed out from hunger. His belly panged and gave a vocal note of its displeasure with a short, saddened ‘gruuuglllllee.’ Hubert gently rubbed his naked belly soothingly as it vibrated onto his hand. It was cramping up, squeezing against itself and trying to digest something, all it got hold of was air. He felt sick. Nowadays, he always feels sick. Shaky, lightheaded and weaker than before, all symptoms of malnutrition. Remembering the smell of food as it reached his nostrils again, the vagabond stood with a shake and made his way towards the door with heavy steps. There was no point in staying alone in the room to waste away and his belly demanded that the delicious smell be identified. 
He exited the room into a corridor and followed the scent to yet another room, this one contained a couple of sofas in a sort of lounge-like area and yet also had to one side, a full working kitchen. At the stove stood the man he had tried to mug what could have been a couple just a couple of hours ago.
“I see you are awake.” It was more of a factual observation than a question and the mage did not turn or falter in his actions, instead he just continued to cook.
“Go and take a bath. You stink and Frankly I will not stand for such rankness in my accommodation.”
“E-excuse me?” Offended, Hubert glared at Linhardt, his eyes wanting to bore holes in the back of his green head.
“You heard me, next door on the left. I have run a bath and set you out with more fitting clothes. At least I think they are fitting, I am not actually sure what size robes you wear, but with how much weight you have lost since I last saw you, they should fit fine. You are roughly around the same size as Ferdinand so I borrowed clothing from him at request.  Also, if the clothes I picked out are not to your liking then you can go without. I haven’t the patience to pander to any fashion requests.”
“Are you mocking me? I tried to mug you mere hours ago.”
“No, I am strongly advising that you bathe because you smell. I am not mocking you, it is a fact. The longer you take to bathe, the longer it is before you eat. Your poor stomach dared not cease its growling the entire way back here. It rumbled dreadfully onto my back. Despite having the appearance of a skeletal mass, you certainly are not so light.”
“You carried me here?”
“I did.”
“....Thank you.” Hubert’s heart twinged. A mix of guilt and humiliation washed over him as he did as he was told, entered the bathroom and took a bath. The dirt came off in droves and soiled the clean water so much that when Linhardt came in to check on him, much to Hubert’s embarrassment, he had to resupply the bathing water and help to wash the older male’s hair.
“I can do this myself.”
“Not as well as I can Hubert, I want to make sure all of the cobwebs and ash and gods, whatever this stuff is, are out of your hair.” Linhardt grimaced, picking what looked like a dead beetle carcass out of the black strands. The vagabond’s stomach made ripples in the water as it groaned, the liquid doing nothing to muffle the sounds of the aching rumbles.
“Do excuse me. I am rather famished.”
“I am well aware. I assessed the damage for myself earlier.”
“Excuse me?”
“Well who do you think undressed you? That tummy of yours was gurgling up a storm so I used my ears and had a good, long listen to it. Doesn’t make for a comfy pillow but the vibrations do feel good on a weary head.”
“Gods…” Hubert’s face reddened more and more as Linhardt spoke and all he could do to hide his embarrassment was cover a hand to his mouth. The mage smirked in response. It was his own slice of payback for the attempted mugging.
After some complaining and sparse conversation, Hubert smelled fresh and was dressed in some of Ferdinand’s finery, a white, ruffled shirt and black trousers with black boots and a leather belt. Reluctantly.
“I cannot believe you took clothing from that imbecile. His taste always lacked.”
“Oh don’t complain Hubert, at least you have clothing. Take a seat at the table, the food should be just about done.” “Food?” Hubert’s mouth began to salivate and he found himself swallowing it back with an audible ‘Gulp.’ Doing as he was told, he immediately took a seat, secretly awash with shame over his own sudden obedience. Like a dog, he had been coerced to sitting on command at the thought of a tasty treat. Humiliating. But then he had gone without food for so long, living off the scraps provided by the people of the land and scurrying about, homeless like a rat in a sewer. A vagabond. A scavenger.
The black haired male snapped out of his thoughts when an extra large bowl of thickened stew was placed in front of him. His eyes widened. Linhardt took a seat opposite with a smaller bowl of the same stew for himself.
“This….Is for me?”
“No it’s for the fire, of course it’s for you.” Sarcastically Linhardt rolled his eyes before smiling back at his dinner companion. “Eat up, I do not go about making food for just anyone you know.”
“Why would you do this for me?”
“Because you are hungry and I was making myself lunch anyway.”
“I betrayed you all.”
“Bygones are an unnecessary worry.”
“I threatened you.”
“Like I said, bygones. Anyway, you did that all the time during our time as students, threatening us. All were as empty as your stomach by the way.”
“I-....Thank you.” He paused before continuing with a sigh. I am grateful. I fear I may have starved without you.” Hubert’s stomach welled up and roared impatiently earning a blush and a quelling rub from its master. “Quiet, you are to be fed shortly.”
Starting with light mouthfuls, Hubert tried his damndest to eat with decorum rather than let himself be seen scoffing mouthfuls like a greedy piglet. His stomach greedily accepted the first mouthful with an appreciative gurgle but then tensed up queasily. Hubert’s hand flew to his mouth in fear of the food he’d just swallowed coming back up, but luckily it stayed put within the confines of his starving belly. 
“Oh my, are you quite alright?”
“I’m fine, my stomach isn’t used to food. It will take some getting used to.”
“I see, eat slower and take your time, it will ease your belly.”
“Urk, duly noted.” Blushed the dark mage.
Mouthful after mouthful passed Hubert’s lips and slowly began filtering into his stomach, which immediately began to attempt to digest its contents. Thick gravy with meat and vegetables began to fill his belly. It felt weird, like every piece of food within his gut could be identified and felt individually.
“There’s finally food in my stomach.” moaned the mage as he smiled for the first time in a while. “How does it feel?” “Hmmm…warm? Filling.” He continued to eat, his concave stomach beginning to stretch outwards with every few mouthfuls. More and more he ate until he was halfway done with his meal. His stomach protruded, pushing out his white shirt and straining against the belt at his waist. Secretly, the mage unfastened the belt and his belly jutted forward slightly, the curve less visible without its restrictions. Hubert sighed happily and continued. He was beginning to feel rather full it seemed.
Eventually, the bowl was empty and his stomach was full, sat rounded and tight like a rock at his abdomen. The dark mage pressed his belly with his hand and hiccuped; it was solid.
“Oh my…What a delectable meal. I feel….stuffed.” He moaned almost indecently, his manners and pride forgotten for the moment due to the lull of his overstuffed belly. It hurt wonderfully. Taking a gloved hand, Hubert patted the bulge under his shirt in contentment and belched softly, faintly behind his other hand.
“Excuse me.”
“Wow…” Linhardt was stunned. He hadn’t expected Hubert, who had been starved for so long, to be able to stomach so much in one go. The human stomach could not usually reach its previous maximum capacity after not having food for that amount of time. Then again, Linhardt had recalled seeing the dark mage positively stuffed after a celebratory banquet in the past (a feat that was very out of character for Hubert.)
“You look so much better filled out like that. Aren’t you glad it was me you decided to mug?”
“I am.” Chuckled the black haired male. “And I would do it again in a heartbeat to be where I am now.”
“How nice of you.” the mage rolled his eyes with a smile. “Now if you would be so kind as to fill me in on where you’ve been as payment for the meal?”
Hubert hiccuped again, his full belly bloating out against his diaphragm, making it spasm. He rubbed his belly in circles as it gurgled underhand, straining to digest its heavy load. The pain was disregarded as it came second to the happily stuffed feeling - Still maybe he should not have gorged himself the way he did.
“Gladly but, I should like to sleep after our conversation. I am full and rather tired.”
“Sure, as long as you do not go collapsing on me again, I cannot carry you to a bed with your newfound weight.”
“Very funny.”
48 notes · View notes
crapmagak · 2 years
Text
Engage Drip Marketing: Alfred
Tumblr media
Oh boy, we finally get to learn about one of the cover characters, Alfred. 
They struck gold with Xander, and they struck god damn platinum with Dimitri, so it seems they’re going for round three. Perhaps in terms of the franchise's future, Dimitri has spawned a whole new character archetype, kind of like how Tharja has made the sexy goth woman a staple in this series with Camilla, Shamir, and now purple haired woman in the trailer.
As for Alfred himself, we get these tweets
Alfred (VA: Ryōhei Kimura) is the first prince of the Firenese Kingdom, a brisk young man who battles alongside the Divine Dragon. He’s a kind, disciplined and flower-loving pursuer of happiness.
Then the cutscene tweet
It seems Alfred had visited the sleeping Alear many times. He's surprised that Alear woke up.
Alear: "Alfred... of the Kingdom of Firene?"
Alfred: "You... Could it be?
The Divine Dragon Alear? You woke up?"
Alear: "Y-yes."
Alfred: "I see... This is great! You've no idea how long I've waited for this!"
So, first off, we finally have a name for the Verdant kingdom; Firene! Seems I was right on the mark about which country Firene referred to. I’m also excited to see more characters representative of this region. Though a west european base is the literal standard for fantasy, adding a flower and plant motif definitely helps. Reminds me a bit of the Tyrells from A Song of Ice and Fire. 
As for Alfred himself, despite my Dimitri jokes, he actually gives me a different set of vibes. Specifically, I have a theory about the four other box art characters, the one we saw in that sequence were they fight a bunch of corrupted. They each adhere to a sort of classic Fire Emblem Archetype, especially those relating to royalty. So, while Alear is our Avatar lord, I think Alfred is meant to be more of our classical lord. Think Marth, Eliwood, or Eirika, the more gentlemanly, peace loving lord, as opposed to the more warrior esc lords like Hector, Ephraim, or Ike, who I think will be the red haired swordsman. I think the dancer will be that innocuous traveler who turns out to be royalty, like Lewyn, Joshua, or Virion. As for the goth woman… I have a strong prediction but it’s based on the leaks. And unfortunately, I can't black out text for easy spoiler warnings on tumblr. I'll just have to say it once we get her posts. I’m also certain that for the Firene arc of this game, Alfred will serve as the Deuteragonist/ focus character. Hell, there's a strong chance he’ll get a legendary weapon as well.
One thing that did surprise me is that Alfred is the first prince. Considering Celine wears a crown but he doesn’t, I assumed Alfred wasn’t even royalty. Makes sense though. Seems like we’re getting a classic Fire Emblem story of a Prince trying to defend/ reconquer his homeland. If he’s a prince, I also assume that makes Celine his younger sister.
Another big thing is that we get a good look at Etie and the fighter character early. The first thing that struck me was just how tiny Etie was. I kind of assumed she’d look older, like Chloe, but she looks younger than Framme. The fighter was also a shock, considering how small his head is compared to his body. Now, a lot of that bulk’s probably do to his clothes and armor, but it still looks off a bit. I’m fairly sure the two are Alfreds retainers, which makes me wonder if Chloe and Louis are Celine’s retainers as well, and all the major characters get a pair like in Fates. That's not the only thing that reminds me of past games, though. Etie and the fighter have pretty similar hair and eye colors, along with overall aesthetics. I kind of wonder if they’re siblings too. If they are, then that’d make them the third pair, considering the dragon guardian twins, and the Firene royals. We also see Citrinne in a map with a blond cavalier too… I wonder if we’re getting a predominantly sibling cast, like in the second half of Genealogy. Then again, the hair and eye colors are exactly the same, so perhaps I’m over thinking things. Overall, they give me Lethe and Mordecai vibes; tiny mean girl and big nice guy.
We also see this cutscene at the night bridge map, meaning you probably meet the three during or after the it. I’m guessing the attack happened on one of his visits. Perhaps after the attack, our heroes flee to Firene after the Holy Land is captured.
Next, we get another juicy, juicy crit clip…
Alfred's starting class is Noble/ Cavalry. With blood of noble royalty running through their veins, they ride a horse, and elegantly wield a lance.
So, it seems like Alfred gets a fancy flourish on his crit. Perhaps it’s exclusive to him, or just major Firene characters in general. We also get to hear more of that sweet, sweet Firene map theme. This is a new map too, taking place in a village with bushes and small forests. Alfred is level seven, so it appears to take place after the Firene castle chapter. Perhaps that wasn’t a castle, but a simple fort.
Green units are confirmed. There are six on the map, but we can only see five. We have three civilians, one presumed cleric, and a monk in the back. Seems like we’ll need to rush to their aid before it’s too late.
What really caught my eye, though, was that someone else is engaged to Sigurd. This completely obliterated my assumption that only certain pairings of characters could engage. As for the character in question, it’s hard to tell cause they face away from the camera, and because of their glowing hair. Considering who else we see, and that they’re on foot, my guess is Clan or Louis. I lean more towards Louis for one reason. Each of the engaged characters have a sort of glowing halo thing along their backs. Alear has dragon-like wings, Celine a halo, for a brief second we see wing-like ornaments of Alfred’s form on the map, and the red haired swordsman has a bunch of glowing weapons on his back. This figure has either large wings around their shoulders, or a kind of shell like pauldrons. My new theory is that the ornament is based on class categories, and armored units get the shell. If this is true, I wonder if there are limits to who can engage with who based on weapon type (as an example, SIgurd can only engage with characters who use swords or lances, and Lyn would be locked to characters who use swords or bows.)
Finally, we get a quick look at Alfreds inventory. He can use an iron lance, or a javelin. However, he can’t wield the poleaxe, meaning he really is lance locked (probably until he promotes).
As for who we see next, my bets on either Etie or Celine. If we do get Celine next, I’m curious if we’ll see her crit with a sword or magic.
15 notes · View notes
imaginefodlan · 2 years
Note
One day there are a snow tempest at the monastery (pre-timeskip) and the lions are super happy, the cold has no effect on them. They play like happy cubs (puppies) in the snow, like if a snowball fight was SUPER SERIOUS. Mercedès is like "haha it's a little fresh today". Meanwhile Claude screams in agony "there are snow until my belly" and fall dramatically in Lorenz and Hilda arms. "I'm sick, friends, save me"
I have, once again, two years later, arisen from the grave to write more FE3H content. 😅
I can picture Dimitri, Ingrid, Sylvain, and Felix having the most intense snowball fight in the snow, decked out to the nines in their winter furs and thickest fortified leather boots. You can see their fingers turning red from the frosty chill of the snow, bright red to match the warmth in their cheeks as the cold wind brushes against them. Ingrid and Dimitri against Sylvain and Felix, they spend hours in the snow until they're so exhausted they can't help but collapse and make snow angels for a while, just to give their bodies more of a break while still keeping their limbs warm.
Dedue has to be goaded into joining the snowball fight. It takes Dimitri practically dragging him into the fray, and Sylvain pegging him right in the face with a snowball, to get him to join the game and take part in the action instead of observing closely from the wayside. But once he's in, he makes sure to get his vengeance against Sylvain with a well-placed snowball to the chest, which knocks him back with enough force for Dimitri and Ingrid to take advantage and begin tactically pelting him with snowballs. At one point, even Felix joins in, slinging a snowball right for Sylvain's head. For a moment, the teams are forgotten and it becomes an entire free-for-all, everyone aiming for everyone, a blur of excitement and competitive energy.
Annette, Ashe, and Mercie have slightly lower tolerances to the cold, but they still enjoy the brisk chill in the air as they settle around a bonfire and exchange their favorite stories about growing up in this sort of weather in the Kingdom. Ashe tells stories about playing with his younger siblings in the snow, long before their parents' deaths, and of, later in life, settling in around the fireplace in Lord Lonato's home to read fairy tales. Mercie talks about her very first winter in Faerghus, how shocked she was at how chilly it got there, and how quickly she became used to it and even came to enjoy the freshness of the wintertime. Annette chatters about how long it took her to get used to the frigid winters, and how much easier it became to appreciate the weather in her homeland when she began her magical studies and learned to channel warmth throughout her body despite the cold.
Now, Claude on the other hand... he's freezing his ass off, dammit! The winter is not his friend at all! He'd much prefer the blazing summer heat to all this frozen water piling up to his chest. He just doesn't really get what the big deal is, what has the Blue Lions so captivated with frolicking and playing in the snow. Sure, tactical games are great, and in theory, snowball fights should be right up his alley because of it, but he just can't wrap his head around why they have to do war games in the dead of winter, when the snow is nearly as tall as Lysithea!
"I'm dying! I've got hypothermia, I'm sure of it! Leave me, my friends! I will surely perish in this weather! My dying wish is but for this dreadful blizzard to end peacefully, and soon!" Claude half-jokes dramatically, falling back against Hilda and Lorenz as if he were fainting, much to their surprise. Claude obviously loves his antics, but this is almost on a whole different level of drama, even for him.
Lorenz and Hilda are rolling their eyes all the while, half in amusement and half in annoyance. "I'm sure you'll be just fine, Claude. But remember, if you are to perish, you leave the leadership of the Alliance to me." Lorenz teases as Hilda pushes Claude back onto his feet.
"And don't forget," Hilda adds with a sly grin, "You still owe me for putting in the extra effort in last month's mission, so you can't go dying on me yet!"
1 note · View note
glowingbadger · 3 years
Text
So many thanks to my lovely followers who helped me come up with this concept! Arranged marriage has been the vibe with some of y'all lately and I am here for it.
Dimitri x Reader arranged marriage
AFAB reader ('wife', but no pronouns)
NSFW 18+
You lie in bed beside your husband- your Lord Husband, you should say -and there seems to be no cure for the anxious restlessness that's made a home in your heart. It had been like that since the moment you'd learned you had been betrothed to the infamous Boar King. A man of legendary strength and rumored temper. A one-eyed titan who had struck down countless foes with untold brutality. Yes, he and his allies had unified the continent. But great deeds can certainly be done at the hands of monsters.
He'd hardly touched you. Hardly looked at you, at first. You believed he must be disgusted by you, by this whole arrangement. But the need for an heir would be of even greater importance in the wake of the recent war, and so the most suitable arrangement (which turned out to be you) had been hastily made the moment the treatise had been signed. And so you'd come to live with the Boar King, and even to share his bed- though not yet in the fullest sense. It had taken a week for him to meet your gaze directly. When that bright blue star leveled on you, you expected to feel aggression, the rage that common folk told tall tales of in taverns. Instead, you felt hesitation. Sadness. Remorse. And a whole host of other things you didn't have names for yet.
By week three, he had tentatively taken your hand to help you off of horseback. That was the first time he ever touched you. You remember that he held you like fine parchment a little too close to a flame. After that, things had come a little more easily. You shared meals, and even a few polite words and the occasional briefest physical contact. He asked about your comfort in the castle. He assured you that anything you should need could be called for. Now, lying next to him in your bed- the bed you would share for the rest of your life -there's a geometrically perfect space between you two. A gap, seemingly exactly calculated to ensure that your bodies were unlikely to meet in the night.
"Ngh..." He groans, his body twitches and tenses. You've learned that the King suffers from nightmares, though of course you haven't let on that you've noticed. Tonight seems to be worse than the others.
"No..." he growls through grinding teeth, "Stay away... go... no-!" his fists grip the sheets so tightly you worry for the fabric. Then, you're not sure what madness prompts it, but you move closer to him. Just a little at first. Inching towards him as though approaching a frightened animal.
"My Lord..." you whisper, and your fingers just briefly graze his arm. He's warm, his body is firm and strong. You'd never allowed yourself to really look at him in his nightclothes before, but the relaxed collar of his shirt reveals defined collarbones and fair skin, but also a cross-hatched web of old scars. Some part of you had known all along, but for the first time, you truly, fully realize that he's actually strikingly handsome.
You lean over him a bit further. His head turns toward you, but he's still in the throes of his nightmares. Panting breaths cause his chest to rapidly rise and fall beneath you, and you can't help but feel the ache of sympathy in your heart. Gently, carefully, you bring a hand to his face. You can feel how tightly his jaw is clenched.
"Your Highness," you speak louder this time. His eye bolts open. His hand seizes you by the wrist hard- too hard. It hurts, and you flinch, but keep your voice down. For a moment, you fear the inevitable retribution that will surely follow. But then, he exhales, and he releases your hand.
"I- I'm sorry- I didn't realize-" he stutters out, and in this moment, he looks softer and sweeter than you've ever seen.
"You were, uhm... having a nightmare, My Lord."
He nods at you, then sighs deeply. You're at a loss for what to do. Shouldn't the King's wife comfort him in such a situation? Would he even accept any comfort you might offer?
That shock blue eye meets you, and you can tell he wants to say something. All he manages is,
"Why do you call me that?"
"I... I'm sorry?"
"'My Lord', 'Your Highness.'" it's too dark to tell for certain, but you almost think that you see a pink flush across his face.
"You're my King." you say meekly.
"I am your husband." he replies, and his eye narrows. It's not quite scolding, but there's definitely frustration there. Truly, it's impossible to tell exactly what he means by saying it, but you can't help the warmth building inside of you. He raises a hand to your cheek, and you're not afraid, though your heart races much the same. His hands are large and calloused, the hands of a man who has created miracles and atrocities, and now it's gingerly brushing your hair from your face. You move closer to him on instinct, and you notice with some relief that he doesn't shy away- not this time. Then, you open your mouth to speak, and nothing comes out at first. You sigh, and try again,
"My- My Lord Husband, you should sleep. I didn't intend to bother you, only to make sure that you were-"
He sighs once more, and his eye closes.
"Sleep will not come, I already know. Not on a night like this."
You certainly don't know what to say to that. Anything you can think of would be meaningless platitudes and hollow assurances. You don't know the man well enough to know his demons, but you're certain there are plenty. The two of you are quiet for a time, and though his breathing has steadied, he shows no signs of regaining sleep any time soon.
And so you do the only thing you can think of to do for him.
You lean forward and press your lips to his. He breathes in sharply, and you feel his frame tense beneath you- but he doesn't pull away. Your hands cradle his face as you place gentle and tentative kisses to his lips, which are far softer than you'd dared to imagine. And as you carefully move atop him to straddle his hips, you feel his hand tightly grip your thigh.
"What are you-?!"
"I thought that I would... perform my wifely duties to you, My Lord Husband. If you'll have me." you add, a slight tremor sneaking into your voice.
His pupil is wide and this time, you're certain that you can see a charming crimson flush across his cheeks. He speaks your name almost incredulously, though his hand hasn't left your body.
"You- you are under no obligation-" he stammers, and when you try to assure him, he presses on, "you're a prisoner to this marriage, don't you understand? I have no right to ask anything of you- much less that you give your body over to me!"
He seems to have completely forgotten that the entire point of this union was to produce an heir.
"I certainly wouldn't force myself on His Highness if I'm not pleasing to you..."
"That is absolutely not what I mean to imply," he says, almost laughing as he scoffs away the very idea, "I desire you as much as any sane person would, of course, but to think that you would be made to do such a thing merely to placate me-"
"I want this." you say, surprising even yourself with the strength of your words. You sound even more confident than you feel. But every word the King says to you peels away at the wall of anger and fear that you both had been content to keep between you until now, and you feel strongly about your decision. Still, he pauses a moment longer, as if waiting for you to back away from your claim. And when you don't, he draws you down to him and kisses you deeply. You can already feel his manhood rising between your thighs, but soon enough it's just one more piece of information amidst a whirlwind of sensations.
His strong arms wrap around you and his kiss travels down your neck to your chest. He fumbles awkwardly with the front of your nightshirt, so you remove it for him and he wordlessly returns to sucking gentle love-bites to your skin. Shy and curious moans and sighs surround you both in the dark of your bedchambers as you eagerly explore each other. His hands are rough, but he's trying so dearly to be delicate with you. You're more direct, your fingers tangled in golden hair and your body flush to his, creating an intoxicating friction between you.
Your lower body shifts more firmly against him, grinding his now quite stiff member between your thighs. He growls against your skin, and you feel his fingers drag down your back.
"I... ought to do more for you..."
Ostensibly, he means in terms of intimacy, but you have a strange feeling that he intends this to be a more general statement. You rest your forehead to his and murmur,
"I want you, My King."
"Dimitri." he says as his hands trail down to help remove your underclothes, "Just Dimitri, I beg of you."
And soon enough, he's pressed hot at your slick entrance, and you cling to him as he begins to push inside. He's thick- it hurts just a little, and you think for a moment that he was probably right that you both should have done more to prepare. But now he's filling you inch by inch, stretching you out around his cock, and your mind is numb to every thought except one- this is my husband, my lover.
"Dimitri..." You moan into the evening air around you as he bottoms out deep within you and the tinge of pain begins to fade into pleasure. He gives no reply other than the potent throbbing of his cock, rubbing against your inner walls as you both begin to move. You're surprised by how easy it is to fall into a natural rhythm with him. Your hips sink down onto him as he thrusts up towards you, and each pass sends a jolt up your spine. Dimitri buries his face in the crook of your neck, panting softly, holding onto your hips as you squeeze tightly around him.
Your nails dig along his muscled shoulders as you feel your climax winding tight at your core. He doesn't seem to mind- you're not sure if he even notices. His pace picks up. Briefly, his hands ease their hold on you, as though offering a means of escape. You have no need for such a thing. With a whimpering moan, you press yourself as far down onto his cock as you can until his tip hits your core, then sway forward, grinding his length into you until, with a gasp of his name, your body slacks into his arms.
He whispers your name in turn with something like awe in his voice. With his cock now coated in your climax, Dimitri loosens his restraint, and begins fucking into you in earnest. While your thighs tremble and you can hardly keep yourself supported above him, you manage to meet his gaze and smile warmly, then press a tender kiss to his parted lips. He grits his teeth, and he holds you to him with such strength that you no longer even need to support yourself. Then, he swells, twitches, and his pleasure is spilling out deep inside of you, filling you and warming you through.
You moan happily as you feel his release, then relax your body to lay comfortably against his sturdy frame. He's panting harshly still, but neither of you rush to separate from one another. Once he's just barely composed himself, he lifts your chin and kisses you with a sweetness that you never thought you'd find in a man, let alone the Boar King himself.
Though, once you've eased his spent manhood from you and laid your head against his chest, you hear his heart beating, still just a bit too fast and fluttery. You think for a moment that, yes, your husband is the legendary, ruthless Boar King. Your husband is also Dimitri, a man who looks at you with sincerity that makes your heart ache. A man you don't know well- not yet -but who you find yourself opening to more and more each day.
"I... don't wish to keep you awake terribly long..." he says, with a stilted nervousness to his voice, "but, if you're not overly tired, I- I'd like to... talk for a little while."
You smile a warm, but private smile, then say,
"I'd like that very much, Dimitri."
506 notes · View notes
arirna · 2 years
Note
Do you mind if I ask your top 10 favorite characters (can be male or female) from all of the media that you loved (can be anime, books, movies or tv series)? Thanks....
Oh now that's a great ask! Thank you for giving me an opportunity to gush about my faves!
Disclaimer: the order in this list is irrelevant since i love these characters equally (although for different reasons). Also possible spoilers too, since sometimes i need to explain why i like these characters due to their true role in the narrative.
1. Tsukuyo (GIntama)
Tumblr media
Gintama in general has a great cast of female characters (which was severely underutilised in later arcs to my great dismay) but Tsukuyo still remains my favorite among them. The story arcs which involved her are considered by me the best Gintama arcs by far.
What really resonated with me about Tsukuyo is the way she's allowed to be both strong and vulnerable by the narrative. She's a person who is greatly defined by her duty and loyalty to the people she protects and cares for but it doesn't mean that she doesn't have her own personal struggles and insecurities to work through and the story doesn't shy away from that. I'm always a sucker for quiet understated characters with inner turmoil.
And also she has a great character design as well which is always a plus for me.
2. Dimitri Alexandre Blaiddyd (Fire Emblem Three Houses)
Tumblr media
Three Houses as a game was quite ambitious in regards to the way it tried to structure its main plot and character arcs for its main cast. Having three (+ a not so secret 4th) routes which explore each main lord and their closest allies was an interesting idea but unfortunately the way it was implemented wasn't the best one. It was mostly due to the inconsistencies between character writing in different routes (Edelgard for me was the biggest victim of that) and the way some importaint reveals about the main plot and lore were hidden behind only one or two routes so you may completely miss the point of certain scenes or character motivations in other routes (although that was most likely made on purpose but i'm not sure it worked in the narrative's favor).
However, Dimitri and his route Azure Moon avoided most of these problems by making its main narrative focus mainly on DImitri's character arc and his relationships with Byleth, Dedue, Edelgard and his allies without focusing too much on the game's very vague and convoluted lore and the frankly underwhelming "true" main antagonists.
Thanks to that Dimitri managed to get one of the best character arcs in the game which fully explored his struggles with his mental illness and the pain and tragedy he had to endure. His redemption arc may have been slightly fumbled due to the limitations of this game's gameplay and structure but I still consider it a very good example of how redemptions arcs can be done.
The way he managed to pick himself up again after ending up in such a dark place mentally in his life and to persevere despite everything so he can become the person he always aspired to be was very uplifting to see. Also he’s a huge simp and a great malewife material - we love to see it!
3. Sessyoin Kiara (Fate franchise)
Tumblr media
Kiara is the case of a person who was actually qualified to be a Messiah figure in her life going very very horribly right(???).
This lady was the head of the sex cult which promised salvation for humanity and she was very good at her job. Unfortunately for everyone involved Kiara only considered herself to be the one true human being (she’s just like me fr) while everyone else she viewed to be mindless apes who are only useful to her as her personal playthings and it’s their true salvation in her eyes. After certain shenanigans involving digital space battle royale on the Moon she managed to become an actual Demonic Bodhisattva who almost drowned the whole world in pleasure for her own ascension into godhood.
So she was the Girlboss(tm) basically and while she was defeated in the end since people hate to see a girlboss winning, thanks to a certain gacha spinoff game she made a glorious comeback and now she’s busy scheming and helping the protagonists along the way for her own amusement.
Unlike the previous characters i just like Kiara because she’s nuts and evil and she owns it 100%. While it’s obvious that she toys with the idea that she might change her stance on the whole “i’m the only Human Being in this world”, she still remains true to herself and it’s fun to see a villainous character like her.
4. Queen Marika the Eternal (Elden Ring)
Tumblr media
Another Girlboss(tm) character who is for the most part relegated to be a background figure for the lore and yet her actions and her agenda shape the world and the narrative of the whole game.
Marika was chosen as the reigning sovereign Goddess of the world called the Lands Between and she proceeded to rule it by getting rid of Death as the concept in her world, war mongering her rule across all lands, starting multiple relationship dramas involving her exes, her new husband (but not really) and her multiple demigod kids, maybe or maybe not helping one of her kids with their planned heist of the rune which brings back Death, shattering the World Order, getting imprisoned and secretly guiding you, the player, while pretending to serve the true Big Boss of this world.
Did she utilize her Girlpower correctly while doing all of these things? I’m not sure but hell, she sure was committed to it all. I hope future DLCs will allow us to learn more about her as a person but even now i can safely say that she’s a fascinating character and i can see GRRM’s handprints all over her since he’s a huge fun of morally dubious but ambitious characters like Marika.
5. Taichi Mashima (Chihayafuru)
Tumblr media
In the cast full of idealistic people fully dedicated to their favorite card game Taichi instantly took over the narrative for the most part of the story by being an extremely flawed and human character full of jealousy, self-loathing and insecurity, but also compassion, understanding and loyalty.
He is the second lead in the romantic drama who is (tragically) destined to lose to the perfect (debatable on my end tho) main male lead and yet you root for this guy anyway since he’s so compelling as a character (he’s also hot AND rich and he is voiced by Mamoru Miyano so he has that going for him, i guess).
6. Makima (Chainsaw Man)
Tumblr media
No way! Another very morally dubious Girlboss(tm) character on this list! Groundbreaking!
Makima is the benevolent (???) head of the government group responsible for hunting and killing demons haunting Japan and she is the one who recruits the main character to do this job with the promise to personally fulfill any of his wishes (so you know it’s a good deal without any hidden agenda on her part).
You can instantly tell that this lady is to be reckoned with and that she will use anything and anyone to achieve her goals. Considering what a rarity it is to see such a female character in a shounen manga, she really was a breath of fresh air for me personally and I uncritically support everything she did in that series since I (unlike some of you) love to see a girlboss winning.
7. Claire Stanfield (Baccano!)
Tumblr media
He’s a cute guy who instantly got a crush on a lady who tried to kill him (he’s just like me fr). He also happens to be an assassin who is infamous for slaughtering his victims in a brutal fashion. So you know, gap moe! Love capable guys who are also loyal malewives!
8. Zagreus (Hades)
Tumblr media
The Son of Hades, this character won’t ever shut up, cracks jokes at every opportunity, acts like an asshole when provoked and he also may end up in a polyamorous relationship with the personification of Death and one of the Greek Furies.
Zag could’ve been quite an insufferable character but thanks to the strong writing he comes off as a charming, kind, honest and chill dude who just wants his family and his friends to be happy and at peace with themselves. Also he’s an important genuine sassy bottom representation! We need more of those!
9 and 10. Hori Masayuki and Kashima Yuu (Gekkan Shoujo Nozaki kun) (do not separate them!!!)
Tumblr media
They were the Blueprint for me. The two absolutely dense and idiotic characters who are unknowingly in love with each other. Hori is a short king with anger issues who is perpetually tired and simps non stop for Kashima, while she is an extremely charismatic and energetic himbo who wants to be noticed by him at all times.
I love all of the GSNK cast A LOT but these two will always have a special place in my heart since their relationship is so silly and yet so compelling. They really should kiss ASAP.
13 notes · View notes
iamdarkness · 3 years
Text
To Feed a Tiger. Forces of Will.3
Chapter 3
Alfonse x Summoner, Alfonse X Summoner X Lif
And one sided (as of now) Dimitri X Summoner X Alfonse X Lif
Triggers for talk about mental health. It is Feral Dimitri after all. Mentions of death and depressive thoughts.
Sexual Harassment and maybe more than that.
Incest. (Freyr and mentions of Freya). Rater R for a little graphic scenes of battle and character death. Nothing we have not seen in the game itself.
-Hrid…- You hear Sharena say under her breath and it feels like all the happiness has been drained from her voice. Of course she would feel sad. Her big brother meant so much to her and seeing him suffer would make her suffer as well. They were so close. He was her best friend, confidant, protector and hero. Watching him so defeated had been a shock and more so that she herself had not reacted fast enough to prevent this. In a way she felt responsible as well.
-Summoner _______. Princess Sharena. Heroes. It is a pleasure to be your guest again.- Hrid says when he is close enough to take your hand and Sharena’s. His hand lingers on yours and you take it back to take Princess Laegjan’s.
- It is indeed as King Hrid has said, a pleasure to be here again.- Laegjarn says as she takes your hand and Sharena’s, her piercing red eyes watch you searchingly.
You greet them equally and introduce your heroes by name and title. You will not have them be nameless heroes to no one. They deserve to be treated, like the heroes that they are. As if sensing your unrest and because he has dreamed of your pain Freyr comes and stand by your side . He blocks Hrid from getting too close to you. You hear young Claude snicker behind you.
-How was your trip to the beach Summoner? I would have liked to come sooner so we could meet you there, but we had a little delay.
- It was great! We even had a sand castle contest and a nice nap.
-They even got a great tan!- Said King Claude nodding to Freyr in particular and you turn to give him a fake angry look. You notice he is watching Alfonse and he winks at him. Alfonse looks like he understands something unspoken.
- I will cherish mine. It was a wonderful and invigorating nap.- Says Lord Freyr to bring attention to his chest and he “looks” sideways to smile at you.
- I can’t say the same about mine my Lord! It stings a lot!- You tell him smiling.
- Yeah we got the wrong lotion, so now we need to go to the infirmary to get fixed up.- Said Sharena sheepishly. You notice Alfonse and Hrid are looking at Freyr’s bare chest. They can clearly see the white mark of your arm on it. Hrid looked a little scandalized and Alfonse… he looked amused. He looks sideways at Hrid.
-Is that…?
-Oh it’s my hand. I kind of hugged him while I was sleeping. Now if you all don’t mind. We need to get to the infirmary. I’ll see you all at the meeting.- You say and leave with the rest of your group to the infirmary. You hear Alfonse talking to Hrid.
-Everyone loves our Summoner. Some more than others and in different ways.- And there is a hint of humor in his words. <<At least he is having fun.>>
~*~
The meeting lasted three hours. Besides the heroes Anna had asked to attend, you had asked Hero King Marth, who was the oldest of the Marths and with more experience, Micaiah, King Claude and Lord Freyr. You were sitting between the former two. They had sat themselves with you in between before Hrid had claimed the chair next to you. You had seen Claude talking to Alfonse and thought they had a plan to distract Hrid or may be just make him re think his life. There was no announcement about the engagement, but Hrid said the royal ball that was supposed to take place in two wees was pushed back for two months. This would give them all time to prepare and gather more information.
- I also hope that by then it will be two good news to announce and not just one.- He tells you and Fjorm when the meeting was over. You feel Fjorm’s cold hand take yours and give it a squeeze.- Dear summoner, would you be so kind to sit by my side at dinner? I would very much like to talk about some important things with you.
-Sure.- You agree to it because, you want him to give you a reason to tell him you are not interested. Alfonse and Fjorm did not sacrificed themselves, for this man to think you are going to fall at his feet after a dinner. Besides, you were sure Claude and Alfonse were planing something and you trusted them. You turned to Fjorm and winked to let her know you got this. She blushed at this.
Once at dinner you do sit by his side. Commander Anna is sitting at the head of the table.Alfonse is sitting about three chairs from you, between Fjorm and Sharena. The chair next to you is the other head of the table and it is still empty. Suddenly, you see F Dimitri come inside the dinning hall. He seldom comes in here and you signal for him to come and sit by your side. He complies. Claude and Freyr sit on the chairs in front of you and Hrid.
Dimitri was dressed in a dressy black suit with blue cape that Forest had designed for you to give him. His hair was up in a ponytail.
-Dimitri. You look so handsome! Did you like the clothes?
-Thank you _______. I…they feel comfortable.- He says and his face is crimson red.
All through dinner Freyr and Claude kept on talking to you and taking your attention from Hrid. Claude was blatantly flirting and Freyr...you were looking at a different side of him, to be sure. It must have been because as someone who could be in your dreams, had the ability to see things others didn’t and know things about you that no one else understood, but he got your sense of humor. Something even Alfonse had, had trouble to adjust to, not understanding your references and knowledge. You had to read his same books to be able to make new references and jokes. After years of being together he had taken your humor and understood what you meant and some of the heroes even used your slang. Freyr was different. He knew stuff and he used the obscure references to make you laugh and it gave the conversation a more intimate feel.
Still you were giving Dimitri all the attention you could because he was important to you and wanted to make him feel that he was cared for.
-We should go to the beach tomorrow and make it a drink contest.- Says Claude smiling at you.
-Oh my Lord give me patience! I am not taking you to get drunk Claude. I have never seen you drunk, but let me tell you; you do not need it.
-I can not give you patience child. Only good dreams and many children.- Lord Freyr says smiling at you. Hrid stops eating to look at him. You notice Claude and Dimitri are doing the same. You laugh at it. You keep forgetting he is the god of fertility as well. Freyr turns to them and says amused.
-I am the god of dreams and fertility. Do you want my blessing?- He turned his closed eyes at Claude who laughed out laud and bring his hands off in a guarding motion.
Everyone seemed to breath again.
-Wait have you given ______ your blessing?- Claude asks and winks at you. You feel your cheeks heat up.
-I would give her, as many children as she desires.- He answers Claude. The wording is very on purpose and it seems it is not lost on the people sitting at the table. You hear Hrid chock on his food.<< Oh God! What are these guys doing!?>> You spy a look at Alfonse and he looks amused if not a little red faced and concerned, but amused non the less. You give Hrid your glass of water to drink and wait to see if he needs you to perform the whatever maneuver. He drinks the water and start breathing right. He thanks you with a blush to his cheeks. He looks mortified about the incident.
-Yes Claude. I’ll be having thirteen children.- You say the first number that comes to your mind.
- I’m going to need a bigger table at home then.- His eyes twinkle with mischief.
-You better. My whole soccer team and I will be visiting you often.- You hear sounds of laughter coming from various sides of the table.
-Hey! I meant children with my beautiful green eyes.- He wiggles his brows.
-Well you better start looking for a wife then, because those are a lot of kids to have. You better start soon.
-That is so mean!- He says fake hurt, dramatically touching his heart.
-You gave Dimitri your blessing.- Dimitri says suddenly, breaking the conversation and looking at Claude in a cold and annoyed manner. He is asking Freyr about baby Dimitri.
-May he never lack good dreams. They are the rest of the mind and the refuge of the soul.
-God, that is so true. I’m tired of dreaming of going to battle and finding my self back in school butt naked - You hear a noise like someone almost spit their drink. Hrid by your side actually laughs.- or zombies in the battlefield eating my heroes. The living dead. - You elaborate after you see Hrid’s confused expression.
-Are you afraid of school and the risen?- Asks Hrid trying to catch your attention away from Freyr and specially Claude.
-Heck no! Zombies are rotten corpses that eat the living like wild rabid animals. I used to watch a lot of moving pictures about them before coming to live here. I’m cool with risen. I even like the red eyes. I like red eyes. They’re kind of sexy, depending of whoever has them.- Of course you are talking about Lif.- And school…I mean…the bad part is finding yourself butt naked in a public place.
-I wonder what that dream means if it is a recurring dream.
-I think it means…- You get cut short by the conversation in the table next to yours.
-Oh You heard that Lord Corrin? The summoner finds red eyes sexy!- You hear Nile’s voice loudly tell Corrin.
-What the hell Niles! Why are you listening to my conversation?- You throw him your balled up napkin. He only laughs. Corrin who is sitting by his side, hits him with his elbow. You hear an “Ouch” followed by Niles laughing.
-Summoner you were talking loud enough for the whole kingdom. This makes you laugh too.
You look sideways at Alfonse who is talking to Fjorm. She seems to disagree with something he said, sighs and nods.
After a while when some of the heroes start to get up from the tables you hear Alfonse clear his throat. Claude is looking at him and you turn just in time to see Fjorm say something to Hrid.
-_______. Would you care to sing something for us?- Asks Hrid.
-Right now?- <<Are this guys trying to kill me of embarrassment?>>
-Yes _____! Sing that song you sing with the guys on campaigns! - That was Claude.- Make it to Freya like last time! You don’t mind, do you?- He asks Freyr. Freyr shakes his dead.
<<WTH is he talking about?>> there are many songs you like singing with the heroes when in campaigns by the fire light so you are kind of confused. He makes a gesture and you get it.
-Oh…Fine.- You agree mostly because that song does not need the best of voices. You lean in to talk softly to Dimitri.- Dimitri. It is going to get loud.- He nods at you like he is ready.- You look around and catch Shigure’s eye and signal to him. He goes pink but nods.
-When a humble bard…-There was a choir of whistles, “Yeah!”s and shouts.
Graced a ride along
With Geralt of Rivia
Along came this song.
From when the White Wolf fought
A silver-tongued devil
Her army of elves
At her hooves did they revel . - Freyr does look entertained.
They came after me- Shigure stands and sings alongside you.
With masterful deceit
Broke down my lute
And they kicked in my teeth
While the devil's horns
Minced our tender meat
And so cried the Witcher
She can't be bleat
Toss a coin to your Witcher -Everyone starts singing. Hrid’s brows are knitted and he is looking around to see everyone singing. Even some of the heroes like Tibarn who had gone out had come back to sing.
O' Valley of Plenty
O' Valley of Plenty, oh
Toss a coin to your Witcher
O' Valley of Plenty
(Rest of the verses here)
Toss a coin to your Witcher
O' Valley of Plenty
O' Valley of Plenty, oh
Toss a coin to your Witcher
A friend of humanity X3 - You leave the last choir to Claude who has the perfect voice for the part. ( 1)
By the time you finish the song everyone starts screaming. You have no idea why they like that song so much but every time you all sing it; it feels like you are all pirates or something.
-Goddess! I love that song. For a minute I felt I was in a tavern somewhere in a town far away riddled with monsters and villains.- Says Claude.
-You mean Fodlan taverns anywhere?- Asks Dimitri. He sounds serious, but the gruffness of his voice is gone and it makes you happy to see him put the effort to joke around. Claude laughs out loud and can only nod to agree.
All around you could hear the heroes talking excitedly about one thing or another. Some where inviting others to the town tavern. Others like Lady Camilla is heard telling someone something like “We should dress like pirates next Pirate Festival dear!”.
-That was something, you don’t see every day.- Says Hrid smiling and he looks entertained.- You are something else summoner. Who is the Witcher?
-Freyr.- Says Claude at the same time that Freyr says your name.
- It is a story about a monster hunter called Geralt of Rivia, that is sent to fight a half goat or ram and half man who was helping some elves, who were the “terror” of the nearby towns. I changed it for Lady Freya and her dark elves, who we had to fight in our dreams some time ago, with the help of Lord Freyr. I say the Witcher would be Lord Freyr. He was the one who gave up his life to save us. I summoned him some time ago.- You raise your cup to him in a toast. He smiles at you.- Besides he has the long white hair and beautiful golden eyes.- Hrid looks at Freyr and Freyr opens his eyes to reveal his beautiful eyes. They are a liquid, luminous gold color. They glow as if with the light of liquid fire but not quite lava.
-I thought he was blind.- He says in wonder. You could understand him. Lord Freyr was a beauty to behold. Even in his animal form he was the most beautiful being you had ever seen. Even the ethereal beauty of Lady Freya was nothing compared to him. Everyone was either a little jealous of him, felt intimidated by him, or had a crush on him.
-Just sleeping. - Freyr says calmly.
-Talking about sleeping. I need to get the younglings to bed. Dimitri what are you going to do?
-Whatever you ask of me.- He says readily eyeing Hrid. He has noticed how clingy he seemed to be with you and he does not trust him.
-I would like you to come with me on my patrols tonight; if that is alright with you. -His brows furrow and he gives Alfonse a long look. Alfonse seems to be listening but avoids looking at you.
-I will come with you.
-Hey I thought I was coming with you my dear!- Says Claude.
-You can come to get the kids to bed if you want to. I am going to need a handsome prince for tonight’s fairy tale and Marth is busy.- You tell him teasingly. Hero King Marth who is walking by looks your way and blushes.
-That is so cruel.- He says and pouts.
-Summoner. I was wondering if you would like to take a walk with me in the gardens or I could take the watch with you.- Says Hrid.
-Omm, I really need to take Dimitri. There are things I would like to talk about with him, but if you do not mind you can come to story time and then take a walk. Since my prince charming is sulking right now. It looks like he does not want to cooperate.- You notice Claude is looking at Alfonse and you have this distinct feeling that surprises will keep happening before the night was out.
<<Seriously guys? Like my heroes need to be told to do weird crap.>>
Dimitri went to prepare for your watch together, but before he left, you saw him frown at Hrid who returned it with a cold look. This of course annoyed you to no end because no one treats your babies that way. You go to the living area where the children gather every night for a hero to tell them a tale. You do this twice a week, usually with Alfonse by your side. You really wanted to be petty and reenact Frozen with Hrid as the prince, but you remember Anna and Alfonse said to treat him right.
<<Fine>>
When you are done with the kids you and Hrid go take that walk in the garden and decide that if he starts coming on to you; you will have to nicely let him down. You are even waiting for the chance. You are sitting on a bench around the entrance that lead to the Eastern stables. Hrid has like the spot to take a rest and sit as close to you as possible. Lucky for you the hour was still early enough that many heroes are still around and you do not feel uncomfortable.
- The heroes are very fond of you _____. It is very impressive to see. I have been told so many things about you and I thought it would be impossible for someone to posses so many qualities like you; but I can see that not only are all of those rumors true…they do not make you justice . I can see what you do for the heroes and for the people. I was told you aided in a birthing yesterday.-You nod but say nothing when he keeps talking.- I remember the first time I saw you. You came to help heal me and ask if I needed anything. My sister Gunnthra was so fond of you. She believes you are destined to be part of our family. I can only agree with her good judgement.
- I feel very humbled by her favor towards me. I…- Just thinking about her, and her horrible demise brought tears to your eyes.- I wish I had, had more time to know her better. Sometimes… I wish I could see her in a dream and see her happy again. I also wish I could save Fjorm…from everything. -He looks moved by your statement but he has no idea that he is the one you want to save her from.
-It may do her good to spend a weekend at home. You could come and visit with her. It would bring us happiness if you did. It would make me very happy.- He says and takes your hand in his cold one.
-I think it would be good for her to do so, but I am afraid that as long as there is a war; my place is here and I can’t take more than a day off every week. You see…I…-There is a pause since you were distracted by someone walking on your far left, as if trying to not be seen.- Hey!! Valter? You are back!. What do you have there?- You get up and walk towards the tall man.
-A shake…- He says . He has heard you say that to other people jokingly. He is not turning around to face you and has something big on his shoulder.
- Valter?- He finally turns around and you see he is all bloody from a wound on his arm and leg. There are gashes as if from big paws.- Oh god Valter! You are hurt! Let me see! You’ve been gone for three days! I know you came early but look at you!
-I am fine summoner. I will go to the healers in a while. Here.- He lowers the thing he has been holding on his shoulder.- I gift you the man eater,that has been plaguing the villagers in the Western villages.- He places the mountain lion at your feet. His tall figure kneeling on one knee to better show his prey.
- A fine prey Valter. I could not have chosen a better hunter. -He smiles with pride. At first you and Valter had not see eye to eye, with his way of trying to make you be afraid of him and calling you prey.  Alter he had a lot of talking to by Alfonse and Leon/ Fomortiis, you had come to an understanding and now It was a better relationship. You may not trust him as a person but you trusted him to be himself and now you had a better understanding of his motivations and personality. You also valued and respect his skills.- I thank you for an excellent job.- You take our your handkerchief and clean his mouth. It is dripping with blood and it is not his.
-Will you partake of it Summoner?- He asks lifting it up to his shoulder again.
-Of course, but only after it is cooked if you don’t mind. Are you going to skin it in the kitchen? -He nods- I’ll go take a look during my watch. Valter don’t eat it raw! Those cats have worms in their meat. - He nods and smears your cheek with blood. - Valter…- you whine at his retreating back. He gives a loud laugh.
- Was he drinking its blood?
- Yeah, probably.- You say whipping the blood off of your face.- I’ve told him not to eat it raw. I am afraid he is going to get sick in the long run, but he told me he was not going to live that long. Now I am seriously thinking of not returning him to his world… I’m gonna have to adopt him or something. - You notice now Hrid is looking at you a little open mouthed.
<<What did I do?>>
-Summoner!- You hear the shout of a familiar voice. You see a mop of white hair shinning bright in the light of the torches. His red eyes burning with annoyance.- Naga’s brat changed his patrol to be my partner. Did you allowed this?
-No Mr. Grima. I didn’t know about this. Which of them?
-The first one…the one from the river.- <<Oh Marth>> He says it pouting. You take his hand.
- Grima, dear. You have to understand that sometimes people may want to be your friend. Has he ask you about Robin?
-No. Never.
-See? He is not interested in returning Robin like Chrom wanted to, not only because he has never been friends with Robin before, but because he knows quite well there is only you in that body. What he wants is to be your friend. You see, like you; Hero King Marth was summoned after death. He will be staying here after the war, like you. I have talked to him already Grima dear. He has no evil intention towards you. He just wants to be your friend.- He looks to his side and thinks for a moment.
-Fine worm; but if he so much as thinks about “bringing back” Robin, I’ll eat him.- He is still kind of pouting and kind of bashful about it. You ruffle his hair playfully. He growls but lowers his head to rest on your shoulder.
-Come here you grumpy dragon. -You give him a hug.- Give the man the chance you gave me and Alfonse. And if he so much as hurt a single hair of my -You whisper so only he can hear- Baby dragon ( 2 )…I will personally behead him or something.
-Don’t call me that worm!- then he adds in a softer tone-…eat him…- He sounds angry to other people but you know him well. He does not move his head. You don’t know it, but he sends Hrid a venomous look.
-I’ll eat him whole Grima. He’ll make some great tacos or burgers, sausages…Ug! I grossed my self out now.-  You say laughing. He gives you a low laugh as well.- I didn’t see you at dinner Grima.
-I was busy training.
-I know. Here if you go to the kitchen and get something to eat’ I’ll give you this candy…but don’t tell Gaius about it.- He lets go.- Oh Valter is there with this mountain lion he killed. We ate roasted beef.- He makes a face. He dislikes Valter and mountain lion.
-I don’t like mountain lion. Fine. I’ll eat him instead.- He says smirking and turning to leave.
-No Grima! You’ll get sick!- You say laughing hard. You know he is kidding.
-That…That is the Fell Dragon Grima?- Asks Hrid when Grima is gone. You nod smiling.- The terror and destroyer of the world?- He looked at your face and can almost see pride in them, like a mother showing off his child who has done something great. And of course you feel pride. Grima was loved and happy. He no longer wanted to avenge himself, he wanted to be loved and be accepted. This was a big win for you.
The rest of the walk is spend like this. You walk for a while and then a hero shows up and take your attention away from Hrid. He seems a little frustrated but at the same time, that look he gives you, like you are something precious does not fade from his eyes. It is the time for you to go and you are about to say good night when he asks something of you.
-This night has been wonderful. I have seen you work your magic and the more I see, the more I think you would be a great queen.
<<Oh crap!>>- I am just a regular person who wants what’s best for her people and home. -<<Yeah sound more patriotic why don’t you?>>
- I know. That is the reason. I - He makes along pause and seems to change his mind on what he wanted to say.- I know, I asked this of you before but, I really would like to hear you sing. Only this time. Would you sing a love song? What would you sing to the person you want to spend the rest of your life with?
-I really am not that great a singer. I just like music a lot and since I came here I lost my… music so I sing it, to not for get it… besides I…that is very personal.- You say uncomfortable. This was going sideways fast and you knew it.
-I understand. I also understand you do not know me enough to fall in love with me. You must know by now I wanted ask for your hand in marriage, but I will not push it. I just want to hear what Fjorm has heard. It would make me really happy.
You think about it and realize that how worst could it really get? It was not like you were going to accept him any way. -OK, let’s walk this way.- You tell him and start singing when you are almost under Alfonse’s balcony.
I say I'll move the mountains
And I'll move the mountains
If he wants them out of the way. -- It did feel like you had to move a mountain to reach Alfonse, when you had just met. Now
look at you now. You could barely part from each other.
Crazy he calls me
Sure, I'm crazy
Crazy in love, I say.
I say I'll go through fire
And I'll go through fire -- There are flashes of you fighting alongside Alfonse to beat Surtr.
As he wants it, so shall it be
Crazy he calls me
Sure, I'm crazy
Crazy in love, you see.
Like the wind that shakes the bough
He moves me with a smile -- Yo see him in your mind’s eye smiling that rare sweet smile he has only for a few precious people and you.
The difficult I'll do right now --Well you did gave him an army of heroes and manage it well.
The impossible will take a little while -- And you will end the war and win it for him.
I say I'll wait forever --You look up to his window. Up till now you had been looking at the starry sky but the light in his room had gone out. He was surely looking out the window.
And I mean forever-- That was your promise. You will wait for ever for him.
If I have to hold up the sky
Crazy he calls me
Sure, I'm crazy
Crazy in love am I
Crazy in love am I. ( 3)
Luckily Hrid had not been here long enough to know where your room or Alfonse’s room lay. He did not know he had witnessed your promise to him.
-That was beautiful. That song… I could imagine you fighting against Surtr…Saving my land and my people.
<< Oh Lord! You have to be kidding me. This is what he got from this?>>
-You have to remember your highness, that I was not alone and I did the least of the fighting. You have Alfonse to thank for that and The Order. -<<And your sister’s sacrifice…>>
- I was lost in the song I have to confess. You look so beautiful right now. It is easy to forget everything else.- He steps closer to you. You are hit with the urge t to step back, but you have to stand your ground.- _____ I want to get to know you better. I want to be more than just acquaintances. I want to be..
<<God I hope he says best friends! Why can’t someone just come and save me?>>
-...more than just your ally. I want to be there when you need me and be the one you can count on.
<< Sir you are describing Alfonse…>>
-Hrid. I appreciate the sentiment. It is always a good thing to get to know the people that are important in our lives. I do agree with that, yet I need to tell you; that with the war and all the work I need to do; I can not offer you more than friendship. My priorities..
-She tells us all the same thing. Can you believe that? So very cruel Summoner.- Says King Claude from behind you.- I apologize for the intrusion, but princess Sharena has need of your help. Delthea drunk a kettle of coffee and is now running around playing pranks on unsuspecting heroes. I think she hid in the tower. Also Dimitri said he will be waiting for you in the library in half an hour.
-Oh Lord! Hrid, please forgive me for leaving you. Delthea is a very powerful and very imaginative witch, I can’t have her do this at this hour.
-I understand completely ______. In fact I would like to be of assistance.-  Hrid said eyeing Claude.
-That would be amazing. I just need to warn you about the consequences; but if you are alright with cat ears, be our guest. -Claude points to his head. Sure enough there lays a set of black velvety cat ears.
-Oh for God’s sake Claude! Wait. Is there a tail to match?…Oh what am I saying. I’m sorry Hrid. You better sit this one out. There are just so many guys with cat ears and tails I can manage in one night. I will see you tomorrow. Have a good night.
-As you wish. Good night and pleasant dreams.- You thank him and go away with Claude.
- You look so cute Claude.- You say and laugh.
-Mm interested in petting my ears  _____?
When you two are far enough, Claude takes his fake cat ears off and meet up with Freyr and Delthea who is not really playing tricks on anyone.
- I almost didn’t make it. I apologize ______ . I did hear you tell him you are not interested. That is good. I don’t think it will stop him though. It feels like no matter what we do, he can’t seem to mind that the heroes flirt with you. I mean I understand. I see you do this every day. You care for everyone and they can’t help but adore you and I understand it quite well and it only makes me love you more.- He says it matter of fact like he is not baring his feelings in front of other people.
-Claude…
-I know ____. I should have considered it. He just looks so stiff, controlling, possessive and well cold, I thought he would find it uncomfortable. Make him re think his choice. I’m thinking even you telling him you are not interested in a relationship may be making him more persistent. Like whenever you tell Valter not to eat mountain lion raw…He already ate the liver by the way. I saw him a couple of minutes ago.
-What?- Face palm <<OMG Valter. I feel like I’m dealing with toddles!>>
-Well. It is done. We will see what we can do tomorrow.
-I suppose. - You start walking towards the library where Dimitri would be waiting for you, but make some space to talk to Delthea quietly. -Oh Delthea. Did you ever find out what the book was about?
-Oh…I did ask Alfonse but he could not open it. He asked me where I had found it and I showed him. He had never seen it or heard about it before. He did not tel me the exact translation, but said it was about the first King of Askr. I asked him if I could help him find out how to open it and he said it was fine by him, so as soon as the Ice King takes off we get to work. I also told him I wanted to help him with his project and I managed to convince him to let me help. Like you say: “ Two heads are better than one.” he just told me not to tell you. ______ he is very upset. I am worried about him. I mean if he asked Claude to help him it means he is very desperate. That man better leave tomorrow or I will bewitch his underpants to be itchy for a month! What?! I can guarantee you he will never know it was us. Just like the time I turned Lord Virion’s undergarments pink. -she giggles.
- Was that you? Oh my God. -Virion was still looking for the culprit.- Please don’t do that. I don’t need more trouble for the Order or Askr. We can leave it as last resort though; in case we can’t find a way to break the deal.- You tell her to settle her down. When you finally meet up with Dimitri, you notice he is talking to Freyr and offering him something. On a closer inspection you see it is one of the key pendants to the tree house.
- I can not guarantee you she will not follow in a way, but no one will be getting in there but you, _____ and I, so there will be less chance of someone spiking your drinks. I am taking dreamless sleep pills and can’t dream. She will not tempt me.
- I feel touched by your gesture. I will take you up on your offer if you are sure of it.
-I am. I thought about it. I figure it would be hard to return to your room.
-Then I will stay with you. Thank you. I will wait for you reading in the library until you are done with your patrol.
- You can join us, if that is your wish.- Says Dimitri. Freyr seems to be thinking about it.
-I thin it is better for me to wait here. There are books here I have never read before.
Claude says his goodnights and leaves. Delthea stays to tell Freyr about the awesome book she found and where she found it. You are crossing the door to the outer grounds to talk to the inner wall guards. It is half past midnight.
-Dimitri. What you did back there for Lord Freyr. I am really touched and thankful for it. I thought about changing his room, but you know how all the rooms are the same except for Alfonse’s and mine, so it would be all the same. I was thinking to take him to my room and sleeping on the study. I was sure he would not agree to that. Then I thought to let him stay in one of the rooms at the infirmary.
-I thought about it when you told me what had happened to him. I am sure it was much more serious than what you mentioned.
- It is. It is much more serious.
-He seems to feel safe around you.- <<As do I>> He thinks.
- I wish I could save him from her.- << I already watched him die once…I could not take it if he were to die again because I failed.>> You do not voice your fears with Dimitri. It is better for him not to trouble himself with your fears.- I could have offered to sleep with him, but even voicing this sounds bad. Askr is so very conservative. - <<Although…We could camp out in the tree house with Dimitri! Wait…that sounds like a threesome or better yet a “treesome”…Damn!>>- we could…- You get cut short by your messaging pendant getting too warm. Something is wrong. Then you hear someone shouting your name. It is Gordin.
-______!!! Lord Freyr told me to tell you the Elmblan Empire is crossing our borders! They are about to attack the keeps in the Northern towns. He saw it some moments ago and sent Delthea to tell Commander Anna.
-Thank you Gordin! Dimitri. I need to tell Alfonse and Sharena.
-I can tell the princess!- Says Gordin seriously.
-Thank you! Let’s go Dimitri.- You feel the pendant again. It was Anna. The message was to get ready.
You are running down the hall to Alfonse’s room when his door opens up. You see Hrid and Fjorm getting out of her room down the hall.
-Lord Freyr saw Embla crossing the Northern border and attacking the keeps.
-Let’s get ready. Inform the heroes on rotation. We will wait for you in the War room.- You nod and walk yo your room to get to the list in the study, but you get waylaid by Hrid and Fjorm who tries to persuade him to wait until they are called.
-Are we being attacked?
-Not ourselves. The keeps in the Northern border are about to be attacked. We will probably march in a while. I’ll keep you posted. I need to call my heroes on rotation.
You enter your room and then the study. You hear Dimitri say something and then shut the door.
-_______. I am not in rotation, but I want to fight. Is Lord Freyr fighting too?
-Let’s see. He is in rotation…but…
- Let him go. It will keep his mind off of his troubles. I will fight too and keep my eye on him.
-If you are sure; I’ll add you to the rooster.- You start sending the magic signals to the heroes in rotation and once you are done you take the list with you to the War Room. On your way out you see Fjorm and Hrid are meeting after preparing themselves to fight. They follow behind you to the War Room.
-Fjorm, you are not in rotation. You are part of the base defence today. You want to come with?
- Yes. I already changed my turn with Mathilda. Oh and I found Valter on the way. He said he will be ready when you are.
-He is not on rotation. In fact he was supposed to still be off today, but returned early…well I guess. He can come.
- What is this about rotation?- Asks Hrid. He is dressed in full armor and ready to go.
-It is the way to manage the heroes. One part fights, another part is left as reserves and the defence stays to defend the castle and the people of town in case there is an attack while we march off. The heroes change every battle. Right now we are about to see where we are about go and what we are about to do and decide if we need to do some changes in the groups. Just like the Royal army.
-You manage it all by yourself? Impressive.
-Well it is my job to get to know the heroes abilities and weaknesses . Then decide who works better in what situation and what they should be doing and who to send them with. You know, tactician’s planing. I make the suggestions and then Alfonse, who is the brain decides if the draft is right for what he thinks the enemy is doing and stuff. He’s a genius. Then Anna makes the final decision… but I mean I also like to have other opinions. Like Robin’s and Soren’s for example. It is all simple and regular army managing.
- Well. Not really. Remember when we fist met and you had suggested this to Commander Anna, because you were afraid someone would try attacking the castle when you were away, just like the time Embla had tried to destroy the Summoning Ruins? I also remember Anna apologized to you for not taking your suggestion of having a fire brigade before Surtr attacked into consideration. It was also your idea to make the Heroes their Order Cloaks to blend in with the surroundings and re designed the Regular Army’s new camouflage uniforms. The Royal Army even changed theirs as well! (4)
<< God Fjorm! Don’t help me look good now!>> Hrid looked impressed. Fjorm looks sorry.
-I saw the changes. I like the new uniforms and their usefulness. Amazing!
-Well none of those ideas are mine. I just took them from what the armies use in The World of Steel. I mean, sometimes Alfonse lends me his brain cells and I do come up with some good ideas, but mostly it is him doing the job. I just help along.- Fjorm laughs at this. She knows what you mean, but the two men look at you with different levels of confusion. You finally arrive to the War Room and after asking if you wanted him to wait outside, you let Dimitri stand by your side during the briefing. Fjorm had stood on your other side and signaled Alfonse to stand by her. After a moment she whispers a quiet “sorry” in your ear. She moves from between you two to go talk to Laegjarn. You can feel Alfonse’s hand lightly touch yours when she leaves. God! How you wanted to touch him. Hold his hand and disappear from the world.
Since Lord Freyr’s dream was a forewarning you had time to get to the site and wait for the enemy to attack. It would be an ambush. You fear you will have to spend the trip avoiding Hrid and stealing moments to talk to Alfonse. During the first part of the night when you were walking besides F Dimitri, you remember he had wanted to talk to you about something important.
-So Dimitri. What was it that you wanted to talk to me about?- Dimitri looked taken aback for a moment and then he looked around to see if anyone was hearing you.
- I…I have been watching Lif when he comes to watch you…- He says and suddenly you are attacked by the memories of your last encounter.- I apologize for not telling you directly…I did not know if he was real or not.
-Lif…-<< My Alfonse>> the thought passes your mind faster that lightning and you had no time to question it.- I… I can see why you would think that. He is… He looks so …-<<Beautiful>>- different. My regret. -You had know he had seen Lif. Of course you did, but you wanted to let him tell you in his own time after that one time he avoided the subject.
-I saw him go inside your window…I am sorry. I was not thinking strait. I let him in, not sure of who he was until you mentioned him. I just knew he loved you and he wanted to be near you… so I let him. I wanted to know what he would do. Understand him.
You lower your head before someone notices your watery eyes as they fill up with tears. Those words were breaking your heart… and now he was gone.
-Don’t worry about it Dimitri. I practically invited him. I also understand you… and I can see your instincts are working just fine. I trust them and I trust you. Besides. I wanted to see him so badly. I was not sure if he had survived and now I know he is…still fighting.
- You love them both…
- I… I do…Do you think me wicked?
- At first. When I did not know who he was. I understand now. Would you tell me how it went? All of it? I want to know about him.
- I don’t blame you for wanting to know. He is an interesting person. I mean, he is Alfonse but…They are the same, but different. Alfonse plays the violin you know. He plays like the angels in heaven…They are both violin music, but different pieces you see? Both highly intelligent and both seriously passionate in everything they believe and do…but like music Alfonse is intense but contained, controlled, like Vivaldi’s Winter And Lif is just as intense but unbound like Devil’s Thrill…Both beautiful to behold but …Oh crap I forgot you don’t know what I’m talking about. The music sound kind of like - You hum the music and explain the differences in rhythm and tempo. You look at him to see if he gets it and you see him smiling. You have never seen him smile.- Heh… I got a little carried away didn’t I?- He nodded.- Were you there when he left?
- Yes.
-I still have to tell Alfonse. I forgot to do so with the…arrival of our guests and everything else.-You backpedal to not tell him about the engagement.
-You will tell him? Everything?
- Of course. I don’t want to keep secrets from him. He knew what I was doing. That was the reason he was not home. We wanted to help him. We even had a plan on how to do so and…you saw. It all went sideways. Alfonse knew Lif would decline our offer, but I wanted to believe. I could not even tell him the plan… I felt so selfish asking him to stay.
- It would be painful to be around you and not be near…
- (sigh) yeah…and let’s not forget Sharena.- You start telling him how everything had started. How you all had thought he was the first king of Askr and then found out the truth. You tell him about Sharena’s flowers he had placed in that shine he had made. You tell him about your Summoner’s coat folded neatly among your favorite flowers. His parent’s crowns. How he had built the shrine because there was no bodies to bury and no tombs to take flowers to. You explained his plans and how he had changed his mind to help you. How he had been used like a marionette by Hell to kill you and how you had finished her with the his most precious possession. His Summoner’s Breidablik…you omit it was your own weapon or so you thought.
After a while there is a pause in the trek for rest and meals. By this time the sun was already coming up. While you are talking to the men,you are interrupted by Hrid who wants to be your guard during the battle.
- King Dimitri is her guard today. He is her support.- Says F Dimitri in his gruff voice. Hrid looks coldly back at him, and you sense he is about to retort. There is tension in the air and you have to intervene.
- I appreciate it and you are welcome to stay, but he is right, Dimitri is my baby sitter this time.
- I understand you already have your support, but it would ease my mind if I could stay by your side. This way I can protect you and observe the way you lead your men. If needed I will assist in battle of course and like I said before in the meeting; you can use my men as if they are your own. As I wish you will see them one day.
-I… Thank you your Highness…- Dimitri was scowling and you could tell he was beginning to get angry.
-Were we not on first name terms _____?
-I apologize for interrupting, but I was wondering if his Highness would help me out.- The voice came from behind Hrid. It was Charlotte. Her huge soulful eyes were fixed on Hrid.Her voice was all sweetness and her demeanor bashful and coy. To her side Groom Marth stood looking at Dimitri.- Your sister said you could help me.
<<Oh Thanks GOD! I could kiss Fjorm right now!>>
-Oh Hrid this is Lady Charlotte of Nohr. She is a trusted friend and ally.- It had taken a while to warm up to her after the incident with Alfonse. He had to explain to her, in the coldest of voices that he was not interested in her in any sort of way and that, what she was doing was harassment and it was punishable in Askr. Prince Xander had been called as well and he had been even less lenient. After working with her you found out she was actually pretty cool when she was not obsession with someone. You even gave her pointers on what she was doing wrong with guys. Everyone knows guys do not like desperate women and she radiated desperation.
-I would help her, but I am afraid I am not tall enough.- Says Marth. Hrid excuses himself and goes to help Charlotte. You can tell he is very annoyed by the redness on his cheeks and ears. Charlotte turns to you and winks. Marth gives you a small smirk and asks if he can talk to Dimitri. They both leave to where King Dimitri is waiting for them. As soon as they leave, you feel someone tap you in the back. You turn around and King Claude takes a finger to his closed mouth and signals for you to follow him.
- Please tell me I am not as persistent and annoying as that man!- He says in a quiet hiss. You walk a little into the wooded area by the road and see a figure dressed in white waiting for you.
-Thank you Claude. I owe you. And for the record. You are not annoying at all and I enjoy spending time with you.
-Then minutes Alfonse. Make the best of it.- Claude says and winks. You turn around and Alfonse is blushing.
He walks up to you and takes your hand. He says nothing but his eyes speak volumes. His other hand comes up to your face and caresses your cheek. You lean into his touch and close your eyes. He kisses your forehead and then embrace you. You circle his waist as he cradles your back and head.
Meanwhile King Dimitri, Savior King Dimitri and Marth are talking to Fallen Dimitri. F Dimitri had gone to ask them what was happening to you and what was the deal with the king of Nifl. K Dimitri and G Marth had weighted the options of telling F Dimitri what they knew. They decided to tell him about the treaty and that he should be patient and threat the King with respect so that Askr could gain the aid they will need if they were to be attacked by another kingdom. They will tell him about the engagement after Hrid leaves.
-Yes. Apparently he is interested in building a relationship ending in marriage with her, but we all know she is not interested in anyone but Prince Alfonse. Still, we have to be careful and polite with him.- Explains Marth.
-Fine ,but if he so much as breathes wrong, her way I will cut his head off.- He is about to go when he is stopped by his other self.
-It is not wise to project your feelings towards her. She will not return them. Better men than us have tried and failed. She wants only to help you and it will only hurt you both.- Says King Dimitri.
-I understand who her heart belongs to and I would not come between them.- He wondered if any of them had seen the way you looked at Lif, or had seen how much you love each other, or if they only knew about Alfonse. The way he saw it; he knew better than any of them who your heart belonged to. Divided as it was.
Dimitri found you talking to Alfonse just at the edge of the forest by the road you were taking; but he did not approached you. You were looking at a map, but seemed to be talking about something else. He spied Hrid talking to the blonde girl who wanted to marry a rich man. Her charms were being neglected by the prince who kept scowling and sending you furtive looks. Dimitri could hear you talking thanks to his finer sense of hearing.
-Can we talk about that after the battle?- You ask Alfonse. He scowls.
- What did he do? Did he hurt you?
-What? No! He refused our help, just like you said he would. He left…for good this time.
- There is more.
-We should focus on the battle ahead. I don’t want to mess up something important because our head is in another matter.- Alfonse closes his eyes. He is loosing his patience and probably thinking there was something worst than what actually happened. You sigh.- I wanted to wait until later to tell you. The truth is just that, he refused our help, said he could never be my friend and that even if he agreed to be helped, he doesn’t believe we can help him. He showed me his face…then kissed me. - Alfonse palled and rubbed his face. He looked annoyed but at the same time relieved.- I did not tell him about my “memories”. I don’t know what he would do, if what we think happened to me, is real.- Alfonse looked even more relieved by that. Dimitri wondered what that meant.
-We will talk about this when we get home. Hrid will be your guard today. He asked Commander Anna. -His jaw muscles were moving with tension.
- Goddammit! Well so will Dimitri. I am not changing my plan. He is lucky I did not choose Grima. I’m being nice here Alfonse…a good girl Alfonse.- You smile coyly at him and at first he is confused, but you see him redden. He has no idea of your real meaning, but just looking at you giving him that look is enough to make him melt. He knows you are flirting, but he does not know the context. He is about to say something when you both hear Anna give the command to start the march.
After a meal brake, Fjorm comes to talk to you.
-_____. I heard my brother has asked to be your body guard. You have to deny him.- You look at her confused.- _____ remember our traditions. If he saves your life or Alfonse’s; you will owe him a life debt. I…do not understand him. I would not have thought him capable of using something like this or even demanding it of you, but he seems so different. I am not sure if it is because he has been alone without mother and Gunthra to guide him or something, but he looks different. I am just doing this as a precaution. I swear to you he is a good man and a honorable one, but I also know that he is stubborn and will fight for what he wants and what he thinks is best.
-I believe you Fjorm. I actually like him as a person. I just can’t help be angry at his ideas and the outcome of his requirements for the treaty. I will appeal to his warrior pride and make him be in the battlefield, just not close to Alfonse or Sharena. Deal?- She smiles and blushes when you take her hand in yours.
That night there is no time to put tents up. You put your roll up by Sharena and Fae who sleeps between you and Grima. You have noticed Grima had given the small dragon some of the candy you had given him. Fae is slowly becoming a younger sister of sorts to him. She started following him around and he let her after he was told she was alone in the world and had been isolated for a long time. She had been well taken care of, but had no living family. Although she had people who loved her and knew some half dragons, she was immediately drawn to Grima after she had heard of how he had been treated and how he had been isolated and alone. She had told you she wanted to help him. They were both alone.
You were awaken by a soft voice.
-The family has grown.- Alfonse’s smiling face is looking down at you from his sitting position by your head. You look around to find Fae had moved to Grima’s side and some time in the night, young Tiki had laid down on his other side.
<<OMG! What do I do?!>> You did not want Grima to wake up to find her there and get angry. You look at Grima and see that his eyes are open. He moves his hand from under Tiki’s head just a bit and signals you to not make a noise. <<Oh OK then..>> He closes his eyes again.
-Care to patrol with me?- Alfonse asks and you get up to join him. Hrid had, had the last watch and was sleeping now. You would be leaving in a few hours and arrive at the keeps before twilight.
-I guess it has grown. I wonder why the dragons just leave their kids so young wander around in the world, all alone like that.
-They probably have their reasons to do it.- He says quietly. You were thinking of arguing your point but remember that he himself was not as close to his parents and had had a more or less lonely childhood. If it wasn’t for Sharena he would have been much more of a loner. You decide to change the subject.
-Free for some hours then?- You ask. He looks back to where Hrid is laying asleep by his sisters.
-At last. Care for a tea after the patrol?- He asks you smiling. You take his hand and look him in the eyes.
-I’ll be happy to.
You do the patrol and drink some hot water since you could not find the tea. You talk for a while and fall asleep together sitting by the fire. This is where F Dimitri finds you to wake you up to re start the journey.
The second day goes on just like the first. Hrid comes often to talk to you and more often than not some heroes come to take you away for one reason or another. You walked alongside K Claude mostly and Grima who was followed by young Tiki and Fae. At some point Hero King Marth came to walk alongside and carried a sleepy Tiki who had placed a flower on his tiara. Fae pouted until Grima carried her as well. You looked back one time to find Chrome watching longingly at them.
You arrived past midday to the Keeps and after you help them all to settle and then seek Hrid out. You did not notice Alfonse had followed you and stayed in the shadows to wait for you.
-Hrid. I wanted to talk to you.
-Oh?
-You see… I don’t know how to say this… It is just, I wanted to ask you something. -He he looks at you expectantly with a small smile adorning his face. You also try not to sound flirty but keep it as interested.- I was thinking back at the time we found you in Muspell and remembering how you were fighting. Well the reason I was reluctant for you to be my guard was that I was curious about your style and I wanted to see more of it.
- Oh! I see. I was desperate and not at my best.
-Being desperate to save a loved one is probably when people are at their best in my opinion. Maybe not technique wise but at least morally.- He reddens and bites his lower lip a little.
-I would love to show you my style. Where do you want me?
<<Is he…?>>
-Umm. I was thinking of placing you, if you are alright with it of course; on the right flank, by Lord Seliph. That way you are in the fray and still close enough.
-It sounds good to me.- He says.
- We can talk about it after the battle. - You say because you knew he would want to hog the time again and because now at least you had something to talk about that does not sound awkward to you.
You attended the meeting with the Royal Army Officers. Alfonse had sent a messenger before hand to warn them. They had arrived some two hours before you.The plan was laid out for the officers and and after some debate it was approved. The Royal Army was very set in their ways and your suggestion on an ambush by militia attacks was taken with skepticism. You had met this kind of drawback before and it was always smoothed over by the heroes and Alfonse. The later had avoided your gaze every time you had asked for his opinion and you notice he looked angry. He had stood as far away as possible from you. Meanwhile Hrid had stood next to Claude which was as close to you as he could get.
As soon as the meeting was over, you sent out the mages and scouts to set up confusion wards in case enemy scouts came and saw you already there. Then mines were placed by the mages for when the enemy arrived. Not explosive mines but paint. The paint was magic and it help to immobilize , by temporally blind and confuse the enemy warriors; giving you precious time to attack them or retreat as needed. They also had the side effect of giving people hives. You seek out Alfonse to talk to him. You find him in the armory.
-Alfonse. I need to talk to you.- He does not turn to you and keeps on checking his gear and weapons. He looks like he wants to ignore you.
- I have no time. We can do this after the battle…unless you have someone to talk to later instead?
<<???>>
-Yeah… I promised Hrid we would talk about his sword style and technique…and that is what I need to talk to you about.
-I need to go check on the men.
-It will be just a minute…why are you so angry any way?
-What do you mean angry? Why would I be angry? Did you do something to anger me?
-I don’t think so…Look any way; Fjorm came and told me not let Hrid be my guard…- He looked at you now.- because she did not want him to save me or something and then I would owe him a life debt.
-What? He wouldn’t dare...- Now he looks even angrier.
-Yeah she doesn’t believe that either, but she says he looked different in a way and it is a “just in case” kind of thing, so I went to talk to him and ask him to fight. I was afraid for you as well as Sharena. It is better neither of us owe him something. - He nods. He still looked annoyed but at least he did not radiated that miasma of doom he does when he is really angry.
- I.. heard you talking to him.
-Oh! So that is why…Oh Alfonse!- You look around to see if someone is watching and take his hand. He leads you a little away until he finds a small door that he opens and you find yourself in a small closet full of weapon polishing products.
-I’m sorry I should have told you I was going to do that, but I didn’t found the time with so much stuff to do.
-No…I should not be jumping to conclusions. It is just…- He suddenly hugs you and kisses you on the forehead.- I…I love you so much…- He lowers his face and is about to kiss you. You feel like the butterflies in your stomach are having a party in there.
(Knock, knock)
-You two. It’s time to go!- Alfonse jumps back at the sound of Niles’ always suggestive words. You open the door and frown at him. Niles looks around inside the closet and smirks.- So…how was the sword polishing?
<<Oh I wish Niles!>> You roll your eyes at him.- We were only talking. You look back at Alfonse but he is looking down at his feet. You have never seen him look so guilty before. <<Adorable!>>
-Just talking huh…I love “just talking” with people inside closets too.
-Oh I wish Niles, but you went ahead an ruined it by knocking at the door. Besides we were in there for only like thirty seconds! Oh wait…Is that how long you “talk to people in closets”?
-______!!- Comes Alfonse’s voice behind you.
-.…Oh you got me good Summoner!- He says and starts laughing out loud.- I forget you are not afraid to use that tongue.
<<Oh Niles if only you knew… That’s exactly what I was trying to do.>> He looks at your face sees that little smirk and he just knows and laughs harder.
-Don’t worry your Highness. I am an expert at keeping secrets. I would give you fifteen minutes but we really need to go.- Alfonse comes out after you and his face is redder than a tomato.
-Wait. Let me fix your cloak.- He stops and lets you fix his scarf part of the cloak. You linger around his neck and then pass your fingers through the locks of hair loose from his crown. He is looking at you and you see his lips part and look at your lips for a second. His tongue comes out slowly to lick at his lower lip. The moment is so intimate Niles turns around to give you privacy and for once keeps quiet.
-You look good.- You tell him and his cheeks redden a little more.- Let’s go.- You say and both of you follow Niles out of the armory to Anna who is waiting for you.
~*~
The Emblian Empire attacked at midnight. The Askrn forces had let them get close to the bait, which was the keep where the the town people were hiding. Then the militia attacks were started in the enemy rear. Your surprise attack was successful and when they tried to retreat the mines enclosed them in where the men were not stationed. The battlefield was alight with fires suddenly burning, this way you could see where the heroes were and what they were doing.
From your position on one of the highest hills outside of town you could send the signals to the men and not be reached by enemy fire. King Savior Dimitri was by your left side monitoring the danger and the rear. Waiting for the moment he had to act.
Although you had smoother over the problem with Alfonse, he seemed still to be in a bad mood. He fights with the same skill as ever, but you could see there was something else in there. The same quality to his strikes that Lif had in his…like he really wanted to hurt something.
-Beruka tell Innes there’s an enemy sniper hiding far to his right flank over the tallest tree. - You mouthed over to Beruka who could read your lips. She nodded and before taking of to warn Innes.
Once in a while you look over to Hrid to check on his team and actually evaluating him so you would have something to talk about later on.
Next is Valter whom you had told to stay and rest after being on that hunt he went on. He seemed just as efficient, but there was a slowness to his strikes that if not corrected could end in a bad situation. You touch your medallion and say his name. It would let him know you are watching him or have something to tell him. He turns to you after making sure there is no danger.
- Are we the prey or are we the hunter?- That did it for him. No one would call him prey. He seemed to regain vigor, speed and strength.- Good. That’s my hunter boy.- You could hear Azura and Shigure singing over the noise. You turn to watch the others. Michaelis, Minerva, Seliph, Olivia,Eliwood and Roy, Hector, Rath , Eirika, Lyon and Ephraim…
You take your spyglass to watch the farther part of the field and spy on Xander, who is the leader of the Emblan army. He is watching you it seems, so you wave at him. He lowers the spyglass and for a second it looks like he is about to wave back but thinks better of it. This makes you chuckle. That man is actually a good man and you could understand his position. He not only kept Veronica company and keeps the vultures that try to make her their puppet away from them, but he had smoothed out some problems that could have escalated without his help. Without him the war would be worst and who knows where Veronica would be or what she would be doing. He kept her human.
Then from the North Eastern side of the Keep the flank breaks and reinforcements pour in. You knew about them and were prepared for them, that was what the mines were for. What you were not prepare for, was one of the heroes in the enemy lines. Adrestian Emperor Edelgard, dressed in her Reds and golds armor lead the reinforcements. You hear a hiss from S K Dimitri at the same time you feel your medallion warn you. It was Alfonse. You turn to watch him but you know full well what he meant. He points to F Dimitri. He has isolated himself as he always does. His backup Marth, is blocked form getting to him by a couple of lancers. Alfonse made his way to him, but before he reached him Dimitri looked up. It seemed like he could hear orders being given and recognized the voice.
Dimitri saw Edelgard and he froze for a second. Then he started to walk her way and he looked like he was not paying attention to his surroundings. Alfonse started to make his way towards him and so did Marth. You signal King Claude who is near by covering Alfonse, but he had already seen the scene unfolding. He started felling the enemies that were about to hit Dimitri. You signal Dimitri himself. At last he seems to react, but instead of returning your call, he started to relentlessly and brutally kill the enemies on his way.
You hear SK Dimitri growl in anger. You reach for his hand and squeeze it gently.
You can see with the spyglass that Edelgard has taken notice of Dimitri. She stands for a minute watching him and you see her close her eyes. The face she makes is almost one of regret. She turns around, then signals something to her men and she starts attacking the opposite flank. On her stead another hero is sent. Death Knight.
-Oh FUCK… Death Knight.- You had seen him before. That man was insane and brutal. He did not listen to orders and actively has tried to kill your heroes any chance he has. You see him make a bee line to where F Dimitri is trying to follow Edelgard.
You see it as if in slow motion. Ferdinand came down on Dimitri even before Death Knight arrived. You had not even seen him coming. He drove his lance with enough force to behead someone and the speed to not miss. He had the advantage of surprise. Dimitri could not deflect or evade; but before Ferdinand’s lance hit its mark; a golden shield came up to protect a falling Dimitri. Alfonse had reached Dimitri just in time to jump on the way of the strike and effectively striking the blond out of the way. Alfonse almost fell down with the force of the strike and the effort not to step on the fallen blonde. He stood with his legs on either side of Dimitri’s upper body. Then the second strike came just as he was trying to gain his footing. The force of the second strike almost made him stumble and had him straddling the blonde. Alfonse could do nothing but shield himself and Dimitri. He turned to see if Dimitri was alright and his faces were inches apart.
He was about to tell him to get up when they heard a yell. Ferdinand was falling down his horse and an arrow was stuck on the horse’s flank. Claude was covering him while trying to keep from getting hit by enemy arrows. This gave Alfonse the time he needed to get up. Alfonse was standing up when Death Knight’s scythe came sideways and hit his shield on the side enough to fling it and his arm away form his body. He deflected the rest with the sword.
Sparks like fireworks flew from Folkvangr. Death Knight was poised to strike again. Watching from the ground Dimitri was struggling to get up. He was backing away so he could get up and not be on the way.
You watch it all from your post. Unable to do anything about it. You feel like the life is draining from you with every beat of the heart. Hel’s scythe; coming down slowly and yet so fast. Just like it had done for Anna and Sharena before. It strikes Alfonse to behead , but the angle and motion playing their part have another idea. The scythe misses badly. He is falling down…
-ALFONSE!!!!!
…..He is falling….he is …. outside the Order's castle in a training arena. You followed him to see him train. He is doing something you had not seen him do before. He jumps and twirls his sword to gather power and at the point of the strike there is a beam of power coming out. The attack is one of the most powerful you had ever seen. It may even rival Aether.
-Incredible…- You say behind him. He turns and smiles at you. His naked torso glistening with sweat. In another time he would he dying of shame from being found with so little clothes.
-Do you like it? I am trying to create something powerful to kill her.
-Alfonse that is amazing! How do you call it?
-I don’t know yet…I want to make a future for us with it. Maybe then we can end this absurd war and get married,- He gets close to you and touches your cheek with his fingers. - My beloved _______. He kisses you slowly on your lips and then kisses your forehead.-…I might call it…
-DOOR TO THE FUTURE!!!!- Your yell resonates over the cacophony of voices and yells of the battlefield. Breidablik lights up…
A/N
This program is messing up my grammar instead of helping, especially names. I have no idea how many times I have gone and fixed them. When I transfer it to the page it gets messed up again. I think it gets confused because I write in different languages XD
As a side note, I am trying not to make Hrid sound like he is an asshole at all. I like him a lot, but the guy is in love and is very possessive and jealous of Alfonse who he believes belongs with his sister and passes most of his time with you so…He just wants a chance for you to get to know him and fall in love maybe…and maybe…and maybe…
I have this head canon that if Valter ever hears Guren no Yumiya from Attack on Titan it would become his National Anthem XD. Bless Natewantstobattle and his covers.
Have you ever wonder why Lif’s face and original skin only covers his nose and his mouth seems to be lost and to have no bone inside?….yeah…I do.
1. The song I am referencing here is the metal cover by Dan Vasc:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bS4Q-WWyl3Q
2. It is said that Grima is 2000+ years but I seriously think that he can’t be that much older than Tiki was around the time of Shadow Dragon. So to me he is still a kid. A very neglected and abused kid who is lashing out in the worst way, because he is so powerful. I am doing this because I think that a gown up Grima would be more a love interest and I don’t want that in this story. Also I ship him with Evostrashbin’s Summoner. BTW I’m so happy Evo got Halloween Mr. Grima! I love it!
3. Crazy He Calls Me. Natalie Cole’s version. I love this song all thanks to my father. I choose it because I could see the co-relation with the story line and situation.
4. I mean. I get that the order is supposed to be the good guys but dressing in white all the time in battle? That works well in winter and Nifl, but that’s it. That Lord of the Rings cloak, the Lorien Elves gave The Fellowship would be awesome to have for the Heroes on more stealthy missions. Camo uniforms would also work wonders on the Order’s favor.
30 notes · View notes
grinserabe · 2 years
Note
I’m sure you must have answered this before but what’s your favorite route? Which three houses lord is your favorite? Do you have any personal headcanons?
Oohh
Favourite lord: Claude. But I love all three a lot; all of them are in my top 5 (ish) for sure. I honestly always thought they did a great job making all lords easy to love, but I suppose that's a pretty controversial opinion, lol.
Favourite route: Well, I had the most fun with CF. I don't think it's objectively the best route, but after playing FE for years, I appreciated how CF has a different approach to what we're used to. Also, Hubert is my favourite, and I like having him as my ally. Again, though, I think all routes have something interesting/fun. VW was my first route, and I was convinced it would stay my favourite, haha. But yeah.
I’m also glad we don’t have a golden route. I like that we have four different outcomes that are all filled with losses and tragedies, that we have to make decisions that aren't 100% fair for everyone. It’s just more realistic that way.
Headcanons: I have many, but here are a few off the top of my head:
- Edelgard, Dimitri and Rhea have survivor’s guilt. Well, I suppose that’s just plain canon, but the game never directly acknowledges that’s something all three of them have in common. I like seeing their actions through that lens, though, because you want to compare them to each other anyway & parallels like that are especially fascinating.
- Ferdinand doesn’t have freckles. I’m sorry, but I’ve seen this so often in fanart and fanfic that I have to bring it up here, lol.
- Felix’s mother has reddish brown hair (a bit like his eye colour).
- Ferdinand and Hubert are a bit jealous/envious of each other. Pre-TS, Ferdinand is actually pretty unpopular. He doesn’t have close relationships at Garreg Mach, and the only characters who are friendly towards him are Petra and Lorenz. (We see him the most often with Petra, but it’s clear Ferdinand and Lorenz were always meant to be besties.)
But Edelgard and Hubert are actually the two characters he’s the most “interested” in; they’re the ones he will repeatedly mention outside their supports, no matter the route. I think it’s only natural that he would be jealous of their apparent closeness and trust in each other.
About Hubert: he can be surprisingly self-depreciating, and I like to imagine he can’t help but compare his looks to Ferdinand’s then and now.
I don’t think they ever hated each other, but since the game shoves their contrasts and parallels in our faces, there’s just so much that could make their dynamic more complex and spicy.
- Dimitri wasted no thought on romance during the course of the game, and he probably has something like a second puberty after the war. I always thought the strong appeal of his character is how many meaningful platonic relationships he has. They all seem so effortlessly intimate.
- Claude is scared of emotional intimacy.
- Edelgard craves intimacy, but she's very bad at it.
- Felix occasionally carries treats for the monastery cats with him.
- Characters who always smell amazing: Hilda, Claude, Ferdinand, Dorothea, Sylvain and Shamir.
- Hubert breeds poisonous frogs <3
3 notes · View notes
houseisekai · 3 years
Text
House Isekai: Shadowbringers - Act 1 Finale: The Warrior of Darkness
House Isekai Shadowbringers AU Masterlist Here
Tumblr media
Most of House Isekai have finally reunited, with the help of the Ashen Wolves, The former Blue Lions, and Black Eagles class. Leaving Claude and the Investigation Team unaccounted for.
However, as they are discussing the nature behind Sitri’s resurrection and the plans of Lahabrea, they notice something terribly wrong...
Outside the Monastery, Present Day...
Byleth walked towards the Monastery alone, the winds blowing back his white hair.
One hand held Sara’s pistol while the other held the Sword of the Creator.
It had been five long years since he saw any members of House Isekai.
He hadn’t even seen the Investigation Team with Claude, even though he knew they were alive.
So much has happened since that first battle at Garreg Mach. He wasn’t even sure what to say when he saw them again.
As he kept walking, he noted something was off.
The wind had just stopped blowing completely.
He looked up into the air and his eyes went wide.
The skies had just went almost completely white.
(Byleth) “Shit.”
He held his weapons tightly and began running towards the Monastery.
...
(Yuki) “U-Um, excuse me.”
Everyone turned to her.
(Megumi) “Yuki-chan? What is it?”
(Yuki) “What time is it?”
Ryuji pulled out his phone and checked.
(Ryuji) “Hm…According to the phone, time in Fodlan’s about 9 in the morning. You forget something to do, Takeya?”
(Yuki) “Should…it be THAT bright outside?”
Everyone paused for a moment before slowly turning to the door behind them.
The outside shone an eerily bright white on the grass, and the wind appeared to stop blowing against the trees.
And the sound of footsteps seemed to be approaching from the main hall.
Megumi got the School-Living Club and Sitri behind her as everyone slowly stood up and reached for their weapons…
The clothes of the Phantom Thieves suddenly switched from their school uniform into their metaverse forms.
(Bernadetta) “Um...D-Don’t your clothes only do that when-?”
(Akechi) “Oh SHIT.”
KABOOOOOM!
[Holminster Switch - Final Fantasy XIV: Shadowbringers OST]
The wall exploded into chunks of concrete, monstrous four legged creatures cloaked in white erupting from the main hall and reducing the entrance of the mess hall to rubble.
Albedo, Sebas, and Sara and Darkness jumped to the front, hitting back the debris that was about to hit them.
The monsters’ mouths separated into four jaws, looking something akin to a horribly mutilated dog.
Soldiers began to flood in behind the monsters, drawing their weapons.
(Edelgard) “Damn it, the Church found us!”
(Yuri) “Tch, brought the war right to us, didn’t ya?!”
(Dimitri) “It was going to reach you regardless, now quit complaining and help us kill the angels!”
Edelgard, Yuri, and Dimitri ran forward to meet the soldiers head on.
(Minato) “What’s the plan here?!”
(Kazuma) “WE GET THE HELL OUT, THAT’S WHAT!”
Kazuma motioned the others to himself before trying to head out the exit, before more soldiers started to flood in.
(Felix) “That’s just great!”
(Sitri) “What about the entrance near the lake?!-”
Right as they spun around, more angels blocked the doorway.
(Balthus) “Well, IF IT’S FIGHT THEY WANT!”
(Junpei) “Not sure fighting them head on is our best idea, man!”
(Millium) “Then we’ll make an exit out of here! LAMMY!”
Her golem materialized behind her and charged the soldiers, and with one swipe sent them into the air.
(Megumin) “Think our best bet is to move our butts to Abyss!”
(Sharon) “Very well! We will take point!”
Sharon jumped above everyone and towards the entrance along with Doomguy.
More soldiers were on their way from the direction of the classrooms, forcing Doomguy to pull out an assault rifle.
As he began to unload the gun’s ammo into the Church soldiers, everyone began to retreat.
Edelgard, Dimitri, and Yuri sheathed their weapons and quickly got behind the group running away.
(Church Captain) “DON’T LET THEM ESCAPE!”
The Captain turned to the angels and nodded.
(Church Captain) “Cut them off at all entrances!"
The angels nodded and charged away, leaving the soldiers to pursue the others.
The Phantom Thieves, Machias, Crow, Towa, Aigis, and Doomguy covered everyone as they ran from area to area with their guns, dropping soldier after soldier.
(Machias) “This is absolutely insane! Just how much people did they send after us?!”
(Aigis) “According to my scans, there are currently over a hundred-”
(Towa) “I-I DON’T THINK I WANT TO KNOW THAT NUMBER, AIGIS!”
(Ann) “JUST GO AWAAAAAAAAY!”
(Megumin) “W-Wait a second!”
It was then everyone realized that the group was shooting to kill.
(Kazuma) “The hell?! I thought you guys didn’t ki-”
The fallen soldier’s bodies began to twitch violently as they exploded into pure white winged bats.
(Kazuma) “OKAY, WHAT IN THE FUCK?!”
(Constance) “Keep moving, Kazuma!”
Sharon and Doomguy turned the corner to the entrance of Abyss before Hapi realized something.
(Hapi) “Wait a second, we never saw their bodies do that when we were leaving. Crap, does that mean?-”
Hapi’s question was answered when several more of the white bats flew out of Abyss’s entrance.
An angel was there waiting for them, charging full speed.
(Albedo) “OUT OF THE WAY!”
(Darkness) “EXCUSE ME!”
Albedo in an instant transformed into her black armor and shoved the others out her way, Darkness standing beside her.
They both blocked the monster and shoved them both back into the ground.
Its jaws unhinged and was about to devour them before the two of them drew their weapons and cleaved the side jaws, making it recoil back in pain.
Mercedes, Annette, Linhardt, and Dorothea raised their hands and all cast a fire spell, flying straight into the creature’s mouth and setting it ablaze.
It made an almost ear piercing screech as it inelegantly flopped over, immediately lying dead.
(Linhardt) “Hm, these angels appear to die from our attacks than the one we encountered at Enbarr.-”
(Annette) “D-Don’t think now’s a good time to conduct research, Linhardt!”
(Linhardt) “I’d beg to differ but eh, you’re probably right. Gotta waste our energy escaping.”
Felix, Sylvain, and Ingrid slashed apart the bats following behind them.
(Sylvain) “LESS TALKING, MORE RUNNING!”
(Ingrid) “I don’t think we can get to the stables in time!”
(Felix) “Not gonna help anyway, there’s too many of us to escape on horseback!”
Petra and Ashe shot two out of the air with a bow as Dedue grabbed one and slammed it into the floot.
(Petra) “Then we are hard of pressed for decisions!”
(Ashe) “All the exits are covered by these things right? Then that means they got us surrounded!”
(Dedue) “And going into Abyss seems like a good way for us to get separated and picked off!”
(Bernadetta) “S-SO WE’RE JUST GOING TO BE TRAPPED HERE THEN?!”
(Caspar) “Calm down, Bernadetta! I’m sure we can punch our way outta here!”
(Ferdinand) “Then they will simply follow us! I am not sure we have the stamina to nor the manpower to stave off an entire army!”
(Miki) “Wait a second, what about Valimar?! He can teleport us out of here with that spirit portal thing!”
(Rean) “We’re going to need a huge area for all of us to get teleported!”
(Sitri) “I-If the Cathedral is still here, we could try that!”
(Aqua) “WHAT?! That’s like, the number one spot they would be in!”
(Hubert) “Then we will need to secure the area inside first.”
(Yuuri) “Besides, the Entrance Hall is too dangerous to push towards there, and if we’re out in the courtyard then we’ll be right in the open!”
(Futaba) “Enemies closing in behind us!”
(Fuuka) “More coming from Abyss’s entrance!”
(Pandora’s Actor) “MMMM, IF WE MAKE OUR CHOICE, WE BEST DO IT NOW!”
(Kazuma) “BRIDGE IT IS, MOVE YOUR ASSES PEOPLE!”
...
Byleth cut down the angel blocking the entrance to the Monastery, and shot down any soldier trying to approach him.
The angel began to fade into nothingness before its energy was absorbed into Byleth.
(Soldier) “I-IT’S THE WARRIOR OF DARKNESS!”
(Soldier 2) “GET THE CAPTAIN, WE’LL TRY TO-”
The soldier was interrupted when his head exploded and fell to the floor.
When the other soldier looked back at Byleth, the sword slashed across his chest, sending him flying back.
Their bodies started twitching as Byleth raised a hand towards them.
His hand shot out a wave of a black and purple aura, completely enveloping them.
The bodies had disintegrated completely, leaving no trace of them on the ground.
Byleth saw the path of destruction from the main hall, to the Mess Hall.
After running to the room, he looked at the debris and bodies left in the group’s wake and followed the trail towards the church.
...
(Narberal) “Lord Ainz, the main hall is secure for now!”
The Pleiades and Sharon killed the soldiers inside and collapsed the other entrances leading inside.
(Ainz) “Understood, DEMIURGE, COCYTUS!”
Demiurge opened his hands and flicked his wrists, summoning a massive flame wall in front of the bridge.
Everyone else made it inside, and Cocytus created a freezing mist cloud in front of their entrance, letting ice shoot up into the air forming another wall.
(Cocytus) “IT IS DONE, LORD AINZ.”
(Shalltear) “Get on with it, Schwarzer!”
(Rean) “Right. Heed my call...
VALIMAR, THE ASHEN KNIGHT!”
Tumblr media
Valimar stood up from the forests nearby and flew into the air, towards the Monastery.
Byleth finally cut his way to the bridge when he saw several winged bats pick up a specially dressed Church soldier.
(Byleth) “Damn it!”
He aimed the pistol at it and squeezed the trigger.
More bats flew in to intervene and took the bullet, the bat dropping below the bridge. Byleth fired several more shots only to have the same result.
A massive shadow enveloped Byleth, and he spun around with his sword expecting another angel.
Instead, it was Valimar stopping its flying to float next to Byleth.
(Valimar) Instructor Byleth. Please get on.
Valimar held a hand out for Byleth to hop on, to which Byleth responded with a nod.
(Rean) “Valimar, where are you?!”
(Valimar) Awakener, the Instructor is here.
(Rean) “Instructor- Wait, Instructor Byleth?!”
(Minako) “HEY, INCOMING!”
Minato and Minako put their Evokers to their heads and summoned Thanatos, and it casted a massive sphere around them as the ice wall exploded.
From the mist, a massive angel stepped in, roaring and shaking the entire Cathedral.
It had four legs and jaws like the others, but the tail appeared to be some sort of snake-like creature.
(Yuri) “Tsk, must be that captain!”
(Aqua) “Come on, we’ll kick your ass!”
(Edelgard) “This is bad!”
(Albedo) “What do you mean, with all of us here it stands no chance!”
(Akira) “That’s what we thought at Enbarr too!”
(Rean) “We have no idea what the hell’s empowering them, but an ‘Inquisitor’ or whatever turned into one of these, not even Slayer laid a permanent scratch on it!”
(Megumi) “C-Come again?!”
(Bernadetta) “WHAT CHANCE DO WE HAVE THEN?!”
(Ingrid) “If I die today, I die for Faerghus!”
(Hubert) “And I for the Empire!”
(Kazuma) “REAN, WHERE THE FUCK IS YOUR GIANT ROBOT!?”
A massive figure dropped in from the ceiling and landed in front of the angel who was approaching the group.
(Angel) “WHO DARES-...!!! YOU.”
Valimar’s hand went loose as it flew back behind everyone.
(Valimar) Preparing Spirit Portal. Please secure time for me to allow us a safe transportation.
(Byleth’s Voice) “Sara, catch.”
A pistol flew out from the dust and Sara caught it, and a smile grew on her face.
(Sara) “You took your time, didn’t you?”
[Boss Theme #2 - Final Fantasy XIV: Shadowbringers OST]
(Sitri) “Byleth...!”
(Futaba) “Cheesy reunion dialogue later, enemies are starting to come from behind!”
(Angel) “I WILL NOT PERMIT THE WARRIOR OF DARKNESS TO INTERFERE ANY LONGER! YOU DIE NOW!”
(Byleth) “I’ll worry about the finishing blow, who’s helping me?”
(Cocytus) “I WILL ASSIST YOU, BYLETH.”
(Sharon) “I as well!”
Doomguy nodded as he threw a few of his smaller guns at the School-Living Club and unsheathed his sword.
(Sara) “Well, looks like this is a good way for the staff to reunite!”
(Angelica) “We’ll join in the fight another time, we’ll take care of our kids!”
(Towa) “Good luck, Instructors!”
Byleth couldn’t remember the last time he smiled. Hearing their voices again brought him a calmness he hadn’t experienced in five years.
He also noted Sitri’s presence with them, but those questions will come later. For now-
The angel roared again, readying its tail.
(Byleth) “With me!”
(Sharon) “Understood!”
(Sara) “Got your back!”
(Cocytus) “FOR THE GLORY OF NAZARICK!”
(Doomguy) “...”
Tumblr media
The angel spun around and had its snake-like tail lunge at the five.
Cocytus was the only one not to jump out the way, grabbing it with three of his arms.
It spat poison on the floor, which quickly began to spread into a wide area.
Cocytus stabbed it through its head with the arm holding the halberd and moved aside before the poison could reach him.
(Cocytus) “THE TAIL IS DOWN.”
Doomguy didn’t bother to look at the area he was jumping to as his shoulder cannon fired a grenade behind him, setting the poison ablaze.
He jumped onto the angel, which begun to flail wildly, trying to get him off.
Doomguy jammed his wristblade into it, but couldn’t do anything else other than hold on.
Sara kept its attention by repeatedly shooting it in the face with her pistol, which didn’t seem to do much other than annoy the angel.
Byleth appeared to be doing something with his sword and made it glow a black and purple aura.
(Sharon) “Arcus, activate!”
Sharon smiled and used her wires to wrap around the angel’s legs, making it slower and almost trip.
She dashed from leg to leg at high speeds, using her knife to slice open the parts behind its legs, then pulled the wires closer to her, making them shift into the open wounds.
The angel screamed loudly, flailing even more violently and finally flinging Doomguy off.
The wires broke off which made Sharon frown. It was still moving far too much for her liking.
And just as she expected, the wounds began to heal.
(Sharon) “Master Byleth, I trust you have a solution to our problem?”
Byleth didn’t respond and instead held his hand out, shooting out a wave of dark energy at the creature, making it howl in pain as the wounds suddenly stopped regenerating and caused miniature explosions.
He activated the whip function of the sword as he jumped onto the angel, and swung at the head, dicing many parts into pieces.
(Sara) “Arcus, activate!”
Purple lightning shot back and forth around the angel, slicing off entire limbs with Sara finally appearing where the lightning ended, right in front of the beast.
Byleth jumped off as Doomguy took his place, putting his sword between its neck and slicing downwards, severing the head.
The head was still alive and was about to lunge at Sara with its jaws before Cocytus used the top part of his halberd and impaled it to the floor.
Byleth’s eyes glowed red for a moment before deactivating the whip and looking at the angel.
He raised his hand into the air and began to absorb the light from the angel.
It then was enveloped by a dark aura which covered the floor they were standing in, making everyone take a step back.
When the dark aura disappeared, the angel was completely gone. Even the head Cocytus had impaled left no trace of any gore.
(Cocytus) “HMPH. I CANNOT HELP BUT FEEL A LITTLE DISAPPOINTED AFTER WHAT WAS SAID ABOUT THE LAST ENCOUNTER WITH ONE OF THESE.”
Doomguy shrugged in response as Sharon dusted off her dress.
(Sara) “Well, this one didn’t seem to be an inquisitor. If it weren’t for Byleth, I’m not sure we could’ve killed it.”
She smiled and turned to face him.
(Sara) “Speaking of which-”
That smile went away when she realized Byleth was heavily panting and on one knee.
(Sara) “Crap, Byleth!”
The four ran over to him and helped him up.
(Sara) “Rean, status?”
Rean sliced apart the last bat with his tachi and took a quick look around.
(Rean) “Now’s a great time to go!”
(Valimar) Opening Spirit Portal. Destination required.
(Dimitri) “Take us to Derdriu!”
(Rean) “Right, what Dimitri said!”
(Valimar) Acknowledged. Beginning transport now.
Everyone in the room was quickly teleported away from Garreg Mach.
Soldiers flooded into the room alongside the lesser angels but saw no trace of anyone left.
(Soldier) “W-What happened? I thought the captain was here?”
(Soldier) “Goddess save us...!”
They saw several burn marks on the ground that wasn’t caused by fire. Some of the energy was still emanating off and that's when they came to the conclusion:
(Soldier) “The Warrior of Darkness is with House Isekai!”
Several Agarthans were watching from a distance as the soldiers began to move out of Garreg Mach. The men and women in black robes looked at each other.
(Agarthan) “This is going to be a problem...”
...
Zanado, the Red Canyon, Present Day...
[Sands of Amber - Final Fantasy XIV: Shadowbringers]
Hilda yawned as she exited the tent she was sleeping in.
(Hilda) “Ugh, we gotta wake up so early...”
The skies hadn’t even turned blue yet and was still a crimson red over the horizon. Hilda groaned as Marianne exited the same tent and stretched.
(Marianne) “Well, at least we’ll just be exploring today right?”
Hilda rolled her eyes as she picked up her axe.
(Hilda) “Psh, my butt. Claude always says that and it ALWAYS escalates into a skirmish.”
The two walked beside each other as they moved down the resting area and towards the rest of the group.
Naoto and Rise were already up, staring at the same thing.
(Rise) “My Persona still isn’t picking anything up.”
(Naoto) “That can’t be right. Perhaps we need to-...Oh, good morning.”
(Marianne) “Hello. Still nothing?”
(Rise) “Not a thing. I still can’t believe none of us ever noticed this beforehand during the academy!”
(Hilda) “Well, I don’t think it was there to begin with...”
Hilda put her hands on her hips as she examined it.
The Golden Deer and Investigation Team had set up camp to examine a massive tower that went up into the sky, something that definitely wasn’t there before.
Or, maybe it was. Every time they stared at the tower, their memory got a bit fuzzy.
The tower stood out from the rest of the area, looking half natural formation, and half man-made. It had glowing blue lines throughout the entire structure.
Records seemed to indicate it had been there prior, yet earlier in the year when the Houses were sent to this canyon, it wasn’t present. Nor was it present during the previous five years. 
Or, at the very least no one was aware of its existence until just recently.
(Marianne) “Perhaps we should wait for everyone else to wake up?”
(Claude) “Wow, Hilda up early. Didn’t think that was possible.”
Claude tossed everyone a canteen of water as he looked up at the tower.
(Hilda) “Speak for yourself! You used to sleep in all the time back in Garreg Mach!”
(Claude) “Well, I like to think I’m a changed man. Though sometimes I wish I hadn’t. Growing up sucks.”
His smile faded as he continued to examine the tower.
(Claude) “...Ugh, looking at this is just giving me a headache.”
(Naoto) “Perhaps this tower is messing with our memories and causing us to perceive things differently?”
(Claude) “Too early to tell, Naoto. And uh, little too early to start conspiring when we haven’t even gone inside the thing yet.”
When he looked at Naoto and Rise, another thing was starting to give him a headache.
They had been here for at least 3 years, yet not a single one of the Investigation Team showed any signs of having aged.
A velvet door appeared next to them with Yu and that strange girl Marie stepping out.
(Yu) “Mornin’.”
(Marie) “...Hey.”
(Rise) “Any luck, senpai?”
(Yu) “No. Margaret, Theodore, Elizabeth, and Lavenza had no idea what it was either.”
Yu held out the sample from the tower and Naoto put it near the crates.
(Marie) “Most we’re really able to tell is it’s definitely from this world. Other than that, Iunno.”
(Claude) “Then we’re really left with the worst plan we got...”
He sighed as he turned to the others.
(Claude) “Let’s get everyone up and grab some grub. After that, we’re going inside.”
Everyone nodded and turned around back to camp. Claude was about to follow them when-
“I see. Right until the very end, I've read this whole thing terribly wrong... All my hopes have fallen to ash...” 
Claude first checked his throat. He was positive that he hadn’t spoken, yet...
He then looked behind him, and there was nothing other than a few crates facing the tower.
That was definitely his voice he heard clear as day, but there was no one around him.
(Claude) “The hell...?”
Shaking his head, sure he hadn’t gotten enough sleep and went back with the others.
Town outside Derdriu territory...
[Return of the Night - Final Fantasy XIV: Shadowbringers OST]
The townspeople watched from their windows as the massive ball of light began pulsating and eventually flickered out, revealing a group of people they had never seen before materialize into existence.
(Valimar) Apologies Awakener. This is as close as I am able to get.
(Yuri) “Huh? Why can’t you get us into the city directly?”
(Valimar) I cannot teleport anywhere without the magical currents in the area being high enough.
(Kazuma) “So, you just happened to teleport us in the middle of some backwoods town and had us scare the shit out of everyone here?”
(Megumi) “W-What about Byleth? I think he’s injured!”
(Byleth) “N-No, I’m not...just...so...tired.”
Byleth gently shoved off Sara and Doomguy’s arm and stood on his own.
It was then everyone realized what was different about Byleth.
He looked more jaded than anything, but what stuck out most was his white hair.
It was some form of green the last time they saw him, but...
(Byleth) “It’s good to see all of you again.”
Byleth made a weak smile, and Megumi was the first to hug him.
(Megumi) “Thank goodness you’re safe!”
She began to cry as Byleth hugged her back.
(Byleth) “Words cannot describe how relieved I am to see everyone okay.”
(Sara) “Oh come on, don’t start crying too. You might make me tear up too.”
(Rean) “Welcome back, Instructor!”
(Yuuri) “It must have been a long wait, Byleth-sensei!”
(Minato) “It’s only been half a year and that’s already been too long.”
(Minako) “We almost got the whole gang together!”
(Akira) “Nice to see you again.”
Dimitri and Edelgard wanted to say something, but thought it best to keep quiet for now. The Black Eagles and Blue Lions watched the class all speak to each other again. 
House Isekai was as close as one could be, and seeing almost everyone reunited was a sight for sore eyes.
It reminded them of a certain missing House that could really make this feel like a proper reunion...
Sitri wiped away some tears, finally getting to see her son all grown up.
Megumi let go and motioned towards Sitri, and the two finally met face to face.
(Sitri) “Hello, Byleth.”
(Byleth) “Si...Sitri?”
She slowly reached out her hands, and Byleth grabbed hers.
Both of them made the same response, their eyes going wide.
(Sitri) “Look at you, hah...You’re all grown up...!”
Some of the group began sniffing and wiping their eyes but the rest smiled as they watched.
(Hapi) “Kiiinda feels like we’re intruding here.”
(Yuri) “Shut up, you’ll ruin the moment.”
(Balthus) “Nah, she doesn’t mean on Byleth and Sitri, dumbass. I meant the fact we’re doing this in the middle of a town.”
(Ainz) “Wait a second, Valimar said that he can only teleport us to areas with high magical energies. What’s so special about this town?”
(???) “Oh nothing. I just made enough energy to where you’ll teleport here.”
[Bedlam’s Brink - Final Fantasy XIV: Shadowbringers]
Everyone turned around to see Lahabrea leaning against a nearby building.
Sitri put Byleth behind her as everyone had a hand over their weapons.
(Lahabrea) “Oh, spare me the dramatics, would you?”
He got off the wall and looked at the group standing.
(Lahabrea) “And take a look at this! At...!....A-At...”
Lahabrea was cut off as he reached for his head.
(Kazuma) “...The hell is he-AGH, FUCK!”
Kazuma and his group were the first to reach for their heads, wincing in pain.
The next was the Phantom Thieves, Class VII, the School-Living Club, S.E.E.S, then the denizens of Nazarick.
Byleth and the Blue Lions and Black Eagles quickly followed, leaving Sitri the only one unaffected.
After a few moments, Byleth collapsed to the ground while Lahabrea fell to one knee.
(Sitri) “BYLETH!”
Lahabrea shook it off and looked back up to see everyone slowly recovering.
(Rean) “What...What was that?!”
(Fie) “Ugh, nearly split my head open...”
(Elliot) “Um...W-Was I the only one who heard voices during that?”
(Mare) “You too?!”
(Albedo) “That voice was my own, it was-Ugh...!”
(Yukari) “I don’t remember saying those things at all, yet...”
(Ken) “C-Clear as day? Yeah, same here.”
(Ryuji) “Hey, asshole! What the ‘eff’s going on with...us?”
Lahabrea slowly got up look back at everyone.
(Morgana) “You better have a good explanation of what you did to us!”
(Lahabrea) “...”
(Kurumi) “Tch, what?! Nothing funny to say now? No sass in ya all of a sudden?!”
(Emma) “Guys, he’s not alone!”
Everyone looked at Emma then back at Lahabrea who was still standing there, staring at them.
(Kazuma) “Sold us out to the Agarthan’s didn’t you?! Made them put shit in our heads!”
(Darkness) “You will pay for that, fiend!”
She was the first to draw her weapon, and the rest followed suit.
(Ainz) “Hang on a moment.”
Ainz finally took the time to scan Lahabrea with a magic detection spell.
As he was doing so, Megumi stepped forth.
(Megumi) “You’re putting a lot of time into people you’re supposed to hate. No more dodging the question, who are you, and why are you so invested in us fighting the Church and the Those who Slither?!”
(Minato) “Give us another stupid answer, and you won’t like what happens!”
...
(Lahabrea) “...They deserve to know.”
(Everyone) ?
(Lahabrea) “...Yes, I know what might happen if we do.”
(Towa) “Why is he just talking to himse-”
It was then Towa noticed the faces on Emma and Aqua. Megumin was quick to notice what she was looking at and caught on.
(Megumin) “Eh? Aqua?”
Kazuma had the same face as well. Akira, Morgana, Minato, Minako, all of Nazarick, Doomguy, and Sitri included.
(Edelgard) “What’s happening to them?”
(Dimitri) “Can someone give an explanation or-”
(Kazuma) “What. The. Fuck.”
[More than Truth - Final Fantasy XIV: Shadowbringers]
(Sothis?) “...Hello, everyone.”
She awkwardly rubbed the back of her head.
(Sothis?) “I forgot that not everyone can see me.”
Sothis had appeared next to Lahabrea, though she was wearing slightly more ragged and darker clothes.
Compared to the normal Sothis, she had a dark red dress and looked slightly older and more tired, but it was still undoubtedly Sothis.
(Albedo) “What sort of trickery is this?!”
(Emma) “S-Sothis was infused into Byleth such a long time ago! How are you here?”
(Aqua) “No...No! You’re not Sothis! This is some sort of magic that-”
(Lahabrea) “Would the Agarthans really go through the lengths to make an exact copy of Sothis that only certain offworlders can see, Aqua?”
By the tone of his voice, he had dropped any pretense of disguising his voice.
He took a deep sigh and shook his head.
(Lahabrea) “No...You and all of House Isekai have every right to doubt our motives.”
(Yuki) “T-That voice...”
Everyone started listening closely and realized what Yuki was hearing.
(Lahabrea) “Good, I can end this charade. Felt annoying as hell to keep up.”
Lahabrea reached for his mask and slowly took it off, putting the hood down and revealing his full face.
Everyone lowered their weapons, some gasped while some held their breath.
Sharon’s smile had went away a while ago but this was the first time anyone had seen her shocked.
Doomguy took off his helmet for a brief moment to make sure his visor wasn’t acting up, and saw the look of utter confusion on his face as well.
Tumblr media
(Lahabrea?) “Sothis, go ahead and make yourself visible to everyone.”
Sothis nodded and did as he asked, making most of everyone jump.
(Sitri) “You’re...also Byleth? How is that possible?!”
(Kazuma) “Hey, don’t fall for it! The Agarthans did some crazy shit with Monica and Thomas way back! This has got to be the same thing now!”
(Sothis?) “Kazuma, it’s-”
Sothis floated towards Kazuma, but everyone quickly went back on guard.
(Kazuma) “Back off, asshole! You aren’t Sothis! This is some really clever trick so you can stab us in the back!”
Lahabrea looked at the Sword of the Creator and grabbed it.
(Alisa) “S-SITRI! GET AWAY FROM HIM!”
Megumi got in front of Sitri and stretched her arms wide.
Lahabrea motioned a hand upwards, motioning them to wait.
(Crow) “Nice try, that thing only responds to people with a crest of!-”
The sword glowed in response, activating in the exact same way as if Byleth held it.
(Crow) “...Flames...”
(Ainz) “Everyone...That is Byleth and Sothis.”
(Lahabrea?) “I guess I shouldn’t be surprised at this reaction...”
He looked among the group, but all he felt were the eyes of complete strangers.
(Sothis?) “I told you this would’ve happened...”
(Lahabrea?) “I promise, I will answer any question you have. For now, let’s get to Derdriu and get your Byleth some rest.”
(Rean) “...Fine.”
Rean was the first to sheathe his Tachi, and Valimar stood up and began to walk with him.
Class VII eventually followed, then the rest of the group.
(Lahabrea?) “...”
(Sothis?) “I told you they wouldn’t remember us. They never do.”
(Lahabrea?) sigh “...I know, Sothis. I know.”
He put on his mask and hood again and followed behind everyone, Sothis floating behind.
(Lahabrea) “Hopefully in due time, they’ll remember us.”
PART 4: END
---
[Escape - Darling in the FranXX OST]
The forecasted rain wets us
What should I say to you, as you tremble? My soaked blazer is cold and heavy
I feel as helpless as a chick who’s left its cage. I felt that my dreams were on the other side of the heavy clouds
I digested only the sweet pain that spread in my chest
I wonder if it’d be better if I’d never met you
Hey, I can’t even see the stars
Hey, my tears won’t fall either
---
EPILOGUE:
The first thing anyone would notice stepping into the Hearing Chamber was that it was a blinding white.
The floors, the wall, and even the guards were dressed head to toe in white, with gold accents highlighting the armor and edges of the room.
Catherine never liked this room much, but whatever made Rhea happy. She guessed.
Catherine knelt down before Rhea, joined in by Alois, Shamir, Seteth, Flayn, and Cyril.
(Cyril) “Lady Seiros, the Warrior of Darkness has made a reappearance at Garreg Mach Monastery.”
(Rhea) “And?”
(Cyril) “...He has rejoined House Isekai. It would seem that this third party is making its move.”
Rhea frowned and looked back at her loyal subjects.
(Rhea) “Then we will make ours as well. Do not fail me, Inquisitors...”
...
Claude took a deep breath, opening the door to the tower.
The Golden Deer and the Investigation Team stood behind him, weapons at the ready.
(Yosuke) “Dude, you REALLY didn’t have any other plan than just walk through the front door?”
(Teddie) “This is a very terrible idea!”
(Leonie) “...No bear pun?”
(Teddie) “NO, CAUSE THIS IS A TERRIBLE PLAN!”
(Chie) “Daaamn, didn’t think I’d ever hear that!”
(Lorenz) “I, for once, agree with Teddie.”
(Lysithea) “And I didn’t think I’d hear THAT.”
(Yu) “Everyone keep quiet and...listen...?”
“You’re not me!” “The dreams of men don't amount to much. Sorry, but... it's up to you now.”
The voices flooding in gradually grew louder and louder, everyone being able to recognize their voice as they stood there.
(Claude) “What in the hell did we just find...?!”
...
Everyone continued walking towards Derdriu silently, unable to make words of any kind after what they just saw.
Lahabrea and Sothis continued to stay behind, unable to approach any of them.
(Sothis?) “So, what do you plan to tell them when they ask?”
(Lahabrea?) “The truth. They deserve to know everything...Even everything that I’ve done.”
He looked at his hand and clenched it into a fist.
(Lahabrea?) “...How many years have come and gone, since that day, Sothis?”
Looking back up, he saw House Isekai, the Black Eagles, and Blue Lions standing side by side.
(Lahabrea?) “How many years have we waited for this moment?”
Sitri was next to Byleth with the Pleiades carrying him.
(Lahabrea?) “For the House that stood alone against the storm?”
(Sothis?) “I suppose you’re not wrong. What about the Sothis of this time?”
(Lahabrea?) “I’m sure she’s watching us as we speak.”
Lahabrea’s attention turned to Sitri.
(Lahabrea?) “Even if they don’t know it.”
ACT 1: ENDED
[Shadowbringers - Final Fantasy XIV: Shadowbringers OST]
One brings shadow, one brings light Two-toned echoes tumbling through time
Threescore wasted, ten cast aside Four-fold knowing, no end in sight
One brings shadow, one brings light One dark future no one survives
On their shadows, away we fly
The road that we walk
Is lost in the flood
Here proud angels bathe in
Their wages of blood
At this, the world's end, do we cast off tomorrow
One brings shadow, one brings light To this riddle all souls are tied
Brief our moments, brazen and bright Forged in fury, tempered in ice
Hindmost devils, early to rise Sing come twilight, sleep when they die
Heaven's banquet leavened with lies Sating honor, envy, and pride
One brings shadow, one brings light
Run from the light
Authors of our fates
Orchestrate our fall from grace
Poorest players on the stage
Our defiance drives us straight to the edge
A reflection in the glass
Recollections of our past
Swift as darkness, cold as ash
Far beyond this dream of paradise lost
HOME
RIDING HOME
DYING HOPE HOLD ONTO HOPE
HOME
RIDING HOME
HOME, RIDING HOME HOPE, FINDING HOPE
One brings shadow, one brings light One more chapter we've yet to write
Want for nothing, nothing denied Wand'ring ended, futures aligned
One brings shadow, one brings light One brings shadow, one brings light
You are the light 
We fall
We fall
We fall
We fall unto the end
ONE WORLD’S END (The end)
OUR WORLD’S END (The end)
WE (Our world)
END (We won’t end)
I am shadow, I am the light 
12 notes · View notes
covrtofnightmares · 3 years
Text
Tumblr media
&&. cauldron above, ( sevastian valentina ) was just spotted in the fae lands — word has it ( he ) is affiliated with ( the winter court ). ( he ) is a ( 290 / physically 35 ) year old ( half-high fae / half-warrior fae ). it’s been said that ( he ) resembles ( ben barnes ). ( he ) has been said to be ( ambitious & intuitive ) but also quite ( single-minded & cunning ). ( he ) is currently serving as ( the tsesarevich of the winter court ).
— ❝ you live in a single moment. i live in a thousand.❞
name: sevastian aleksander valentina
birthday: june 5th | gemini
scent: tonka bean, cedar, fresh pines, snow and frost, mandarin, sandalwood, citrusy woods + ( SIGNATURE COLOGNE: Sauvage by Dior )
appearance:  6′3″ with a strong, muscular build, sevastian holds the grace of the high fae and the strength of his warrior fae heritage. sevastian has spent decades training himself, in the hopes that his skills with magic and his inherited traits will help him in his eventual showdown with the high lord of winter. scars mark his black, leathery wings, and an additional scar mars his temple, sweeping down alongside his jaw. because of this, he tends to keep a groomed beard, and his thick, dark hair tends to fall naturally against his head.
current familial / relationship status: sevastian is an only child and both of his parents are deceased. however, his closest surviving family are the reigning valentinas: viktor, dimitri, and tatiana valentina are all his first cousins, through his father’s side of the family.
biography: the prince of frostfire. the demon in the mountains. sevastian valentina has been called many things throughout his long, immortal life, but kind has never been one of them. his father, the tsesarevich of the winter court, was brothers with the valentina reigning patriarch, nikolai valentina. but where nikolai was a loving, just ruler with eyes always set on the horizons, his younger brother, alexei valentina, was different. alexei married a prized member of one of the warrior fae clans living in the mountains surrounding the winter court. anya novikov was all but considered a princess among her clan, and while the match was one made out of love, it was also done pragmatically. with purpose and promise. alexei didn’t just want a wife whom he loved--he wanted someone with a powerful family and ancestry. someone who would help him create the ultimate heir; a child who might one day rise above the ranks and learn to challenge the line of succession in their kingdom. who was nikolai, after all, to be named high lord just because he was born first? alexei was smart, cunning, and ruthless--he’d been invested in court politics and war since they were children.
and he believed the kingdom belonged to him.
sevastian aleksander valentina, much to alexei’s dismay, was born with too much of his mother in him. while anya was undoubtedly a revered warrior fae heiress, alexei had been convinced that their children would bear traditional winter court markings. but when sevastian was born, instead of the glittering, fluffy wings reminiscent of wintry owls, the valentina heir bore black, leathery, taloned wings, not unlike that of a dragon. the traditional wings of anya’s clan, jutting from his child and his heir’s backside like a filthy, crooked secret. dissatisfied with the cosmetic outcomes of his oldest son, alexei and anya attempted to produce other children over the course of the next handful of years, but to no avail. conception proved to be difficult, and they were advised by healers that sevastian would likely be their only child. their heir apparent.
sevastian, meanwhile, grew up attending studies and training with other members of high and inner-ranking court circles. he had proven that he was strong and had great endurance, but much to the delight of anya, his main skills and prowess resided in the legendary valentina magic. the winter court ran through his veins, and although the wings that jutted from his backside screamed of a warrior, alexei began to think that, perhaps, his son held potential. like father, like son--sevastian was raised alongside his cousin and the reigning crown prince, viktor valentina, and the two were as different as night and day. viktor was a kind and thoughtful child. sevastian was consistently testing boundaries placed against him; he had a desire to see how far he could push others, and it was partially due to the way other children mocked him for how different his wings made him look. alexei was pleased to see the antagonistic relationship between the two boys and hoped, that in due time, sevastian would ultimately prove to be more skilled than his cousin.
at this time, rumors swirled about and circled back to the grand duke, and alexei was led to believe that there was a legendary healer who could perform intensive cosmetic surgery to alter and replace wings. it was outstanding news, and perfect for someone as career-driven as alexei. so, when sevastian had reached his twelfth year, alexei attempted to pin him down and carve the offending, leathery wings from his son’s back. sevastian’s screams rattled the very mountains, and in a burst of magic and pain he fought off his father. his mother, screaming, came to her son’s aid, protecting him as his wings had nearly been ripped to shreds. not wanting to bear the weight of scrutiny and court gossip in winter, sevastian was covertly sent into the mountains, for anya’s family to heal him and teach him how to fly again. it took a great deal of healing, work, and training, but to this day, sevastian still bears the scars and marks on his wings. by the time he returned to the winter court, he was a teenager. jaded. cold. calculating. people whispered and stared, noticing the scars that marred his wings, along with the scar that now ran from his temple down along his jaw, but none approached sevastian.
after that, the prince of frostfire was finished playing schoolyard games.
viktor became sevastian’s sole source of anger. he found himself projecting; if he had been the crown prince, if he had been born into a different family with different wings, he might have been accepted. his potential might have been used, rather than wasted. grief, rage, anger, and arrogance clouded his vision. in the end, sevastian valentina became everything his father had once aspired to be: he became a nightmare. but while alexei valentina was quick to anger, sevastian was a slow burning flame. he kindled his anger close to his chest, allowing it to transform to something hard and unfathomable in his chest, until he became rage and frost and ice. there was, of course, the matter of his father to deal with. but, like all good things, alexei valentina would have to wait.
when viktor was on the path to being officially declared crown prince, leaving his younger brother, dimitri valentina, next in line behind viktor, sevastian realized he had two paths: he could act now, and fulfill his father’s immediate desires, or he could wait. the best traps were ones planned in advance, after all. so sevastian disappeared into the fae realms, pretending to be studying abroad. but while he falsified accounts of studying and traveling for educational purposes, sevastian was gathering resources and intel. creating alliances, political and romantic, in courts whose eyes and ears he wanted for himself. he became consumed with power, the taking and keeping of it, and plotted destruction in his wake.
sevastian valentina has worn many hats in his quest for power. he’s impersonated guards and traveling noblemen; he’s done mercenary work and has aided and abetted fae in other courts for the sake of an owed favor of bargain. he trades in souls, rather than coin, and refuses to let anyone see anything beneath his armor. finally, with news of a marriage alliance between winter and spring reached sevastian valentina’s ears, he realized it was time for him to return home. for him to claim what has always belonged to him. his father, believing him to be raising an army in the more traditional sense, was displeased and disappointed by his only son’s return. sevastian’s mother had passed during his travels--a devastating loss, and one that alexei had not bothered to communicate to sevastian, but a sacrifice that had only fueled sevastian’s long-seated hatred of his father.
sevastian’s plans to rid himself of his father had been a slow-burning flame, kindled and cared for year after year. he pretended to be the faithful, if not stoic son, standing by his father’s side as he poisoned him. day after day, night after night, sevastian poisoned his father. small amounts, nothing that would arise suspicion, but it was almost refreshing, in a way, to see sevastian’s least favorite monster waste away before his very eyes. finally, alexei valentina passed away, “peacefully in his sleep,” and sevastian stepped forward to take his title. opresently, he’s working alongside another member of the valentina royal court who is eager to see destruction and dismay as much as he is: ilsa valentina, a woman with as much fire and hatred for the valentina family as him. though their relationship is anything but healthy and stable, they make powerful allies--for now. and with his father finally out of the picture, the prince of frostfire is one step closer to becoming the high lord he’s always been destined to be.
sevastian valentina is the tsesarevich of the winter court. and he will get what he’s owed, come hell or high water.
affinity: sevastian’s strengths lie in traditional winter court frost and ice magic
wings: from his mother’s side of the family, sevastian has durable wings perfect for flight and combat. his are large, black wings similar to that of a dragon, leathery and marked with talons. his wings are scarred from his youth, but mark him as a predator in the sky.
Tumblr media
6 notes · View notes
omgkalyppso · 3 years
Note
I can't just pick one because I'm indecisive af, so how about three for the WIP ask thing: "fairy," "wedding interrupted," and "the wind was bitter cold"? Or you can pick just one of these to elaborate on if that's too much lol
This is going to be a long ass post. Here we go!
fairy
Okay so I have an AU that I’ve promised myself not to start in earnest until either or both my soulmate au or mermaid au’s are finished. I’m calling it a fantasy au, but the doc is titled fairy because it primarily features Claude’s introduction and the make up of fantasy races for the fantasy au are as follows:
Fae - Vampire
Claude - Fairy
Hilda - Werewolf
Lorenz - Hedge Mage
Marianne - Werewolf
Ferdinand - The human child (now a man) exchanged for a fairy / changeling child
Edelgard - Human Hunter
Hubert - Human Hunter
Caspar - Human Hunter
Linhardt - Vampire
Seteth - Vampire
Rhea - Ancient Dragon
Sylvain - Human Hunter
Felix - Human Hunter
Ingrid or Mercedes - Human Hunter
Maya - Werewolf
Raphael - Werewolf
Ignatz - Werewolf
The hunters will be working in groups of three, and I can’t decide whether Sylvain + Felix + Ingrid as three of the Faerghus four is more interesting than Sylvain + Felix + Mercedes in the role of a cleric for the sake of monster hunting. I’m also undecided about whether and how to incorporate Dimitri as some wild thing that-maybe-killed-Glenn, but I feel more strongly about not including him to focus on the core plot in my outline.
Have an excerpt of blocked dialogue. Marianne is running from hunters and to keep her from being tracked, Hilda and Lorenz are destroying her shoes.
Lorenz: We do have a cobbler in town but whether they'll have something for your feet, I just don't - no!
Hilda: (coming back in the house, letting in each a white and black cat) What?
Lorenz: Hilda! Only the black cat is mine. Maggie.
Hilda: What's the big deal? (the white cat walks behind a couch or chair or something and comes out the other side as a white dove) Oh.
Lorenz: Yes. Oh. (white dove turns into a large moth, turns into tiny little fairy fey!Claude)
Claude: Wow, I’ve spent a lot of time trying to get in here. (Lorenz tries to catch him) Hey! Careful.
Lorenz: Sorry?
Claude: It's fine. (Hilda does grab him) Oh. You're fast. (but he just poofs from her hand) Not that it matters.
Hilda: I'm so sorry Lorenz.
Claude: Lorenz! I almost didn't recognize you without the sun on your skin. Why's it so dark in here? (a knock at the door)
Lorenz: (to Claude) Hide. (who does)
Hilda: Seteth, hi.
Seteth: Whatever it is you're doing in here, you're not half as subtle as you think you are. There are hunters going door to door, and if that shock of blue hair is unusual to me, it will surely stand out to them. Hide your friend more securely. They will be here within the hour. I'm off to warn Linhardt.
wedding interrupted
The final chapter of my fic Lorenz and Hilda’s Paired Ending might end up stretched out to three chapters because as it stands I’m bullying them. I intend to interrupt their wedding night three times. The first two times with accidents / incidents relating to Sylvain.
the first time lorenz and hilda are interrupted his shirts are hanging open, hilda's fully dressed, they've basically been making out. cue knock at the door hilda: (distressed) Are you going to answer that? lorenz: I told them not to disturb me except for fire, kidnapping, or a declaration of war. (buttoning up, haphazardly before answering) Yes? chief of staff: There's been a small fire in the stables. lorenz: What? chief of staff: All steeds are fine, and are being round up by [servant] on his wyvern. We're going to move them to the barns on the eastern farmstead. lorenz: Was it arson? chief of staff: It appears to be ... incompetence. lorenz: Was anyone hurt? chief of staff: Not seriously. lorenz: (holding his forehead) Who was hurt, and in what way was it not serious? chief of staff: Margrave Gautier, your grace. Although he was uninjured by the fire, he took a rather nasty tumble from the roof of the tack house. lorenz: That's two stories up. chief of staff: It is. He landed in a rather soft pile of snow however, and is being treated in his rooms. lorenz: (exasperated) What was he doing up there? Was anyone else involved? chief of staff: His ... Beg pardon. Duke Fraldarius was ... present. One can only speculate what led them there, and what stole the Margrave's pants. lorenz: Ah. Well handled. (a pause) He's fine? chief of staff: He's fine. lorenz: Then I will deal with this on the morrow. Thank you for telling me. chief of staff: (as like a goodbye) Your Grace.
A break for you.
another knock at the door, lorenz is undressed, hilda is still fully dressed. things were Busy hilda: Don't answer that! lorenz: (desperate, plaintive) Your family is under my roof, I need to appear responsible. hilda: Bring up my family again and see how far that gets you. lorenz puts on a housecoat, goes to speak with his staff. i didn't bother blocking out this dialogue though it would likely be included lorenz: Hilda, I'm headed off for a few minutes. (starts pulling on pants at the least - not his dress pants) hilda: What? Why? lorenz: Your brother might be holding Sylvain hostage. hilda: What? Goddess, let me- lorenz: Please don't. hilda: But I could easily be fully dressed much faster. lorenz: Exactly. I'm obligated to go, and if people see me in a housecoat and you fully dressed, then they will know far more about our bedroom than I could ever stomach. (calling to her from the door) Don't undress. hilda: (calling back, while lorenz has the door open) I'm letting my hair down! (i ... can't not deal with lorenz who's been obsessed with marriage for at least eight years not wanting hilda to fuck him in her wedding dress) felix: I'm so sorry, your grace. lorenz: It isn't your fault, as far as I know, and, outside of public forums, you may call me Lorenz - we have enough years together. servant: He's still in there, my lord. chief of staff: (correcting) Your grace. lorenz: It's fine. Holst? Are you in there? holst: Lorenz? They fetched you over this? lorenz: Sylvain... Are you alright? Holst, they're calling this a kidnapping. holst: What? sylvain: I'm okay. lorenz: Can someone please open the door? holst: Ah! Right! felix: (relieved, going to sylvain's bedside) Sylvain ... lorenz: (slamming the door, keeping his staff on the opposite side) Are you all out of your minds? You can't even behave for four hours? sylvain: (apologetic, pleading) Lorenz. lorenz: (angry)I swear Sylvain, you have tested my patience three times tonight. (more annoyed and kinda sad than angry) And two of these moments have pulled me from my marital bed. sylvain: Shit. (gets elbowed in the head by felix) Fuck. lorenz: (about to lose his shit) Stop this, nonsense! sylvain: I'm sorry. holst: You have my apologies as well. lorenz: (rolling his eyes) I'll offer my forgiveness in the morning, assuming you refrain from any further tomfoolery. holst: Of course. sylvain: I won't be moving. lorenz: Alright. (a sigh) I am curious to know what happened here, but I fear Hilda will bar the door if I take much longer. felix: Thank you. lorenz: You are welcome. Your grace. felix: Felix. lorenz: Felix.
Another break
((much?) later) lorenz: Now where were we? hilda: Lorenz if someone knocks on this door while you're inside me you better not fucking answer it. lorenz: I ... hilda: If you answer it, you can sleep in the hallway. lorenz: I won't answer it Hilda. I'm all yours. (they fuck, and like, catch their breath and whatever) hilda: Mmmm, well now I'm undressing. lorenz: Good. Because I need to feel your body now. Let me help you. when they're both actually naked. we'll get the third knock on the door hilda: Lorenz, I swear to Seiros. lorenz: I ... I'm not inside you. (goes to get his housecoat) hilda: You cursed us! lorenz: I know, my dear. (opening the door) Please don't tell me someone's declared war. chief of staff: (amused, kind of mocking) No, your grace. lorenz: Then what (internally: the fuck) is so important that it couldn't wait?
The wind was bitter cold
This is a skyrim-adjacent fic featuring my oc Oretia and esaari’s Philip. It’s meant to be a werewolf fight and confession. The title of the wip is just the first line in the document because I was lazy and knew I’d remember what it was:
The wind was bitter cold. Layers in Winterhold were key to survival, and when someone of irregular size, taller, fatter, continuously growing children, were in need of a new one, Oretia found herself as busy as if she’d been hunting to feed the masses. This was to say nothing of the leather straps and parcels that found use in fishing and construction. She found it difficult to believe that the city had been so small and conservative before her arrival so as to ration away the whole winter.
Oretia wondered what resources the Jarl had at their fingertips, if the people did complain beyond her business of an inability to weather the cold and their hardships. For the moment, at least, she found purpose in being out in the woods, despite Philip’s warnings of full moons and things in the forest.
She’d had to hold back her laughter and embarrassment, and had resolved to tell her sister to be more subtle in the southern mountains, as stories like werewolves were infecting the city below.
The moon was full, and high already, though the sun had yet to set — brightening the fallen snow to a rich golden color, as well as the shaggy coat of an unexpected guest.
Oretia stared at the injured beast with reverence and surprise, and she had to wonder if it were they that had unnerved the local populace. A great elk, albino, but for the splash of blood staining its side, trailing down a shattered leg, hobbled north towards the cliffs and the sea. The creature was magnificent, beautiful and strange to look upon, covered in the fog of its own heavy breaths, and whether it had seen her, seemed resolute in its undoubtedly final act.
This was not how Oretia had intended to spend her evening. No matter what other ‘things’ there were in the forest, wolves and mountain lions and all manner of predators would pose a very real danger if they should find her. Yet as the elk lay down by the cliffside, it felt too much like a gift, from which deity or daedra she couldn’t be sure, but there was no walking away from such a calling.
The elk’s massive chest heaved with each pained cry, its haunting song echoing off the cliffside in a melodic death rattle. As Oretia approached, she could hear horkers bay on the shore below, terrified by the commotion, scattering into the sea. A predator may have heard the call already, but she was too close now, caught in the sad gaze of a large doomed eye, and it became a matter of pride and honor. Oretia readied her blade.
5 notes · View notes
blue-lions-baby · 4 years
Text
Operation Confession (Dimitri x F!Reader) [Ch. 3] [FINALE]
hi!! well, this is it. the final chapter of operation confession. to be very honest, with everything going on it was quite difficult to write this, but i hope the quality is still relatively the same as my previous chapters! i had so much fun writing this series, and i hope reading it was just as entertaining! thank you so much for sticking with it-- it means the absolute world to me :)
this will prob be my last post for a bit before i head off to college; please rest assured i do not plan to leave this blog or this wonderful community anytime soon! thank you for being patient with me as i adjust to this very new chapter of my life!!
without further ado, please enjoy ch. 3!
~*~
“Hey, false alarm!” Sylvain traipsed back in, hands behind his head. “(F/N) and Felix are actually gonna freshen up a bit before heading to dinner.”
Groans and angry huffs spilled out of the frazzled Lions; the menacing stares that the redhead bore made him squeak, and he cleared his throat.
“Hey, look, I’m sorry! They ran into us while His Highness was changing--”
“While he was changing?” Dedue and Ingrid looked like they were about to have a stroke.
“I-It’s a long and,” Sylvain looked at The Hand, “painful story, but what’s important is that they didn’t see him! All thanks to Yours Truly.”
“You were a blubbering idiot. The only reason why (F/N) didn’t bother questioning you further was because she was too tired to care.” Felix joined in, the permanent scowl on his features deepening.
“Felix!” Sylvain’s countenance lit up joyfully before hazing into confusion. “Wait, I thought you were gonna freshen up before heading to dinner.”
“I don’t need to. Hardly broke a sweat during training.”
“W-What?! How?!”
“I guess you wouldn’t understand, seeing as how your only form of exercise is chasing after anything that wears a skirt.”
Sylvain’s eyes took on a glossy, hollow quality as the Lions hollered in laughter.
“Uh... So Sylvain, where’s His Highness?” Asked Annette, having expected him to walk in.
“Oh, he ran back to his quarters to put his clothes away. He should be coming back any minute now.”
♠ ♥ ♣ ----------------------------------------------------------- ♣ ♥ ♠
After neatly hanging his uniform in his closet and giving himself a quick once-over in the mirror, he gave himself one last pep talk before swinging the door open and--
Seeing the side of your head as you idly engaged in conversation with a fellow student.
Oh Sothis, help him.
As quickly (and loudly) as he opened the door, he closed it and promptly went back inside to scream into his pillow. Where in the world did you even come from? Weren’t you supposed to be ‘freshening up?’ Your quarters weren’t even down this hallway; what in the Goddess’s name were you even doing here?
He pressed his ear further into the door, straining to pick up bits and pieces of your conversation in hopes to inform himself on your sudden visitation. Nothing. All he could hear was muffled banter bouncing between either of you-- muffled banter that didn’t sound like it was going to end any time soon. He screamed curses in his head and awkwardly slid down onto the floor, lightly banging his cranium against the solid wooden door.
He desperately wished for someone, anyone to save him.
He sighed while rubbing his temples-- a desperate attempt to quell the arising headache. Dimitri combed through his options, each less viable than the last. After eliminating any and all half-baked ideas of escape, he was face-to-face with the one option he didn’t want to consider.
Sit here and wait until you left.
So Dimitri sat (more like paced) in his room, occasionally pressing his ear against the door in hopes that he didn’t hear your lighthearted banter outside. Why was it the one time he didn’t want to run into you, there you were! Right outside his door. You might as well have come with a giant bow on your head!
The floor beneath him rumbled slightly, pulling him from his thoughts; the even pacing grew stronger and stronger until it stopped just a little ways past his door.
“(F/N).”
Wait... That’s... It’s unmistakable! That has to be--!
“Dedue! Hello!”
“I apologize for the interruption, but I have come to remind you that it is your turn to tend to the greenhouse today.”
A short pause ensued, followed by an audible gasp.
“Wait, yes! You’re right! I’ve completely forgotten, thank you so much for reminding me!”
Dimitri heard muffled apologies and goodbyes sputter out of your lips, followed by light footsteps scurrying away. Your former companion proceeded to engage in very light talk with the Duscur man before quickly excusing themselves from the scene; Dedue, glancing down the hall to ensure that no one else was nearby, approached and gently rapped his lord’s door with calloused knuckles.
“Your Highness, you may come out now.”
The inner mechanisms of the door clicked softly, the hesitancy of the room’s occupant translating directly through the brass knob.
“Oh, thank the Goddess you came, Dedue. Frankly, I had given up any hope of escape.” Dimitri rubbed the back of his neck tiredly.
“I knew something was wrong when you did not return. I am glad that I came.” Dedue gave a curt bow.
“Thank you Dedue. Come. Let us head to the dining hall, shall we?”
“Of course, Your Highness. (F/N) should be preoccupied with her greenhouse duties for a time.”
“Yes... Actually, Dedue, how did you know it was (F/N)’s turn to tend to the greenhouse today?”
“Truthfully, Your Highness, I didn’t. It was pure luck she was scheduled today.”
“You mean--” Dimitri’s eyes widened.
“Yes. That was just a fluke. I have no knowledge of the schedule, other than the times either you or I are assigned.”
“Hah!” Dimitri’s hand landed on his retainer’s shoulder. “What luck! After hearing that, I can not help but feel a bit more confident about tonight.”
“And why is that, Your Highness?”
“If fate is as real as the ground beneath us, I would say that, perhaps, (F/N) and I are truly meant to be together.”
“That is quite a romantic notion, Your Highness.”
“It is, isn’t it?” Dimitri sighed as they crossed the threshold to the outside. The sun was just starting its descent past the hills; the slowly extinguishing rays of light brushed the sky with vibrant hues of vermilion and marigold.
“Despite that, I can not help but feel... hopeful. And... happy.”
“I am glad that this whole experience has collectively been a pleasant one, Your Highness.” Dedue responded as they neared the dining hall. “You deserve to be happy.”
Dedue’s words echoed in Dimitri’s head, ringing alongside Sylvain’s previous sentiment. Guilt wrung his heart until the familiar pangs of remorse pounded in his chest.
“Do I... Do I really deserve such a thing?”
“Without a doubt, Your Highness.”
“Even after everything that I’ve done... Even after... everything... I still... deserve it?”
“Of course, Your Highness. You deserve to be happy, just like everybody else.”
As the duo ascended the stairs and approached the Lions that were all congregated together for Dimitri’s cause, the prince’s features relaxed and-- just for a moment-- the voices that incessantly plagued his thoughts ceased.
“Thank you, Dedue.”
“I am always happy to help, Your Highness.” Like his prince, Dedue’s rough exterior melted away to reveal a warm, genuine smile.
“Hey, there you are!” Sylvain bounded up to them, meeting them halfway across the platform. “We were gettin’ worried about you! What happened?”
After Dimitri and Dedue explained what transpired, Sylvain couldn’t help but laugh at the terrible wonderful luck that Dimitri possessed.
"Dedue really got you out of a tough spot, huh?”
“As he always does.” Dimitri cast a grateful look at his retainer.
“I was shocked when I learned that (F/N) was actually scheduled today.”
“What were you gonna do if she wasn’t?” Sylvain queried.
Dedue paused thoughtfully.
“Perhaps I could have asked her to help me weed the courtyard, or to tend the horses.”
“Fair enough.” Sylvain nodded. “Well, it’s getting late so people are starting to leave the dining hall. Hopefully by the time (F/N) is done tending the plants, you two will be all alone.”
Sylvain wriggled his eyebrows and peered cheekily at the reddening face of the prince.
“Please do not be so nervous, Your Highness. (F/N) will surely appreciate all the effort you had put in.”
“Yeah!” Sylvain propped an arm on Dimitri’s shoulder. “Remember what I told you, Your Highness? You’re the leader of the Blue Lions! Start actin’ like your namesake! You gotta be bold!”
“R-Right. Bold.” Truthfully, Dimitri looked anything but; however, this only prompted a deluge of much-needed encouragement and hype that the two happily supplied-- Sylvain taking a more... fiery approach to his psyching while Dedue slightly doused the ecstatic flames set by the redhead with more grounded assurances.
“Now remember, Your Highness. Look her in the eyes, smile, and tell her that she’s beautiful. Like this!” Sylvain turned to Dedue, who suddenly became an unwilling participant in the playboy’s example.
“Hey, babe. You look gorgeous tonight. I gotta admit, I’m no mathematician, but I can still see you’re a ten outta ten.”
“Please get away from me ... Thank you, Sylvain.”
Dimitri stared at the duo with a confused fixed smile plastered on his face. The gears in his head took their sweet, sweet time to churn and process the cursed pick-up line, but it eventually clicked.
“Hah! I get it now! That’s a great one, Sylvain. I’ll definitely remember that.”
A flush of pride stained Sylvain’s cheeks and he rubbed the back of his neck.
“Thanks! Oh, here’s another one. This one’s also super popular with the ladies.”
Sylvain cleared his throat and turned to Dedue, who was quietly trying to shuffle away.
“Hey, hun. Do you have a map? I keep getting lost in your eyes.”
“If that is the case, perhaps it would be in your best interest to stop looking at me.” Dedue lightly glared. Dimitri’s eyes crinkled gleefully.
“Ah, these are all wonderful! I look forward to using them on (F/N).”
“Great! But remember Your Highness-- too much of a good thing is a bad thing. You can’t just spout a couple lines like that and expect her to fall for you instantly. You gotta do it tastefully.”
“Tastefully... Got it.”
Dimitri nodded his head, soaking and digesting this newfound knowledge. His eyes suddenly shot up, excitement bubbling out of its watery depths.
“Oh! It appears that I have come up with something!”
“Go for it, Your Highness!”
“I’ve got no taste, but I’d still like a bite of you.”
. . .
. . .
. . .
“Sylvain?”
. . .
. . .
“Dedue?”
. . .
“... Perhaps the map one wasn’t so terrible after all.”
“You said it, Dedue.”
“Wha--! Surely it wasn’t that atrocious, was it?”
“I believe it would serve His Highness well if you taught him more pick-up lines, Sylvain.”
“Sure. Whatever it takes to keep him from saying stuff like that.”
“H-Hey!!!”
♠ ♥ ♣ ----------------------------------------------------------- ♣ ♥ ♠
After sprinkling the few remaining drops of water onto a patch of slightly wilting plants, you dropped the empty watering can with a clatter and threw your arms high above your head, stretching all the bundles and ties that knotted in your shoulders. Your stomach gurgled and a pulse of hunger radiated throughout your core. Perhaps it wasn’t the brightest idea to completely skip your meals.
You placed the watering can in the shed and, making sure everything was as orderly as it could be, stalked out of the greenhouse while still massaging the few stubborn knots that remained tied in your muscles. The sun had long disappeared below the horizon; whatever light remained served only as a prelude to the beginnings of a starry night.
A nippy breeze nibbled your exposed skin, contrasting the slightly humid atmosphere that you’ve grown accustomed to in the greenhouse. Teeth chattering and tummy churning, you hastened your feet to move faster to the brightly lit dining hall.
As you approached the door, you were pleasantly surprised to see that the hall was practically empty, save for some guards and faculty sneaking in a nightly snack-- but even they didn’t linger for long. As you were racking your brain for ideas on what to eat, you walked into the warm building; the ambrosial aroma of succulent, roasted duck caught your attention immediately.
To say that you didn’t shed a small tear from the experience would be a lie.
You scouted and scoured the kitchen for the fowl of your dreams, but it eluded you. Where in the world could this duck--
“A-Ahem.”
You had come dangerously close to collapsing from shock.
Your body jumped and slowly turned around to face the owner of the voice.
“Good evening, (F/N). You look as radiant as ever.”
A young man wearing a white suit decorated with small pins and medals stood before you. Gloved, quivering fingers delicately brushed the lone strands of hair that slipped onto his forehead to the side.
“D-Dimitri...? Is that you?”
“Ah y-yes, it is I. Please forgive me if I had surprised you.”
“N-Not at all!” You replied, your cognitive processes hiccuping at the sight of this magnificent angel. The light from the torch gently surrounded the prince with an almost ethereal quality, rendering him simply divine. The corner of his lips turned up slightly, pulling his handsome features into a half-smirk.
“Please, allow me to escort you to our table.”
“O-Okay...”
He took a step towards you and his eyes flickered down; you followed his gaze and saw his slightly shaking hand slowly reaching for yours.
“May I...?”
Whether it was a simple case of the jitters or the excitement bubbling from within, it didn’t matter much as you enthusiastically clasped your hand in his. Dimitri froze in place, every muscle in his being stiffening at that small point of contact. However, he managed to get his racing pulse (somewhat) under control-- just enough to pull you into a stiff walk at least.
“Please follow me, (F/N).”
The pounding in Dimitri’s heart found its way into his ears, drumming and thundering an aggressive beat. He never knew that fear and glee could intertwine so readily with one another-- until he felt your hand gently press into his palm. Worries and questions and warmth spurred his thoughts into a hazy flurry of emotion. Was he squeezing too hard? Was he holding your hand correctly? Were you at all uncomfortable? Oh Goddess, you look so beautiful when you smile like that--
“Ah! Dimitri, what is all this?”
“W-Well,” Dimitri swallowed what felt like a boulder, “it is our dinner.”
“Our... Dinner...?”
“Yes. Um...” His locked fingers reluctantly separated from yours. “We have prepared a roasted duck, a fine, savory pastry called ‘garlic bread,’ a simple salad, and baked sweets made by Mercedes. I pray this is enough to whet your appetite.”
“You whet my appetite Everything looks so good...” You swallowed thickly, eyes resting heavily on the succulent fowl. “Heh, well... I actually didn’t eat at all today, so--”
“I beg your pardon?!” You blinked and immediately found yourself sitting in front of the palatable entrees. Dimitri’s countenance-- full of concern and tinged with anger-- stared at you from across the sea of food.
“You mustn’t skip meals. That is terribly unhealthy for you.”
“You’re one to talk, Dimitri!” You laughed. “You skip meals all the time!”
Dimitri’s visage fell and his entire face took on all shades of red.
“I... admit, I am not one to berate you on this matter, but regardless, I ask that you still heed my warnings... You should never skip meals.”
Giggling to yourself, you rested your chin on folded hands and your head tilted slightly. That, combined with your killer smile and rosy cheeks, introduced Dimitri’s palpitating heart to a livelier pace.
“Okay, okay. I’m sorry. I promise I’ll do my best not to skip meals.”
“Urgh-- Yes! Please... don’t.”
Your lips curved into a smile and your eyes lustily darted to the food in front of you.
“Well, let’s dig in, shall we?”
You, of course, immediately reached for the duck-- as did Dimitri.
Your hands collided en route to the silver cutlery by the fowl, and a fountain of apologies spewed out of either of you. Dimitri, somehow managing to awkwardly bounce back from the innocent error, cleared his throat and took this opportunity to impress you with his... gentlemanly charms.
“Please excuse me, (F/N). Allow me to cut a slice for you.”
“Oh! Well, um... sure?”
Dimitri’s fingers rounded the shiny handles of the knife and fork before cutting into the tender meat. Delectable smells spilled forth from the bird, eliciting a growl from your stomach-- a... very, very loud growl. A growl that was loud enough for Dimitri to stop and look up.
“Uh... I’d like to apologize...” You mumbled ashamedly, your cheeks growing hot to the touch.
Dimitri chuckled, slipping a thick slice of duck onto your plate along with a small bushel of salad, a few pieces of garlic bread, and some sweets.
“Do not worry, my Beloved. I know you haven’t eaten all day.”
You smiled, graciously accepting your plate filled to the brim with food. You cut the slice of meat into more manageab--
Wait...
‘Beloved?’
It seemed that Dimitri realized his mistake around the same time you did.
“Dimitri--”
“Er, (F/N)! Aside from this morning, how was your day?”
“Huh? I-I mean it was fine, but Dimitri--”
“Ah, splendid! I am glad your day had gotten better. I was really worried when you suddenly left class like that.”
“Dimitri,” you cut in, “did you just call me... your... ‘Beloved?’“
Dimitri simply sat there as his brain was fried and shriveled into a crisp.
“W-Well, uh, I-- You see-- I deeply apologize for-- That was, very inappropriate of me--”
“Oh! No, no, it’s okay... Um, I was just a bit surprised is all.” You brought your cup to your lips in a pathetic attempt to cover the bashful grin that threatened to escape.
“Ah... Of course...” Dimitri stabbed a small tomato with the prongs of his fork and shoveled it into his mouth, his cheeks seeming to absorb the color of the little red berry.
You cleared your throat and thumbed the surface of a macaron with light fingers, a heavy silence blanketing the table. The quietly screaming royal took a bite of some garlic bread, his brain hardly processing the soft, fluffy texture of the dish.
Dimitri’s eyes widened inconspicuously, his mind flashing to the one thing that could save this dumpster fire of a date from certain demise--
His pick-up lines.
He could only pray that you were a fan of such things.
He cleared his throat and borderline slammed his fists onto the table, rocking a handful of mini cupcakes from their tiered seats. You quite literally jumped in your seat and got caught in the fierce stare of your house leader.
He can do this.
Come on, Dimitri! Remember your training with Sylvain!
He can do this.
Be a lion! Be bold!
He can do this!
“A-Are you ten? Because y-you look lost and I’d like to bite you.”
. . .
. . .
. . .
If-- in that moment-- Dimitri were to suddenly be thrown onto the path of a charging chariot, he would make no effort to move.
Simultaneously, you were well on your way to combusting into open flames-- if your swiftly coloring cheeks were any indication of that.
Neither of you spoke for a long time, gawking at the other in a silent, unconscious contest to see who could reach strawberry red first.
And Dimitri was the unwilling winner.
“I--”
“You--”
“I am so--”
“What did you--?”
“I am so, so sorry--”
“You want to bite me--?”
“Oh Goddess, I am so sorry (F/N)-- I can explain--”
“U-Um, perhaps it would be best for me to go...”
“Wait!” Dimitri shot out of his seat with a clatter. “I-- um--”
“Goodnight, Dimitri.”
You made a mad dash for the door, leaving the flustering royal a metaphoric fish out of water.
“(F/N)!”
He tailed after you, the delicious food that he and all the other Lions labored to prepare becoming a distant memory.
The sun and any trace of it had all but vanished from sight, replaced by its nightly counterpart. You were speed walking to the stairs when your wrist was snagged by a firm grip.
"(F/N)...!”
“Dimitri, listen, I really appreciate the food and everything, but I really should get going now--”
“Wait, please! I...” He gulped, finally throwing caution to the wind. “I love you.”
Your heart had stopped beating altogether and your lungs ceased operations. Your clenched jaw prohibited you from speaking, and you simply stared at him as those three simple words resonated in your mind.
“Er, that is to say...” He sighed, resignation taking hold of his features. “Can we... talk about this please?”
He loosely pointed to a nearby bench shaded under a tall tree. His hard grip softened, moving to interlace his fingers with yours as he led the two of you to the secluded spot. He sat with a deep exhale and pulled you beside him.
“(F/N).” He gazed at you steadily, his fingers rubbing shallow circles into your hands. “It is no exaggeration on my end to say that you mean everything to me. I-- along with the other Lions-- labored to make tonight the best it could be. Though truthfully, I never imagined my confession would turn out like this. But alas...”
Dimitri chuckled tiredly then sighed.
“I’m afraid I can’t hide my feelings for you a moment longer. I love you, (F/N). With all of my being. You motivate me to work harder, train harder-- to be a better man. You are so kind, and smart, and... absolutely mesmerizing. I can not keep my eyes off you, really.”
He laughed at your sheepish response then continued.
“You mean the world to me. So... I humbly ask that you... Um...” He cleared his throat and lowered his voice to a husky whisper. “Be mine.”
A gentle breeze swept through, carrying his small plea along with it. He stared at you, intensely and unblinkingly, with bated breath.
“Although,” he added, pain thinly veiled in his eyes, “if you do not feel the same way, I understand. I promise I will not hold anything against you. If it’s not too much trouble, I... I hope we can still be friends after all this--”
You dove straight into Dimitri’s arms, effectively knocking his words and the air right out of him. You felt his muscles tighten and the thumping in his chest blared loudly in your ears. You nuzzled your face into him and looked up, smiling.
“I love you too, Dima!”
D-Dima...?!
Poor Dimitri looked like he was about to choke. The little streams of moonlight that slipped through the holes in the trees reflected off of the prince’s reddening face; for a long time, all he could do was stare at you-- cheeks darkening and eyes widening.
Finally, the Goddess re-granted him the ability to speak.
“R-Really...?”
“Yes! Yes, I do!” Your arms moved from his torso to snake around his neck, pulling him a bit more to your level. “I love you, Dimitri. I’ve loved you for so long...”
You drew him into a hug again, burying your face in the crook of his neck. The crisp, sharp scent of his cologne flooded your senses, sending pleasant tingles and goosebumps throughout your body. You felt the prince’s arms wound around your frame, pulling you closer to his racing heart.
“If this is a dream, I wish to never wake.” He muttered into your hair, thankful that he could appreciate the light apple notes that came from it to the fullest.
“This isn’t a dream, Dimitri.” You whispered against his skin, causing a sweet shiver to run down his spine. “I love you, Dimitri. I love you so, so much...”
“My (F/N)... My Beloved...” He pulled away from you slightly, cupping your cheeks in his hands and brushing it gently. He could hardly contain all the love and pure adoration he held towards you; the way that you and only you reflected in his beautiful eyes showed that. With a gentle smile he pressed his forehead against yours, relishing the moment.
“May I... May I have the honor of kissing you, my love?”
His hot breath tickled your sensitive skin and you couldn’t help but laugh at the sensation, in addition to his endearingly adorable politeness.
“Yes, you may.”
Dimitri’s eyes flickered to your slightly parted, wet lips and leaned closer, his eyes fluttering shut. You followed suit, guided only by the synchronous beating of your hearts. A warmth like no other blossomed upon your lips, melting any and all tension into nothingness. Your lips engaged in a clumsy yet heartfelt dance, eliciting an airy chortle out of you.
Dimitri’s chest rumbled with a chuckle of his own and he parted to catch his breath. Not a moment later, his lips found yours again and again, more ravenous than the last. Each kiss left your head spinning faster and your heart wanting more, more, more. His teeth nibbled your bottom lip, drawing out a gasp from you; his fingers found residence in your hair as he slipped his hot tongue into your mouth. He explored your wet cavern excitedly, every one of his senses wracked with newfound pleasure. Your moans and sharp breaths intertwined heatedly, sending your thoughts into a frenzy and numbing oblivion all at once.
The chatter of guards and metal boots clanking against cobble spurred warning bells in your head, and a painful reminder of how exposed you were for any curious passerby. Dimitri reluctantly leaned away, still pressing his lips to yours until the last possible moment.
“Ahem... M-My apologies... I got a little too excited just now...” Dimitri panted, a dazed yet elated expression on his face. You, panting as hard as he, shook your head in response and pressed a chaste kiss on his forehead, down to his nose, his cheek, and finally stopping at his flushed, pink lips.
“Not a problem, Dimitri. I know you mentioned you wanted to bite me.” You gazed at him teasingly.
“T-That’s...” Dimitri sighed, burying his face in your neck to hide his blush (though how hot his skin felt against yours was all the confirmation you needed). “Please don’t tell anyone what I said...”
You snickered and patted his head, smiling when you felt him relax into your touch.
“Okaaay, I promise.”
“Good. Thank you, (F/N).”
He pulled away from your neck and adjusted himself into a more comfortable seating position. He securely placed his arm around your shoulder and you both sat in comfortable silence for a long time.
“It’s getting quite late, no?” Dimitri mumbled out of the blue. “Allow me to walk you back to your room.”
“Actually, Dima... Do you think we can go back and finish dinner? I’m still really hungry...”
“O-Oh! I have completely forgotten about that! Yes, of course we can. Although... Regrettably, our food would have gotten cold by now.”
“That’s okay. Being with you warms my heart anyways.”
“Ah-- Um--” Dimitri coughed, looking away. “I confess that your teasing will take some getting used to... But it is a pleasant thing nonetheless.”
You giggled as he stood up and helped you to your feet.
”Hey, Dimitri?”
“Yes, my Beloved?”
“I love you.”
Dimitri planted a soft kiss on your forehead and stared fondly into your eyes.
”I love you too, (F/N).”
bonus: despite swearing to himself that he would *never* use pick-up lines ever again (its powers being too great for any mortal to fully wield), dimitri would still indulge a line or two for you if you asked him hard enough (and swore on your life you would never divulge what he shared with you to anyone else). and yes, when you two eventually got more comfortable with each other, he did get a bite of you from time-to-time but that’s a story for another day.
50 notes · View notes
nanigma · 4 years
Text
Blue Lions Translation Chapter 3
Okay, these things take a long time for me to put out, because I mostly get my translation vibe on in the evening. And I work most evenings these days.
If you really enjoy my work and can afford to throw some spare change my way, here is a link to my ko-fi account.
My comments in italics
Starting out with the Exploration Dialogue, cause the mission briefing scene is the exact same for all houses.
Exploration
Dimitri
Tumblr media
Dimitri: Even when there's no chance to win, there are situations where you simply have to draw your sword and fight.
Dimitri: However, this case seems far too excessive... Lord Lonato is not that much of a fool.
Dimitri: … If he had enough allies to make his rebellion a decisive one, it would be a different matter of course.
[Choose: Allies?] and [Choose: What do you mean?]
Dimitri: … Ah, no.... it was an idle thought. It's just, there's definitely something suspicious about this.
Dimitri: Even if we are only dealing with the aftermath, something unexpected can always happen. Please make sure to be thorough in your preparations, Professor.
English has Dimitri refer to some vague preparations already being in place in his first sentence, whereas the Japanese more clearly refers to them only being supposed to be there for the aftermath. 
Dedue
Tumblr media
Dedue: His Highness is strong. However, no matter how skilled, if he takes to the front lines, anything may happen to him.
Dedue: … He is a great man that Faerghus absolutely cannot afford to lose.
Dedue: I wonder if the church understands this.
Two things to point out here about how Dedue refers to Dimitri here. First he uses あの方 (ano kata) for him, which is very polite and respectful way to talk about someone in the third person. 方 (person, in this case) is the more polite form of  人 (hito), which can also mean person, but usually in a more human/man/woman kind of way.  Now Dedue uses  方 twice in this sentence and that is to refer to Dimitri also as an お方 (okata), which again is a highly respectful term. Suggested translations are often gentlemen/lady, though the connotations obviously don’t fit in this case. Too bad the English translation didn’t incorporate this moment of fanboyism. :(
Felix
Tumblr media
Felix: … Catherine, huh? Her excellent technique, the sword she wields....
Felix: Hm... Apparently, she hides her past so thoroughly, it seems not even fragments of it are known.
Felix: I suggest you also make her your sparring partner. She is strong... likely stronger than even you.
Ashe
Tumblr media
Ashe: …...
Ashe: Professor, there has to be some mistake. The thought that Lord Lonato would be raising an army is simply...
Ashe: … He didn’t say anything even to me.
Sylvain
Tumblr media
Sylvain: Professor, did you see Felix around? He's always had a habit of vanishing the second I take my eyes off him.
[Choose: I saw him at the training grounds] +Support with Sylvain
Sylvain: Well, just as I thought. Sorry, Professor. Thanks for helping me out!
Tumblr media
[Choose: I saw him at the dining hall]
Sylvain: Oh, is that so? Sorry, Professor. … At any rate, he must be eating there by himself, I am sure.
English is simple (which just has him go “Right, it’s meal time”), but I feel the Japanese line implies that he was planning on inviting Felix to eat with him and is disappointed to be told he already went ahead.
Mercedes
Tumblr media
Mercedes: I heard rumours regarding Lord Lonato. They say he is a very kind and gentle lord.
Mercedes: I really wonder why such a kind man would suddenly raise an army...?
Mercedes: Ah, by the way, Professor. Didn't you work late again yesterday? Pushing yourself isn't good for you.
Mercedes: People who stay up late will have a ghost rise up from the bottom of their well and... Just kidding.
I am sure everyone is familiar with Japanese ghosts and their association with wells. Most famous of the older stories is probably Okiku.
Annette
Tumblr media
Annette: This time we have to help out the knights, correct? Could that mean...
Annette: … Ah, no, I am sorry! It's just, someone I am looking for might be among the knights.
[Choose: Is he a knight?]
Annette: Yes. If he is here, most likely... it's just a possibility, he might also be among the monks.
Now I am imagining Gilbert with a tonsure.
Tumblr media
[Choose: It would be nice if you could meet him] +Support with Annette
Annette: Thank you so much, Professor! I'll definitely catch him someday...!
Ingrid
Tumblr media
Ingrid: I simply cannot understand why His Highness would allow someone from Duscur at his side.
Ingrid: 4 years ago, they committed treason by killing the king and slaughtered all of the innocent soldiers and knights accompanying him.    
Ingrid: Even if His Highness forgives them, I cannot do so... ever.
Ingrid interestingly uses the term 弑逆し (shiigyakushi) here, which refers to killing your own lord or father. This would imply Duscur was already some kind of vassal state to Faerghus, but from what we know Duscur was independant before the Tragedy. (I checked the books in the library on this in Japanese) Feels like a weird inconsistency.
Scene: Into the Fog
Tumblr media
Dimitri: Being able to accompany “Thunder Catherine”, famed for her bravery... haha, it is quite an honour.
Tumblr media
[Choose: Thunder?] and [Choose: Thunderbird?]
Okay, this is a bit of a word joke that the English decided to skip out on entirely rather than come up with an alternative. So Catherine's relic is simply named “Thunder” (雷霆 raitei) in Japanese, netting her the nickname “Thunder Catherine”. The first response would simply be Byleth wanting to clarify this. The second response implies they also didn't even listen too closely to Dimitri and heard something different: Thunderbird ( 雷鳥  raichou)... or better known to us as the real life bird species “ptarmigan”, whose Japanese name uses the kanji for thunder and bird. Sadly, this slip up doesn't change any dialogue and the localization didn’t have a joke here..
Catherine: Hm, you don't know? This is “Thunder”... It is one of the Heroes' Relics.
Tumblr media
Catherine: A very long time ago, the goddess granted her power to ten heroes... It took the form of these Relics that were passed down to their descendants.
Catherine: Although tempting, there won't be a chance to swing Thunder this time. After all, our duty is to deal with the aftermath.
Sidenote, but Catherine uses the pronoun “atashi” for herself, which is typically considered extremely girly or even childish. It is also written in katakana, which makes it stand out more and implies a “rougher” pronounciation.
[If Ashe is alive]
Tumblr media
Ashe: … Why would Lord Lonato start such a reckless uprising?
Catherine: Shouldn't you be the one with more details on this, Ashe?
Ashe: I don't understand. He didn't tell me anything about this...
Dimitri: … I am sure Lord Lonato didn't want you to get involved in his revenge.
Tumblr media
[Choose: How are Ashe and Lord Lonato related?]
Ashe: Lord Lonato adopted me and raised me like he would a true son.
Another interesting side note: Japan didn't do what we consider adoption for a big part of it's history. Rather, it was mostly common to do for those without a male heir. One way had them finding a suitable husband for their daughter (usually one without an inheritance of his own), then adopted their new son-in-law into the family, so their name could be passed on. The other way involved adopting a distant relative.
What this means is that Japanese media often handles adoption plots a bit weird from what we know. So Ashe is super formal when talking about and to his ostensible father figure, as well as his role as a commoner being far more emphasized than his adoption by nobility. Japan really isn't as gung ho about “Blood doesn't matter” when it comes to family as the western world is. The relationship between adoptive kids and parents often feels more like a benefactor with his beneficiary.
Ashe: He was also a kind, great man. And yet still... This must have something do with my adoptive brother...
In relation to the above, the term Ashe uses to refer to Christophe here is more commonly seen when adressing one's brother-in-law.
[Choose: Revenge?] or [Continuing]
Tumblr media
Catherine: Hey, Byleth. Do you know about the Tragedy of Duscur?
Tumblr media
[Choose: I've heard about it] and [Choose: I have no idea]
Catherine: Well, it's the name of an incident from 4 years ago, where the King of the Holy Kingdom of Faerghus was killed by the people of Duscur, but...
Dimitri: ...I do not mind. Catherine, please continue.
Catherine: Lord Lonato's son, Christoph, was executed by the church on charges of being involved in the incident.
Tumblr media
[Choose: The church executes criminals..?]  
Catherine: From the church's perspective,  in place of the still chaotic kingdom, we passed judgement that did not exceed the doctrine.
Tumblr media
[Choose: Why was the king targeted?]
Dimitri: …......
Catherine: It was known that King Lambert planned to implement large scale reforms and he had a lot of political enemies.
[Continuing]
Tumblr media
Catherine: … Whatever the truth, since then, Lord Lonato has held a grudge against the church.
Catherine: No... it would be more accurate to say that he has a grudge against the church and the one who handed him over to the church...
Tumblr media
Church Soldier: Report! The enemy is drawing closer! There is no way to avoid them!
Church Soldier: The enemy forces were much greater than expected and because of the mist, they managed to slip through the knights' siege on them!
Catherine: Oh... Byleth, our mission has changed. Everyone, prepare for battle!
During Battle
Skipping most of Catherine's dialogue
Tumblr media
Dimitri: There's shouting coming from within the fog... it appears the knights have already started the battle.
[Reacting to killing militia]
Tumblr media
Ashe: Even the townspeople were sent to battle...!? Lord Lonato... why would you...!
Tumblr media
Dimitri: Ugh... I am sorry... This is not something that can be forgiven... !
In English Dimitri seems to target this last bit at the civilians, but to me this here sounds more like he is directing it at Lonato for sending them into battle.
Ashe vs. Lonato
Tumblr media
Lonato: Ashe... stand aside. I have to defeat the wicked ones! Without fail!  
Ashe: Lord Lonato... please stop this now! Why would you do something so reckless?
Lonato: Rhea is an infidel that deceives the people and blasphemes against the goddess. With a cause this great, we surely possess the divine protection of the goddess.
Ashe: Even if you say that, all of this is wrong. How could you mobilize even the townsfolk!
Lonato: … In that case, turn your blade against me without hesitation! I cannot turn back at this point!
Dimitri vs. Lonato
Tumblr media
Lonato: I deeply apologize, Your Highness... To think I would come to cross swords with you...
Dimitri: … Lord Lonato. I sympathize with your resentment to an extent.
Dimitri is being extremely formal here, using the pronoun “貴公" (kikou) to address Lonato. It's a very archaic term (aka. Samurai old), normally used by men to refer to other men that are equal or below them in rank. He is already pretty formal usually, but this shows he turns it up a notch when dealing with kingdom affairs.
Dimitri: I have no wish to take you down, but... I apologize.
Lonato: Your Highness... For my son, for the sake of the people, I simply cannot stop here.
Lonato: If it is your wish to stand in my way, then I can only force you aside...
Scene: A Harsh Reality 
[If Ashe is alive]
Tumblr media
Ashe: ... Why did something like this happen. Even though Lord Lonato used to be such a kind man.
Ashe: The townsfolk were all such good people too... And yet, these people... I killed them.
Ashe: There was nothing... There was nothing else we could do. I know that, but I... !
Dimitri: ... Please, don't push yourself, Ashe.
Ashe: ... I apologize for making you worry.
Ashe: ... I will take a moment to assess the situation in town. I just hope my younger siblings are okay...
[He leaves]
Tumblr media
Dimitri: … For me this was also the first time I fought against citizens. I did it, even though protecting them is my duty.
[If Ashe is dead]
Tumblr media
Dimitri: There were militiamen among the enemies. … For me this was the first time I fought against citizens.
[Continuing]
Tumblr media
[Choose: It was an unavoidable sacrifice] and [Choose: That's just reality]
Dimitri: … These people were neither knights nor soldiers! They were not just people to be... killed.
Dimitri: No... I am sorry. It is not right to blame you.
Dimitri: Indeed, if we had not killed them, many more citizens may have lost their lives in the future.
Dimitri: I can understand this logically. But still... Hey, Professor.
Tumblr media
Dimitri: In any era, the people in power always fight and howl at each other for the sake of some greater cause or to avenge the lives that were trampled upon.
Dimitri: Still... can any loss of life be forgiven, so long as you hold up the two words saying “Greater Cause”?
In Japanese, it's 'the two characters' that make up the word 'taigi' (greater cause).
Dimitri: Lord Lonato did not raise his blade out of self-interest, but for the sake of the justice he dedicated himself to.
Dimitri: Maybe if we didn't cut them down like that, we might have found some other way together...
Dimitri: I ... have to think that. Though maybe you’ll just tell me I am downplaying it and laugh at me.
[Switch back to Catherine with some dialogue common to all routes]
36 notes · View notes