#alliberacio

[arcstral]

"Does anything hurt?" Those were Alears first words as she cut her distance with the hero-king. As an spectator she had seen him shine like the brightest star in a sea of warriors, unfortunately even the brightest star grows dark one day. And despite him not raising victor having seen his skills set happiness in her chest.

His javeling took down a rose haired Eagle before his own downfall by a purple haired one. It had been an entertaining fight that she was sure of, her lungs that had been cheering his name alongside many others were proof of that.

A smile on her face as she continued. "I truly believed you would make it, a shame that wasn't the case! Still you did a wonderful job out there." It made her wonder how it would have been to experience it as one of his team members rather than someone cheering for a friend, perhaps it would have felt like old times that had never happened in the first place. "Next time you will do even better, i'm sure of it."

Despite the encouraging words she lifted a pinky towards him.

"If next time i join i would love to fight by your side and if not i'll keep on cheering for you." The Divine Dragon began the search of a promise for a year ahead. "Why don't we promise that we will work hard for next time, together? Do you like the sound of that?"

Bitten by defeat and yet soothed by the inspiriting knowledge that his allies would move on, such is the dichotomy of a loss that is not unwelcome. The way of the Hero-King where every sacrifice of his own is worth the pangs for someone else. That Ephraim and Yuri have proceeded to the next stage, their progression alone instills value in moment otherwise devoid of triumph. Marth's own place for now consigns itself humbly to the medical tents - and to the receiving end of a most pleasant visitor.

"Ah, Alear, not at all, the healers here are exceptionally talented. Within mere hours of admission I have felt rapidly improved." He smiles appreciatively at the girl, agreeable and serene with hands in his lap, nursing a juice box conveyed to him by a helpful young man. A taste as sweet as last year's one could easily note; the reparations for the injured and bed-bound were certainly never spared in quality.

Another sip, another quiet ear lent to the optimistic Elyosian woman. He is in good hands, not singly for the medics that have restored him from his wounds, but the pleasant conversation afterward that allows for the mind to linger on less heavy affairs. Distraction, after all, is but another facilitation and form of healing.

Upon his swallow, he divulges the words on his mind. "I appreciate your kind words. Though I would find it shameful to lose in a true battle, this one is curiously different. Every year of the Battle of Eagle and Lion brings with it cherished memories."

The reunion with Sara, the stalwart front raised alongside two allies, new faces encountered from nothing, all were worth the highest regard and distanced themselves from the shame. A mystery, but one that has been produced time and time again for those entered into this annual ceremony - both the losers and winners to come out of it. Naturally, it is an experience he would wish for the other monarch as well. But first he stirs.

Amusement sparkles in the king's face as he eyes the other's upraised pinky finger, by now solidified as a most faithful habit. An invincible quirk? A tradition carried over from her native land? Though unable to be discerned, it was clear that this gesture replicated itself often in the dragon's behavior. "That is most agreeable to me. Should you join, I am sure it will become an even more inspiring year." In that regard, a shift of his arms links two fingers together, raising up their hopes for the next shining year.

#◜ ╰ ♕ ◦ › royal mandate ‹ ASKBOX. ◞ #alliberacio #miss alear in the inbox:soft_smile: #fingers crossed hope she joins boel with the gang next year #toaboel2024

[rafent]

With excitement not matching the defeat she had witnessed, Alear stepped inside the medical tent. Although she had already seen his fall on the 'battlefield' mismatched eyes had their sights set on a Fell Dragon, a visit to cheer on him despite no longer taking place in the competition.

"Rafal!" Divinity chirped as she cut their distance short. From a distance she could only see when a blow landed or seemed to, but the bandages on him said enough of the possible ache they caused.

Still, she wasn't here to remind him of bruises gained.

"Seeing you fight was exciting, i couldn't help but cheer for you." She admitted. Although he was a Black Eagle she cheered for him all the same, her house winning would of course be great but she preferred supporting her friends first. Clapping as if to tell she was proud of him, Alear kept on her rambles. "You did great! Next time i'm sure you will win and i will keep on cheering for you."

There was something she wanted to ask him, although it was simple the question was an important one.

"But i'm curious. Did you enjoy yourself?"

The Fell Heir's first showing on this field had been disastrous; an utter debacle in the eyes of anyone to honor it with attention, but particularly to Rafal himself. He brooded and paced, repelling the healers with or without intention, like approaching the dragon were no less than prodding a panther impounded in a cage. Dark eyes fended off every individual save for the impervious Divine One, proven time and time again to care little for the appearances Rafal put on display. Or, in this case, truly meant.

A sharp heel turned on her, his expression remaining sour but lightening - a fact only barely perceptible. "Spare me the pleasantries, Divine One, there is no need to coat your words. This day has not seen me even remotely at my best." After all, for her brother's absence Nel would now face her opponents alone. She would advance to the higher tiers of this competition without him.

There was nothing so noteworthy about his comparative tenure out in the medical tents, in these chaste civilian hubs barren of conflict and glory. By such a turn of events he had honored neither his twin nor himself, marking the outcome unsatisfactory on two fronts. Even so, Rafal knew he could burn brighter; Rafal could show himself stronger; he was capable of more.

One hand solidified into a fist before his swollen face, a bruised and battered countenance somewhat paled of its usual intimidating mien; the menacing baritone, however, was all but perfectly preserved. "Next time, I will excise any trace of this year's failure. Anyone who stands as my foe shall be crushed without mercy."

Lost in his triumphal thoughts of conviction and blood lust and yearning, her sudden inquiry inserted a pause between them. Did he enjoy it? What a simple question matched with an even simpler answer. Others may attempt to paint over their process of thought with delusions, finding value in valueless things through puerile veneers that dressed up reality; those spelling false enjoyment in defeat on the basis of teamwork and bonds forged.

Rafal in reflection over his various injuries spoke his opinion in an instant. "Are you out of your mind? No," he deadpanned immediately. In one stead, the return of his brutal honesty; in another, he was not Griss.

#◜ ₊ — 𝓡 ˚ ₊ 𝐋𝐈𝐅𝐄𝐋𝐎𝐍𝐆 𝐏𝐄𝐍𝐈𝐓𝐄𝐍𝐂𝐄 ╱ askbox. #alliberacio #rafal: ' i am going to purge the next battle of the eagle and lion of all opposition. anyone who opposes the king will die ' #( disney laugh track ) OH rafal you silly goose #toaboel2024

[starrook]

☆ hehe

I imagine you've heard every compliment there is... pardon me, Divine One, but sometimes I forget that you're the Divine Dragon Monarch, Queen Lumera's successor. You're down to earth and funny, and you have a giving heart despite everything you've gone through, I end up forgetting myself and thinking of you as a friend.

The old me would have hoped you wouldn't mind me considering you one, but looking at you, it's like I don't even have to question it. Strange, right? I would have never known this confidence without you, Alear. From the bottom of my heart, thank you.

#answered #alliberacio #🥹 #malear is getting his own but this applies to both of them. squishes

[hosannan]

"Nanna!" Alear said while waving her free hand, the other held a paper that was being carefully supported against her chest so the running would hopefully not ruin it. Once she arrived to where Nanna stood she gave her the paper—how happy she was it didn't wrinkle! "As i said at the ball, here's the drawing i promised!"

"I saw you standing here and since i had a paper and pencils in hand, i decided to take some time to drawing you." Her style was far from the real Nanna, but Alear thought she captured her likeness in a way, both were very cute. "Like always, you're very fun to draw." She smiled.

Delight danced in her eyes, as she took the portrait in her hand with a soft coo. Her likeliness was there, was it not? Down to the soft feather and green irises. Resting her hand on her cheek, she lingered a little longer in the feeling that swelled from within—all but tinting her with unadulterated affection. "...How darling! You have no idea how much I treasure each one of these pieces of yours."

"Did you know? I keep these drawings pinned to the wall to cheer me on. It reminds me that there are people like you, Alear, looking out for me..."

"...Taking your time to see me." She added a second beat, gently. Enough to hear a soft jingling of bells in her ears.

She tipped the parchment thoughtfully, tapping it faintly against her lips for good luck.

"Thank you."

Her expression softened at the edges. Fun, hm? "...That makes the both of us. You are quite the lovely subject yourself, hehe."

#alliberacio #{ falls down a flight of stairs WAGGGGH tHEM #{ its the idea of Nanna's room slowly building up different keepsakes over her brief time here

[atefirom]

"Panette, you did wonderful!" The Divine One chirped behind the Solmic, the empty space ahead of the ginger is filled soon after as she walked around her. As blue and red met golden divine fingers reached for a pair of hands that had worn gauntlets before. "It's a shame you lost but i'm proud of you, i'm sure next time it will be your chance to shine."

Her first attempt to hit on Brodia's king with an axe had been a failed one but Panette had managed to land her gauntlets on Alear's classmate, Panette who had shared the art of the fisticuffs with her... Divinity was proud. And despite not participating it made her want to see them first hand not as rival houses trying to raise victors but two friends in a friendly competition.

"We should try training together at some point, surely that will be of help for the next time." She spoke lifting letting one hand free raising a fist up in excitement. Back in the Somniel there were many chances to train with her friends, here at the academy there were the same possibilities no matter if they shared house or not as their bonds went beyond one being a Lion and the other a Deer.

"We could put our fists to practice, but i'm happy to fight using axes and swords if you'd prefer. Anything is fine as long as i get to spend some time with a friend."

The first round and she had been knocked down so easy. What if that had been a real fight or what if her liege had been there? The redhead rubs the back of her neck, finding it hard not to relive the events of what just happened on the field.

“Oh man… That STUNK... Worse than wolfdung. Phew… come on Panette, you’ve gotta be better than that, you’ve got to give them a little bit of this! HA—

Ah?!"

"Divine One… I… didn’t even detect your presence. I must say, you are getting much better at stealth, your enemies won’t know what hit ‘em I dare say!” She slices air with the side of her palm. 

“Anyhow, yes it is… clear that my skills are in dire need of sharpening up I’m afraid,” she grimaces thinking back to her own performance that the divinity herself has now witnessed. 

She would never pass up an opportunity to spar with whatever she could get her hands on—people or weapons—she is almost hesitant to challenge the Divine One. Eyes flicker to their joined hands. Or perhaps it is that she calls her a friend that she feels uncertain about the offer. 

On the other hand, if they could be considered casual enough to be friends, then who is she to turn it down? 

“Yes, I would enjoy that. Since you are offering, you shall pick our weapon of choice for the first go, but being friends does not guarantee I will go easy on you. Training should be beneficial for us both.”

#alliberacio #toaboel2024 #(( waaaah thank you for sending :pleading: friends.. ))

[nelithic]

Excited steps echoed through the halls of Abyss as mismatched eyes searched for short black hair or crimson eyes that would tell her she found the right person. One corner followed another and one person looking at her with confusion was met with another doing the exact same thing, but Alear didn't mind being a little lost since this was a special day worth celebrating.

Her quickened pace slowed the moment the Divine Dragon found the Fell one, each step she took was meant to be silent as possible to bring surprise to the few gifts she had prepared. Once she was close enough the Divine One chirped.

"Happy birthday Nel!"

Lifting both her hands Alear put both gifts to display, a small bouquet of windflowers and a dog shaped plush. One thing Nel could hopefully enjoy for a fleeting moment and another that would last for longer due being lifeless. "Here you go, these are for you."

"I know windflowers won't live long since sunlight doesn't reach the Abyss, but i thought you might like it. They're red but they reminded me of your eyes." She said, a smile blooming on her face as she prepared to talk about the second gift. "As for the plush, well, i wanted to give you something cuter to match how caring you are. I hope you like them."

Taking a step back, the dragon spoke one last sentence. "I hope you never forget that really appreciate having you around and most importantly that this isn't the last birthday you're getting a gift from me. For as long as we can see each other you'll get a little something from me."

war-tested senses had long detected a presence following in her footsteps, but what had risen of caution had been just as quickly snuffed out in moments, allowing shoulders to settle again and blood to thaw its hardening ice. her pursuer harbored no ill intent. their tailing, over time, grew quiet, but not enough to vanish entirely, and there remained a quickened heat of expectation to their temperature and heart rate unlike that of an assassin or one who bore some other ill intent.

it did not appear to be simply curiosity, so she anticipates that she need only continue about her means, and they would show themselves soon enough.

she does not expect the divine dragon to be the culprit, however.

wide, blinking eyes greet the sudden happy announcement, then fall to the assortment of fragrant, delicate blossoms clutched in eager hands. the rich hue immediately catches her eye — blood-scarlet, impossibly vibrant. enchantingly so. though she has become more accustomed to seeing all manner of verdant life bloom here in this new land, evidence of its flourishing is nevertheless deeply moving to see.

and the other prize? ... this one, nel has more difficulty comprehending, and fretfully, alear's explanation clarifies little. she is uncertain that her vigilance for others can be likened to ' cute ' in the manner of a plush toy. —but, she supposes it is different from the usual descriptors.

a huff escapes the faintest of upturned lips. " . . . hearing you say such things is gift enough." for their long-lived species, she knew companionship and memory to be worth far more than any trinket. though these did not go unappreciated, nevertheless. "thank you, divine one." into her hands, she accepts the bouquet and the soft, stitched creature, admiring the former once more. "in truth, i had forgotten the occasion today."

and would it be the first time— the date would not be shared with her twin?

tucking the dog beneath one arm, she presents the flowers once more to her gifter in a gesture of affinity, that certain slant of gentleness returning to her eye. "come with me above ground to plant these. they should not be left to languish here. perhaps the greenhouse will suffice, or a spot beside it. a space with ample sunlight and fresh air . . . "

#——— ⟢ 𝐒𝐎𝐔𝐋𝐅𝐎𝐑𝐆𝐄𝒃𝒍𝒖𝒆 】₊ f!alear. #alliberacio #as always getting to these mad late but THANK YOU! #this was very cute :softsmile: #this fell dragons gonna go ig plant some flowers now

[firelles]

A memory of a sibling hee hoo

Reds, yellows, blue— The colorful assortment of flowers in Céline's grasp is certain to liven up any room. Her strides quicken the closer she gets towards Alfred's door, peering up and down before entering. The doorknob turns akin to a weight pressing against her shoulders, both pushing her along and urging her to remain aware.

When she walks in, her first instinct is not to place down the flowers or waltz over towards the windows slightly veiled by golden curtains— No, it is to see her brother. The setting sun's rays reach his face, casting a warming shadow in an otherwise lonesome feeling space.

A breath. Then, she places down the flowers on a table alongside Alfred. Their scent envelopes the room as if they had always belonged there. He's begun to wear a smile these days that she is becoming so familiar with— One intended to wash away her worries. She knows this, wishing she could match it with her own. Céline cannot bring herself to vanquish the concern and knowledge placing itself on her heart.

She gently grabs his hand, placing her other one atop it: "Hello, Alfred. How are you faring? Mother and I chose these flowers for you. I hope you don't mind. I deemed it best I bring them now— While they are fresh and vibrant." Certainly it is not an issue, if the expression he shows to her and words of enthusiasm following speak for themselves.

Despite the blankets at his side while she remains elevated, the strained words arise with gratitude. Can she accept it so humbly? There are hours it feels as if she is on a boat at the nearest port, drifting away as she pulls at its anchor. She does not know when exactly she has become so scared of having happiness of her own. Or, rather, of questioning what it really means.

When Céline removes her hands from her brother's, she takes a step back away from the sun's light. Her tone is softer than before, light evading her with intent. "I worry for you, Brother. Regardless of what you might say.. I will continue doing so." Finally, she walks towards the window. It is a wondrous view of greens and yellows. The setting sun does its horizon wonders. Green eyes remain on its scenery, absorbing it to the fullest: "Even from here, Firene looks quite lovely. I suppose you must feel the same." As she turns back towards Alfred, for but a brief moment, she allows her lips to turn upright.

#( asks ) #alliberacio #firene siblings. soft smile. i love them

[ruinakete]

cannoli - how does your muse express love? how do they act when in love that differs from how they act around others normally?

PASTRY LOVE HEADCANONS ・ not accepting!

hrm hrm hrm ... under the assumption that love, at least for the first question, extends to its platonic and familial forms, then the simple answer would be the phrase from her inspiration tag, "love is pain. pain is punishment". the third part would simply repeat, "and punishment is love".

although I've discussed her view on romantic love in small headcanons, I do not think it would stray too far from her ideals surrounding familial and platonic love. after all, are all forms of love not customary for obligation? is there not something to be given and laid in your partner's hands no matter the bond?

while I highly disagree with the notion that Zephia had any actual love, whether romantic or any, for Sombron, as she debunks this thought when speaking to Griss in Chapter 23, the way she behaves towards him is what she would expect from her partner; obedient, eager to please, and attentive to all she says. since he was the one to find her, centuries ago, she is the one who owes him all she is. servitude is the only expression of love that she believes is genuine.

anyone can say they love you. anyone can perform grand feats of public love. anyone can open their coin pouch and buy a gift in your name. but only a few can, without hesitation, throw themselves at your feet to make you smile.

the only difference between romantic, familial, and platonic love is the degree of affection; and how much you would sacrifice and lose in their name. "love is pain. pain is punishment. and punishment is love." can you really love someone if you are not willing to cut out their heart at the happenstance of betrayal? what of infidelity? failure? pain and punishment will always have a place in Zephia's heart, and, as such, will be equally taught to those she loves.

if you do not commit to the part, then you will be punished. if you do not reciprocate, then you will be hurt. to be loved, and be able to love, is the consent to withstand the inevitable pain that follows any relationship. and because Zephia will only love someone she sees as worthy, first, then her approach calls for their servitude, not the other way around.

love is pain, but that pain is not a two-way street until you tilt the scales of the hierarchy and step out of line.

#alliberacio #☽ ━━━━━━ ❝ to appease the handmade goddess ・ 【 𝐀𝐍𝐒𝐖𝐄𝐑𝐄𝐃 】 . #☽ ━━━━━━ ❝ she; the daughter known by her teeth ・ 【 𝐓𝐇𝐎𝐔𝐆𝐇𝐓𝐒 】 . #gonna knock these all out today before i continue work... keeping them short and simple let's go #i hope i fully answered the first question but yeah! zephia's idea of love doesn't really change between romantic familial and platonic #either way you're to walk on eggshells around her. her fangs are never hidden behind her lips. her intentions are never veiled. #it's why i'm wary of romantic ships with her despite being very open to the idea and little fun ooc discussions #nothing about zephia is healthy and there's no one in the monastery so far that would please her enough to evade the abusive cycle #i need to actually expand where her ideals came from and break them down but i'm delaying that since i need to figure out some things first #also being “in love” is an emotion i don't really think zephia is capable of fully? ugh i have an entire thing about this but GIVE ME TIME #OH AND TY FOR THE ASK ASTERRRR mwah mwah!!! always the first in my inbox :softsmile:

[revelale]

TRIPTYCH OF A DRAGON

@alliberacio | when he was a child, he imagined what the divine dragons looked like. what they would be like, if he were to have the good fortune to meet them in his lifetime. the old scriptures described them as benevolent beings, though ones of great power and grace. they held powers unimaginable and, still, did not bear their teeth at those that did not deserve it. there was no finer example of this than queen lumera, who alongside her child, deftly dispatched the fell dragon that threatened the peace of elyos. pandreo never got the chance to meet her.

but, he did get to meet her child.

she wasn't—isn't, what he expects.

she looks human when they meet. normal, if you ignored the hair. a fun surprise that fogado elected to spring on him as if the person who stood before him in the sweltering heat of their queendom wasn't someone he'd spent most of his life hearing about only in stories and pulpit-thumping speeches. everything else that follows, though, makes her exactly the person he and his flock had waited for. it's an odd thing, being friends with a god. his god. pandreo might've had an easier time of it treating the fell dragon like his best friend after everything was said and done.

he—still doesn't really know how to talk to her. and, it wasn't really her fault or anything. it's just that he didn't know how to talk to her in a way that was supposed to come across as casual. every conversation to date, he'd tried to take a more formal tone. it wasn't like he could just stride on up to her and be like ' hey, how's it going, divine one? ' laidback as he might've been about a lot of other things, this was just the one thing that pandreo couldn't let go of.

"hey, divine one! we've got to stop running into each other like this!" he says, laughing entirely too loudly for it to sound natural. "no; i can't say something like that. it's disrespectful, but i can't ..." be too formal either at the risk of making things, well. awkward. they were friends, right? comrades in arms, and whatever? hands drag down his face. "don't howl; you can't howl—"

it's only as he's turning around that he realizes she was there at all.

"divine one! hey! uh," relax, pandreo. he crosses his arms. second-guesses it, unfolds his arms, then doubles down. "how, uh. how long have you been standing there?"

#alliberacio #✞ ` ‣ 【 THREAD ; TRIPTYCH OF A DRAGON 】 #this is a lot of rambling for something that is just pandreo being sweaty #all his wake up events make me cry of laughter

[solarsbrace]

>✶ — › 𝐏𝐔𝐒𝐇𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐃𝐀𝐈𝐒𝐈𝐄𝐒 ‹ — ✶

@alliberacio

​

   The carts were stationed in a perfect row before him, each holding a variety of flowers with their own vibrant colors. Each new flower piqued his interest with their magical colors and unique shapes. These were far from what he had seem from Magvel, a thought that brought a bout of homesickness. It was a long shot by far, but if he continued to the end, he might find a flower that reminded him of home. It was interesting to see what his home lacked, no doubt, but he couldn’t help but search for pieces of the kingdom he had to leave.

   Besides, the only reason he was partaking in such a frilly activity was to honor a tradition he hadn’t been able to keep up in many years. As he peered through the flowers, Ephraim thought back to those days that were so far away now. Back when He, Eirika, and Lyon would evade the watchful eyes of Seth to go to their special place. A meadow with flowers as far as the eye could see. They would spend hours there, making flower crowns for each other and talking of what they would do when they grew up. He hadn’t thought about those memories in so many years, he taken them for granted, like he always did. Now though... He would not be so selfish, he would make the best flower arrangement in their name. That is when a certain flower found his eye, a small blue flower with a golden center, ones just like back home. He began to quicken his pace towards the cart, he needed to get those flowers.

   So focused on his own pursuit, he hardly noticed the smaller figure until her face collided straight into his chest. Ephraim stumbled back for a moment, gathering his bearings for a moment before preparing his apology. He took pause when getting a good look at her, however, a wave of nostalgia washing over him. Ephraim had never met a woman with such unique features before, so why did she feel so familiar to him. “My apologies, I wasn’t looking where I was going. Are you hurt?” He continued to look her over, noting her red forehead from their collision as well as her long flowing hair. One side red and the other blue, just like her eyes that looked up at him with... Joy? She must have hit her head quite hard to look at him so kindly after running into her.

#— ❛❛ // EPHRAIM ¦ bliss is just ignorance cloaked as indifference・ 「 IC ! 」 #— ❛❛ // EPHRAIM ¦ i am guided by the emblemsl・ 「 SUP・F!ALEAR ! 」 #⌜ THREAD NO. 1 ⌟ ✦ * · ˚ F!ALEAR . #( HERE YOU GO ASTERKINS ) #alliberacio

[fellcorruption]

Hair swayed as she passed through the halls of the Abyss, she knew little of it besides one of the Dragons she held dear could usually be found here. Yet curiosity had her wandering around as she spotted students clad in a uniform of different color than her's and people living their day to day below ground.

Making a turn as she finds a new corner to explore she was surprised by a familiar figure. One Fell Dragon Alear had wished to see turned out to be a Fell Dragon she wished would have stayed buried lower than the Abyssians were.

Sombron. The man she once called 'father' out of fear rather than love a thousand years ago stood before her, his presence towering, the view of him sickening. Where the ghost of a Hound long gone had haunted her here she had made peace with the sight of Griss as unpleasant as it was. But Sombron was another story, he had risen once after her own hands had defeated him—just like he did her—a second revival was as undeserved, what he had done so long ago and what he had done now...

unforgivable.

"Sombron." Where warmth would be as she spoke a name was replaced by Gradlon's cold. The man who only cared for himself and treated his children as disposable tools he could get rid of the moment they turnes useless to his goals—defective. Her stomach churned as she remembered her sister's suffering, what the Fell Dragons of another world had to suffer and the destruction it brought to said world, how scared her past self used to be until she learnt what being loved was. "..."

She did not know what to say. That she despised him? How much he had hurt them because he refused to focus on anything but his goal and connect with his children? Those words would go from one ear to the other, the feelings of the children he thought as 'defects' held no importance as to him they weren't even people. Why did he have to return of all people? Why did he gain another chance? Why?

Her mother came to mind, she was dead while he lived—an unfair result. If she could raise her sword at him and defeat him as she had done twice she would, but under these halls her hands were tied. It was a sickening reality to think her worst nightmare came true. He was back.

"...How." Brows furrowed. He was much taller than her but she didn't feel terrified, she was disgusted. A meaningless question left her lips, she did not expect an answer—in the end it was more a question to herself than the man who left her wondering. "Why are you alive?"

The Abyss suited Sombron's needs perfectly. The darkened halls were familiar and his search had begun there. Most Abyssians kept their gazes to themselves, avoiding Sombron's figure as much as they could. The sound of his name being called, full of cold hatred, slowed his pace. Sombron turned his head and let his eyes fall upon the owner of the voice. The traitor. One who would reject the blood in their veins and crawl in the dirt with the other Divine dragons. He met her cool rage with indifference. His expression remained unimpressed and unchanged.

"Why indeed." Was his only answer for her. There was no reason to spill his secrets now and she could writhe in her frustration for all he cared. He wouldn't give her the answers she was looking for. He relished in her frustration, the despair would surely set in soon. She would have to contend with the fact he was there and had returned. Sombron wondered briefly if she would run to tell his other failure of a daughter that he had returned. Would they cower together? Would they try and kill him for a third time? The thoughts passed him by quickly.

"Are you regretting your choices, child?" He asked, his third eye swiveling in his skull to point directly at her. There was nothing Alear could do and this much Sombron was aware of. He did not care what she would end up doing but she wouldn't get in his way again. A thousand more years could pass and Sombron would be just fine waiting as he amassed power.

"I had already told you I would leave never to be seen again before you and your fool sister had stopped me. This is your fault." Sombron added monotonously. To push the blame onto Alear was easy enough. "I would have never found this world had you not killed me. In the end, you have still given me what I want."

#ic #alliberacio #asks #engage spoilers #teehe

[arcstral]

The first friend she had made upon enrolling here stood before her, blue hair and eyes beautiful as the sky above them, a kind smile that was nostalgic yet unique to him alone. Despite their first meeting many moons ago being a little awkward at first, his welcoming nature made forging a bond much easier.

What she wished to convey today was gratefulness for that day but most importantly to celebrate that he exists in this lovely world. "Today's a special day, Marth. I brought two little gifts to celebrate."

She trailed closer to the archanean, a curve forming on her lips as their distance was cut short. In silence she placed a small box in one of his palms the contents inside were a pair of earrings with a simple design, golden with a small blue gem incrusted in them. Alear had noticed his ears were pierced, although the design wasn't close to what she had seen him wear the color of the gemstone reminded her of his eyes.

On the other box that she held as to not busy his hands rested a necklace, a golden chain with a charm at the center of it shaped like the falchion incrusted in the place were the red gem of the sword would be rested one mimicking her hair color. This gift was complicated to find someone capable of making it but she was glad it was able to be completed. "I am so happy to know you and the bond we have, you were the first to welcome me when i joined the academy, that day is special to me. It's truly an honor to stand by your side as friends, now and always."

"Your life is precious to those who love you so i wanted to tell you... happy birthday Marth!"

To enter into another year of life spent beside countless loved ones and allies is bliss enough for the Altean king. Which is to say, Marth does not often desire for material possessions, either on the day of his birth or any other. His interest is captivated by the gifts already planted into his hand; an Archanea unshackled by conflict, the daily pleasures of life attainable due to a world at peace, and - last but not least - the priceless bonds regarded as his treasures. Those maintained from old as well as those newly forged.

"A special day, you say? Hah. I am truly happy that you think so. To me, it is not that special when compared to every day I spend in enjoyment of life." Cerulean gaze sparkles warmly, pleased and amused in equal measures by the Elyosian woman who numbers among said bonds. Her honesty easily met with his own.

But his attention soon switches tacks, awe occupying a wonder-filled face as he is presented with two gifts. A fashionable pair of earrings alongside a resplendent necklace, one evocative of his emblematic blue color and another of Falchion itself. Their quality is easily discerned even by one who knows mandates and laws better than precious metals and gemstones. The heart he expresses is deeply touched and above all sincere: "Goodness, I am at a true loss for words! They are beautiful gifts and your consideration for me has gone to lengths I scarcely deserve."

Her regard alone would have been enough to make this a shining occasion. Not for the first time he finds the aura surrounding Alear to be curious. Though earnest, thoughtful, and undoubtedly kind, from their first meeting across the monastery grounds he could sense a certain way about her deeper than all those things - just as he'd observed of the male Alear. A phantom familiarity, perhaps; as one might judge of a tune or cuisine reminiscent of childhood.

And, naturally, what is familiar to Marth is comfortable.

He smiles, gratitude mingling with friendliness, an expression tenderly warm. "You have my thanks, Alear, for gifts and sentiments both. Let today not merely be a celebration of myself, but also that of our friendship. I would like to imagine us always at the sides of one another. . .as welcome allies."

#◜ ╰ ♕ ◦ › royal mandate ‹ ASKBOX. ◞ #alliberacio #miss alear :plead: :plead: #may their bond shine on....

[rafent]

[ Rat-Tat Tooey ] - a rat in a little hat is cooking up tiny dishes fit for a five-star restaurant. Partake in the refreshments table and try not to think about what it’s like to be a rat with a human consciousness.

She had tried many dishes of amazing quality in the span of the life she could remember, yet to see a creature such as a rat cook with such quality had her curious and surprised. Its little hat added a magic to the appearance, but it really sold the fact it was a good cook, chefs sometimes wore hats right?

The Divine Dragon looked over the table with many dishes made by that creature that if she wasn't now of a similar size she'd deem as small. Plate after plate all she could see was food that would make anyone's stomach rumble, how appetizing all this was!

To her side she noticed Rafal staring at the product of the rat's hard work, his gaze was so focused she wondered what ran through his mind. Slightly leaning forward she made her presence more obvious to him or hopefully that was the case. "Rafal, what is it that caught your eye?"

Curiosities formerly beyond imagination entered the range of perception on this day. Serving mice, cleaning mice, well-dressed mice, elemental overlords that manipulated the ballroom like it were a dollhouse, and now rats beholden to the occupation of chef with a hat and uniform to boot. Even a creature as long lived as Rafal could be rendered speechless at the new lifetime experiences born around him with every passing second.

But his attention soon switched from one to another- rat to dragon. Not that it was his first meeting with this particular Divine One, but that it was the first time he'd seen her don a dress. Seconds flitted by with the passing of his distracted observations toward the sight, taking stock of the billowing folds and the overtly delicate mode of fashion. She appeared as an angel and it made the difference in their moral measure all the more apparent.

"Your sickly sweet stench gives me a headache. If you intend to wear your perfume or some human male's cologne so strongly, stand from me at distance. I've nearly forgotten my thoughts," he nevertheless said without true venom, regaining face as his gaze returned to the ministrations occurring behind the counter.

Cooking fires risen halfway to the ceiling, skillful rodent hands tossing an array of shrimp, beef, and chicken despite the rising temperatures on a cast iron brazier. A subtle maneuvering of his body allowed for her to observe the process beside him if she so pleased. He'd been indulging that very endeavor for a countless number of minutes now, not for any desire to eat or salivate, but merely to watch a different breed of master at work; sugary foods were perfected on a vastly different skill set than savory ones, after all.

"—I was marveling at how resilient the chef was," came his answer at last without a look in her direction. Distantly, he remembered her wish to speak more with him and considered it- honored it- with a calm blink. "It is impressive if not worrisome for humans, much less rats, to work so closely with fire. I can empathize. My body is fragile; though I am a dragon, brushing against such flames would hurt me, pitiful as it is. I suppose you who was always strong wouldn't allow that to bother you."

#◜ ₊ — 𝓡 ˚ ₊ 𝐋𝐈𝐅𝐄𝐋𝐎𝐍𝐆 𝐏𝐄𝐍𝐈𝐓𝐄𝐍𝐂𝐄 ╱ askbox. #alliberacio #toaball2023 #i make it my career to give you feelings on a silly ball ask #her being water. rafal having the fire mark (closes my eyes)

[starrook]

[ 𝐡𝐮𝐫𝐭 ] : sender has gotten injured protecting the receiver. let's flavor it with some good ol' FX

fell xenologue, takes place after loss

How Alcryst survived the onslaught of Corrupted, he will never know.

All he knows is that Lapis did not make it home as he promised. Just as he’s failed Citrinne, his father, the people of Brodia… Alcryst has failed the one he loves most. And with her dies his heart, his joys, every scrap of hope he clung to. In this world, there is no color left, and he has little love left for the living. Including himself.

For Alcryst should have died with her. Once again, he should have died with his loved ones.

The sudden scream of pain shocks Alcryst out of his thoughts. Red does not suit the Divine One, and yet the color blooms in her chest and stains her ivory armor. A blow meant for him, he realizes. “Divine One!” Why does everyone insist on dying right before his eyes?! The warden of Brodia abandons his bow in favor of his Levin Sword. Thunder Magic rips viciously through the enemy soldier’s body. They collapse. Alcryst closes the distance. He stabs. He tears. He leaves the corpse in pieces and charred beyond recognition. Defeating and unmoving. Alcryst has to be sure.

With a sigh, Alcryst turns to the Divine Dragon. He doesn’t bother to ask for permission before he grabs her arm to check her wounds. “You’re lucky they’re not more serious,” he chastises her. Whatever relief he feels gets overshadowed by overwhelming anger and worry. “Who do you think you are, trying to protect someone like me? …You’re the only reason I have left to fight, Divine One. Don't take that away from me too.”

#alliberacio #answered #alear you wont die right.... right...

[rosenhund]

Where the sight of Griss had stood as a reminder of ghosts she wished would stay buried, Marni was a reminder of someone who deserved to live. What she got to learn of her before it was too late and her last actions caused her heart to ache at the fact she wouldn't get to grow up more than she had already done.

For a moment she wished the girl standing before her was Madeline of the Four Winds instead of Marni of the Four Hounds. But where blue was the color for the former, ashade that made her seem more knightly to Alear it reminded her of the divinity lost in that decaying world, pink was the color of the latter a lighter shade to the blood that flowed from the wound inflicted by a 'mother' to her 'child'.

That day she too fell to her death but unlike Marni she was given another chance to fight for a future she wanted. Could her presence here be a second chance for someone far too young to meet her end?

"Marni... you're here." While fear and disgust would've made way through her experience with two Hounds, this third one got a smile instead. A slight bow was given to her as a knight would deserve. "Thank you for trying to help Veyle. I'm sorry i failed to do anything for you back then and..." I understand if you hate me for it. "I just wanted to share my thanks and it's good to see you here, where we don't have to fight."

the smile surprised her.

she couldn't help it. though she'd changed sides just before she died, marni hadn't exactly left a favorable impression on most she had met. the divine dragon among them, or so she'd thought.

the words said otherwise, it seemed, though marni still felt her hands fidget with anxiety at that. she'd messed up. she'd messed up badly. she did not deserve to hear the divine dragon thank her, tell her she was glad to see her—none of this. she closed her eyes, trying to collect herself, trying to keep her tears back to the best of her ability.

"i failed lady veyle, so there was no reason for you to do anything for me," she said, so soft but so matter-of-fact. oh, this was going to eat her up but marni, too, was glad that they did not need to fight in this place. her hands reached up to play idly with her hair, just for something to do, just for something to keep herself busy. she forced a smile to her face. she could be stronger than this.

"there's nothing for you to thank me for, either. but... we won't be enemies here, right? i'm on lady veyle's side completely. and if you are, too... we can be allies, right?"

#alliberacio #⁺ . ✕ ◞ in character ⋅ #⁺ . ✕ ◞ asks ⋅

[atefirom]

Divine steps came to a halt and both hands raised making the focus of all eyes a little box resting on top of both palms. Inside the package was a little butterfly made out of clay and colored at the best of her abilities—the overall shape was clearly stylized but one could tell what it was just from a single look.

Alongside the hand-made gift was a little note that read as this: "Happy birthday Panette, i hope today is a beautiful day for you. I know that you enjoy bugs a lot so i thought of making you a little figure of a butterfly, it doesn't exactly look like the real thing but i tried coloring it with the colors you usually wear to make it unique to you. Thank you for being a wonderful friend - Alear."

"Happy birthday Panette!" The dragon chirped and carefully she placed the gift on solmic hands. "I wanted to give you this gift myself since i'm unsure if you have plans made for today, i hope you like it! Oh and be careful, it's very frail."

Birthdays were never special with gifts, cake, nor celebrations. Growing up, they were special enough for her to be one year older, one more year of courage to get up and escape. If she received anything for herself it was a lecture about what she should be. Gifts from her father came in the form of green and brown glittering heaps of trash. They were crystals to him until he had no more use for them and they joined the rest, discarded and forgotten. Perhaps she and her brother made a game of it to see who could collect the most once if only to let some light into her day.

So it is strange to be approached at all on this absolutely mundane day deemed as her day of birth. And a visit from Alear of all people… dragons… ( though, she didn’t know many dragons ), beings. Bearing a gift and a chipper attitude, Panette accepts it cautiously. As if it really were for her. She opens it as she listens, discovering the clay butterfly painted that was nothing ordinary or natural for this insect, but… to match its owner. Something she could claim as hers and hers only, made just for her. Something tugs at her chest then, a heat traveling up through her until it pops and bursts between cracks revealing a smile that reaches her eyes.

“Oh, Divine One, this is…” Words fail her for moments at a time to describe this particular item, no gift. Marvelous, magnificent, neither could express her proper gratitude and appreciation. Shouldn’t she be the one gifting the deity anyhow? It almost felt backwards despite the circumstances. 

“So considerate,” are the ones she settles on. She looks up at the dragon, lips tilting. “Thank you, truly. I will do my due diligence to handle it with great, great, and gentle care.” She emphasizes the last as things in her hands tend to shatter.

“Oh, and… Divine One? If it is not too much of me to ask, when is your birthday?”

#alliberacio #support: f!alear #(( oh this is so cute... alear :pleading: )) #(( answer bday ask on her bday success ))