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[ The years since Adrestia's declaration of war against the church and Gaspard's fall to the Imperial army have not been kind to Ashe. Thankfully, his little brother and sister are safe, far from the battlefield... but he couldn't just sit back and watch Fódlan burn under a crimson banner. How could he ever face Lonato and Christophe if he didn't do his part in saving their lands?
So he fights. Spills blood. Protects the innocent and defenseless with his bow and lance. And, through it all, does his best to preserve his pure, kind heart.
His roaming eventually leads him to Gilbert, a familiar face from the monastery. Though as a student, he didn't speak with him much (he never had reason to, and he always seemed lost in his own thoughts. intimidating, honestly.), he's quick to ally with him as soon as he learns his motivations.
Dimitri is alive. At least, that's what Gilbert believes - and what Ashe wants to hope, too.
Their search eventually leads them to an abandoned village. Even without the corpses of Imperial soldiers scattered about the streets, it's clear to Ashe that a battle took place here. The buildings have seen better days, and there were still arrows sticking out of the ground from when they missed their marks.
Habitually, Ashe begins to search the buildings, to ensure no one was left behind in the chaos... and he feels his heart stop as he sees inside one home the large, imposing figure of a man, clad in dark armor and clutching a lance like a lifeline. Even though it's been five years since he's last seen him, and his dirty blond hair covers his features, Ashe knows who this is.
Slowly, he steps closer. ] ... Your Highness?
So he fights. Spills blood. Protects the innocent and defenseless with his bow and lance. And, through it all, does his best to preserve his pure, kind heart.
His roaming eventually leads him to Gilbert, a familiar face from the monastery. Though as a student, he didn't speak with him much (he never had reason to, and he always seemed lost in his own thoughts. intimidating, honestly.), he's quick to ally with him as soon as he learns his motivations.
Dimitri is alive. At least, that's what Gilbert believes - and what Ashe wants to hope, too.
Their search eventually leads them to an abandoned village. Even without the corpses of Imperial soldiers scattered about the streets, it's clear to Ashe that a battle took place here. The buildings have seen better days, and there were still arrows sticking out of the ground from when they missed their marks.
Habitually, Ashe begins to search the buildings, to ensure no one was left behind in the chaos... and he feels his heart stop as he sees inside one home the large, imposing figure of a man, clad in dark armor and clutching a lance like a lifeline. Even though it's been five years since he's last seen him, and his dirty blond hair covers his features, Ashe knows who this is.
Slowly, he steps closer. ] ... Your Highness?
[Dimitri's had nightmares like this before. Or were they hallucinations since sleep rarely found him long enough for the darkness of nightmares to settle in and they were strikingly different from the voices that haunted him constantly.
Whatever they are, he's grown used to his classmates appearing before him. They find him often but they never haunt him. They find him often and sometimes they call out to him, like now, but they always leave shortly after. They never haunt him. It's what he deserves. Being around him now would only bring them suffering. He would kill them just as he's killed everyone else.
Regardless, he's grown weary of them. He's too many reminders of what he's lost already.
Dimitri tightens his grip on his lance and while it doesn't make much noise, the sound of the hilt scratching across the ground and the leather of his gloves tightening are stark and echo through the silence of the abandoned village.
Dimitri's voice, too, is loud. It rumbles like rocks in his chest.] Go away.
Whatever they are, he's grown used to his classmates appearing before him. They find him often but they never haunt him. They find him often and sometimes they call out to him, like now, but they always leave shortly after. They never haunt him. It's what he deserves. Being around him now would only bring them suffering. He would kill them just as he's killed everyone else.
Regardless, he's grown weary of them. He's too many reminders of what he's lost already.
Dimitri tightens his grip on his lance and while it doesn't make much noise, the sound of the hilt scratching across the ground and the leather of his gloves tightening are stark and echo through the silence of the abandoned village.
Dimitri's voice, too, is loud. It rumbles like rocks in his chest.] Go away.
[ It's been five years since Ashe last saw Felix. Not that he expected any different - they've both been busy in their own ways ensuring whatever remained of Faerghus didn't get swallowed up by the Empire's bloody maw.
He missed the days at the academy. When his biggest worry was completing his assignments before class, Dimitri's eyes weren't cold and empty, and Dedue was ever by the prince's side. While it hurt to see how five years of war changed not only Dimitri, but the rest of them, he's grateful that most of them made it back for the Millenium Festival, as promised.
Darker days are brewing over the horizon - even he, ever the optimist, can see that. So he doesn't think anyone can blame him for grasping onto the happiness he has. ]
Felix!
[ After their class and the knights dispersed to explore and begin mending the ruins of the monastery, Ashe runs up to Felix and throws his arms around him, trapping him in a tight, affectionate hug. ] Hey. [ This is, by far, the happiest he's been in five years. ]
He missed the days at the academy. When his biggest worry was completing his assignments before class, Dimitri's eyes weren't cold and empty, and Dedue was ever by the prince's side. While it hurt to see how five years of war changed not only Dimitri, but the rest of them, he's grateful that most of them made it back for the Millenium Festival, as promised.
Darker days are brewing over the horizon - even he, ever the optimist, can see that. So he doesn't think anyone can blame him for grasping onto the happiness he has. ]
Felix!
[ After their class and the knights dispersed to explore and begin mending the ruins of the monastery, Ashe runs up to Felix and throws his arms around him, trapping him in a tight, affectionate hug. ] Hey. [ This is, by far, the happiest he's been in five years. ]
[After the rebellion that revealed Dimitri's true nature, all those years ago, Felix had sworn to himself that he wasn't going to lose anyone else. He'd lost Glenn, his father, and Dimitri twice then: enough was enough. He wasn't going to let anyone close just to be hurt again. But somehow, he finds, he can still lose those he didn't think possible anymore.
His father becomes so focused on finding the dead prince, he might as well be gone. It's like when Glenn died all over again. And don't get him started on the boar. It's disgusting how far gone he's become.
So, please, allow him to be more than a little relieved when his class reunites the day of the Millenium Festival and Ashe is there, looking five years older but as chipper as ever.
So, please, Felix begs himself as Ashe throws his arms around him, let him be happy for once. He hesitates, of course, but eventually relents, manages to give himself this much, and wraps his arms around Ashe too. His hands would normally land on Ashe's small shoulders, but now they slot perfectly against his waist. It's kind of nice.]
Hey, yourself.
His father becomes so focused on finding the dead prince, he might as well be gone. It's like when Glenn died all over again. And don't get him started on the boar. It's disgusting how far gone he's become.
So, please, allow him to be more than a little relieved when his class reunites the day of the Millenium Festival and Ashe is there, looking five years older but as chipper as ever.
So, please, Felix begs himself as Ashe throws his arms around him, let him be happy for once. He hesitates, of course, but eventually relents, manages to give himself this much, and wraps his arms around Ashe too. His hands would normally land on Ashe's small shoulders, but now they slot perfectly against his waist. It's kind of nice.]
Hey, yourself.
[ Ashe has a problem. Or, maybe an inconvenience? Regardless of how he phrases it, it's this: his soulmate mark makes him look tougher than he is. Not that he holds it against this soulmate of his that he's yet to meet, but... given the lion-emblazoned shield with multiple swords sticking out of it on his bicep, he can't help but wonder about the type of person they are. (and if they'd even be a good match.)
Going to the gym was initially Caspar's idea. If his mark makes him look tough, then might as well train and gain some muscle, right? That'd show the people who act like he's the toughest guy on the block. While he questioned the logic at first (he could just uhhhhh avoid confrontation all together maybe? use his words instead of his fists?) he finds that, with time, he enjoys working out.
It helps that his friendly nature allows him to talk with people easily. Like Felix, for example. It's probably a coincidence, but most days he's at the gym, Felix is there too. And while he never tries to distract him from his routine, he does enjoy their time together. It's bold, but... he considers him a friend.
So, like clockwork, when Ashe arrives at the gym and sees Felix in the corner getting warmed up, he smiles and makes his way over to him. ] Hello, Felix! How are you doing today?
Going to the gym was initially Caspar's idea. If his mark makes him look tough, then might as well train and gain some muscle, right? That'd show the people who act like he's the toughest guy on the block. While he questioned the logic at first (he could just uhhhhh avoid confrontation all together maybe? use his words instead of his fists?) he finds that, with time, he enjoys working out.
It helps that his friendly nature allows him to talk with people easily. Like Felix, for example. It's probably a coincidence, but most days he's at the gym, Felix is there too. And while he never tries to distract him from his routine, he does enjoy their time together. It's bold, but... he considers him a friend.
So, like clockwork, when Ashe arrives at the gym and sees Felix in the corner getting warmed up, he smiles and makes his way over to him. ] Hello, Felix! How are you doing today?
[Felix hasn't had to think about soulmates for a long time and, for that, he's glad. It was trouble enough trying to parse what the mark on his bicep meant, be shocked when it turned out his childhood best friend had a match to his, and then be shocked all over again when a third person, Dedue, showed up with their mark too.
Something that has been on the back of all their minds is the presence of violets in their marks. That one symbol is one that's never made sense but... again, Felix does his best to not think about that. He'll leave worrying over that to Dimitri, who seems to be the one most insistent about getting to the bottom of it.
Felix, what if we have another -
Three is already a crowd, shut up!!! It's more than his heart can handle!
He's happier focusing on his training, and his friends. Like Ashe. Ashe who is sweet and gentle and kind and too idealistic. Who sees the good in people even when they don't deserve the time of day. Yeah. His friend. Ashe. Felix pauses in his warmup upon seeing him.] Ready to go. Want to do some paired stretches?
['Cause obviously Ashe had to warm up now that he's here. But, but. Do things with him.]
Something that has been on the back of all their minds is the presence of violets in their marks. That one symbol is one that's never made sense but... again, Felix does his best to not think about that. He'll leave worrying over that to Dimitri, who seems to be the one most insistent about getting to the bottom of it.
Felix, what if we have another -
Three is already a crowd, shut up!!! It's more than his heart can handle!
He's happier focusing on his training, and his friends. Like Ashe. Ashe who is sweet and gentle and kind and too idealistic. Who sees the good in people even when they don't deserve the time of day. Yeah. His friend. Ashe. Felix pauses in his warmup upon seeing him.] Ready to go. Want to do some paired stretches?
['Cause obviously Ashe had to warm up now that he's here. But, but. Do things with him.]
[ Reyson's year as house leader of the White Herons has, for the most part, gone smoothly. Despite Tibarn and Naesala's (good intentioned, but still unwelcome) fussing and fretting, he's proven himself a capable leader both in the classroom and out on the battlefield. He even managed to secure a victory for their house in the annual Battle of the Hawk and Raven - something the Herons haven't achieved in countless years.
The only issue? Naesala's continuous flirting with his younger sister, Leanne. At first, he tried to pay it no mind - they've been friends since childhood, after all. The three of them have always been close. But as the winter ball fast approaches and he hears more and more gossip about how Leanne and Naesala make quite a pair, don't they? they're inseparable. perhaps they'll meet at the Goddess Tower on the night of the dance. and so on and so forth, the more... annoyed, he finds himself. Why do they act like they know Leanne and Naesala so well?! He's their older brother and best friend, not them! Of course they'd... never........................
Oh no. The more he thinks about it, the deeper the realization sinks in that with each smooth line that falls from Naesala's lips, Leanne looks... happy. With him, specifically. And Naesala has a special smile reserved for her and her alone. They... would be a good couple, wouldn't they? They're practically a real life fairy tale.
(the thought makes him sick to his stomach, but he doesn't know why. or, rather, he refuses to accept the reason.)
The night before the ball, after making a promise with his fellow classmates to meet again in five years time, Reyson seeks out Naesala. He's always easy for him to find - one of the many perks of being his best friend, and all that. ]
... Hey. [ He hates how uncertain he already sounds. Dammit. ] Can we talk?
The only issue? Naesala's continuous flirting with his younger sister, Leanne. At first, he tried to pay it no mind - they've been friends since childhood, after all. The three of them have always been close. But as the winter ball fast approaches and he hears more and more gossip about how Leanne and Naesala make quite a pair, don't they? they're inseparable. perhaps they'll meet at the Goddess Tower on the night of the dance. and so on and so forth, the more... annoyed, he finds himself. Why do they act like they know Leanne and Naesala so well?! He's their older brother and best friend, not them! Of course they'd... never........................
Oh no. The more he thinks about it, the deeper the realization sinks in that with each smooth line that falls from Naesala's lips, Leanne looks... happy. With him, specifically. And Naesala has a special smile reserved for her and her alone. They... would be a good couple, wouldn't they? They're practically a real life fairy tale.
(the thought makes him sick to his stomach, but he doesn't know why. or, rather, he refuses to accept the reason.)
The night before the ball, after making a promise with his fellow classmates to meet again in five years time, Reyson seeks out Naesala. He's always easy for him to find - one of the many perks of being his best friend, and all that. ]
... Hey. [ He hates how uncertain he already sounds. Dammit. ] Can we talk?
[Naesala is well aware of all the gossip circulating around about himself and Leanne, and he makes no effort to put a stop to it. Why would he when he’s partly the cause of it all, and it’s partly true anyway? He and Leanne do make quite a pair – an exceptionally beautiful couple. They are inseparable (which warrants the bonus of keeping more.. undesirable nobles from other houses away from Leanne aka white herons’ house sweetheart). And, who knows, maybe they will meet at the Goddess Tower the night of the ball –
-If only because the person Naesala really wants to invite is a Grade A idiot.
Here’s the thing: Yes, Naesala flirts endlessly with Leanne but it’s a special sort of flirting that they’ve been doing since they were kids. He would do anything for her, including marry her if the situation called for it! But it’s all very platonic. Now, the way he flirts with Reyson? That’s different. That’s real. It’s just more subtle and overlooked in favor of their assumed house rivalry vibes, so no one picks up on it. Including Reyson, unfortunately.
Goddess, Reyson is so dumb. But Naesala loves him endlessly.
And when he calls, Naesala is sure to answer.
The Sapphire Ravens' house leader is perched, slouching, on the railing of a balcony as he always does before finally retreating to his dorm room for the night. At Reyson’s call, he looks over his shoulder and gives Reyson a very special smile reserved only for him.]
That sounds ominous. About what, angel?
-If only because the person Naesala really wants to invite is a Grade A idiot.
Here’s the thing: Yes, Naesala flirts endlessly with Leanne but it’s a special sort of flirting that they’ve been doing since they were kids. He would do anything for her, including marry her if the situation called for it! But it’s all very platonic. Now, the way he flirts with Reyson? That’s different. That’s real. It’s just more subtle and overlooked in favor of their assumed house rivalry vibes, so no one picks up on it. Including Reyson, unfortunately.
Goddess, Reyson is so dumb. But Naesala loves him endlessly.
And when he calls, Naesala is sure to answer.
The Sapphire Ravens' house leader is perched, slouching, on the railing of a balcony as he always does before finally retreating to his dorm room for the night. At Reyson’s call, he looks over his shoulder and gives Reyson a very special smile reserved only for him.]
That sounds ominous. About what, angel?
[ As it turns out, being with Dimitri still means being away from Dimitri. Felix may be the king's right hand man (and often holding his right hand), but he was still Duke Fraldarius. He still had duties to fulfill in his territory - not for the sake of his departed father or brother, but himself.
(but oh goddess, is it still hard sometimes to live up to the legacy rodrigue left. he never realized just how much he did until he had to step into his shoes and realized his toes didn't even reach the front. he's had a lot of growing to do these past years, but he's finally beginning to make his own strides.)
That doesn't mean that he doesn't miss Dimitri. Though he doesn't whine anymore like he did as a child, he still longs to be with him. Not necessarily in a physically needy way (that's dimitri) but... taking meals together. Wandering the halls, side by side. Just existing in the same space, and being able to reach out for his hand when he wants to.
So he visits often. Sometimes with official business in mind, but others... he'll call them personal trips. A time when King Dimitri is just Dimitri to him.
When Felix arrives at the castle, he turns down the guards' invitation to retrieve Dimitri. Like he doesn't know Dimitri like the back of his own hand and know exactly where he'd be at this time of day, given that he doesn't have any meetings.
After passing off his horse and meager belongings to the servants, he heads straight for the training grounds. There, just as he expects, he finds his king focusing intently on smacking the everloving shit out of a training dummy. Poor thing never stood a chance.
With the tiniest hint of a fond smile beginning to grow on his lips, he picks up a training sword and approaches. ] Let me in on the training. Or are you intent on destroying that dummy?
(but oh goddess, is it still hard sometimes to live up to the legacy rodrigue left. he never realized just how much he did until he had to step into his shoes and realized his toes didn't even reach the front. he's had a lot of growing to do these past years, but he's finally beginning to make his own strides.)
That doesn't mean that he doesn't miss Dimitri. Though he doesn't whine anymore like he did as a child, he still longs to be with him. Not necessarily in a physically needy way (that's dimitri) but... taking meals together. Wandering the halls, side by side. Just existing in the same space, and being able to reach out for his hand when he wants to.
So he visits often. Sometimes with official business in mind, but others... he'll call them personal trips. A time when King Dimitri is just Dimitri to him.
When Felix arrives at the castle, he turns down the guards' invitation to retrieve Dimitri. Like he doesn't know Dimitri like the back of his own hand and know exactly where he'd be at this time of day, given that he doesn't have any meetings.
After passing off his horse and meager belongings to the servants, he heads straight for the training grounds. There, just as he expects, he finds his king focusing intently on smacking the everloving shit out of a training dummy. Poor thing never stood a chance.
With the tiniest hint of a fond smile beginning to grow on his lips, he picks up a training sword and approaches. ] Let me in on the training. Or are you intent on destroying that dummy?
[Dimitri can be found at one of two places when he has some downtime. He isn't far from Dedue's side, often taking the time to just sit and watch the other man garden or cook. He has been strictly forbidden from helping, but he finds it soothing to only observe and talk as things come to mind while Dedue works. But most of the time, or on days like today when Dedue is in town visiting Ashe's inn, Dimitri can be found at the training grounds.
He's grateful for the time alone, honestly, because he is frustrated and taking it out on the dummy is only mildly helping.
He misses Felix.
They haven't even been apart for that long now, but something has set Dimitri off and he misses Felix more desperately than before. Perhaps its because of recent meetings with some of Faerghus nobles that he finds himself itching to touch Felix, hold him, be around someone who will actually listen to him and look at him for himself.
Ironically, Dimitri is so busy thinking about the man that he actually doesn't notice when said man walks onto the grounds. He startles at Felix's voice and turns swiftly mid swing. His turn jostles his lance out of its originally trajectory, making it hit the training dummy not quite right. There is a resounding crack as the handle gives and breaks between the spearhead and where Dimitri has a death grip.]
Felix... !
[His chest heaves.]
He's grateful for the time alone, honestly, because he is frustrated and taking it out on the dummy is only mildly helping.
He misses Felix.
They haven't even been apart for that long now, but something has set Dimitri off and he misses Felix more desperately than before. Perhaps its because of recent meetings with some of Faerghus nobles that he finds himself itching to touch Felix, hold him, be around someone who will actually listen to him and look at him for himself.
Ironically, Dimitri is so busy thinking about the man that he actually doesn't notice when said man walks onto the grounds. He startles at Felix's voice and turns swiftly mid swing. His turn jostles his lance out of its originally trajectory, making it hit the training dummy not quite right. There is a resounding crack as the handle gives and breaks between the spearhead and where Dimitri has a death grip.]
Felix... !
[His chest heaves.]
[It has been a couple years since Dimitri killed Edelgard and thus ended the war. Byleth has settled into her new role as Archbishop just as Dimitri has more or less settled into his own role of King. Every day is a challenge but it’s a challenge he’s willing to meet head on, and when things become too difficult he knows he has the support of his friends, Byleth herself, Gilbert, and everyone else at his side. Sometimes he still doesn’t think he deserves the support but he is ever grateful.
The person he is most grateful for staying by his side is Felix. His childhood friend is now Duke Fraldarius and his right hand man, and Dimitri still hasn’t a clue why Felix stuck by his side even when he’d let himself fall as far as he had. He'd hurt Felix countless times without realizing since the Tragedy of Duscur and Felix was the only person who ever saw him as the beast he truly was.
And yet.. through all the insults and aggression Felix threw his way, he cared. He would never leave Dimitri's side, he would never let him die. He only ever cared but he was hurt and he wanted Dimitri to be better. Dimitri hadn't truly understood that until five years after Edelgard declared war and Rodrigue had died. Since then, he's slowly learned how to calm the boar, the rumbling in his chest, the darkness creeping at the back of his mind, just as Felix has slowly learned that Dimitri is fully capable of being both beast and human again.
They've finally come to understand one another. At least Dimitri thinks so. He hopes so. Because he couldn't bear to disappoint Felix again... He's sure that the next time he does, he'll lose Felix forever and he couldn't stand that. He cares for Felix too much. He loves him too much.
But he’s not entirely thinking about that when he finds himself outside Felix’s guest room one night.
Sylvain and Mercedes are getting married soon and it just has him thinking. About everything and nothing. Their future, the future in general. His mind is alive and buzzing and he just wants to talk to someone. He wants to talk to Felix. Because while he isn't the best conversationalist, Felix is who he goes to when he's thoughtful.
Dimitri knocks, without thinking, a pattern that he only ever uses when calling for Felix.] Felix? Are you in?
The person he is most grateful for staying by his side is Felix. His childhood friend is now Duke Fraldarius and his right hand man, and Dimitri still hasn’t a clue why Felix stuck by his side even when he’d let himself fall as far as he had. He'd hurt Felix countless times without realizing since the Tragedy of Duscur and Felix was the only person who ever saw him as the beast he truly was.
And yet.. through all the insults and aggression Felix threw his way, he cared. He would never leave Dimitri's side, he would never let him die. He only ever cared but he was hurt and he wanted Dimitri to be better. Dimitri hadn't truly understood that until five years after Edelgard declared war and Rodrigue had died. Since then, he's slowly learned how to calm the boar, the rumbling in his chest, the darkness creeping at the back of his mind, just as Felix has slowly learned that Dimitri is fully capable of being both beast and human again.
They've finally come to understand one another. At least Dimitri thinks so. He hopes so. Because he couldn't bear to disappoint Felix again... He's sure that the next time he does, he'll lose Felix forever and he couldn't stand that. He cares for Felix too much. He loves him too much.
But he’s not entirely thinking about that when he finds himself outside Felix’s guest room one night.
Sylvain and Mercedes are getting married soon and it just has him thinking. About everything and nothing. Their future, the future in general. His mind is alive and buzzing and he just wants to talk to someone. He wants to talk to Felix. Because while he isn't the best conversationalist, Felix is who he goes to when he's thoughtful.
Dimitri knocks, without thinking, a pattern that he only ever uses when calling for Felix.] Felix? Are you in?
[ Sometimes, Felix himself wonders why he stuck so stubbornly by Dimitri's side. At times, he felt nothing could possibly turn him back into a human - that the boy he knew (and loved) was gone forever, just another casualty in the Tragedy. But in the end, he supposes it's for the best he never left. With the war over, and with each passing day, he sees more and more glimpses of the Dimitri he grew up with. He smiles easier now, and though he knows the voices of his brother and father, as well as the others who died in Duscur, will haunt him to the end of his days, he seems... more at ease. Like maybe he took his words to heart and their gravestones don't hang so heavily around his neck.
He's not trying to think about Dimitri right now, though. Honestly, he's trying to get some sleep. He's tired from his duties as Duke Fraldarius and Sylvain's best man. But try as he may to brush it aside, all this talk of love and weddings has made a little detail from his childhood resurface. That while Glenn was promised Ingrid's hand in marriage (probably for her house's sake), he had been promised to Dimitri as a symbol of their families' bonds. While neither of their parents were still alive to force the agreement upon them, and one of them was king of an entire continent and could do whatever he wanted anyway, he keeps... thinking about it. About that promise, and of him with his hands wrung in Dimitri's sleeve declaring he loves him, and that he wants to always, always be with him.
What an annoying time to get lost in the past. Why couldn't it be any other time besides at night? But between those thoughts and general restlessness, he finds himself laying in the darkness of his room with his eyes wide open.
So he's more than awake to hear that familiar knock and voice calling out to him. ]
Hold on. [ He forces himself out of bed but puts no effort to make himself look presentable. Dressed in comfortable sleepwear with his hair down, he opens the door and looks up at Dimitri. ] Did you need something?
He's not trying to think about Dimitri right now, though. Honestly, he's trying to get some sleep. He's tired from his duties as Duke Fraldarius and Sylvain's best man. But try as he may to brush it aside, all this talk of love and weddings has made a little detail from his childhood resurface. That while Glenn was promised Ingrid's hand in marriage (probably for her house's sake), he had been promised to Dimitri as a symbol of their families' bonds. While neither of their parents were still alive to force the agreement upon them, and one of them was king of an entire continent and could do whatever he wanted anyway, he keeps... thinking about it. About that promise, and of him with his hands wrung in Dimitri's sleeve declaring he loves him, and that he wants to always, always be with him.
What an annoying time to get lost in the past. Why couldn't it be any other time besides at night? But between those thoughts and general restlessness, he finds himself laying in the darkness of his room with his eyes wide open.
So he's more than awake to hear that familiar knock and voice calling out to him. ]
Hold on. [ He forces himself out of bed but puts no effort to make himself look presentable. Dressed in comfortable sleepwear with his hair down, he opens the door and looks up at Dimitri. ] Did you need something?
[ There's a part of him that still hasn't forgiven Byleth for the events that unfolded on the 16th day of the Ethereal Moon in the year 1180. It went something like this: his dear, damnably persuasive professor asked him a few weeks prior to be the Blue Lions' representative in the White Heron Cup. Him - not Annette, who has a knack for singing and dancing, or Mercedes, who, despite her clumsiness, would've wowed the judges based on charm alone. Hell, even Ashe, Ingrid, or Sylvain, for goddess's sake would've been a better choice. But Byleth chose him for some reason, and he couldn't say no.
And he won. Not by the skin of his teeth - it was a unanimous decision from the judges. He's not a religious man by any means, but he wonders if it was a cruel joke pulled by the goddess, because there's no way in hell he could've beaten the opera singer from the Black Eagles or that damn noble from the Golden Deer who won't stop throwing his name around (lorenz hellman glouster) like he's someone important. Felix has never cared about being elegant or charming but he still ended up as the class's - and later the damn Kingdom army's - main source of motivation. He could cut down enemies as he pleased, but he also needed to keep the spirits of those around him high.
He did it, though, because he just can't say "no" to Byleth.
And, joke's on him, so long as it's off the battlefield and no one's watching, he actually... doesn't mind... dancing. It's a departure from his usual hobbies - things like training, and... that's it, really - but he finds it as soothing as swinging a sword until his arms are sore. And, in times of peace, it's arguably a better use of his time.
Which is why, during one of his visits to the capital, he asks Mercedes to mend his old dancer outfit. He'd been putting it off for a while, but after an entire war's worth of battles and bloodshed, it desperately needed some TLC. And, according to her, some additional embellishments. When he gets his clothes back, he finds she's added additional coins and tassels, integrated some diamonds along some expanses of blue... even subtly stitched his crest's symbol onto the strip of fabric near his brooch. It's more than he asked for, and he... loves it, honestly. He'll have to pester someone with a sweet tooth to help him thank her properly later.
But that's for later. For now, he's itching to dance in his revamped attire. So long after the sun's set and the castle has (presumably) gone to bed, Felix makes his way out to the ever-familiar training grounds. It's not as secluded as he'd like, but he can't wander off too far without drawing the attention of any of the night guards. And a quick but thorough look around confirms that he's alone.
After a slow, deep breath to center himself, he begins to dance. His feet kicks up sand and dirt as he glides about the grounds, the only noise accompanying his improvised routine. While his movements lack elegance and grace, Felix is still beautiful as he moves - he's got years of training under his belt, after all.
(thanks, byleth. really.) ]
And he won. Not by the skin of his teeth - it was a unanimous decision from the judges. He's not a religious man by any means, but he wonders if it was a cruel joke pulled by the goddess, because there's no way in hell he could've beaten the opera singer from the Black Eagles or that damn noble from the Golden Deer who won't stop throwing his name around (lorenz hellman glouster) like he's someone important. Felix has never cared about being elegant or charming but he still ended up as the class's - and later the damn Kingdom army's - main source of motivation. He could cut down enemies as he pleased, but he also needed to keep the spirits of those around him high.
He did it, though, because he just can't say "no" to Byleth.
And, joke's on him, so long as it's off the battlefield and no one's watching, he actually... doesn't mind... dancing. It's a departure from his usual hobbies - things like training, and... that's it, really - but he finds it as soothing as swinging a sword until his arms are sore. And, in times of peace, it's arguably a better use of his time.
Which is why, during one of his visits to the capital, he asks Mercedes to mend his old dancer outfit. He'd been putting it off for a while, but after an entire war's worth of battles and bloodshed, it desperately needed some TLC. And, according to her, some additional embellishments. When he gets his clothes back, he finds she's added additional coins and tassels, integrated some diamonds along some expanses of blue... even subtly stitched his crest's symbol onto the strip of fabric near his brooch. It's more than he asked for, and he... loves it, honestly. He'll have to pester someone with a sweet tooth to help him thank her properly later.
But that's for later. For now, he's itching to dance in his revamped attire. So long after the sun's set and the castle has (presumably) gone to bed, Felix makes his way out to the ever-familiar training grounds. It's not as secluded as he'd like, but he can't wander off too far without drawing the attention of any of the night guards. And a quick but thorough look around confirms that he's alone.
After a slow, deep breath to center himself, he begins to dance. His feet kicks up sand and dirt as he glides about the grounds, the only noise accompanying his improvised routine. While his movements lack elegance and grace, Felix is still beautiful as he moves - he's got years of training under his belt, after all.
(thanks, byleth. really.) ]
[If it makes Felix feel any better, Dimitri hasn't entirely forgiven Byleth for choosing Felix to be their representative for the White Heron Cup all those years ago, either.
At first he was just so relieved that Byleth hadn't chosen him to represent them. But after seeing Felix dance at the Cup and later seeing him in the dancer outfit sparking a whole slew of unnecessary and inappropriate feelings, Dimitri almost thought choosing him would have been for the better. Felix continued to dance for the Kingdom's army and Dimitri both loved and hated it.
Felix was (is) beautiful but the feelings, y'know. It was never the time or place for those feelings. (and the possessiveness that crawled up his throat whenever felix danced for others was, especially, unwelcome) (and those feelings eventually came to fruition but still)
With the war's end, Dimitri thought he had caught a break. There were still many skirmishes and civil disputes across Fodlan that needed to be quelled, but nothing on the scale that would require the motivation of a dancer. And Felix didn't particularly seem to enjoy the dancing, so there would be no picking it up again.
Or so Dimitri thought.
Dimitri is sorrowfully mistaken.
He walks in on his boyfriend (??) dancing in the middle of the training grounds. Not even close to what he was expecting when he headed out to do some evening training to tire himself out. Dimitri stands frozen in place and he can only stare, watching, and drink in Felix's beautiful form.
Dimitri loses track of how long he's been watching and, as a result, how his grip has loosened on the handle of the training spear he picked up. The sound of it slipping out of his hand and clattering to the ground shocks him back to reality.
And.
Oh no.
Oh no, this isn't going to be good.]
At first he was just so relieved that Byleth hadn't chosen him to represent them. But after seeing Felix dance at the Cup and later seeing him in the dancer outfit sparking a whole slew of unnecessary and inappropriate feelings, Dimitri almost thought choosing him would have been for the better. Felix continued to dance for the Kingdom's army and Dimitri both loved and hated it.
Felix was (is) beautiful but the feelings, y'know. It was never the time or place for those feelings. (and the possessiveness that crawled up his throat whenever felix danced for others was, especially, unwelcome) (and those feelings eventually came to fruition but still)
With the war's end, Dimitri thought he had caught a break. There were still many skirmishes and civil disputes across Fodlan that needed to be quelled, but nothing on the scale that would require the motivation of a dancer. And Felix didn't particularly seem to enjoy the dancing, so there would be no picking it up again.
Or so Dimitri thought.
Dimitri is sorrowfully mistaken.
He walks in on his boyfriend (??) dancing in the middle of the training grounds. Not even close to what he was expecting when he headed out to do some evening training to tire himself out. Dimitri stands frozen in place and he can only stare, watching, and drink in Felix's beautiful form.
Dimitri loses track of how long he's been watching and, as a result, how his grip has loosened on the handle of the training spear he picked up. The sound of it slipping out of his hand and clattering to the ground shocks him back to reality.
And.
Oh no.
Oh no, this isn't going to be good.]
[ Ashe has had a lot to think about since the war's end. What does he want to do, now that there's peace? What would make his family - Lonato, Christophe, his siblings, his birth parents - proud? All his life he's wanted to be a knight, to follow in the footsteps of all the heroes he grew up reading about, but he thinks he's found a new dream now. Something that'll make him just as happy, if not happier, than being knighted and taking over his adoptive father's territory.
Their time as students feels like centuries ago, but he still remembers a particular conversation with Dedue, clear as day. In an effort to get to know him better, he'd asked Dedue about his life in Duscur. As expected, the conversation quickly drifted to food. Dedue avoided cooking Duscur cuisine, as "not to sow seeds of discontent", but he'd been adamant about wanting to try more of the food he's used to. And he'd smiled so softly it made Ashe's heart ache. Knowing the pain Dedue carries, and seeing the discrimination he still faces first-hand during his time in the capital... he wanted to do something for him, to ensure a future where Dedue could live peacefully, and smile as easily as he had that day.
The only person who knows of his plan was Dimitri who, bless his heart, tried to make his knight-related wishes come true. But with his blessings, he secures a place within the capital to build the inn of his dreams. Parts of it, he bases off of what he could remember of his parents' restaurant all those years ago... but where he can, he draws inspiration from what Dedue's told him about Duscur. It will never truly replace all that Dedue lost after the Tragedy, but he hopes it'll help both him and the citizens of Faergus in time.
He's still several weeks away from opening the doors to his inn, but he figures it's about time to start tackling the menu, and let Dedue in on his secret. Though he looks a little worn out (a day of physical labor and overseeing the construction of a multi-story building takes a lot out of a person) he's still all smiles when he finds Dedue tending to the garden. He squats next to him and peeks at whatever plant has his undivided attention at the moment. ] I hope I'm not bothering you, Dedue. Is there anything I can help you with?
Their time as students feels like centuries ago, but he still remembers a particular conversation with Dedue, clear as day. In an effort to get to know him better, he'd asked Dedue about his life in Duscur. As expected, the conversation quickly drifted to food. Dedue avoided cooking Duscur cuisine, as "not to sow seeds of discontent", but he'd been adamant about wanting to try more of the food he's used to. And he'd smiled so softly it made Ashe's heart ache. Knowing the pain Dedue carries, and seeing the discrimination he still faces first-hand during his time in the capital... he wanted to do something for him, to ensure a future where Dedue could live peacefully, and smile as easily as he had that day.
The only person who knows of his plan was Dimitri who, bless his heart, tried to make his knight-related wishes come true. But with his blessings, he secures a place within the capital to build the inn of his dreams. Parts of it, he bases off of what he could remember of his parents' restaurant all those years ago... but where he can, he draws inspiration from what Dedue's told him about Duscur. It will never truly replace all that Dedue lost after the Tragedy, but he hopes it'll help both him and the citizens of Faergus in time.
He's still several weeks away from opening the doors to his inn, but he figures it's about time to start tackling the menu, and let Dedue in on his secret. Though he looks a little worn out (a day of physical labor and overseeing the construction of a multi-story building takes a lot out of a person) he's still all smiles when he finds Dedue tending to the garden. He squats next to him and peeks at whatever plant has his undivided attention at the moment. ] I hope I'm not bothering you, Dedue. Is there anything I can help you with?
[Ashe (and His Highness by extension) are keeping a secret.
Dedue is not the most keen to these sorts of things but Dimitri is honest, in everything he does, to a fault so it’s easy to tell with him. And Ashe. Well. Ashe is better at keeping secrets but something is clearly not right in regards to him. For instance, how he (and again, His Highness by extension) have not been straight forward about Ashe not being a part of the knights (made clear by how Ashe’s schedule differs greatly from the other knights and Dedue is often brushing sawdust out of his hair when he visits) but have made no effort to tell him otherwise.
Something is fishy.
But Dedue will not pry.
They are both allowed their privacy.
(Even if it stings a little)
Secrets or no, Ashe still makes him smile with every visit. Why focus on the unknown when Ashe is there and present and smiling so brilliantly like he always does.] You are never a bother, Ashe. [Dedue looks away from his plants briefly.] Would you please hand me those seedlings?
[The ones just out of his reach. The ones that are definitely not violet sprouts.]
Dedue is not the most keen to these sorts of things but Dimitri is honest, in everything he does, to a fault so it’s easy to tell with him. And Ashe. Well. Ashe is better at keeping secrets but something is clearly not right in regards to him. For instance, how he (and again, His Highness by extension) have not been straight forward about Ashe not being a part of the knights (made clear by how Ashe’s schedule differs greatly from the other knights and Dedue is often brushing sawdust out of his hair when he visits) but have made no effort to tell him otherwise.
Something is fishy.
But Dedue will not pry.
They are both allowed their privacy.
(Even if it stings a little)
Secrets or no, Ashe still makes him smile with every visit. Why focus on the unknown when Ashe is there and present and smiling so brilliantly like he always does.] You are never a bother, Ashe. [Dedue looks away from his plants briefly.] Would you please hand me those seedlings?
[The ones just out of his reach. The ones that are definitely not violet sprouts.]
[ Felix made a mistake in his previous life. In order to be closer to the mercenary-turned-professor and learn their unique sword techniques, he decided to transfer to the Golden Deer house. At the time, it felt inconsequential - it wasn't like he'd vanished off the face of Fodlan or anything. He was still in the academy with all the other Blue Lions, after all. And honestly, there was only so much he could learn from Professor Hanneman and his Crestology lectures. He was convinced it was a change for the better.
But had he known that he'd lose Dimitri as a result, he wouldn't have left his side. Not even for a second.
He was told Dimitri died when Cornelia took over the capital. It's what everyone believed - and what he himself continued to believe even as rumors of an army growing in the ruins of Faergus under Blaiddyd's banner emerged. He couldn't cling to a false hope.
And, in a way, he was right. The beast who possessed Dimitri's body at Gronder Field wasn't even the boar he'd seen at the academy. His eyes burned with an unfathomable cold fury as he lurched across the battlefield, slaughtering all who stood in his path. Even as his blood seeped into the soil he refused to stand down. Not until he killed Edelgard.
That was the last time Felix saw Dimitri. According to Hilda, he (dimitri, the demon who controlled his body, whatever that was) died in pursuit of Edelgard. Collapsed, and was pierced by spears before he could rise to his feet again.
Felix took great satisfaction in helping Claude and Byleth cut down Edelgard a few months later. But even after that, his heart didn't know peace. Again and again, he asked himself why he didn't stay with Dimitri. He knew him better than anyone else. Could he have saved him? Could he have stopped him?
(after the war against the empire and nemesis ends, felix dies in a manner so similar, it's almost poetic. as blades pierce his chest and the last breath of life leaves his lungs, he wonders if dimitri felt pain in the end.)
These thoughts - these regrets - carry over to his current life. Though he doesn't have the power to protect him like before, he can't - he won't - let him stand alone. Not again.
But first, he has to find the damn guy. The world's a big place, and there's an infuriating amount of Dimitris with blond hair and blue eyes that aren't his Dimitri. So he unfortunately has to just wait and see what happens.
He isn't thinking about his lifelong quest as he's sitting in his too early in the morning calculus class. He's pretty sure his brain leaked out his ears around twenty minutes ago, so he's no longer capable of any thought. But as he stares out the window, he sees someone pass by, and his heart stops. The world vanishes around him, leaving him alone with this boy that he knows isn't a stranger, he knew he'd recognize him when he saw him and he was right, he was right, it's him-
In a burst of energy, he's out the door, all his belongings abandoned at his seat. They don't matter. Nothing else matters. When he gets outside, he sees him beginning to walk away - before he can get too far, he yells: ]
Dimitri!!
But had he known that he'd lose Dimitri as a result, he wouldn't have left his side. Not even for a second.
He was told Dimitri died when Cornelia took over the capital. It's what everyone believed - and what he himself continued to believe even as rumors of an army growing in the ruins of Faergus under Blaiddyd's banner emerged. He couldn't cling to a false hope.
And, in a way, he was right. The beast who possessed Dimitri's body at Gronder Field wasn't even the boar he'd seen at the academy. His eyes burned with an unfathomable cold fury as he lurched across the battlefield, slaughtering all who stood in his path. Even as his blood seeped into the soil he refused to stand down. Not until he killed Edelgard.
That was the last time Felix saw Dimitri. According to Hilda, he (dimitri, the demon who controlled his body, whatever that was) died in pursuit of Edelgard. Collapsed, and was pierced by spears before he could rise to his feet again.
Felix took great satisfaction in helping Claude and Byleth cut down Edelgard a few months later. But even after that, his heart didn't know peace. Again and again, he asked himself why he didn't stay with Dimitri. He knew him better than anyone else. Could he have saved him? Could he have stopped him?
(after the war against the empire and nemesis ends, felix dies in a manner so similar, it's almost poetic. as blades pierce his chest and the last breath of life leaves his lungs, he wonders if dimitri felt pain in the end.)
These thoughts - these regrets - carry over to his current life. Though he doesn't have the power to protect him like before, he can't - he won't - let him stand alone. Not again.
But first, he has to find the damn guy. The world's a big place, and there's an infuriating amount of Dimitris with blond hair and blue eyes that aren't his Dimitri. So he unfortunately has to just wait and see what happens.
He isn't thinking about his lifelong quest as he's sitting in his too early in the morning calculus class. He's pretty sure his brain leaked out his ears around twenty minutes ago, so he's no longer capable of any thought. But as he stares out the window, he sees someone pass by, and his heart stops. The world vanishes around him, leaving him alone with this boy that he knows isn't a stranger, he knew he'd recognize him when he saw him and he was right, he was right, it's him-
In a burst of energy, he's out the door, all his belongings abandoned at his seat. They don't matter. Nothing else matters. When he gets outside, he sees him beginning to walk away - before he can get too far, he yells: ]
Dimitri!!
[Dimitri's memory of his past life isn't as clear. It's spotty with long period of nothing between glimpses of a past littered with tragedy. From that alone, Dimitri figures it's probably for the better this way. He has in no way suffered in this life as much as he has in his previous life, but he can still feel some of the feelings he'd been plagued with before crawling up his throat, laying waste to his bones.
He doesn't want to think more about it, uncover more of those memories, and cause those feelings to fester and swell. He doesn't remember what happened to his friends, his classmates that fought alongside him or against him. He doesn't know what happened to Annette or Mercedes who stayed with him if only purely to be near Gustav and each other. He doesn't know what happened to Ashe, who defected in a last ditch attempt to please his dead adoptive father. He doesn't know what happened to Dedue or Sylvain or Ingrid, who stuck by his side even for the worst of it. He doesn't know what happened to Felix.. the biggest mystery of them all. How ironic and cruel that the person he loved is the one he remembers the least of.
Whenever Dimitri remembers flashes of the war, the fighting, the bloodshed, Felix is never there alongside him. He doesn't even want to begin to think what that could mean.
At least, wherever he is, Felix is probably alive and well in this life.
Much like Felix, Dimitri isn't thinking about any of this currently. Currently, Dimitri is lost as all hell trying to find his also too early in the morning marketing class. He's going to be late at this rate and --
And then there is an all too familiar call of his name. Someone who's voice he's never heard in person but he'd recognize anywhere. He stops in his tracks to turn to the other and suddenly it really is just them in the world.]
Felix?
He doesn't want to think more about it, uncover more of those memories, and cause those feelings to fester and swell. He doesn't remember what happened to his friends, his classmates that fought alongside him or against him. He doesn't know what happened to Annette or Mercedes who stayed with him if only purely to be near Gustav and each other. He doesn't know what happened to Ashe, who defected in a last ditch attempt to please his dead adoptive father. He doesn't know what happened to Dedue or Sylvain or Ingrid, who stuck by his side even for the worst of it. He doesn't know what happened to Felix.. the biggest mystery of them all. How ironic and cruel that the person he loved is the one he remembers the least of.
Whenever Dimitri remembers flashes of the war, the fighting, the bloodshed, Felix is never there alongside him. He doesn't even want to begin to think what that could mean.
At least, wherever he is, Felix is probably alive and well in this life.
Much like Felix, Dimitri isn't thinking about any of this currently. Currently, Dimitri is lost as all hell trying to find his also too early in the morning marketing class. He's going to be late at this rate and --
And then there is an all too familiar call of his name. Someone who's voice he's never heard in person but he'd recognize anywhere. He stops in his tracks to turn to the other and suddenly it really is just them in the world.]
Felix?
[ The situation here is twofold.
First, there's Dimitri, one of Sylvain's childhood friends and the recently crowned king of Faerghus. The man's had a lot on his plate since his coronation - and not that he's ever been one for taking a breather, let alone getting a decent night's sleep, but he can see how heavily his duties (his penance) weigh on him. How stress and exhaustion cling to him like the ghosts that haunted (still haunt?) his every waking moment. Unlike some of the others, Sylvain understands that Dimitri's got shit he needs to make up for - cruelly stealing the lives of countless innocent people, ignoring the plight of his nation for the sake of revenge - but running himself into the ground like this isn't going to do any good. Even he deserves a break every once in a while.
Then there's Felix, another one of his childhood friends. Ever since his father's death, Sylvain's noticed some of the ice around his heart melt. He actually... likes being in Dimitri's presence. Likes Dimitri, even. But he's too stubborn to admit it - or maybe scared? Either way, their attraction ("their", because the feelings are mutual) is clear as day to everyone except them. So maybe he has to play a little dirty, to force Felix to act. It's for the best, really! If they get together, they'll both be happier!
So around mid-day, Sylvain knocks on Dimitri's door, loud and unable to be ignored. ] Hey, Your Majesty! You got a minute?
First, there's Dimitri, one of Sylvain's childhood friends and the recently crowned king of Faerghus. The man's had a lot on his plate since his coronation - and not that he's ever been one for taking a breather, let alone getting a decent night's sleep, but he can see how heavily his duties (his penance) weigh on him. How stress and exhaustion cling to him like the ghosts that haunted (still haunt?) his every waking moment. Unlike some of the others, Sylvain understands that Dimitri's got shit he needs to make up for - cruelly stealing the lives of countless innocent people, ignoring the plight of his nation for the sake of revenge - but running himself into the ground like this isn't going to do any good. Even he deserves a break every once in a while.
Then there's Felix, another one of his childhood friends. Ever since his father's death, Sylvain's noticed some of the ice around his heart melt. He actually... likes being in Dimitri's presence. Likes Dimitri, even. But he's too stubborn to admit it - or maybe scared? Either way, their attraction ("their", because the feelings are mutual) is clear as day to everyone except them. So maybe he has to play a little dirty, to force Felix to act. It's for the best, really! If they get together, they'll both be happier!
So around mid-day, Sylvain knocks on Dimitri's door, loud and unable to be ignored. ] Hey, Your Majesty! You got a minute?
[Dimitri and Sylvain may have been childhood friends, but it's not often that Sylvain seeks him out. So he is perplexed, to say the least, when Sylvain comes knocking at his door.
He opens the door, cautious. He looks beyond Sylvain and down the hall.] How can I help you, Sylvain? If you're seeking asylum from another spurned woman, I won't have it. Not after last time.
[Dimitri frowns at the memory. Sylvain had hid out in his room only temporarily but even after he left, the poor woman had continued knocking and weeping at his door for days. Worse yet, she had been horrified when she learned that she had been knocking at the king's door. He'd never seen someone go so pale so fast!
So, actually, he's perplexed and wary.]
He opens the door, cautious. He looks beyond Sylvain and down the hall.] How can I help you, Sylvain? If you're seeking asylum from another spurned woman, I won't have it. Not after last time.
[Dimitri frowns at the memory. Sylvain had hid out in his room only temporarily but even after he left, the poor woman had continued knocking and weeping at his door for days. Worse yet, she had been horrified when she learned that she had been knocking at the king's door. He'd never seen someone go so pale so fast!
So, actually, he's perplexed and wary.]
[ Ferdinand has always been in love with the concept of soulmates. To have someone to share a deep connection with, one unlike any other - how exciting! Perfect! Romantic, even!
But the words of his soulmate have puzzled him for years. He's heard of people having long, epic speeches emblazoned on their bodies, or cryptic messages that lack context. But all he has is "Linhardt. Good bye." written in imperfect cursive on the inside of his wrist. Why so simple? And who is this "Linhardt"? Presumably the name of his soulmate, but what if there's more to it?! Oh, the mystery!
His soulmate is near the front of his mind during his first days at the Officer's Academy. One by one, he loudly and proudly introduces himself to his classmates. With a warm, bright smile on his face, he approaches the second to last person in the room - a sleepy, green haired boy he'd seen talking to Caspar earlier. ]
Greetings! My name is Ferdinand von Aegir - what is your name?
But the words of his soulmate have puzzled him for years. He's heard of people having long, epic speeches emblazoned on their bodies, or cryptic messages that lack context. But all he has is "Linhardt. Good bye." written in imperfect cursive on the inside of his wrist. Why so simple? And who is this "Linhardt"? Presumably the name of his soulmate, but what if there's more to it?! Oh, the mystery!
His soulmate is near the front of his mind during his first days at the Officer's Academy. One by one, he loudly and proudly introduces himself to his classmates. With a warm, bright smile on his face, he approaches the second to last person in the room - a sleepy, green haired boy he'd seen talking to Caspar earlier. ]
Greetings! My name is Ferdinand von Aegir - what is your name?
[While Ferdinand has always been in love with the concept of soulmates, Linhardt has not. The whole idea seems rather bothersome and restrictive, especially since most people assume soulmates to be romantic. That's not necessarily the case, but it is meant to be a "deep connection". Linhardt's not a fan of any kind of deep connection being forced upon him, especially when connections with normal people already take so much effort (he'd gotten very lucky with caspar. that connection hadn't taken much nurturing at all and, if he's honest, he was more surprised to find out caspar wasn't his soulmate). And what if he doesn't even get along with his soulmate?
That's what he's expecting to happen anyway since he is well aware of who his soulmate is. There's no mystery to the "Greetings! My name is Ferdinand von Aegir - what is your name?" that stares him in the face any time he's changing clothes with a mirror nearby. It's across his heart in neat, cursive handwriting. His soulmate's name is Ferdinand von Aegir and anyone residing within the Empire with ears and half a brain cell knows who the Aegir family is.
Duke Aegir is the prime minister and he is not a good man. Linhardt has never met the man personally, but his father doesn't have much good to say about him. What had he called him? A weasel? Eh, it didn't matter. The Duke isn't his soulmate, clearly, it's his son. What Linhardt has heard about his son isn't much better, though he has to take it with a grain of salt when it comes from Caspar (who is better acquainted with the family because their territories are closer.)
Ferdinand sounds like a handful, and Linhardt is resigned to disliking the boy even before meeting him. Well, maybe not dislike per say, but he envisions a lot of him avoiding the most noble of nobles to come while they're at the academy. He doubles down on his preconception upon hearing said boy cheerfully introducing himself to the entire class (who does that??). He doesn't seem like a bad person, like the miserable grumblings of his father, and he's handsome at least. He's got a nice smile.
But he's definitely got an energy about him that Linhardt does not want to deal with at the moment.
He glances at the entry way to the Blank Eagles classroom. No, he'd never hear the end of it if he tried to bail on the first day. His glance falls on Caspar next. Why had he even left his side?]
Linhardt. Good bye. [And he attempts to make his escape.]
That's what he's expecting to happen anyway since he is well aware of who his soulmate is. There's no mystery to the "Greetings! My name is Ferdinand von Aegir - what is your name?" that stares him in the face any time he's changing clothes with a mirror nearby. It's across his heart in neat, cursive handwriting. His soulmate's name is Ferdinand von Aegir and anyone residing within the Empire with ears and half a brain cell knows who the Aegir family is.
Duke Aegir is the prime minister and he is not a good man. Linhardt has never met the man personally, but his father doesn't have much good to say about him. What had he called him? A weasel? Eh, it didn't matter. The Duke isn't his soulmate, clearly, it's his son. What Linhardt has heard about his son isn't much better, though he has to take it with a grain of salt when it comes from Caspar (who is better acquainted with the family because their territories are closer.)
Ferdinand sounds like a handful, and Linhardt is resigned to disliking the boy even before meeting him. Well, maybe not dislike per say, but he envisions a lot of him avoiding the most noble of nobles to come while they're at the academy. He doubles down on his preconception upon hearing said boy cheerfully introducing himself to the entire class (who does that??). He doesn't seem like a bad person, like the miserable grumblings of his father, and he's handsome at least. He's got a nice smile.
But he's definitely got an energy about him that Linhardt does not want to deal with at the moment.
He glances at the entry way to the Blank Eagles classroom. No, he'd never hear the end of it if he tried to bail on the first day. His glance falls on Caspar next. Why had he even left his side?]
Linhardt. Good bye. [And he attempts to make his escape.]
[ With the end of the school year fast approaching, Ferdinand has been exceptionally busy. Between studying for finals, student council duties, extra choir practice in preparation for the upcoming recital, and training for the national baseball tournament, he's hardly had time to breathe. But if nothing else, he's always striving to do his best - which is why when it comes time to ask someone to prom, he's got everything planned to perfection. All that's left is to execute said plan, and then he will have his date!
... Provided that Linhardt agrees to go with him, of course. Over their time together in school, he'd like to think they've become close. They're each other's go to partner for group projects, and enjoy each other's company (which, from someone like linhardt, means a lot). But Ferdinand has yet to (knowingly) clue Linhardt in on his feelings - that he's in love with him, and has been for months. It's been difficult to keep a lid on his emotions, to say the least. Much to his chagrin, he's nearly been distracted by his crush numerous times during class - while the teacher was talking, no less! How improper of him! But now, prom season, is the perfect time for him to be open and honest with Linhardt. After all, many couples form around this time!
There's a little extra pep in his step as he takes his seat next to Linhardt in the back of their English class. With his head down on his desk, Ferdinand's not sure if he's asleep, so he taps him on the shoulder to be sure. ] Good afternoon, Linhardt! May I ask you something? [ There's only a few minutes before class starts, but setting the stage for his (moderately) grand (because he respects that linhardt isn't the type for exuberance or ostentatious displays of anything) promposal will be quick and simple. ]
... Provided that Linhardt agrees to go with him, of course. Over their time together in school, he'd like to think they've become close. They're each other's go to partner for group projects, and enjoy each other's company (which, from someone like linhardt, means a lot). But Ferdinand has yet to (knowingly) clue Linhardt in on his feelings - that he's in love with him, and has been for months. It's been difficult to keep a lid on his emotions, to say the least. Much to his chagrin, he's nearly been distracted by his crush numerous times during class - while the teacher was talking, no less! How improper of him! But now, prom season, is the perfect time for him to be open and honest with Linhardt. After all, many couples form around this time!
There's a little extra pep in his step as he takes his seat next to Linhardt in the back of their English class. With his head down on his desk, Ferdinand's not sure if he's asleep, so he taps him on the shoulder to be sure. ] Good afternoon, Linhardt! May I ask you something? [ There's only a few minutes before class starts, but setting the stage for his (moderately) grand (because he respects that linhardt isn't the type for exuberance or ostentatious displays of anything) promposal will be quick and simple. ]
[Linhardt doesn't know how Ferdinand does it. He's tired enough just focusing on studying for finals and he is very openly showing it (not that he ever doesn't look tired but still). He knows Ferdinand has a lot on his plate and yet, here he is, all smiles all day. He wonders if it's exhausting being Ferdinand von Aegir.
He tilts his head from within his arms, only peeking up at Ferdinand. Class will start soon and he's going to stay comfortable while he can.] What are you going to do if I say 'no' one of these days? [He breathes deep, not at all upset.] What is it, Ferdinand?
He tilts his head from within his arms, only peeking up at Ferdinand. Class will start soon and he's going to stay comfortable while he can.] What are you going to do if I say 'no' one of these days? [He breathes deep, not at all upset.] What is it, Ferdinand?
[Dimitri has gone most his current life terrified of filling the gaps in his memory of his past life. He's actively avoided it as best he can - which mostly means avoiding any possible chance of running into his fellow classmates from the past. The fear, the panic, that had seized him upon reuniting with Dedue had been stifling. He'd thought he was dying. Thankfully... that happened without any incident, and he continued to meet with Dedue without issue.
And then Felix found him... Unease still lingers in his thoughts whenever he's around the Felix of this time, but he is also endlessly comforted by Felix's presence. Dimitri has never felt this way before. He doesn't even think his past self ever felt this way. Maybe it was because Dimitri's memories continued to be cloudy; especially the ones about Felix despite meeting again.
Which raises another point Dimitri never thought he would ever arrive at. He wants to know more about Felix and his own's past. He wants to fill that gap. Felix had mentioned that he "owed" him. Dimitri wants to know why; so he can assure Felix there is nothing to be owed. So he can know what he did wrong to have Felix leave his side.
They're currently in his apartment on a humid Saturday afternoon. Felix is reading, doing homework, and Dimitri has finally picked up crocheting like he said he would. His mind is all abuzz with these thoughts while he struggles to loop yarn around his needles and he finally bites his lip. He worries it between his teeth in frustration.]
Felix... pardon me for interrupting but, can you tell me something?
And then Felix found him... Unease still lingers in his thoughts whenever he's around the Felix of this time, but he is also endlessly comforted by Felix's presence. Dimitri has never felt this way before. He doesn't even think his past self ever felt this way. Maybe it was because Dimitri's memories continued to be cloudy; especially the ones about Felix despite meeting again.
Which raises another point Dimitri never thought he would ever arrive at. He wants to know more about Felix and his own's past. He wants to fill that gap. Felix had mentioned that he "owed" him. Dimitri wants to know why; so he can assure Felix there is nothing to be owed. So he can know what he did wrong to have Felix leave his side.
They're currently in his apartment on a humid Saturday afternoon. Felix is reading, doing homework, and Dimitri has finally picked up crocheting like he said he would. His mind is all abuzz with these thoughts while he struggles to loop yarn around his needles and he finally bites his lip. He worries it between his teeth in frustration.]
Felix... pardon me for interrupting but, can you tell me something?
[ Felix, too, is comforted by Dimitri's presence. Just being in the same room as him, doing their own separate things, is easy. And he wouldn't trade this, the peace they share, for anything in the world.
He's in the middle of solving a difficult problem when Dimitri's voice pulls him from his math-induced trance. Without lifting his eyes from his paper, he replies, voice easy. ] Tell you what?
He's in the middle of solving a difficult problem when Dimitri's voice pulls him from his math-induced trance. Without lifting his eyes from his paper, he replies, voice easy. ] Tell you what?
[ Ashe's feelings about his past life are complicated, to say the least. There's plenty to regret, sure - taking up a life of thievery, not recognizing the darkness that lurked in his adoptive father's heart until it was too late, betraying Faerghus in his name, leaving his brother and sister behind - but... none of it was in vain. Meeting the other Blue Lions, fighting and dying for a cause he believed in to ensure a (hopefully) peaceful future for his siblings... in any case, there's little he could do about it now. After all, that Ashe is dead, and he's now a literature major at a university he paid his way into almost entirely with scholarship money.
He never expected his past to catch up to him - but then Felix turned out to be his roommate, and Felix found Dimitri.
Ashe, like Felix, believed that Dimitri died in Fhirdiad. But before he could learn the truth, he perished in Ailell. (the truth, he learned recently from felix, would've been incredibly difficult to swallow. he might've not been able to. who knows now.)
He admired the prince whose heart shone with kindness, who carried the weight of the kingdom on his shoulders and didn't even break a sweat. But the boy who sits across from his is neither prince nor beast - he's Dimitri without the titles, the pressures, the darkness lurking in his heart that Ashe never saw. He knew what not to talk about (felix told him before they left for this meeting to not say anything about their previous life unless dimitri himself brings it up), but that's about it. He's - no, they're starting anew, and that's... a little scary.
It's just the two of them in a secluded corner of a cafe with their drinks and snacks (felix gave them space, not one for guiding conversations or conversations in general), and Ashe wrings his hands in his lap. Before the silence stretches into awkward territory, he breaks it. ] Um- have you been here before, Dimitri? Their pastries are quite good. [ nailed it ]
He never expected his past to catch up to him - but then Felix turned out to be his roommate, and Felix found Dimitri.
Ashe, like Felix, believed that Dimitri died in Fhirdiad. But before he could learn the truth, he perished in Ailell. (the truth, he learned recently from felix, would've been incredibly difficult to swallow. he might've not been able to. who knows now.)
He admired the prince whose heart shone with kindness, who carried the weight of the kingdom on his shoulders and didn't even break a sweat. But the boy who sits across from his is neither prince nor beast - he's Dimitri without the titles, the pressures, the darkness lurking in his heart that Ashe never saw. He knew what not to talk about (felix told him before they left for this meeting to not say anything about their previous life unless dimitri himself brings it up), but that's about it. He's - no, they're starting anew, and that's... a little scary.
It's just the two of them in a secluded corner of a cafe with their drinks and snacks (felix gave them space, not one for guiding conversations or conversations in general), and Ashe wrings his hands in his lap. Before the silence stretches into awkward territory, he breaks it. ] Um- have you been here before, Dimitri? Their pastries are quite good. [ nailed it ]
[Dimitri hadn't expected to see Ashe so soon after reuniting with Felix. But thankfully, even as his fear of seeing anyone in this life is slowly dispelling, Ashe is not very high on Dimitri's list of people he'd like to avoid. That doesn't stop him from being a little nervous.
And while they are starting new, a familiar feeling from his past life trickles in and Dimitri finds himself struck that Ashe has referred to him by name. Not that he has anything else to refer to him by now. He stares, blinks, and his mouth parts several times before he decides on something to say.] I haven't. I've been a bit of a recluse, I admit, so I haven't explored this area much. [He goes to classes, stays on campus, and then goes home and stays home.
He too wrings his hands in his lap, then lets him hold onto his warm drink like a lifeline.
He'd ordered peppermint tea for his nerves. But now he's considering a cheese danish, too.] Are you from around here?
And while they are starting new, a familiar feeling from his past life trickles in and Dimitri finds himself struck that Ashe has referred to him by name. Not that he has anything else to refer to him by now. He stares, blinks, and his mouth parts several times before he decides on something to say.] I haven't. I've been a bit of a recluse, I admit, so I haven't explored this area much. [He goes to classes, stays on campus, and then goes home and stays home.
He too wrings his hands in his lap, then lets him hold onto his warm drink like a lifeline.
He'd ordered peppermint tea for his nerves. But now he's considering a cheese danish, too.] Are you from around here?
Edited 2019-10-25 01:47 (UTC)
[ The Ethereal Moon is cold, no matter where in Fodlan or Almyra one lives. But the stretch of land formerly known as the Holy Kingdom of Faerghus is notorious for its frigid, snowy winters - particularly in the north, where its capital, Fhirdiad, resides.
Claude's not one for the chilly weather. Even with thick gloves, his fingers become stiff too easily, making normally thoughtless tasks like pulling a bowstring or gripping the reins of a horse difficult. Though winter does have its perks (the serenity of a silent, snow-covered landscape, the way people come together more eagerly for warm, comforting meals together, the warmth and crackle of roaring fireplaces), he'd honestly rather stay inside and wait for winter to melt into spring.
But Claude finds himself flying to Fhirdiad, bundled up in an impossible number of layers and still frozen to the bone, because of a scheme he hatched behind Dimitri's back. Or maybe "scheme" is too strong of a word - it's more like he asked Byleth when Dimitri's birthday was so he could surprise him with a visit. He knows their long-distance relationship is hard on Dimitri (claude would be lying to himself if he claimed it was easy for him), but there's only so much either of them can do with the way the world is. Until they achieve true peace and understanding between their nations, they still have work to do, separately.
(one of the gifts he has, hidden away in one of his pockets, will hopefully close the gap between them significantly.)
Claude's unexpected arrival comes as a shock to the castle's staff and guards, but he's a familiar enough face that he gets his wyvern settled in a warm stable easily enough. With a bit of light conversation - "Sorry to show up unannounced, but I'm not here on any official business. I'm just here to see King Dimitri." - he's allowed into the castle without any additional fuss, and makes his way down familiar halls to Dimitri's chambers.
(though he wanted to be the one to greet dimitri personally, a servant beats him to the punch. dimitri will hear a knock on the door, and then a sheepish voice call out to him "p-pardon the intrusion, your majesty! his majesty, king claude of almyra, has just arrived and is here to see you!") ]
Claude's not one for the chilly weather. Even with thick gloves, his fingers become stiff too easily, making normally thoughtless tasks like pulling a bowstring or gripping the reins of a horse difficult. Though winter does have its perks (the serenity of a silent, snow-covered landscape, the way people come together more eagerly for warm, comforting meals together, the warmth and crackle of roaring fireplaces), he'd honestly rather stay inside and wait for winter to melt into spring.
But Claude finds himself flying to Fhirdiad, bundled up in an impossible number of layers and still frozen to the bone, because of a scheme he hatched behind Dimitri's back. Or maybe "scheme" is too strong of a word - it's more like he asked Byleth when Dimitri's birthday was so he could surprise him with a visit. He knows their long-distance relationship is hard on Dimitri (claude would be lying to himself if he claimed it was easy for him), but there's only so much either of them can do with the way the world is. Until they achieve true peace and understanding between their nations, they still have work to do, separately.
(one of the gifts he has, hidden away in one of his pockets, will hopefully close the gap between them significantly.)
Claude's unexpected arrival comes as a shock to the castle's staff and guards, but he's a familiar enough face that he gets his wyvern settled in a warm stable easily enough. With a bit of light conversation - "Sorry to show up unannounced, but I'm not here on any official business. I'm just here to see King Dimitri." - he's allowed into the castle without any additional fuss, and makes his way down familiar halls to Dimitri's chambers.
(though he wanted to be the one to greet dimitri personally, a servant beats him to the punch. dimitri will hear a knock on the door, and then a sheepish voice call out to him "p-pardon the intrusion, your majesty! his majesty, king claude of almyra, has just arrived and is here to see you!") ]
Edited 2019-10-16 19:27 (UTC)
[Dimitri's long-distance relationship with Claude is definitely not the easiest on him.
He understands that they both have so much work to do before they can consistently be together, but that doesn't stop Dimitri from missing Claude endlessly when they're apart. He never doubts Claude's love - the other man has his schemes but he is always honest about his feelings - but he craves closeness. He wants the warmth of Claude in his arms, stubble tickling his cheeks. He wants the calm melody of Claude's voice to lull him into contentment or, on worse days, chase away the voices that still linger. He just - wants him. All the time. He's selfish.
The clamor about the castle pulls Dimitri from his thoughts. Someone has arrived unannounced whilst Dimitri is reading letters at his leisure: dressed down, inelegantly slouched at his desk, hair in disarray. He can only assume his unannounced guest is an over eager noble, having arrived far too early for a later meeting, so his servant - and Claude - catch him in the middle of pulling himself together so he can be presentable though still mildly irritated.
But, then it's Claude.
He rushes to the door, swinging it wide open.] Claude?
He understands that they both have so much work to do before they can consistently be together, but that doesn't stop Dimitri from missing Claude endlessly when they're apart. He never doubts Claude's love - the other man has his schemes but he is always honest about his feelings - but he craves closeness. He wants the warmth of Claude in his arms, stubble tickling his cheeks. He wants the calm melody of Claude's voice to lull him into contentment or, on worse days, chase away the voices that still linger. He just - wants him. All the time. He's selfish.
The clamor about the castle pulls Dimitri from his thoughts. Someone has arrived unannounced whilst Dimitri is reading letters at his leisure: dressed down, inelegantly slouched at his desk, hair in disarray. He can only assume his unannounced guest is an over eager noble, having arrived far too early for a later meeting, so his servant - and Claude - catch him in the middle of pulling himself together so he can be presentable though still mildly irritated.
But, then it's Claude.
He rushes to the door, swinging it wide open.] Claude?
[If someone had asked Linhardt how he felt about soulmates five years ago, he would have replied that it was a load of hogwash and he didn't like the idea of them. As it stands, if someone asked now, he would reply with the same opinion despite, currently, being stupidly in love with his soulmate.
He loves Ferdinand because he's Ferdinand. Not because he's his soulmate. And he fully intends to tell him that. Probably... Someday.
He wishes he had told him sooner. Since a lot has happened in five years. A whole wars worth, in fact.
Linhardt has been holed up in his territory for most of that time, desperate to focus on his research and ignore any news of bloodshed or conquest. However, as the Millennium Festival draws near, research is at the very farthest from Linhardt's mind. Instead, replaced by the promise the professor and his classmates had made. And Ferdinand. The mark of his soulmate is still on his chest, he checks it every day, so Ferdinand is still alive out there. But Linhardt worries. And he longs. He longs to see Ferdinand again.
Ferdinand would never break a promise.
So, Linhardt makes an excuse for himself: he's going to Bergliez territory to see Caspar. Don't expect him back any time soon. His father doesn't suspect a thing. For all intents and purposes, that's where Linhardt ends up anyway. It's along the way to his final destination: the remains of Garreg Mach.
The stars seem to align there in Bergliez territory. Linhardt is taking his time preparing for the long trek that is going to be traveling through Gondor Field when he spots an all too familiar mare just outside of the village he's currently in. She's just as beautiful as Linhardt remembers: tan coat shiny in the sun. Well kept white mane. Duchess Marigold von Aegir is as well loved as she's always been and she brings such relief to Linhardt's heart.
He approaches her with caution, aware of the orange sunspot just a few paces away from her underneath a tree. She must be guarding him.] Long time no see, Marigold. Are you being a good guard-horse? [She winnies and scuffs her hooves against the ground in response. Linhardt pats the sides of her muzzle and gives her a kiss.] I've missed you, too.
[His attention is then on the sunspot. Really, Linhardt can't help but smile, to fall asleep in a place like this.] And you... taking a page from my book are you? [He talks softly to himself - to his most beloved. Then yawns.] That's actually not such a terrible idea....
[Ferdinand wont mind if he joins him, surely. Linhardt settles next to him, letting his head fall on Ferdinand's shoulder...and sleep finds him with ease.]
He loves Ferdinand because he's Ferdinand. Not because he's his soulmate. And he fully intends to tell him that. Probably... Someday.
He wishes he had told him sooner. Since a lot has happened in five years. A whole wars worth, in fact.
Linhardt has been holed up in his territory for most of that time, desperate to focus on his research and ignore any news of bloodshed or conquest. However, as the Millennium Festival draws near, research is at the very farthest from Linhardt's mind. Instead, replaced by the promise the professor and his classmates had made. And Ferdinand. The mark of his soulmate is still on his chest, he checks it every day, so Ferdinand is still alive out there. But Linhardt worries. And he longs. He longs to see Ferdinand again.
Ferdinand would never break a promise.
So, Linhardt makes an excuse for himself: he's going to Bergliez territory to see Caspar. Don't expect him back any time soon. His father doesn't suspect a thing. For all intents and purposes, that's where Linhardt ends up anyway. It's along the way to his final destination: the remains of Garreg Mach.
The stars seem to align there in Bergliez territory. Linhardt is taking his time preparing for the long trek that is going to be traveling through Gondor Field when he spots an all too familiar mare just outside of the village he's currently in. She's just as beautiful as Linhardt remembers: tan coat shiny in the sun. Well kept white mane. Duchess Marigold von Aegir is as well loved as she's always been and she brings such relief to Linhardt's heart.
He approaches her with caution, aware of the orange sunspot just a few paces away from her underneath a tree. She must be guarding him.] Long time no see, Marigold. Are you being a good guard-horse? [She winnies and scuffs her hooves against the ground in response. Linhardt pats the sides of her muzzle and gives her a kiss.] I've missed you, too.
[His attention is then on the sunspot. Really, Linhardt can't help but smile, to fall asleep in a place like this.] And you... taking a page from my book are you? [He talks softly to himself - to his most beloved. Then yawns.] That's actually not such a terrible idea....
[Ferdinand wont mind if he joins him, surely. Linhardt settles next to him, letting his head fall on Ferdinand's shoulder...and sleep finds him with ease.]
[ Ferdinand is no longer a noble - hasn't been since Edelgard became Adrestia's newest emperor and deposed his father - but noble blood still runs in his veins. Even though he has no lands, no home to speak of anymore, he has a duty to protect his people from the negative impacts of this war.
(he doesn't understand why she's doing this. why hubert still follows her so loyally. should he have swallowed his pride and followed her? or did he do the right thing, severing the strings that have tied him to her for so long, and carving his own path forward?
he always wanted to be there to guide her, to advise her when she deviates from the path of justice - but she probably never saw him at all.)
For the past five years, he has devoted himself solely to the common-folk. He's been single-minded in this... to the point where he lost track of time, and almost forgot about the Millennium Festival. But Ferdinand von Aegir is not about to break his promise to his classmates and professor... or to his soulmate.
The Ferdinand Linhardt encounters curled up beneath a tree, lance loose in his grip, is a Ferdinand who had to ride quickly through former Aegir territory to ensure he'd make it to the monastery with time to spare. He truly didn't mean to fall asleep - he had merely wanted to give his beloved Duchess Marigold von Aegir a moment's rest, and to catch his breath before making the journey across Gronder Field. But he doesn't stir when Linhardt approaches, nor when he settles next to him and drifts off as well. Though in his dreams, he feels a sudden, familiar warmth bloom when he sets his head on his shoulder, washing over him in gentle waves.
Eventually, his eyes blink open slowly, and he jolts as he registers the weight against him. His hand twitches around the shaft of his lance, but before he acts, he takes in the form beside him. Dark, emerald green hair tucked behind his ears and cascading over his shoulders, with a bun held together by a delicate white ribbon in the back... gentle features, softened further by the peace of sleep... and a familiar scent of wood and paper hitting his nose.
His heart aches in his chest, and he swears he can feel his soulmate's words burn beneath his glove and gauntlet. He wants to contain his excitement and let Linhardt rest for longer (hevring territory is quite a ways away from bergliez - who knows how long he's been on the road) but he finds himself unable to hold back a moment longer.
Carefully, he tucks a few loose strands of hair behind his ear, then brushes his hand slowly over his cheek. ] It seems that even after all this time, you still cannot resist the allure of a good nap. [ His voice is warm and fond, and he smiles easier now than he has in years. ] But I am relieved you have not changed a bit, Linhardt.
(he doesn't understand why she's doing this. why hubert still follows her so loyally. should he have swallowed his pride and followed her? or did he do the right thing, severing the strings that have tied him to her for so long, and carving his own path forward?
he always wanted to be there to guide her, to advise her when she deviates from the path of justice - but she probably never saw him at all.)
For the past five years, he has devoted himself solely to the common-folk. He's been single-minded in this... to the point where he lost track of time, and almost forgot about the Millennium Festival. But Ferdinand von Aegir is not about to break his promise to his classmates and professor... or to his soulmate.
The Ferdinand Linhardt encounters curled up beneath a tree, lance loose in his grip, is a Ferdinand who had to ride quickly through former Aegir territory to ensure he'd make it to the monastery with time to spare. He truly didn't mean to fall asleep - he had merely wanted to give his beloved Duchess Marigold von Aegir a moment's rest, and to catch his breath before making the journey across Gronder Field. But he doesn't stir when Linhardt approaches, nor when he settles next to him and drifts off as well. Though in his dreams, he feels a sudden, familiar warmth bloom when he sets his head on his shoulder, washing over him in gentle waves.
Eventually, his eyes blink open slowly, and he jolts as he registers the weight against him. His hand twitches around the shaft of his lance, but before he acts, he takes in the form beside him. Dark, emerald green hair tucked behind his ears and cascading over his shoulders, with a bun held together by a delicate white ribbon in the back... gentle features, softened further by the peace of sleep... and a familiar scent of wood and paper hitting his nose.
His heart aches in his chest, and he swears he can feel his soulmate's words burn beneath his glove and gauntlet. He wants to contain his excitement and let Linhardt rest for longer (hevring territory is quite a ways away from bergliez - who knows how long he's been on the road) but he finds himself unable to hold back a moment longer.
Carefully, he tucks a few loose strands of hair behind his ear, then brushes his hand slowly over his cheek. ] It seems that even after all this time, you still cannot resist the allure of a good nap. [ His voice is warm and fond, and he smiles easier now than he has in years. ] But I am relieved you have not changed a bit, Linhardt.
[ During their days at Garreg Mach Monastery, Ashe often had his nose buried deep in a book. Over and over again, he read tales of Loog and Kyphon, and other knights from Faerghus's past. He wanted to be just like them - wanted the strength to protect, to bring justice to a world filled with strife and conflict. And, with Caspar by his side, he's able to do just that.
After the war's end, he and Caspar packed their bags and set off into the world. With no definite goal in mind beyond "punish those who preyed upon the helpless" (shared by both of them) and "stay out of trouble as much as possible" (seemingly only upheld by ashe), they spend most of their days wandering with only the company of each other.
Ashe has read many books with this premise - an unlikely duo joins forces to save the world, and end up falling in love and spending the rest of their lives together. It's practically the story of his life now, except for one tiny, tiny detail.
Ashe is in love with Caspar - but, as far as he knows, Caspar doesn't feel the same.
Not that he's ever tried to clue him in on his feelings (he's been harboring this crush for a while now), but, well... unlike him, Caspar is bold and brave. He's never hesitated to speak his mind before, so if he had feelings for him, surely he would've loudly proclaimed them by now. But things haven't changed a bit for them, even after leaving the monastery - they still sleep side-by-side, like they did during marches, and overfeed any stray cats they pass by in towns. Their relationship is comfortable as is, and Ashe doesn't want to ruin it.
But at the same time, keeping his feelings to himself feels... dishonest. He doesn't know what the future will bring, but if he's learned anything during his 22 years of life, it's that he can't afford to hesitate to tell those he loves that he loves them. Even if Caspar never looks at him the same again, he'd regret not saying anything so much more.
It's taken him a few days to work himself up to the task, but he feels as ready as he'll ever be. Tonight - this ordinary night, where they've decided to set up camp near the edge of a forest, with the stars clear above them - is the night he's going to tell Caspar he loves him.
Though his heart's pounding a mile a minute in his chest, he still manages to smile easily at Caspar as he returns from a trip into the woods to gather firewood for the evening (and to give himself a last-minute pep talk). ] Thanks for setting up the tent, Caspar - once we get the fire started, I can make us some dinner. [ He sets the wood down, then begins fishing through his bag for some flint. ] Do you know if we still have some of that meat we got from the butcher? I could probably make a stew with that, with some of the vegetables that lady gave us.
After the war's end, he and Caspar packed their bags and set off into the world. With no definite goal in mind beyond "punish those who preyed upon the helpless" (shared by both of them) and "stay out of trouble as much as possible" (seemingly only upheld by ashe), they spend most of their days wandering with only the company of each other.
Ashe has read many books with this premise - an unlikely duo joins forces to save the world, and end up falling in love and spending the rest of their lives together. It's practically the story of his life now, except for one tiny, tiny detail.
Ashe is in love with Caspar - but, as far as he knows, Caspar doesn't feel the same.
Not that he's ever tried to clue him in on his feelings (he's been harboring this crush for a while now), but, well... unlike him, Caspar is bold and brave. He's never hesitated to speak his mind before, so if he had feelings for him, surely he would've loudly proclaimed them by now. But things haven't changed a bit for them, even after leaving the monastery - they still sleep side-by-side, like they did during marches, and overfeed any stray cats they pass by in towns. Their relationship is comfortable as is, and Ashe doesn't want to ruin it.
But at the same time, keeping his feelings to himself feels... dishonest. He doesn't know what the future will bring, but if he's learned anything during his 22 years of life, it's that he can't afford to hesitate to tell those he loves that he loves them. Even if Caspar never looks at him the same again, he'd regret not saying anything so much more.
It's taken him a few days to work himself up to the task, but he feels as ready as he'll ever be. Tonight - this ordinary night, where they've decided to set up camp near the edge of a forest, with the stars clear above them - is the night he's going to tell Caspar he loves him.
Though his heart's pounding a mile a minute in his chest, he still manages to smile easily at Caspar as he returns from a trip into the woods to gather firewood for the evening (and to give himself a last-minute pep talk). ] Thanks for setting up the tent, Caspar - once we get the fire started, I can make us some dinner. [ He sets the wood down, then begins fishing through his bag for some flint. ] Do you know if we still have some of that meat we got from the butcher? I could probably make a stew with that, with some of the vegetables that lady gave us.
Edited 2019-10-21 20:44 (UTC)
[Here's the thing: Caspar knows Ashe is in love him him, and he loves him in return. He loves his boyfriend that he is currently definitely dating!
Sure they've never really out and said it, but he figured that was unnecessary. Ashe knows him better than anyone. And even Caspar can read some of the meaningful looks passed between them. They sleep side by side! They overfeed and adopt the stray cats they come across like they're their children. They're totally a couple.]
Oh, man, I think we do. I sure hope we do. I'm starvin'! [He starts rifling through their reserve bags.] I'll cut it up if you do veggies. [It wont be pretty cuts but it'll be cut and that's what matters.]
Sure they've never really out and said it, but he figured that was unnecessary. Ashe knows him better than anyone. And even Caspar can read some of the meaningful looks passed between them. They sleep side by side! They overfeed and adopt the stray cats they come across like they're their children. They're totally a couple.]
Oh, man, I think we do. I sure hope we do. I'm starvin'! [He starts rifling through their reserve bags.] I'll cut it up if you do veggies. [It wont be pretty cuts but it'll be cut and that's what matters.]
[ Marianne is convinced she will never meet her soulmate. It's probably for the best, she thinks. After all, who would want to be with someone like her? There's nothing good about her... not a single thing. Her gloomy disposition would only bring her soulmate down, and bring them unhappiness and misfortune.
So she's resigned herself to this life, of only seeing shades of grey instead of the vibrant colors Hilda's fruitlessly tried to describe to her before. And each day she goes through the motions of living: waking up, sitting through her university classes, and returning to her single dorm room, only to repeat the process the next day. She finds brief moments of joy while working with animals, or when the few friends she has to her name manage to crack through all the layers of depression that shroud her heart and mind, but they're just that. Brief. Flickering moments of warmth in an otherwise murky grey life.
She never expected to meet her soulmate. But as she's sitting by herself, curled up to take up as little space as possible with a lavender latte warming her hands, a bird flies by, causing her to lift her head to follow its path. The bird passes over the head of a boy, causing their eyes to meet and then, like magic, the world explodes with color. The trees, the buildings, the sky above her, everything - it nearly blinds her with its vibrancy.
As her eyes fall back to the boy before her, no doubt as startled as she is, her heart begins thundering in her chest. Though she has no real frame of reference - Hilda could show her necklace after necklace, calling one turquoise and another magenta, but it all looked the same to her - she's struck with the thought that oh, his eyes must be what blue looks like.
She breathes in deep, unsure whether to straighten her back or curl further into herself. ] O-oh...
So she's resigned herself to this life, of only seeing shades of grey instead of the vibrant colors Hilda's fruitlessly tried to describe to her before. And each day she goes through the motions of living: waking up, sitting through her university classes, and returning to her single dorm room, only to repeat the process the next day. She finds brief moments of joy while working with animals, or when the few friends she has to her name manage to crack through all the layers of depression that shroud her heart and mind, but they're just that. Brief. Flickering moments of warmth in an otherwise murky grey life.
She never expected to meet her soulmate. But as she's sitting by herself, curled up to take up as little space as possible with a lavender latte warming her hands, a bird flies by, causing her to lift her head to follow its path. The bird passes over the head of a boy, causing their eyes to meet and then, like magic, the world explodes with color. The trees, the buildings, the sky above her, everything - it nearly blinds her with its vibrancy.
As her eyes fall back to the boy before her, no doubt as startled as she is, her heart begins thundering in her chest. Though she has no real frame of reference - Hilda could show her necklace after necklace, calling one turquoise and another magenta, but it all looked the same to her - she's struck with the thought that oh, his eyes must be what blue looks like.
She breathes in deep, unsure whether to straighten her back or curl further into herself. ] O-oh...
[ Dimitri has gotten on Felix's nerves before. Trying to wear that perfect princely mask of his like everything was fine, like the ruthless slaughter he witnessed with his own eyes now seven years ago was nothing more than a figment of his imagination. It hadn't been a nightmare - a part of him wanted it to be, but no matter how hard he pinched his cheeks, how wide he opened his eyes, Dimitri still stood before him, gore coating his body and a truly evil expression on his face.
Felix almost missed that mask. His charisma, his smile, drew others in and lulled them into a false sense of security. (it even worked on him once, which he hated himself for later.) But it meant people were around him, people who cared - people who could make sure he'd take care of himself so Felix could step away when the sight of him was too much.
But the past is the past. Dimitri's mask shattered alongside the Flame Emperor's, and now they're at war. And while, years later, Dimitri's finally seeming to return to his senses (at the price of more fraldarius blood spilled in his name, felix thinks bitterly), he's still keeping his distance at times. Something's still off. In the sense that he's moving about like he's about to collapse and also generally, something doesn't seem right.
Felix catches Dimitri alone in the knight's hall, back toward the entrance. He's not sure where the rest of their comrades are - eating, getting the medical attention they need, or sleeping after their skirmish with bandits, if he'd have to guess - but it seems the responsibility of knocking sense into their still fragile king is in his hands.
How annoying. His lack of regard for himself and his own well-being is just as aggravating as it's always been. ] You. If you're hurt, go and get yourself taken care of. Your form's been off all day. [ He doesn't think an injury's the issue - he didn't notice Dimitri take any hard hits, and Dedue certainly wouldn't have left his side to get his own wounds tended to if there was even a scratch on Dimitri. But he genuinely doesn't know what's amiss here. ]
Felix almost missed that mask. His charisma, his smile, drew others in and lulled them into a false sense of security. (it even worked on him once, which he hated himself for later.) But it meant people were around him, people who cared - people who could make sure he'd take care of himself so Felix could step away when the sight of him was too much.
But the past is the past. Dimitri's mask shattered alongside the Flame Emperor's, and now they're at war. And while, years later, Dimitri's finally seeming to return to his senses (at the price of more fraldarius blood spilled in his name, felix thinks bitterly), he's still keeping his distance at times. Something's still off. In the sense that he's moving about like he's about to collapse and also generally, something doesn't seem right.
Felix catches Dimitri alone in the knight's hall, back toward the entrance. He's not sure where the rest of their comrades are - eating, getting the medical attention they need, or sleeping after their skirmish with bandits, if he'd have to guess - but it seems the responsibility of knocking sense into their still fragile king is in his hands.
How annoying. His lack of regard for himself and his own well-being is just as aggravating as it's always been. ] You. If you're hurt, go and get yourself taken care of. Your form's been off all day. [ He doesn't think an injury's the issue - he didn't notice Dimitri take any hard hits, and Dedue certainly wouldn't have left his side to get his own wounds tended to if there was even a scratch on Dimitri. But he genuinely doesn't know what's amiss here. ]
[Dimitri is a monster and it has nothing to do with the trance he's been in for the past nine years.
Something happened during his five years of solitude. He can't remember the exact details beyond that he was attacked, blindsided, and when he woke from the assault he suddenly craved blood. He craved blood in a completely different way than the ghosts wanted him to. He hungered for it. Wild game and weeds didn't fill him any longer.
He'd ignored it for so long - until finally it drove him wild and he indulged in the blood of an Imperial soldier.
It'd tasted foul. Bitter. But it warmed him. It cleared the hungry fog from his brain and so he drank, again, and again. Killing Imperial soldiers and drinking their blood? It was two birds with one stone. Now, with clarity, Dimitri is shocked the professor and the other's never caught on. He would steal away, barely conceal himself to rip into the neck of more soldiers and bandits in the middle of fierce battles. He would flee the cathedral and attack whatever human he came across first. But he supposed everything was so chaotic no once could spare the time to notice, and if he came out of a fight with blood dripping down his face - well. It was to be expected.
However, since Dimitri has regained agency over himself and his mind - since Rodrigue's and the professor's words had warded the ghosts off - he has hasn't drunken any blood. He refuses to do it again. He will be a monster forever more but he can, at least, refrain from indulging his most animalistic desires. Even if he is starving.
He can pretend. And he can stuff his face with the foods he used to eat, even if it makes him sick, and it will fill him however temporarily. Rinse and repeat. He doesn't intend to let anyone in on this secret of his - and Dimitri thinks he's doing an okay job of hiding it. So he's a bit shocked when Felix approaches him.
Dimitri tilts his head, curious, in response to Felix, but even that minute motion sets his body into a sway.] I'm not hurt. Thank you for your concern, Felix, but I'm fine. Do I truly seem off?
Something happened during his five years of solitude. He can't remember the exact details beyond that he was attacked, blindsided, and when he woke from the assault he suddenly craved blood. He craved blood in a completely different way than the ghosts wanted him to. He hungered for it. Wild game and weeds didn't fill him any longer.
He'd ignored it for so long - until finally it drove him wild and he indulged in the blood of an Imperial soldier.
It'd tasted foul. Bitter. But it warmed him. It cleared the hungry fog from his brain and so he drank, again, and again. Killing Imperial soldiers and drinking their blood? It was two birds with one stone. Now, with clarity, Dimitri is shocked the professor and the other's never caught on. He would steal away, barely conceal himself to rip into the neck of more soldiers and bandits in the middle of fierce battles. He would flee the cathedral and attack whatever human he came across first. But he supposed everything was so chaotic no once could spare the time to notice, and if he came out of a fight with blood dripping down his face - well. It was to be expected.
However, since Dimitri has regained agency over himself and his mind - since Rodrigue's and the professor's words had warded the ghosts off - he has hasn't drunken any blood. He refuses to do it again. He will be a monster forever more but he can, at least, refrain from indulging his most animalistic desires. Even if he is starving.
He can pretend. And he can stuff his face with the foods he used to eat, even if it makes him sick, and it will fill him however temporarily. Rinse and repeat. He doesn't intend to let anyone in on this secret of his - and Dimitri thinks he's doing an okay job of hiding it. So he's a bit shocked when Felix approaches him.
Dimitri tilts his head, curious, in response to Felix, but even that minute motion sets his body into a sway.] I'm not hurt. Thank you for your concern, Felix, but I'm fine. Do I truly seem off?
[ When it comes to relationships, Felix is not clingy. As a (self-proclaimed, at the very least) loner, he understands the need for personal space. Hell, most of the time he's the one asking for it.
But Dimitri's been gone for almost a week on "official business" (which is, for the record, a load of bullshit - he's his right-hand man, he knows dimitri's to-do list backwards and forwards, there's nothing on said list that requires a trip), leaving him to his own devices.
They've been apart before - though less frequent nowadays, Felix occasionally makes trips back to Fraldarius territory to settle matters that require the voice of Duke Fraldarius - but this time feels... different, for some reason. At first, he's able to go through his day without a fuss, taking meals as usual and curling up in Dimitri's empty bed once he can no longer keep his eyes opens. But the vacant space next to him grows more noticeable with every passing hour and he eventually finds himself restlessly drifting from bedroom to training hall, as he did at his lowest points during the war.
He's not needy. He's not. He's not. But fuck, does he miss Dimitri.
As he is apt to do, Felix tries to work through his longing through swinging a sword until his mind and body are too exhausted to feel anymore. Having no one to properly spar with (he's already challenged and managed to scare off their most seasoned knights through his ferocity), his eyes are set on the dummy before him. And what a poor dummy it is - though he's yet to break a blade, the dummy itself has seen better days.
Felix pauses for a moment, wiping sweat from his face with the bottom of his sleeveless turtleneck. He takes a breath, noting the ache in his limbs from repetitive movement, but hearing those pesky thoughts of how he wishes Dimitri were here to spar with him, or to push back the hair from his eyes, or something, and he swings at the dummy again with a battle cry tearing from his lips. ]
But Dimitri's been gone for almost a week on "official business" (which is, for the record, a load of bullshit - he's his right-hand man, he knows dimitri's to-do list backwards and forwards, there's nothing on said list that requires a trip), leaving him to his own devices.
They've been apart before - though less frequent nowadays, Felix occasionally makes trips back to Fraldarius territory to settle matters that require the voice of Duke Fraldarius - but this time feels... different, for some reason. At first, he's able to go through his day without a fuss, taking meals as usual and curling up in Dimitri's empty bed once he can no longer keep his eyes opens. But the vacant space next to him grows more noticeable with every passing hour and he eventually finds himself restlessly drifting from bedroom to training hall, as he did at his lowest points during the war.
He's not needy. He's not. He's not. But fuck, does he miss Dimitri.
As he is apt to do, Felix tries to work through his longing through swinging a sword until his mind and body are too exhausted to feel anymore. Having no one to properly spar with (he's already challenged and managed to scare off their most seasoned knights through his ferocity), his eyes are set on the dummy before him. And what a poor dummy it is - though he's yet to break a blade, the dummy itself has seen better days.
Felix pauses for a moment, wiping sweat from his face with the bottom of his sleeveless turtleneck. He takes a breath, noting the ache in his limbs from repetitive movement, but hearing those pesky thoughts of how he wishes Dimitri were here to spar with him, or to push back the hair from his eyes, or something, and he swings at the dummy again with a battle cry tearing from his lips. ]
[And here Dimitri thought that he could throw Felix off his scent by bringing Dedue along on his trip. Not that Felix really has any clue what he was doing on said trip, official or not. For the record though, it was a very personal trip set into motion months ago when he'd first written the letter to a renowned blacksmith to commission them.
His commission was almost complete and the point of the trip was to oversee final details and finally take it home. It really is a beautiful sword with it's thin silver blade that near shines white. Gold accents dance along where the blade meets the hilt and up and around the grip. Finally, the pommel and rain grip are decorated with a single apatite and amber gemstone. Its decorated but still tasteful, he thinks. And not like the usual swords he or Felix would use but that's not its purpose. Dimitri hopes Felix will love it.
Dimitri folds the blade in silk and takes it to his and Felix's shared room where it shall wait until the right moment. His arrival at Fhirdiad castle had been quiet and Felix had no been there to greet him. Nor had Dimitri passed his beloved on the way to their room - which meant that Felix could only be one other place.
Felix is going ham on a poor dummy at the training grounds, of course. Dimitri is not at all surprised, but there is something in how Felix moves that catches his eye. Felix always trains intensely - he always gives it his all - but this is something different. There is emotion in his swings and battle cries.
Dimitri leans against a pillar, arms crossed over his chest, and simply observes for a moment before announcing himself.]
My, Felix, what on earth could that dummy have done to offend you so terribly? [He chuckles.]
His commission was almost complete and the point of the trip was to oversee final details and finally take it home. It really is a beautiful sword with it's thin silver blade that near shines white. Gold accents dance along where the blade meets the hilt and up and around the grip. Finally, the pommel and rain grip are decorated with a single apatite and amber gemstone. Its decorated but still tasteful, he thinks. And not like the usual swords he or Felix would use but that's not its purpose. Dimitri hopes Felix will love it.
Dimitri folds the blade in silk and takes it to his and Felix's shared room where it shall wait until the right moment. His arrival at Fhirdiad castle had been quiet and Felix had no been there to greet him. Nor had Dimitri passed his beloved on the way to their room - which meant that Felix could only be one other place.
Felix is going ham on a poor dummy at the training grounds, of course. Dimitri is not at all surprised, but there is something in how Felix moves that catches his eye. Felix always trains intensely - he always gives it his all - but this is something different. There is emotion in his swings and battle cries.
Dimitri leans against a pillar, arms crossed over his chest, and simply observes for a moment before announcing himself.]
My, Felix, what on earth could that dummy have done to offend you so terribly? [He chuckles.]
[ Felix has never thought he made a good prince. Sure, he knows his heart can be in the right place at times - he was, after all, raised with all the noble ideals that Faerghus shoved down his throat from the moment he drew his first breath - but his father was a better king than he'd ever be. And his brother, cynical as he was, was a much better heir.
But it's Felix who still draws breath, who has to wait for the day he's old enough to claim his birthright from his uncle and sit upon the throne. Despite everything he feels about that fact, he can't - he has no choice but to move forward.
Until that day comes, he attends the Officers Academy as the head of the Blue Lion house. (yet another responsibility he didn't ask for, but can't shrug off - even though literally any of his childhood friends would be a better choice based on charisma alone, the rank of crown prince apparently can't be ignored, even when they're all supposed to be equals as students.) Despite all that he can complain about not being able to avoid his old friends easily (though he is slowly getting back on okay terms with dimitri), or being expected to be a friendly leader when he's neither of those things, he doesn't completely hate being here. There are many students to spar with, and professors he can actually learn a thing or two from.
That being said, there is one thing that Felix cannot see a positive in: the annual ball. As house leader and future king of Faerghus, he knows he's expected to dance the night away with a pleasant smile on his face - but Felix Hugo Fraldarius wants nothing to do with that nonsense.
Because the training hall is much too predictable of a hiding place, he's taken up secluding himself near the stables. (the fact that a large group of cats frequently gather there is a coincidence.) Tucked away out of sight with a cat by his side, he looks up to the cold, wintery sky above him quietly.
Though his hand doesn't still in its petting of the cat, his eyebrows furrow when he hears footsteps approach. ] ... What do you want?
But it's Felix who still draws breath, who has to wait for the day he's old enough to claim his birthright from his uncle and sit upon the throne. Despite everything he feels about that fact, he can't - he has no choice but to move forward.
Until that day comes, he attends the Officers Academy as the head of the Blue Lion house. (yet another responsibility he didn't ask for, but can't shrug off - even though literally any of his childhood friends would be a better choice based on charisma alone, the rank of crown prince apparently can't be ignored, even when they're all supposed to be equals as students.) Despite all that he can complain about not being able to avoid his old friends easily (though he is slowly getting back on okay terms with dimitri), or being expected to be a friendly leader when he's neither of those things, he doesn't completely hate being here. There are many students to spar with, and professors he can actually learn a thing or two from.
That being said, there is one thing that Felix cannot see a positive in: the annual ball. As house leader and future king of Faerghus, he knows he's expected to dance the night away with a pleasant smile on his face - but Felix Hugo Fraldarius wants nothing to do with that nonsense.
Because the training hall is much too predictable of a hiding place, he's taken up secluding himself near the stables. (the fact that a large group of cats frequently gather there is a coincidence.) Tucked away out of sight with a cat by his side, he looks up to the cold, wintery sky above him quietly.
Though his hand doesn't still in its petting of the cat, his eyebrows furrow when he hears footsteps approach. ] ... What do you want?
[Felix is dreading the ball and Dimitri is ... kind of looking forward to it, actually. He knows it's going to be overwhelming - he's never been one for crowds. Bright lights, loud music and drowning noise. He knows he wont be able to eat a bite that evening, either. Despite all that, Dimitri thinks the ball will be wonderful. It's good to take moments like these - especially after everything that's happened around Garreg Mach recently - to relax and just be students. This will probably be their greatest chance for the students to act like the teenagers they actually are and not students being trained to fight battles they never asked for.
Dimitri hopes, bleakly, that Felix will let himself enjoy the event at least a little. He especially deserves a moment - a distraction. Not that he'd ever admit it.
Speaking of Felix. Dimitri is not expecting to happen upon him in the stables. He wasn't actively looking for his prince - honest. He was only there to dote on the horses a bit, and he says as much when Felix greets him so coldly.]
I am simply here to see to the horses. [Dimitri hesitates for a moment, debating if he should go to Felix's side. He decides against it and instead goes to the gate of one of the horses. (this is the one that ferdinand boy favors. she's quite a beauty).] You're never at the stables.
Dimitri hopes, bleakly, that Felix will let himself enjoy the event at least a little. He especially deserves a moment - a distraction. Not that he'd ever admit it.
Speaking of Felix. Dimitri is not expecting to happen upon him in the stables. He wasn't actively looking for his prince - honest. He was only there to dote on the horses a bit, and he says as much when Felix greets him so coldly.]
I am simply here to see to the horses. [Dimitri hesitates for a moment, debating if he should go to Felix's side. He decides against it and instead goes to the gate of one of the horses. (this is the one that ferdinand boy favors. she's quite a beauty).] You're never at the stables.
[ Ferdinand isn't particularly superstitious. His belief lies in himself and his sense of personal duty, and when he prays, it's out of obligation to the more religious members of his family. But as he stands at the gates of a large, dark manor in the middle of nowhere, rain soaking him to the bone and thunder rumbling in the distance, he wonders if there's some divine goddess watching over him.
Under most circumstances, knocking on the door of a stranger's house and asking to stay the night wouldn't cross his mind. He's friendly, yes, but even he has his limits. However, he doesn't have much of a choice. The dead phone, currently clutched in his hand, necessitates such an intrusion. He's not familiar with this area in the slightest, and with the weather, continuing to drive would be dangerous.
So he brushes some of his wet hair out of his face, puts on a smile, and makes his way across the yard to the front door.
Bing-bong bing-bong. ] Pardon me! Is anyone home at the moment?
Under most circumstances, knocking on the door of a stranger's house and asking to stay the night wouldn't cross his mind. He's friendly, yes, but even he has his limits. However, he doesn't have much of a choice. The dead phone, currently clutched in his hand, necessitates such an intrusion. He's not familiar with this area in the slightest, and with the weather, continuing to drive would be dangerous.
So he brushes some of his wet hair out of his face, puts on a smile, and makes his way across the yard to the front door.
Bing-bong bing-bong. ] Pardon me! Is anyone home at the moment?
[ Ferdinand never thought he would get used to Fhirdiad, let alone Faerghus's colder, harsher environment. Spending his springs and summers in Fodlan's capital made him appreciate the lands he grew up in much more - the endless expanse of wheat that was Gronder Field, the eastern seas right at his fingertips... but he's found a home here in Fhirdiad, carved into stone, right by King Dimitri's side.
Try as he might to break the habit, he still compares him to the long deceased Edelgard. Dimitri is the very picture of Faerghus's values: strong, chivalrous, bound by a duty to protect those who cannot protect themselves. But he is soft and sensitive in ways that Ferdinand never expected, driven by his heart rather than logic, or a sense of what has to be done. During the war, he had his doubts about Dimitri as a ruler (despite the war, despite everything she did to fodlan, to dimitri, to himself, he still believed edelgard to be better in that regard), but he's pleased to admit now that he judged him too quickly. With guidance from himself, Felix, and countless others, Dimitri has risen to the occasion and helped lead Fodlan to its current era of peace and prosperity.
He once told Byleth that no matter what happened to the name Ferdinand von Aegir, he would continue carving a path forward and doing what must be done. While his thoughts on the matter haven't changed much - more than being remembered in the annals of history, he wants to do good by the people living now - he has to admit, he would like at least one thing, if nothing else, preserved: that he, Ferdinand von Aegir, and Dimitri Alexandre Blaiddyd were madly in love.
Dimitri's request to court him all those years ago had caught Ferdinand completely off-guard. Ferdinand remembers being blinded by his smile, swept straight off his feet by his charm, his compassion, his everything really, and nearly bursting into tears of joy when he took his hand and professed his love to him. (dimitri might have a different recollection of the events, but ferdinand swears by his version that paints dimitri like the dashingly handsome king/knight that he is.) They couldn't hide their relationship, even if they tried - Dimitri is the sun, moon, and every star that graced the night sky, brightening Ferdinand's life. He is a treasure, a gift, and he cannot even fathom a future where he's not by his side.
So Ferdinand decides that he must propose. (or, perhaps more accurately, the thought strikes him over dinner one day, as he was midst of losing himself in the lovely blue of his eye, and he nearly choked on his food as a result. it was, perhaps, not one of his finest moments.) And what better way to do so than by incorporating their mutual love of horses? Sure, his idea may be a bit silly, but he thinks Dimitri would appreciate it all the same. Dimitri is the king of all of Fodlan, who will one day be remembered as the Savior King, but he wants this to be for Dimitri, who broke countless sewing needles just to cross-stitch him a tiny horse.
With all the necessary preparations complete, Ferdinand makes his way to Dimitri's room. He knocks in a pattern he will recognize, announces his entry with a simple "Excuse me." and crosses over to where he sits at his desk.
He wraps his arms loosely around his shoulders, so he can continue to move his hands freely, and presses a feather-light kiss to his hair. ] Is there anything I can assist you with, my love? [ Paperwork that can be passed off? A knot he can work out of his shoulder? More kisses he can give? ]
Try as he might to break the habit, he still compares him to the long deceased Edelgard. Dimitri is the very picture of Faerghus's values: strong, chivalrous, bound by a duty to protect those who cannot protect themselves. But he is soft and sensitive in ways that Ferdinand never expected, driven by his heart rather than logic, or a sense of what has to be done. During the war, he had his doubts about Dimitri as a ruler (despite the war, despite everything she did to fodlan, to dimitri, to himself, he still believed edelgard to be better in that regard), but he's pleased to admit now that he judged him too quickly. With guidance from himself, Felix, and countless others, Dimitri has risen to the occasion and helped lead Fodlan to its current era of peace and prosperity.
He once told Byleth that no matter what happened to the name Ferdinand von Aegir, he would continue carving a path forward and doing what must be done. While his thoughts on the matter haven't changed much - more than being remembered in the annals of history, he wants to do good by the people living now - he has to admit, he would like at least one thing, if nothing else, preserved: that he, Ferdinand von Aegir, and Dimitri Alexandre Blaiddyd were madly in love.
Dimitri's request to court him all those years ago had caught Ferdinand completely off-guard. Ferdinand remembers being blinded by his smile, swept straight off his feet by his charm, his compassion, his everything really, and nearly bursting into tears of joy when he took his hand and professed his love to him. (dimitri might have a different recollection of the events, but ferdinand swears by his version that paints dimitri like the dashingly handsome king/knight that he is.) They couldn't hide their relationship, even if they tried - Dimitri is the sun, moon, and every star that graced the night sky, brightening Ferdinand's life. He is a treasure, a gift, and he cannot even fathom a future where he's not by his side.
So Ferdinand decides that he must propose. (or, perhaps more accurately, the thought strikes him over dinner one day, as he was midst of losing himself in the lovely blue of his eye, and he nearly choked on his food as a result. it was, perhaps, not one of his finest moments.) And what better way to do so than by incorporating their mutual love of horses? Sure, his idea may be a bit silly, but he thinks Dimitri would appreciate it all the same. Dimitri is the king of all of Fodlan, who will one day be remembered as the Savior King, but he wants this to be for Dimitri, who broke countless sewing needles just to cross-stitch him a tiny horse.
With all the necessary preparations complete, Ferdinand makes his way to Dimitri's room. He knocks in a pattern he will recognize, announces his entry with a simple "Excuse me." and crosses over to where he sits at his desk.
He wraps his arms loosely around his shoulders, so he can continue to move his hands freely, and presses a feather-light kiss to his hair. ] Is there anything I can assist you with, my love? [ Paperwork that can be passed off? A knot he can work out of his shoulder? More kisses he can give? ]
[ For years and years, the Von Aegir Family Farm never ventured far from Enbarr. As far as the previous heads of the farm were concerned, there was no reason to sell their prized fruits and vegetables outside of Adrestia County. Those in the Faerghus and Leicester county's didn't deserve their goods. But with Ferdinand at the metaphorical reins (his father, bless his heart, really doesn't have the best interests in mind. or any remotely good interests at all.), their business has expanded. Every week, without fail, from late spring to mid autumn, Ferdinand makes the two hour drive into the city to set up shop in Fhirdiad's farmers market.
If he's being honest, he's not sure he could ever manage living in the city. It's loud and noisy, with far too much smoke in the air from cars and pedestrians alike. But the energy is infectious. There's a liveliness here, chatting with the market-goers about their days and his produce, that he doesn't see elsewhere. Every person he talks to fills him with warmth - he only hopes he does the same in return.
There's one person in particular, though, that is extra special to Ferdinand. He doesn't know too much about Dimitri - only that he works somewhere near the market, and has a fondness for peaches and honey - but every time he sees him, his heart threatens to burst straight out of his chest from sheer happiness. Perhaps it's a bit silly to have a crush on someone you only see for a couple months out of the year, but, well - sometimes love is like that. ]
Oh, Dimitri! Hello there! [ He beckons him into his stall with a wave of his hand and a fond smile. ] I must say, I was hoping to see you today - we had an exceptional harvest of peaches this week, and I could not help but think of you! [ He holds out a plate of bite-sized peach pieces out to him. ] Would you like to partake in a sample?
If he's being honest, he's not sure he could ever manage living in the city. It's loud and noisy, with far too much smoke in the air from cars and pedestrians alike. But the energy is infectious. There's a liveliness here, chatting with the market-goers about their days and his produce, that he doesn't see elsewhere. Every person he talks to fills him with warmth - he only hopes he does the same in return.
There's one person in particular, though, that is extra special to Ferdinand. He doesn't know too much about Dimitri - only that he works somewhere near the market, and has a fondness for peaches and honey - but every time he sees him, his heart threatens to burst straight out of his chest from sheer happiness. Perhaps it's a bit silly to have a crush on someone you only see for a couple months out of the year, but, well - sometimes love is like that. ]
Oh, Dimitri! Hello there! [ He beckons him into his stall with a wave of his hand and a fond smile. ] I must say, I was hoping to see you today - we had an exceptional harvest of peaches this week, and I could not help but think of you! [ He holds out a plate of bite-sized peach pieces out to him. ] Would you like to partake in a sample?
Edited 2019-11-08 21:27 (UTC)
[Dimitri loves visiting the farmer's market. He's been attending for as long as he's worked at his father's office near religiously. He loves seeing all the stalls and the smell of fresh flowers and produce and goods wafting through park they're set up in. He loves talking to all the people; both his fellow attendees and the vendors. But also, he envies the lives some of these vendors live. He envies that they are able to only be a temporary presence in this city.
Fhirdiad is his home but it hasn't felt it for a long while. Not since his father passed. Maybe even before then.
The farmer's market gives him a brief reprieve from that feeling. Especially now that he has developed a bit of an, ahem,.. crush... on one of the vendors.
Dimitri had been shocked, honestly, the first time he'd seen Ferdinand amongst the other vendors. They didn't get too many folks from Adrestia County - and especially Enbarr. It was a bit of a trek to get between the two, and there has always been tension between the two Counties (with his father's company partly to blame, unfortunately). But Ferdinand had been wonderfully pleasant and his peaches to die for. The same was to be said the next time Dimitri saw Ferdinand at the market, and the next, and the next...
Until the point of Dimitri finding himself, embarrassingly, daydreaming about running his fingers through Ferdinand's long hair, pulling it loose from its braid. He can imagine eating peaches from Ferdinand's own hands and feeding him in return. What would it be like to kiss each of those sun-kissed freckles? Heaven, he's sure.
Dimitri's brain stalls around "I could not help but think of you" for a moment. He was thinking of him... of him? Ferdinand? Of Dimitri? Oh, goodness. He almost can't bring himself to recover from that thought process - but he manages, somehow.]
Yes, please. Though you must know I'd be purchasing some regardless. [Dimitri takes a piece and pops it into his mouth. Just as he suspected, it's a treat. While he may not be able to actually taste the fruit, the juices still fill his mouth and feel cool on his tongue. There's a bit of a tingling sensation that Dimitri knows means its sweet.] Ah, how do you manage to get them so juicy? Delicious, Ferdinand.
Fhirdiad is his home but it hasn't felt it for a long while. Not since his father passed. Maybe even before then.
The farmer's market gives him a brief reprieve from that feeling. Especially now that he has developed a bit of an, ahem,.. crush... on one of the vendors.
Dimitri had been shocked, honestly, the first time he'd seen Ferdinand amongst the other vendors. They didn't get too many folks from Adrestia County - and especially Enbarr. It was a bit of a trek to get between the two, and there has always been tension between the two Counties (with his father's company partly to blame, unfortunately). But Ferdinand had been wonderfully pleasant and his peaches to die for. The same was to be said the next time Dimitri saw Ferdinand at the market, and the next, and the next...
Until the point of Dimitri finding himself, embarrassingly, daydreaming about running his fingers through Ferdinand's long hair, pulling it loose from its braid. He can imagine eating peaches from Ferdinand's own hands and feeding him in return. What would it be like to kiss each of those sun-kissed freckles? Heaven, he's sure.
Dimitri's brain stalls around "I could not help but think of you" for a moment. He was thinking of him... of him? Ferdinand? Of Dimitri? Oh, goodness. He almost can't bring himself to recover from that thought process - but he manages, somehow.]
Yes, please. Though you must know I'd be purchasing some regardless. [Dimitri takes a piece and pops it into his mouth. Just as he suspected, it's a treat. While he may not be able to actually taste the fruit, the juices still fill his mouth and feel cool on his tongue. There's a bit of a tingling sensation that Dimitri knows means its sweet.] Ah, how do you manage to get them so juicy? Delicious, Ferdinand.
[ Since the day Ashe entered the Officers Academy, he's admired Ingrid. Her strength, her wit, her work ethic, the way she carries herself... in his eyes, she's the very picture of the kind of knight he aspires to be. But the more time he spent by her side - the more he learned about Ingrid Brandl Galatea, whose eyes shine brighter than the stars at the sight of a full plate of food, who shares his passions and dreams but nearly threw them away for the sake of her family's future - the deeper his feelings grew.
"Admiration" is too weak of a word now. Even "love" doesn't feel right. He just... feels so much. He wants to stand by her side both on and off the battlefield, give her reasons to smile for the rest of her days, and support her however he can in reaching her goals. He wants to hold her close when the toll of war weighs too heavily on their hearts and have her sleep by his side, if that would help her get some rest. (he'd like to kiss her, too, but that's lower on his list of desires - and only if she wanted that of him.) Most of all, he wants to make sure she knows just how special she is. Not because of her Crest, Hero's Relic, or family name, but because she's Ingrid.
(deep down, he knows he doesn't have the right be her partner. he's heard enough about her father and the multitude of marriage proposals sent her way to know that he, a crestless commoner set to inherit a small title simply by chance, would never be accepted by her family. but perhaps he can remain with her as a friend - that would be enough for him, he thinks.)
Long after the dining hall's usual hours, Ashe lingers in the kitchen, a book meant for Ingrid set a safe distance away from the Daphnel Stew bubbling away on the stove. If he's timed this out right (and he hopes he has - if she's late, something may have happened to her) Ingrid will be finishing her patrols for the evening and heading in his direction to procure some dinner.
With the war there's little he can do for her. He can't make her as happy as he wants to when there's still so much suffering outside the monastery walls. But hopefully, even the smallest of gestures - a warm, freshly made dinner after a long day - amount to something. ]
"Admiration" is too weak of a word now. Even "love" doesn't feel right. He just... feels so much. He wants to stand by her side both on and off the battlefield, give her reasons to smile for the rest of her days, and support her however he can in reaching her goals. He wants to hold her close when the toll of war weighs too heavily on their hearts and have her sleep by his side, if that would help her get some rest. (he'd like to kiss her, too, but that's lower on his list of desires - and only if she wanted that of him.) Most of all, he wants to make sure she knows just how special she is. Not because of her Crest, Hero's Relic, or family name, but because she's Ingrid.
(deep down, he knows he doesn't have the right be her partner. he's heard enough about her father and the multitude of marriage proposals sent her way to know that he, a crestless commoner set to inherit a small title simply by chance, would never be accepted by her family. but perhaps he can remain with her as a friend - that would be enough for him, he thinks.)
Long after the dining hall's usual hours, Ashe lingers in the kitchen, a book meant for Ingrid set a safe distance away from the Daphnel Stew bubbling away on the stove. If he's timed this out right (and he hopes he has - if she's late, something may have happened to her) Ingrid will be finishing her patrols for the evening and heading in his direction to procure some dinner.
With the war there's little he can do for her. He can't make her as happy as he wants to when there's still so much suffering outside the monastery walls. But hopefully, even the smallest of gestures - a warm, freshly made dinner after a long day - amount to something. ]
[Ingrid has been raised to be a bride. As much as she wishes she were alive for her own sake – her own desires, even if those desires mean still living for someone else, his highness – she knows she’s only alive for the sake of her family. She’s alive to be a bride for them so that someday, their territory may be prosperous and then her parents can live easy. Once this war is over, if she even survives the war, she will be stripped of the knighthood she never truly had in the first place and return to Galatea where she will be shown off like a prize to more suitors than she can stomach. She can only delude herself and pretend to be one of the boys for so long.
(she’d talked big that one afternoon with ashe. that she wasn’t one to give up so easily and would pursue her dream but…)
There is a guilt that eats away at her whenever she gets upset over this fact. She should be happy to be doing this for her family. Her parents have provided her everything; she loves them most in the world and owes them her entire life. Of course she wants them to be able to live peaceful lives in a flourishing territory. Marrying a noble for them would be an honor.
She doesn’t want to marry a noble. She’s not even sure she wanted to marry Glenn, truly.
Ingrid doesn’t think she wants to marry at all. But if she were to she’d want to marry –
Ashe.
Ashe’s who’s grown into such a wonderful young man. He’s far from the small but eager boy he used to be, but he’s managed to keep his kindness and optimism all the same. Ingrid is not so ignorant to think that he’s not immune to grief and despair, either. She’d seen it five years ago when they’d dealt with Lonato and she’ll see flashes of it now, especially with the state His Highness is in. With Dedue gone… and yet he remains a sunspot. It’s something that Ingrid admires greatly.
He talks about her being a true knight when, in reality, Ingrid sees it the other way around.
Ingrid slaps her cheeks, both waking herself up from her patrol and setting her thoughts straight, before she enters the dining hall. But it seems the goddess has other plans for her as the man she’d been mulling over is present – the only one present – in the dining hall right before her.]
Oh, Ashe! I didn’t think anyone would be here – what are you doing here so late?
[Cooking? The aroma coming from the kitchen smells fresh and oh so delicious. But, why?]
(she’d talked big that one afternoon with ashe. that she wasn’t one to give up so easily and would pursue her dream but…)
There is a guilt that eats away at her whenever she gets upset over this fact. She should be happy to be doing this for her family. Her parents have provided her everything; she loves them most in the world and owes them her entire life. Of course she wants them to be able to live peaceful lives in a flourishing territory. Marrying a noble for them would be an honor.
She doesn’t want to marry a noble. She’s not even sure she wanted to marry Glenn, truly.
Ingrid doesn’t think she wants to marry at all. But if she were to she’d want to marry –
Ashe.
Ashe’s who’s grown into such a wonderful young man. He’s far from the small but eager boy he used to be, but he’s managed to keep his kindness and optimism all the same. Ingrid is not so ignorant to think that he’s not immune to grief and despair, either. She’d seen it five years ago when they’d dealt with Lonato and she’ll see flashes of it now, especially with the state His Highness is in. With Dedue gone… and yet he remains a sunspot. It’s something that Ingrid admires greatly.
He talks about her being a true knight when, in reality, Ingrid sees it the other way around.
Ingrid slaps her cheeks, both waking herself up from her patrol and setting her thoughts straight, before she enters the dining hall. But it seems the goddess has other plans for her as the man she’d been mulling over is present – the only one present – in the dining hall right before her.]
Oh, Ashe! I didn’t think anyone would be here – what are you doing here so late?
[Cooking? The aroma coming from the kitchen smells fresh and oh so delicious. But, why?]
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