aspiring-lady-of-blades

[aspiring-lady-of-blades]

Mia couldn’t help but laugh, a tad sheepishly, as she rubbed the back of her head; there was no need to confirm Soren’s words when she was certain he already knew the answer. 

He was right, as always-- and he looked about as happy as he always did to be right. It honestly amazed Mia that one person could be so determinedly grumpy, but it wasn’t her place to judge; she’d never seen someone grumpy who didn’t have a reason for being so, and given Soren’s perpetual moodiness... Well, Mia figured if the mage didn’t plan to bring up specifics about it, then neither would she.

“At least I’m getting a lot out of training, right?” She said instead, plopping down at the nearest spot she could safely sit at to stave off the lightheadedness. “Besides Soren, if I get better at swordplay, then you can spend more time lost in your books, because I’ll always have your back-- it’s a win-win if you ask me!”

aftermath

@aspiring-lady-of-blades

“What, is Rhys out of staves?”

It was the only logical conclusion that Soren could come to at the moment, glancing over Mia’s figure with a raised eyebrow. Her tendency to fight anyone in sight was legendary at this point, even for someone like him who didn’t exactly socialize enough to see the sparring himself. Therefore the real question wasn’t why she was sporting a number of minor injuries, but rather, why she was doing so while standing here.

“…That is it, isn’t it?” He resisted the urge to comment on how wasteful that was – staves cost money, you know – and simply sighed. At least he had one on hand too, now that he’d been training as an archsage. That would be enough to patch Mia up.

[aspiring-lady-of-blades]

“A castle, huh?” Mia looked up at the looming building the other pointed to. There was no mistaking it.

“I dunno-- it looks like someone fancy and important lives there-” She said, gesturing to herself, “-I might not be the fancy type, but I don’t think a noble would like me barging in demanding food, y’know?”

“You can get them in Castle Pherae My lady. Please follow me, it’s not far away.” With his finger the young redhaired pointing at the direction of the castle. They weren’t allot of people traveling to Elibe in thous days, 

[aspiring-lady-of-blades]

The moment she’d felt the resistance of Ike’s parry, Mia had leaped back, assuming a counter to be headed her way. Even with her fast footwork however, she barely dodged the kick; he commander had gotten faster-- and while that meant he was getting something out of their matches, it gave Mia a new obstacle. Speed had always been her advantage over Ike and his strength-- if he was closing that gap, then she’d have to start thinking differently.

“Seems like you’ve picked up on some stuff too!” Her tone was friendly despite her determined demeanor.

She took another step back and stuck up a defensive pose. Ike was looking for an opening now that he’d pushed her back-- she had to make sure she didn’t give him one.

Though their expressions looked less friendly and more fierce, this was nothing out of the ordinary. Just because it was a friendly spar didn’t mean they weren’t going to take it seriously. Ike went all out – barring any intent to cause Mia damage, of course – and he expected the same in return. 

Their blades clashing, Ike nearly missed what Mia was about to do next – bringing up his wrist guard to act as a quick block for her sheath. 

“Picked up on that already, did you?” he grunted, thinking of his next move. If she was going to engage his upper body, than he would aim low. A sweep of his leg at her feet, either to trip her or to get her to fall back and give him room to make his own advance.

[aspiring-lady-of-blades]

Mia struck up her usual battle pose, her bright smile fading into a more determined one as she surveyed-- prepared for a good mode of attack. Then all at once she lunged forward, drawing her blade at blinding speed and letting steel clash against steel. Then she spun, and went to strike Ike with the sheathe while his blade was distracted.

“I learned that one watching you boss!”

“Have I ever backed out of one of our duels before?” Ike chuckled, impressed – as always – by Mia’s sheer force of energy. 

“If you’re ready…,” he murmured, falling into a familiar battle stance.

[aspiring-lady-of-blades]

Right. Well. Neither Pherae or Lycia rang any bells. That wasn’t good, but Mia supposed this is what she got for her aversion to maps.

“Uhh... Okay where cana girl get a bite to eat and some supplies around here?” That was more important anyways.

“You’re in Lycia my lady, not far from castle Pherae.” The young Lord turned his head with a soft smile on his face. if she is lost the redhaired will be more then willing to assist her.

[aspiring-lady-of-blades]

She was lost, and she knew it. With how much she traveled, it probably would’ve been wise to bother with maps more often... Oh well.

“Excuse me Mister--” Mia waved down the first person she saw, “--Where are we?”

[aspiring-lady-of-blades]

“Heya boss!” Mia bounded up to him, sword already in hand, “There’s only one thing I come to you for at this time of day-- are you up for it?”

[aspiring-lady-of-blades]

Like for a starter?

{I’m feeling a happy-go-lucky character vibe, so I’d be willing to do something shorter on here, if anyone would like!

My external harddrive crashed tho, so I’ve got no icons though, weeps. I’m gonna try and make them as I go. I never had many in the first place.

'Nuff said!}

[aspiring-lady-of-blades]

Mia uwu/ ! She is such a cutie ~

[aspiring-lady-of-blades]

“So... What are you saying exactly?” She asked, raising a brow and crossing her arms coolly. “Because it sure sounds an awful lot like the ‘women shouldn’t fight’ spheel, and I’ll have you know mister I can take care of myself! Just ‘cause I’m a lady doesn’t mean I need a man to babysit me-- wartime or not!”

She turned on her heel to march away in a huff, calling back to him only to add, “Why don’t you go to the tavern yourself, if it’s so dangerous to go alone? Humph!” She had half a mind to demand a sparring match-- to show him just how good she was-- but it wouldn’t be good to do that in a city. Besides, she had supplies to get, and she’d get them all on her own.

At least, she sure hoped so-- why was that place so confusing?

Somehow managing to keep a straight face, upon seeing the young lady smudge ink on her forehead, the assassin finally released her from his hold now that her legs had steadied.

He was relieved to hear that she was alright, upon releasing her, and was even more relieved to hear that she wasn’t used to these lands. For that meant that there was no way she could be his target. And, as such, he could feel more at ease around her.

“You have been traveling alone, in these lands? Tis a dangerous thing to do in war times, mi’lady.” He explained, shifting his garb back into position. “Perhaps you should visit the tavern, and seek a traveling companion, first and foremost? There are many travelers whom would be a great boon to one who is new to these lands, with their vast knowledge.”

[aspiring-lady-of-blades]

Quickly steadying herself on her feet once more, Mia rubbed the back of her head and laughed sheepishly.

“I’m all right--” She said, her usual smile swiftly returning,“--just not used to this place, that’s all!” The fact that most people she’d asked for directions thus far had been busy certainly didn’t help things.... but at least this guy seemed friendly enough! Mia wondered if he was an outsider as well-- she’d never seen golden eyes like his before....

But that was neither here nor there, she had other stuff to think about! Like that list she’d written on her hand, for example.

...Except that it was all smudged.

"Augh no!” had it happened when she rubbed the back of her head? “Now how am I supposed to remember everything? Uh... uh...” A hand flew to her forehead, smudging ink there as well. “There was dried fruit... some sewing supplies... um...”

...Nope. she definitely couldn’t remember.

“Well... at least I can’t get in trouble if I’m traveling alone...” She forced her smile back, looking at the stranger once more. “Hey, what sort of supplies are good for journeying around here, do you know?”

The day had been a fairly average day for the young assassin. The air was crisp, and the breeze had the distinct scent of wheat and honey to it. Something came from all the bakeries in this part of the Plains. This very scent had been so tempting, that even the chocolaty-colored haired man couldn’t resist taking a break from his mission, to wander towards the source of the delicious scent.

However, he wouldn’t find himself at the destination, as the felt the young lass bump into him.

Quickly reacting, the young man reached over, catching the blue-haired lady in his left arm as he attempted to help her with her balance.

“It is fine. Of more importance: Are you alright?”

[aspiring-lady-of-blades]

theblueheroreturns:

“Hmph, excuses? This is beneath you, Mia.” 

He was clear that she had a great passion to learn every time she fought, which was not a bad thing–but it was only the circumstances surrounding it that was. That would be his only reason for hindering that passion. 

“This is an order, Mia. Relax your body. You’re no good to me if you push yourself too hard.” 

He strictly responded, hoping she would get the message. Even if she disliked doing nothing, resting her wound was a bigger priority. 

“Maybe Oscar is fixing dinner?”

First the wounded dog comment, but now accusing her of making excuses? Gosh, Ike sure seemed grumpy today-- Mia wasn’t sure she’d ever heard him speak so harshly about their daily sparring matches... Hmm, maybe food would do them both some good-- food always seemed to cheer the commander up.

“I think he put aside something for us--” Mia pointed out, “--Everyone’s already eating. They started not long after we started sparring. That’s why we had so much room to fight!” She laughed, leading the way to the mess hall. Warm light was pouring out from inside, and the hum of voices made it seem like there was still a good number of people there. That meant the food would still be warm... hopefully.

“Don’t worry boss, I told Oscar to make lots of extra meat for ya-- that way the laguz wouldn’t eat it all!”

[aspiring-lady-of-blades]

Mia looked at the dress and shrugged. “Ah yeah, I guess it is kinda tricky, huh?” She supposed she hadn’t really thought about it, but she certainly wasn’t shy about getting changed anyways. Sure, Elincia was the queen, but they were both girls, and they’d gotten used to that sort of thing in the army anyways.

She probably shouldn’t have tossed her clothes about willy nilly though. Ah well. Sooner they got that dress on, the sooner she could clean it up.

“Right... So I guess you just gotta tie me into the thing somehow, right?” She looked at Elincia, then at the dress she’d rather clumsily gotten halfway on. “My mother always used to do that sorta thing for me, and I hated it. Do we gotta do my hair all nice too?”

Ew, she hoped not. They’d be there for days!

The Queen giggled at Mia’s remarks, nodding again. “Trust me, if I had my way, I’d attend these as often as you do. So I guess at least we’ll be suffering together?”

She laughed at Mia’s pose, looking over the dress quickly. “I don’t imagine they would, no. I’m not even sure I will, apart from the fact that I’ll be nearby when you change. Or… actually… I might need to help you with that, these things are a bit tricky on one’s own.”

[aspiring-lady-of-blades]

Your blogs always have lovely layouts. And music. Can I ask about the songs on here?

{You caught me right as I was about to go to bed, but gosh golly I’m super flattered! (*/ω＼*) So I guess I’ll answer this first!

I put a whole lot of effort into my blog layouts and the atmosphere they create-- both in the general design and look-- but also in the music. I try to create an aesthetic of the character I guess? Sp I’m really touched and excited that you noticed.

As for asking about the music on Mia... Um? Do you mean the artist(s)?

Usually I go with a variety of artists, but on Mia, all of the songs (life, experience, and fly) are by coincidentally by Ludovico Einaudi. He’s a lovely composer, so if you like the music on my blogs (most of them have at least one song by him) you should definitely check him out! Some other good ones along the same lines are Axl Rosenberg, and Adrian Von Ziegler-- just to name a few-- but I’m getting on a tangent.

As I mentioned before, I usually put songs on my blogs that I feel represent the character. Mia was difficult for me because she’s an upbeat character, but I didn’t want the music to be overwhelming-- especially since it’s autoplay-- and upbeat songs can be startling when they abruptly start without warning.

But Mia is a complicated character. We don’t learn much of her backstory in-game, but we see that she’s strong willed, and very far away from the norm that girls normally are. (in Japanese she even speaks in a masculine manner, for example.) I don’t think that’s something that just... happened. There were experiences in her life that led her to be that way-- maybe good, maybe bad-- but there’s more to her than just happy go lucky, even if we don’t exactly know what it is. (I do have a backstory on my headcanons page, but it’s hard to make something solid based on what we know of her.)

I actually remodeled the blog design/music awhile back to fit that notion, and I think portraying a less seen side of Mia was a good aesethic choice.

Hope that answers all your questions. You’re a lovely individual for noticing!

I meanwhile, am off to bed!

‘Nuff said!}

[aspiring-lady-of-blades]

“I’m not fighting to win this time around.” Mia insisted, “I just wanna study your technique more, y’know? I almost had you last time, so I gotta remember how I did it!” She rubbed the back of her head and laughed sheepishly. “I guess... I should probably take it easy though, if you say so.”

Maybe instead of sparring she could help with other stuff around camp-- like carrying heavy stuff or running to town to get supplies! But... that might’ve been over-exerting herself still... Man, taking it easy was hard.

“I guess we haven’t eaten dinner yet?” Eating was relaxing, right?

“For the love of–Mia! Does your persistence know any boundaries?” 

Though he enjoyed a good sparring match with the other woman every time…he was beginning to worry. They’d gone once, with a result of injuring her fairly badly. Nothing too concerning–but nevertheless. Her persistence caused him to worry more than once. 

“You’re like a wounded dog, ignoring its wounds. I’m only going to hurt you worse, if you continue. And what’s more, it wouldn’t even be a fair fight. Your injury would only hinder you.” 

[aspiring-lady-of-blades]

Mia sighed dramatically and drooped. She’d been afraid of that. Fancy party meant fancy clothing-- which probably meant she’d have to put aside her sword too-- and even act all lady-like and proper. Ew.

“I haven’t been to a formal party in years.” She mumbled, pouting, but just the same she approached the trunk Elincia gestured to. “I guess I can make an exception for the Crimean Queen though. It’s only for one night, and it’s not like everyone in the country is coming, right?” She laughed, then grabbed a dress at random and spun around with it, striking a silly pose.

“Whad’ya think? No one would recognize me dressed up nice anyways!”

Elincia smiled gently, shaking her head. “I’m afraid you’ll have to wear something at least nicer than your everyday attire… after all, this event is celebrating your company’s heroism, and with Sir Ike… absent, you will all most likely be getting equal attention.”

She gestured at a trunk that had been brought out for the occasion. “Fortunately, one of my ladies-in-waiting is about your size, and was happy to lend some outfits to a heroine of Crimea. I do warn you, though… you’ll need to wear a dress. Even I can’t get away with my riding outfit at an event this large.”

[aspiring-lady-of-blades]

princeoftheswords liked your post “Like for a short starter?”

“Oh hey there uh.... Sune, right?” Mia remembered sparring with him once, awhile back-- if memory served, he was Akane’s kid... unfortunately memory rarely served when it came to names, so she hoped she wasn’t mixing things up.

Ah well, at least she recognized his face-- that was good for something, right?

“Your sword arm looks stronger since the last time I saw ya!” Mia beamed, “Whatcha up to right now?”