hresvelged

[hresvelged]

In the eyes of a girl now lost, she could never bring herself to view the monastery as a home. Still, when she heard others speaking of it that way, the words stuck. Her legs shuffled to plant her feet on the ground. The professor knew what to say without Edelgard even needing to ask. She couldn't hide the upturned lips sitting upon her face. "You would..? I'm happy you offered. I'd like the company. I could even show you the palace's gardens while we're there."

For such a simple question to follow, she almost wasn't sure how to answer. A finger gravitated towards her hair to lightly pull at its ends, breaking eye contact. "Hm. I would consider myself more of an early riser. Though.. Speaking of, there is something I should tell you. Given the circumstances, I'd prefer so now rather than surprising you."

She could not remember the last time she uttered it— The thought was both alleviating and vulnerable all the same. Even amidst all their training and trials together, what stood strong was their comradery. Could she dare to come to open herself, even a little?

"I often tell others it's ill-advised to stay up so late, and yet.. I become restless myself. I speak this because you must assume this is what happened if you find me out of the room when I should be sleeping. That's all." Her hands fall back to her sides, bringing the gaze back strong. "Will you trust me on that?"

Slumming it with Royalty

[hresvelged]

Dreams were frustrating. They served as a reminder of the long lost as much they did of the future's uncertainties. It irritated her so— Bolted her awake and left her feeling ill at ease. A sting ached the princess's lips that held a bitter after-taste only she understood.

Unlike her periodic nightmares of the past, the ones plaguing her lately felt present. An indistinguishable voice flickered into the mind's abyss as it sought her aid. She would wander out into the nothingness and wait for something to appear. Nothing did. The unknown beckoned her to approach the bluffs—No matter where she went, she could never quite grasp it.

Her sealed mouth and tightly wound circle kept knowledge close. Careful planning and sheer distrust remained ever prevalent. Yet, the gardens were one of the few places she could simply think. The scent of flora warmed her soul as the sunlight beamed down.

Edelgard was bent forward touching her finger atop a rose's petals as she swiveled upon the greeting. Surprise was evident with widened eyes and a quick dismissal. "No, it's quite alright," she replied. "I was doing much the same. Many of the flowers here would have never reached my own line of sight had the monastery not opened its doors. Each time I visit, there always does seem to be something new to discover."

She stood up straight while pushing her crimson cape behind: "Is there any flora in particular that resonates with you? I'd be curious to hear."

Dream Distress

A Call For Help @hresvelged

[hresvelged]

Where trouble led in Adrestia, Edelgard was quick to follow. The horse she must utilize was one deigned appropriate for the journey as representative and heir to the empire. It was evident her companionship with it differed than those who had the same steed for years, but she took it of no concern. For her, the problem hoisted in what waited ahead.

As they ventured into Varley territory, she was quick to make her judgments. Sylvain broke the silence first, noting his readiness on the subject. She didn't doubt the likely scenario that he would act as a fountain of knowledge about horses. There was no reason to feed into otherwise. She could not claim to know much of anything about Gautier's paladins, but from personal decisions alone, she deemed it apt.

A quick swivel upright. "Your observations would be true. I rarely go riding," she said. Her hand ran over the steed, fingers skimming its brown sides. "I only do so occasionally. Even then, it's much more limited. I can understand why it's the favorite for many. Yourself included, it seems. I've neither had the time nor space to go much further beyond what is expected of me." She tucked her thoughts into translucent pockets and stowed it away for the gaze of none.

While the quiet skies grew cloudy and the wind shifted slight, she halted her horse in place and turned to face him. "Seeing as you've just told me your familiarity, explain this— What do you think we should be looking for? Or, better said.. What might have caused it in the first place. If this has made itself a notable problem in Varley territory, then.. I wonder what else that might mean."

destrier

closed starter for @hresvelged | riding+1

[hresvelged]

It was the sound of a hairpin falling to the floor that drew her attention, eyebrow quirked against fallen crimson in sheer curiosity with a hand falling onto her hips— There the woman stood as she spoke alongside Ingrid about her dilemma. Edelgard could not bring herself to back away; instead, she listened from afar.

She had seen plenty of dark magic in her days, both past and present. Even so, she did not wield it herself. For as jarring as the situation called itself out to be, she took the woman's words seriously. To rule out anything was a disservice to the fear in her voice and disheveled silhouette. Utilize it she might not, yet the mind holds knowledge of its own.

Upon the call of her name, Edelgard approached closer with poignancy to her step. "Hello, Ingrid. To you, as well," she greeted the pair. "It was not my intention to pry, but I happened to catch glimpse of your situation. A soul finding itself trapped, was it.." Her words drifted, albeit slight. A glance to the fallen accessory as she bent forward to pick it up. The princess gripped it between delicate digits and placed it where it belonged; wordless.

"I can see the sorrow through your eyes alone. We will need to study this painting for ourselves in order to help you. Is that acceptable?" There lay no refusal, only adamancy to save her wife sooner rather than later.

"Please!" She called again. "Please, I will even take you there."

She turned her attention back to Ingrid and took a silent breath: "I apologize. She had approached you, after all. And yet, here I am.." A petite pause. "I appreciate you calling me over. How much do you know about dark magic? It is no easy feat to master."

Some things are more precious because they don’t last long

Reason +1

[hresvelged]

HC + Faith :)

Edelgard has no faith in the goddess. The only kind of faith she has is that in her allies. She did believe in the goddess at one point in her life, though. Adrestia as a whole does not have strong ties with the church as other regions might. Therefore, the church's power is not as significant. Instead they have other problems lol. Even so, this is still Fódlan. The goddess held some value in her life as a young girl for a bit there, likely also because she possesses the Crest of Seiros and Seiros herself has ties to the founding emperor many years ago.

Up until she was imprisoned, which is where she lost it all. She'd beg for the goddess to save her and the others that were captured- Plead for mercy. Woke up and added tallies to the wall every day she was stuck. To her, the goddess ignored it all. In the end, she never helped her. This alone shattered everything. She came to believe that no amount of begging would help her from this misery.

Even if one clings to their faith, the goddess will never answer them. Countless souls will be lost that way. Living without purpose. And I can be counted among those who have died that way as well.

She "died" because she lost everything, both in the physical and metaphorical senses. Edelgard is a strong believer in humanity doing things with their own hands- That they need to do away with perpetuating crests and let people rise and fall by their own merits. She wants people to act for themselves and to end the perpetuation of lies from the church. Definitely important to note that she has strong issues with the church itself and not the faith. While she has trouble understanding the faith, she explicitly declares a war on the church. I think her support sequence with Manuela shows this struggle best- She isn't against it but she just has trouble grappling it.

I thought that being a devout believer implied a certain weakness of spirit. An inability to survive on your own. But you've proven me wrong, Professor Manuela.

Plus, even before you might learn about Edelgard's past, she makes a lot of implications about her dislike towards the goddess during story beats in 3H itself. She'll say stuff like thinking people were "forsaken by the goddess" and even just outright ask if you think the world would be free if you "dispense with the goddess and the Crests." Her foreshadowing and outright saying game is strong sometimes.

Overall though, her lack of faith is intertwined in both her actions and the way she even views herself. She'll refer to herself as an "untouchable emperor" and believes she is destined to walk a path alone. A number of close people in her life were either body snatched or are gone. She couldn't find faith even if she wanted to when she struggles to accept even herself.

[hresvelged]

hc + hair

Edelgard takes excellent care of her hair, especially because it is frailer than it used to be. She takes her time combing it daily and washes it properly and precisely. You wouldn't be able to tell of its frailness just by looking at her because she always seems so put together (which is the way she wants it). I think she also always has a fresh floral scent to her.

As for the hair color itself, she certainly hates it. She cannot bring back her brunette hair or the times associated with it. All she has left is this white color- Loss and betrayal. Loneliness and fear. She's the only survivor from those times. As she runs a finger through her hair each day, she's starkly reminded of this. Much like her nightmares, it serves as a visual illustration of what she's been through.

[The nightmares] are a reminder...to never forget. To never allow such terrible things to happen again.

Seeing as her hair color is white due to the experimentations, she essentially acts as a walking symbol of all that happened. When she was a successful 'subject', TWSITD were pleased. The loss of pigmentation is one of many effects by giving her two crests. She does not particularly like talking about it and doesn't trust most people with this knowledge. It doesn't bother her if everyone around her goes on thinking she has naturally white hair. What reason would they have to question the Imperial Princess except to try and get into her personal life? She's hesitant to open that bubble. Most people who knew her with brown hair either aren't around anymore, know what happened (either the truth or lies of a plague, depending on the person), or perhaps even memories simply got lost with the passage of time.

It is due to this hair color- to these experiments and the enforcement of a second crest- that drive her to seek change and get it now. Edelgard refers to it as a curse, thereby extending to its physical attributes. She wishes for this to end once and for all.

After all, what are we fighting for but a world in which people are no longer left with scars like yours and mine.

[hresvelged]

hc + hairstyle

Edelgard is a detail oriented person and her designs show this, including her hairstyles! They're reflective of who she is as a person within different periods of her life. It's only befitting an emperor with heart motifs matches everything.

As a child, she sports twintails. Her hair is out of her way and upwards; a time before the extreme hardships that shape her in the present and future. The sheer innocence of questioning everything around her and thinking of her siblings. Of making friends and of the adults in her life telling her what to do. It is the child-like nature she possesses- That of which she will soon lose.

Academy Edelgard wears her hair similarly to the mature/serious type of other characters. She has a role to play and deigns it important that she be taken seriously. Her purple ribbons help frame her face and she even frequently tosses her hair over her shoulders to prove a point.

Unlike twintails or simply having her hair down, her emperor design depicts her with buns to adorn the horns/crown she wears. It is a symbol of her status- A visualization of authority. It's likely also showcasing the hegemon associations she has going on. We don't know what the other emperors wore but her father did not wear any crown like this nor was it the one he gave her during her coronation scene. I think her hairstyle alone symbolizes the circumstances seeing as her crown is less gaudy and her hair is down in 3 Hopes. In both circumstances, she has a clear goal to achieve. She will obtain it. Needs to. The hair down style in Hopes illustrates more freedom sides as she has no need to wear a crown of such a nature due to how she got to where she is. Otherwise, normally, she feels a need to assert herself even further as this strong emperor in opposition of the church.

[hresvelged]

Send me hc + a word of your choosing and I’ll write a headcanon relating to that word!

Or send hc + two words and I’ll try and come up with one that links those two things together!

[hresvelged]

🍪🍪🍪

She doesn't recognize the color of biscuit in Sakura's hands. It appears black and white, but she cannot begin to guess much farther. To think she would be spending her day trying different sweets.. A small part of her finds it satisfying despite the odds (an admittance to none).

"Hello, Lady Sakura. I see such events have reached you, as well." Edelgard's lips upturn as she tucks her hair behind her ears. "I can't claim to be much of an expert with this supposed phenomenon. It seems to be a yearly occurrence as of recent times. In actuality, I feel as if I'm missing something. Who started it? When? How? What do you think of it?" Yet, once more does she continue to speak far more than she needs to. The realization hits faster than she cares to admit, waving her arms to hide flushed cheeks. Her head instinctively turns away. "Ugh, forgive me. Forget I said.. any of that."

Eyeing the treat, she reaches to break off a small bite of the item with her hands before bringing a finger to cover her mouth upon its reach. "I'm not familiar with that flavor. That's the first I've come across it. Thank you for letting me try it. And.. for your patience."

[hresvelged]

🍪

A part of her wonders just where all of these sweets are coming from. Certainly not Enbarr. Somewhere in the Alliance, perhaps? The Kingdom? She knows not nor does it particularly matter. Regardless, she finds herself with far too many boxes of them.

As she spots Lysithea with her own pair, Edelgard permits a laugh to leave pink lips. She eyes the green biscuit and drops her tensed shoulders. "It appears you've obtained these treats before I was able to provide you with any of my own. Then again, with how high in demand they appear today, I shouldn't be surprised."

The house leader raises a box towards her person and taps its front while using her other hand to pull out one of the items inside. How many flavors are there? Heeled boots echo on the ground as a new idea flicks in her mind.

"I hardly need an incentive to give a gift, now do I? Please, have this. I find myself with far too many." She places the item in the other girl's hand, freeing her fingers to place them on Lysithea's shoulder. "Take this as a thank you. For what, you may ask?" A pause. "Our continued friendship."

[hresvelged]

🍪!

"Dorothea? What is..—?"

The surprise is apparent on her face— Opened lips and upturned brows. She eyes the pink treat in the songstress's hands. "Pleased as I am you hold interest in participating with me, are you certain?" She doesn't need a further answer. A laugh escapes as she says, "Heh. I've no real reason to refuse. I will do all in my power to.." Whether it be atmospheric cues or otherwise, something is telling her to stop speaking. "Er.. What I mean to say is.. I commend your approach."

Edelgard takes hold of the other end and enacts small bites. She finds herself staring at Dorothea even as her hands all but remain dangled at her sides. The snap sings in her ears as she pulls away and removes her helping from her mouth. Her lips instinctively pout as if to dance with the ever-growing rosy pink daring to expose itself. This popular 'game' is nothing short of a quick way to fluster. She holds her end of the stick in her hands and buries it beneath her fingers, obstructing it from view.

"That was.. certainly unique, if nothing else. If we must declare a winner here, I would say you hold that title. I accept defeat. In any case.." She reaches for the box within her classmate's hands and pulls out another stick. The princess points it up to the sky as she snaps it in half. "Today, we've no need to seek prizes for victory. The company is gift enough."

[hresvelged]

🍪!

No matter how many times she sees others hoist sweets and wave them around as if it is some sort of prize, she will never get used to it. She doesn't understand it— How, each year, friends and allies alike present biscuits within their hands in an attempt to get one another closer. Is that the goal? It must be.

Watching Mitama stand in front of her like this has her interest maneuver into curiosity and surprise. She looks into the other girl's star-filled eyes and takes a step closer. "You must know how bold it is to offer this to the likes of a future emperor." A finger lightly taps the side of her temple. "If it is a challenge you propose, I will accept. I must warn you, though. I've.. yet to fully understand why this has become such a trend."

As Edelgard leans in, the bite she takes is larger than she anticipates. The loud snap erupts in the quiet space and causes her cheeks to glisten pink. The princess immediately turns around as her hands grip against her forearms. The embarrassment is difficult for even her to hide. "Forget you saw anything. In fact, pretend we have yet to cross paths at all. That is an order."

[hresvelged]

It’s Pocky Day! Send a  🍪 for my muse to react to yours offering to play the Pocky Game!

[hresvelged]

There was no need for a longer answer. She was content as is. Edelgard had seen its might before— The way dark magic stood liken to a flame against a dimmed path. The way it left its wielder's side and forced its purple and black smog towards a designated opponent.

"Ah, I'd believe the church might think that," she said with lined lips. Nonchalantly do her arms remain crossed atop her chest in turn. "As for me, I hold a differing opinion."

That was a discussion for another day. What she cared about now was already in front of her.

When she looked forward, she saw a small part of herself. A tiny glimpse towards the Imperial Princess's gloved palms gave way to what was to follow: "Hubert wields it just as effortlessly, but I'm sure he would agree in my decision of what I am about to request."

Her heeled boots weighed evenly. "Therefore, allow me to speak plainly." Edelgard extended a hand forward. "I'd like to see it further in practice to allow for better understanding. The utilization of your dark magic, that is. This is something only you can assist me with. That is why I inquired. What do you say?"

— as we stand

showcase mission board / roommates

[hresvelged]

Count Varley was nowhere to be found no matter how many steps their group took into Varley territory. She anticipated as much— A most irksome thorn. Run from the lock he may only to find himself trapped under a key. It was quite easy for her to surmise he stood somewhere within the Southern Church itself. Her eyes narrowed.

The newly revitalized church was much further within the Empire's heart, deep under now-removed vines within Enbarr. Perhaps it was best Edelgard remained here for now. Her time to venture would come. Unlike a plethora of other such figures who sat on undeserving lavish thrones, she had no desire to ignore her people.

It was within the bitter coldness of the soup kitchen that inaction stung stronger than any flame burned. There were heads downcast, arms crossed, and whispers she could not quite make out. People sat at tables with nothing to do but talk. As she stood alongside the professor, a group of knights remained at the entranceway while walking a few steps behind the two.

"Professor," she said as she walked towards the empty kitchen counter. Edelgard rested a palm on its wooden exterior. "Look closely. You see it too, don't you? The people of Varley territory find themselves empty-handed. We can't allow this to continue. I propose..—"

Before she could finish her sentence, one of the knights approached and interjected: "Please, wait. Our supplies are limited, Princess Edelgard. You must realize this."

@cendrivinite

— a pinch of what's left behind

distress mission board // soup kitchen

[hresvelged]

Edelgard's words were met with just as much readiness as her own. There was conviction on their supposed 'grounds' that rose to reach hers. She did not break eye contact nor sway in stance, only slinking away the pout to properly present the outcomes he suggested. Stable duties and mission tasks were all excellent choices. "Those are good ideas, I must say..," she pondered.

Her palms skirted the edges of the table before landing flat at her sides. It was clear they both recognized the situation for what it was presenting itself as. She could hear it in the way he spoke after her; in the way they both declared victory. Her chin remained high.

"What about this? When I win," she corrected with confidence, "Rather than completely declining first pick on mission tasks, I will choose your destination in your stead. Neither of us know what the upcoming duties might be, leaving the playing field on higher grounds." She saw no reason for Dimitri to refuse. Despite her choice of statements, she spoke with well-intended speech. Calm, graceful. Smooth.

Amidst the miniscule lull, the princess looked back towards the tools on the table. It almost made her wonder how many people had been there before them doing the same exact thing. She blinked away the thought. "How does that sound?"

— fruit ninja: extreme edition

Anniversary 2024 // Sword +1

[hresvelged]

There were some who deemed it best yet to keep quiet, lest those above silence before the thought flourished even further. Never thinking of those weaknesses at all, though.. Was that possible? Not for her. Idle wonder turned into a desire for knowledge. She couldn't claim to know much about her professor except for what she'd been told, but her raised brow and widened pupils spoke for themselves.

"I must say.. I can't imagine myself ever not thinking these things. If that is the case, then..—" She cut herself off as the water's waves raised from the ship. "I find myself curious about your kingdom the more we speak. Tell me further sometime." A breath. Forced, but necessary. "If the world happens to go against me for acting, I will have no choice but to accept it." Edelgard eyed Professor Rafal, keeping purposeful contact.

Her forehead wrinkled, ever still: "But yes, that's right. A lack of proper flagging invites trouble. The people who attend to these ports are instructed to look for specific cues. Failure of indication causes immediate concern— It should alert the people in this area, I would imagine.." There was not even a proper pole aboard the ship at all nor any specific reds, blues, or yellows. Edelgard was hardly an expert on ships' inner workings, but even she could tell that was correct.

As the ship inched closer towards the port, the sound of a creaking anchor thrusted into the cold seas. Were it not for the yelling of men aboard its wood, one could easily disregard the sound all together. One raised a miniscule sword; the other elbowed his companion so roughly the two nearly toppled over.

◜  ₊  —  𝓡  ˚  ₊ 𝐅𝐄𝐀𝐒𝐓 𝐎𝐅 𝐏𝐔𝐑𝐕𝐈𝐄𝐖