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🎄

"edelgard," linhardt greets her, a little sternly. "you may want to - oh, now it's too late."

he'd intended to warn her that he was standing underneath the mistletoe. for reasons. he wanted to caution her not to come any closer, lest the burden of tradition or superstition or what have you end up seeing them sharing some intimate gesture, but it isn't like edelgard to be talked down from, well, anything.

they sigh, then roll their eyes and then lean down slightly. her forehead is big. there's plenty of space there for a non-romantic kiss, so they place one right there.

then, twice as quickly he pulls away, head canted like a curious bird examining something it doesn't quite understand. she does have a special crestological situation, after all. he may as well be thorough.

"well, you walked into it..."

Edelgard's face is well-painted with her usual tones of seriousness as if the air around her pushes itself aside. She has a plethora of duties on her mind lately— So much that she, in fact, fails to notice the mistletoe she unknowingly finds herself under. They are seemingly littered in more places than she can count. She understands well the purpose and placements even if she lacks verbal commentary on the matter.

Her name is spoken, but the heels of her boots halt only seconds after. Rare it may be for her to be caught off-guard, the sound of familiarity brings her forward. She draws to a stop at Linhardt's quick act to the forehead, surprise sitting well as lavender hues rest straight below knit brows.

The expression eliminates after a moment; eradicates liken wood to flame. Briefly, she almost isn't sure what to say. Yet, words leave her side just as well. A laugh leaves the princess's lips, foreign against the green decor she's all but run into. "It.. appears I did. And to think I've been diligently avoiding such things."

Her hand leans onto her hip as she takes a step backwards. "This may go without saying, but I commend your observation." She always has noticed that skill about him. "You were quick to act— I appreciate it."

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She knew this was the right decision.

"Indeed. I have known him since I was a child." If only the light of memory shined brighter. If only she wasn't cascaded into darkness, but there is little point in dwelling.

What matters most is the here and now— Here, in this room with Lysithea. Here, with her light of knowledge and the inclination Edelgard feels to keep her as a friend. "That is precisely what I'm hoping for. I have confidence in your ability to assist me. I wouldn't ask if I thought otherwise. While I only wish to learn the basics for now, I'd rather begin on a strong starting point. There is merit to seeing it with my own eyes. Thank you for your time, regardless."

Her eyes follow the hand movements; fingers draw back towards her chin.

"So long as your texts remains in easy reach during our stay together, I may just find myself reading a tome or two. That is, if you don't mind." Her head shifts left and right. "Not to replace your aid, however. Only to enrich it. In return, you are allowed to request anything of me if you so need. All you must do is speak it— Big or small." While there are certain matters Edelgard would refuse, she harbors doubt that those topics will find themselves tread upon.

— as we stand

showcase mission board / roommates

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🎄 a simple delight, sitting here with the one she trusts so irrevocably. curled beside the other, feet tucked neatly beneath her, dorothea hums along to whatever festive tune drifts through the background. in her hands, a crumpled paper creation shifts as she fumbles with it, folding one marked corner, then the next, until it becomes something she can slip her fingers into and manipulate with ease.

"ta daaaa~!" she exclaims once it’s done, turning toward edelgard and holding it out proudly for her to inspect. "it’s a fortune teller! used to be all the rage among the girls at the opera. they'd use it to predict each other’s futures—whether they’d marry, find fame or wealth, that sort of thing. here, you try. "

she lets out a soft giggle and leans in to press a quick kiss to edelgard’s cheek before straightening up again. "of course, none of it is real. i like to think we can choose our own futures. or at least, i hope so. the alternative thought is... a bit daunting."

Edelgard falls into the homeliness that is Dorothea as her head leans to weigh against her shoulder; legs mimicking and fingers laying open against her sides. She cannot quite say how long exactly the world feels itself frozen, but she yearns for it to remain dormant just a second longer. Her icy exterior reaches for flames of warmth.

As she lifts herself to hoist irises towards the creation, she stares into the object more intense than intended. It's a captivating concept, even if she can't claim to understand. The thoughts pull themselves away from her as if drawn to the seat of a theatre— She does not bring the spotlight onto her, but on the songstress who so kindly sits nearby. Edelgard never tires of these moments of solitude no matter how brief. Here, the memories linger strong.

"Oh? How fascinating. I've never seen anything like that before. I can understand the appeal, even if I may have never thought of it myself," she says softly. Digits once trailing her sides move to tap the spot kissed only moments ago. A trail of glittering pink sits upon the face of a girl who so oft dons neutrality and bluntness. She routinely laments how little she got to see of the opera as a child, but she has hopes of rectifying this.

She smiles. "The future will always be ours to make." The budding emperor fixes her posture to sit upright, refusing to look anywhere but at Dorothea. These words are for her alone— For her to hear and understand. "I will fight for that again and again. No matter what. Promise me you'll be there to see it all."

As she finishes her speech, the unconsciously uplifted shoulders find themselves lowering. "This world we speak of is fast approaching. I'm ready for it, but at times.." A rough pause, cutting herself off. "Well, I could use more moments like this."

"In the meantime, though.." Edelgard allows herself to lean back, stifling a laugh with her knuckles. "What does that fortune teller have in store for me? I'd like to see. I hope it's promising."

[hresvelged]

🎄 "Ah, Lady Edelgard. What unfortunate timing we seem to have." Mitama had been attempting to avoid the little festive plants as much as she could. Running right into the leader of another house beneath one had not been in those plans. Still, she smiles politely and laughs. "Or perhaps it is truly fortunate, depending on what your viewpoint is."

"If it is fortunate, it's best I take advantage of it," she says bluntly, attempt of a joke aside. An airy breath bubbles the air; cuts away the lock resting inside. "What do you think? As for me, I have only one thought." She holds no qualms with acting first. The world offers no time to waste— Rare luxury for mere sitting in silence with greenery as she stares into the stars both above and in front.

The princess raises her right hand, sweeping Mitama's hair away from her face as she looks into the other girl's eyes. Star filled pupils speak of stories she has yet to unearth— Tales she cannot see or hear. Words not spoken to the Adrestian heir. Pink lips place a small kiss atop her visible cheek, fingers sweeping away as seamlessly as the sentences she utters. "If I want to show someone my affection, I'd rather do it on my own terms. This decor only acts as an incentive— At least, right now."

Edelgard's fingers, once intertwined with pink, now lay against her crimson cape. "This gesture is from myself. It has little to do with the object hovering above us. You may not be a Black Eagle, but there is something about you I cannot help and find intriguing. That is why I offered this to you."

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🎄 "edelgard! look at my hard work! is it not splendid?" panning a wide arm across the room, he proudly showcased his work. glass baubles! ivy lining the bannisters! pine tree branches with bells along the windows! tinsel and paper flowers strung in arcs around each wall. "i bet this is better than anything you could ever do!" triumphantly, he erupted in a curt, satisfied huff.

"now, now, don't be shy…"

Ferdinand told himself it wouldn't matter if she acknowledged it. it shouldn't have, since he knew it was a work of pure art. but (and this was a HUGE but) it would have been lovely to have heard it from her. she's coarse and she's proper and she's— well, she's not corrosive. but she's got frosted skin and eyes that look like the fog of war. but she's… edelgard. even the most initiated knew she was just… edelgard. forget the immeasurable or the excellent, she was a young woman who walked under fronds of pine just like any other.

he would have liked to have heard from her.

that is, of course, until his steps skid to a stop, and he's left with his jaw half-ajar. since when did someone hang that there!?

"that wasn't me." he immediately blurted out, losing his filter entirely. the tiny bulbs of mistletoe peeked from around the corner, right behind a pillar that was enveloped in tinsel. "i— really, this looks like— this is—" babbling brooks talked less.

his ears glowed, as he glanced over at her nervously. "we don't need to…" he mumbled quietly. "but I…"

weakly, he sighed, flustering like a snagged bird. tapping his two gloved fingers on his lips, he quietly pressed the pads of his fingers on her own. the warmth was slight, like running their fingers over candlelight.

Warmth rained on the otherwise cold brandishing the monastery like a garden in bloom. As Edelgard's buds fell to poison, the prime minister son's did not. They differed. Ignoring the remark about her own decorating abilities, she wondered how long exactly this took him. "So this is all your doing, is it..," she mused.

Nobility tired her. They enforced others to do their bidding. But here? Ferdinand had done no such thing. This, she recognized in the sparkling space. This, she thought as air fell upon her ears. This, she had yet to speak. Had her hues not flickered to the attention of mistletoe, the thought danced on her tongue. Sat upon her mind similar to the twinkling of nearby ivy.

"That hardly makes any sense. How could you possibly hang up everything except for this..—" As far as she was concerned, the credit was due to none else. It was illogical to assume otherwise after the declaration Ferdinand just made to her.

Pink moved atop her cheeks; the gloved touch delicate against lips that concealed and declared. Eyes widened, brows uplifted. Following the trail with her pupils was a momentary, unconscious act. Yet, here she stood. Still, as if the words failed to escape in a world where she must speak.

"I.. would have been content ignoring it completely," she said as irises turned to the side. Her tone shifted upwardly: "It's.. fine. But, ah.. Next time, take more care about where you place things. Had I been someone else, you may have found yourself in quite the bind." Her attempted words of light spoken in flattened colors was swiftly tucked aside, bringing her gaze back.

Edelgard realigned her facials into neutrality. "You know, Ferdinand..—" An index finger pushed locks from her forehead. "Actually, I will save the thought for later. You should move this elsewhere in the meantime, don't you think? I'll help you."

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🎄 l ady eldlrrggahrf laydyelegrhar ladyedelgad (croagking rasping going pale after turning around and seeing edelgard under this funny looking grass with her) lady edelgard im sorry ladyedelgladrd sorry for existig

It takes little time for her to spot familiar purple locks, calling out her name strongly with the turn of a heel: "Bernadetta. Please, wait."

She grants no moments for pauses or lulls, if only because she does not know how many minutes she has. "Believe it or not, you are just the person I was looking for. Stay there. It will only be a moment." She opts to make a quick, impulsive decision as she closes the space between them. "I've been meaning to speak with you. Or, rather.. Show something." Edelgard places a hand on Bernadetta's shoulder and leans closer, voice lowering into a whisper. "It's a secret. You must promise not to tell anyone. I'm counting on you."

With her free hand, she holds white locks away from her face and places a quick kiss near the cheek. "In truth, I don't care for these 'activities' I've seen other people practicing. I'm sure you've witnessed them yourself. My actions today are from me alone."

As she backs away, her hands swivel back to her sides— Crimson cape falling against a propped back. "I suspect you have something to say. Or, maybe you don't. Either way, I won't hold you here any longer."

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🎄 - It's become a tradition in a way, caught beneath the mistletoe by nature of circumstances year after year. Hubert does not levy complaints, not when the tradition is time-honoured in its simplistic nature. It started as a prank at first, and yet he'd stopped avoiding it in the present, catching her hand and bringing it to his lips, reminiscent of the day they'd first met so many years ago.

"Happy Holidays, Edelgard." A rare dropping of her title, reserved for these moments explicitly.

The past vexes her; fragments of memories scattered in ways she cares not to dwell over. Through it all, he was always there. He was always the same. Even now, in this strange phenomenon she can't say she wholly supports, does he stand before the Adrestian heir. The princess eyes the green decor, pondering not why it was there, but who placed it in the first place. She supposes she will have to decipher the culprit later.

It is a simple and familiar gesture, keeping her head high and hand still. "Thank you, Hubert." A smile sits on her face— Gentle, genuine. For how often she is referred to by formalities, Edelgard holds onto more freer moments. "I hope you take this time to enjoy yourself. If you refuse, I will order you to do so." Such opportunities feel rarer and rarer as the moons pass. There is no need to vocalize it, instead opting to take in the simplistic moment between herself and the person who is at her side.

"Use this moment of respite as you wish." She looks up; not at the mistletoe, but at the ceiling she cannot reach. Lilacs turn back to her vassal, strong and true. "Nothing is too small. This, I've come to learn well."

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🎄

"Edie!"

...Could she say that? Did she have permission to? Eh, who cares, her brain is buzzing already from the sheer... energy of the monastery for the season. Even if she wasn't the biggest fan of parts of it, she was definitely caught up in the wave... even if she acted against it.

"Hubert came over and... ruffled my hair or something, and I was trying to get away from that, but since he was there, you obviously would also be..."

Lysithea pauses, looking up, and... dangit. Another bit of that plant.

"Agh, sorry, rambling..."

She's surprised to hear Lysithea shorten her name, but Edelgard does not correct her. It reminds her of the same way Dorothea refers to her as, erasing all unnecessary barriers and forming naught but genuine friendship.

"Oh? Did he now? I'm sure he meant well," she replies. She peers up towards the plant and lets out an airy laugh. "There is hardly a need for you to apologize." The princess takes a step closer to her and stretches her hand out in wait of hoping Lysithea will do the same and reach her own outright.

She isn't one to so follow silly rules imposed by those around her, but as she looks upon familiar white features and eyes filled with the same underlying tones as her she, Edelgard needs her intent of allyship to be known. "I look forward to our chats, even if they do end up longer than intended. As we stand here, promise this to me— We will always keep in contact. No matter what may happen in the future. Understood?"

[hresvelged]

‘TIS THE SEASON.

send 🎄for our muses to get caught under the mistletoe !!

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Edelgard needed the people of Adrestia to know that the empire would never abandon them— On this, she was firm. To show that in Varley was of utmost importance. As the empire's heir, it was she who must carve this path and dissolve the selfishness of current nobility.

She listened to the professor's words carefully, noting the consequences. Perhaps their company would be displeased at the unplanned dispensing of goods. She would bear that burden proudly if she must. In the end, the necessity of Adrestia's choices lay as an act of vitality. Should that mantle show itself now, she minded not.

"Thank you. I appreciate your understanding," she said in kind. Edelgard meant those words— To know that the professor comprehended what every road entailed. It would take some time before they reached the borders of the southernmost empire, let alone the residing spot of the Southern Church. "It's as you say. There is much to consider.." She allowed the silence to sit a moment, if only to emphasize her words. "Hm. I hold no issue with making do. Even if costly or otherwise, it's preferable than to simply walk away from this situation."

The princess continued as she eyed the knight standing strong: ".. We will provide the people of Varley assistance at once. That is my final decision." A gesture towards their items sitting in wait outside the space. "Doing anything but would be a failing on multiple fronts. Now then, let us begin by unloading our supplies."

— a pinch of what's left behind

distress mission board // soup kitchen

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Lavenders scan and observe— Watch as the margrave hoisted the axe towards the unbeknownst figure. She could hardly doubt his strength nor did she have any intention to. As someone herself who knew all there was to its blade and handle, it was clear that the pursuit was meant to be nothing more than a slight hindrance. She remained ever watchful.

"Quite. I'm more than capable. Your precision just now.. Even if you found yourself surprised, it was effective all the same. I will implement similar," she began. "I wonder if—"

There was an angered yell stifling in her ear, getting louder as the right remained all but unoccupied. Edelgard immediately swiveled around liken to a breeze, iron axe aimed towards his knees as he was lowered to look at the princess standing above. She had seen such furious glares before; she remained neutral. "There are only so many options for them to converge towards. I doubt talking will prove worthwhile in their current states." She pointed towards the back of the training grounds.

A turn. Her back to the doors— the margrave— and faced naught but the weaponry in the far corners. "If they are attempting to stop us from the start, that means entering further remains inconceivable in their eyes." A side glance towards the man held grounded by the margrave. "Would you agree?"

crazy? i was crazy once. they locked me in a room... || anni 2024 faith +1

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[ SMILE ]: the sender (who hasn't been smiling up until they actually see the receiver in front of them) lights up with a smile as they greet the receiver.

They are not companions in this life. The memories Nel has with that squabbling trio all stuck in the same bracelet do not exist in this world. Even if she were to bring up her memories, the other parties would not remember even a single one of them. It will not be the first or last time that Nel feels this way.

Even so, there is a prickle of affection for a past comrade that warms Nel's heart when she sees white haired paired with that familiar uniform. But feet planted firmly on the ground are the trademark sign that this is her as a human and not an Emblem.

"You are Edelgard," Nel says, smile softening an otherwise impassive face into something kinder. "So you are my brother's student in this life."

There is something similar in the way they hold themselves, head held high and eyes blazing with ambition for the future. Whether either of them would be pleased to hear that is another story, however.

"Forgive my over-familiarity. I feel as though we knew one another in a different life."

Edelgard looks towards the eyes first; the way another matches her own and how they uphold themselves. The features upon one's face and how they uphold themselves. As she is approached, she detects this before anything else. It is the blunt phrases that draw her attention, liken to her own. She always did prefer as much over unnecessary idling.

She opts to match, even if slight— To wear a semblance of warmth atop an otherwise stoic face. The wording piques her curiosity even as the intrigue sits naught visibly and through utterances alone. The princess wonders if there is something she is missing; perhaps a clue she has yet to grasp. "In this life..?" The question lingers atop her tongue, expecting no answer. "But yes, that is me. I do find the professors of the Black Eagles offer much in the way of knowledge." A hand courses itself towards her chin, fingers sitting idle. She wonders what it must feel like to have a sibling nearby. Her lips line straight.

"There may not be a world where we did know each other, but that only means we must take this future we can grasp and change it. That is, if you are willing. It seems to me that I can learn from you much the same, even if you are not from the Black Eagles."

[hresvelged]

"edelgard! what say you and I duel for the throne, once and for all? hm?!" this was a typical tuesday morning for them both, really. "it shall be I who defeats you, i swear on it!"

"...?"

"well? go on... don't leave me to dry..."

The intentional pause speaks for itself.

"I refuse," she says. It's easy to lose track of how many times she has turned it down by now. Edelgard's head bobs left and right. She holds no interest in dueling— As much has been evidenced past and present; crossed arms and clear words. "I'm much too busy for this."

There is a part of her that forms to think she should accept one of these days— It would spare the both of them from any further 'duels.'

The princess brings a hand up towards her lips, intentionally clearing her throat before lowering her voice: "I will show everyone that I am superior to you.. — That is what you are thinking. Even so, my answer remains the same as always."

Arms uncross, pulling whiten gloves on her fingers. "Would doing so truly satisfy you..?"

[hresvelged]

[ BREATHLESS ]:   having clearly just sprinted down to the receiver, the sender tries to catch their breath while greeting them.

there is little reason to be caught running anywhere on school grounds, especially when she fancied herself—or, rather, forced herself—to be the picture of grace, the perfect depiction of poise and elegance, and everything else she worked so hard to appear to be.

except when she spots that princess of theirs, their house leader with the icy locks and piercing gaze, who never once thought to look down on any of the eagles, even when it would’ve been second nature to do so.

“hey!” dorothea goes flying down the stone paths, boots clicking loudly and hair whipping behind her as she races to catch up. “edie! wait up!” her heart hammers in her chest, breath catching in quick bursts, but the songstress does not slow down until she finally reaches edelgard’s side, chest heaving as she desperately smooths her disheveled hair, trying to look composed in front of the future emperor.

she smiles, breathless. then, she forces the most charming grin she can muster, taking a moment to steady herself so she doesn’t speak in gasps.

“sorry about that,” she finally manages. “i know, i know. it’s not exactly becoming to chase after a princess, but i couldn’t help it. i had to get a hold of you as fast as i could.”

another quick breath. a flutter of her eyelashes.

“a group of us are hosting a party tonight. it’s meant to be secret, a small gathering... but i was hoping you’d join us.”

Edelgard seldom walks without a stride to her step— Each move forward is purposeful. Refusing to look back, she must march on. She cannot afford to do anything but. Her head remains uplifted; untouchable. Her eyes piercing. Shoulders drawn back.

What is..— Dorothea?

The attention snaps itself away from endless thoughts as the visage of Dorothea presents itself rapidly in her view. It takes little observation to notice the pause in breath and the urgency in her actions. She instantly assumes there is trouble on the horizon— That the church has deepened its thorns and scratched their claws.

With relief, she is wrong. Tensed brows soften. "Oh? It's quite alright. A secret gathering, though..?" She repeats in question, bringing a hand towards her chin. "What sort of party, I wonder.. — Hm. There's no better way for me to find out than by attending, now is there?" As busy as she keeps herself, the tensed air has been sitting heavier than ever. "Perhaps this alone is proof I need momentary respite..," she mumbles and shakes her head. "Thank you for thinking of me."

She pushes her hair behind her shoulders and allows her crimson cape to follow suit. "I can hardly refuse after you went through all of this effort. I look forward to it."

[hresvelged]

[ ATTENTION ]

"Hey!"

Laughter bubbles in Caspar's voice as he comes to a sudden halt, arm thrust outward to point between two large crates piled at the dock by the pond. A dark, angular shape shifts in the shadows there, until a gaunt feline face with bright yellow eyes turns to face them.

"That cat totally looks just like Hubert! Can he shapeshift or something?"

She cannot hide the existing fondness she feels as the cat comes into view; the way it peers towards the two as if it knew they were in this vicinity all along.

"Heh. So it does. It must have approached us for that very reason," she says warmly. Edelgard bends forward to take a closer look at its piercing hues, hovering a hand atop its back before placing it down in a soft petting motion.

A beat. Then two. "Good kitty," she whispers. Swiveling her head back towards Caspar, she moves herself upright proper. "We will have to show this new friend to our Hubert sometime. I'm certain he'd appreciate it." The thought of naming it anything but Hubert seems inadequate; she smiles to none other than herself.

[hresvelged]

[ WHISPER ]: the sender gently whispers "hey" to the receiver to discreetly get their attention without drawing the attention of others.

It's the knights' duty to patrol the grounds of the monastery and keep an eye out for trouble. It is their duty to steer unruly students back towards the right path, and keep any miscreants from getting up to shenanigans on the grounds. Yunaka, of course, is absolutely not a knight.

That's exactly how she knows knights don't think like actual criminals do.

"Hey." Yunaka grins, giving Edelgard a little salute. It's late. The hallways is vacant, no where near the dorms, and Edelgard is clearly waiting for someone. You can hardly blame Yunaka for sticking her nose in things.

"Little late to be hanging around, isn't it?" The cheerful smile doesn't reach curious eyes that hunt for hidden signs. "I'm sure whatever business you're waiting around for can be handled in the morning, can't it?"

If time alone is not a fickle matter, adequate moments for other plannings prove to be frustratingly difficult. For as empty as the hallway is, such an arranged meeting lingers as heavy as the air. How much further must she be kept waiting? Stand by her lonesome with an eye that never truly does relax?

It is a voice that startles her out of her growing thoughts; shakes the strong exterior into a quick dismissal. Edelgard knows she must choose her words carefully. She is no fool. She has learned better. "Ah. Yunaka. And to think I was alone.. It appears I was mistaken," she says as her hand flicks to her hips.

"You've no need to concern yourself. Though, I may be under assumptions," she settles on. She doubts Yunaka will brush off the question so easily— Not that she can blame her. Were the situations reversed, she would inquire much the same. As her lilacs scan carefully, she hopes her words are indication enough of a dropping subject.

The sentences leave her lips as she waves away any potential worry. "Late it may seem, my duties never truly do sleep. It would be in both our interests if you leave the matter be for now.. I will return to my dorm shortly."