lafilledenaga

[lafilledenaga]

pretty pony princesses

secretforestlady​:

Deirdre sets her hands on her daughter’s shoulders and smiles encouragingly as she approaches the horse.  She had hoped that Julia would gain some confidence as she got closer to Celice and saw how sweet he is but the way her hand shakes as she holds the apple breaks her mother’s heart.  Perhaps this had been the wrong activity to share together.

“Julia, I hate to see you so uncomfortable.”  Her mother softly strokes her hand through her hair and hums a soothing tune.  Truly it does not matter what the two end up doing, Deirdre simply wishes to be in the presence of her beloved daughter.  “We do not need to do this.  I could braid ribbons through your own hair instead.  Would you like that, my darling?”

Deirdre, of course, understands the implications of the bizarre and complex nature of her relationship here with Julia but it still saddens her to know that there are things like this fear of horses that she doesn’t know about her own daughter.  Julia may be from her future, but she means the absolute world to Deirdre.

Her heart sinks at her mother’s words, slowly lowering her hand (much to Celice’s dismay) and staring at the ground below her as if it would open up and swallow her whole any moment now. “No-- I’m...I’m alright, I promise...I want to do this-- with you.” She does her best to steady her voice, attempting to hand the horse the apple once again.

Celice leans down and takes a final bite, eating the apple core and all-- and she manages to do so without flinching. “...I would like that-- but I...I’d like to do this with you first.” The hand in her hair does manage to calm her nerves, leaning into her mother’s touch. “You were kind enough to invite me to spend time with you-- and it’s...not like you...knew.”

That’s right-- it was hard to remember at times, but this wasn’t her mother-- at least not the one who raised her. She did not know everything about Julia...but that didn’t mean she couldn’t learn more about her future daughter. “Good boy...” Her now empty hand goes to pet the horse’s mane, smiling hesitantly. “...Perhaps he isn’t so scary...”

[lafilledenaga]

October Activity Check

Status: Passed!

Points Gained:

Activity Check - Any+1

Allocation: +1 in reason

Spring Break (Dropped, 437 words) - +1 in lance

Changes:

Lance E -> E+

[lafilledenaga]

when life gives you a toy bow…

ulircursed​:

     He gave a considering hum at her words, using the pause to scrutinize the girl’s demeanor properly. The existence of the time-displaced next generation put too many more pieces onto the table than he initially expected; as much as Andrei had, however briefly, thought himself finally free of political fetters when he had arrived in Fódlan, he had long since come to realize the lie he had deluded himself into believing, if only for a while.

     With someone as powerful as Lord Arvis here, one could never be too careful in their conduct, and this daughter was both a danger and a potential boon, if he could play his cards right.

     Withdrawing a coin from his pouch, Andrei placed it in the eager hands of the booth attendant, who in turn slid the bow towards the two. “There is no harm in making an attempt,” he said, tone carefully light, “Perhaps this will be easier than you imagined.” He motioned to the bow before taking a step back. Even if nothing came of the exchange, this was at least an opportunity to see the skills of the Imperial Princess of their future.

“Oh-- you really don’t have to!” But it was already too late. Andrei had given the man the money, and now there was a rickety toy bow in her hands. She couldn’t remember a single time in her life where she had wielded a bow, Julia had always been more proficient with magic and faith than any sort of physical weapon. “I’m not so certain, but I’ll do my best-- thank you, sir...”

Her hands shake as she raises the bow, doing her best to aim it steady at the target. It couldn’t be much different than aiming a spell! Slowly she pulls back the string, fingers tensing before finally letting go--

It practically fell at her feet, not making it anywhere near the target at all. “I-- I’m sorry! You shouldn’t have wasted your gold on me, but I appreciate the gesture...” Though she smiled, her body shook ever so slightly. Julia really did feel bad. It would be one thing if it was her own money, but the fact that he paid just for her to make a fool of herself...it was too much.

[lafilledenaga]

nine to five

amicitium​:

“Please, just call me Elincia,” she said with a laugh, before noticing the young woman’s smile had swiftly faded. She frowned herself, unsure as to whether she’d said something needlessly cruel or hurtful. Shuffling some papers out of the way, she faced her companion with eyebrows knit together.

“Julia?” she asked, voice especially quiet and tentative. “Did I say something wron–” Elincia cut herself off. There were stacks and stacks of paper, scribbled and scrawled upon. None of it made a lick of sense. The vast majority was completely unintelligible. She’d seen a couple scraps with words like ‘healing’ and ‘saints’ on but nothing so much as a full sentence. Elincia could feel a headache of her own washing over her. Suddenly, her earlier thoughts of leaving the professor to sort out her own mess left her feeling awfully guilty. Leaving Julia to handle this mess on it’s own would have been heartless.

“Or is this just exactly as frustrating as I think it is?” she added a sharp laugh, searching for a clean piece of paper. “I’ve seen something about healing so maybe we should start at the basics and hope for the best? It can’t be any worse than what we have so far? Elincia was smiling but let out a deep sigh as her shoulders dropped. It was obvious their professor needed all the help she could get.

“Oh?” Elincia’s ears perked up at the metion of Julia’s own faith. It was something she personally held very dear, had helped her overcome adversity many times in the past. With a soft smile on her face, she inquired further, “It is? I’d love to hear more, Julia.”

The request was so casual, and yet Julia could do nothing more than nod with a smile. “Right...Elincia.” It made no sense to waste time on formalities. Back home they were nobility, but here they were students and nothing more. Julia was in no way above anyone here at the monastery, and she could respect how the young Queen seemed to think the same.

“...Frustrating is...surely one word for it.” She didn’t want to admit it, but she wished that she hadn’t agreed to this in the first place. How on Earth was this woman even a professor with conduct like this? It was a wonder that she even knew how to dress herself in the morning.

“Oh-- it’s nothing too interesting, I promise...” She did her best to make sense of the papers, she really did, but it was hard to concentrate on the work ahead of her when it was so poorly done. “We have Twelve Crusaders, and those who descend from them have their respective Holy Blood...I find it similar to the crests they have here-- we also have those of major and minor holy blood.”  

A blush spreads across her cheeks, hit with a sudden realization. “I’m sorry-- I feel bad, just going on about myself...why don’t we take turns sharing? I’d feel less bad enough rambling on, aha...”

[lafilledenaga]

Why did she say yes!? After the kiss things had been...awkward to say the least. She had no idea what possessed her that night, but Julia prayed to Naga that it would never ail her ever again. Febail had been kind enough to offer help and she...used it. The fact that he would even be willing  to spend time with her after that night was beyond her comprehension.

Still, Febail was a friend of hers. If he truly felt comfortable enough to spend the day with her, than she saw no reason not to. She did miss his company.

“Oh! Febail!” She holds the bottom of her dress as she runs to meet him. Her ‘costume’ was a bit lazy compared to his-- she threw on one of her gowns and called it a day. So long as she wasn’t in her uniform it counted as a costume right?

Her eyes are on everything except for Febail, entranced by the atmosphere of the festival itself. “How incredible...thank you for inviting me-- it all looks so fun.” Julia smiles, finally turning to look at the archer with rosy cheeks. “I like your costume...”

silent hill

    Gods, what was he doing? He really should be resting up in between his jobs, and the festival come to Garreg Mach gave him the perfect time to really catch up on sleep, but… it also was the first real decent amount of free time he’s gotten in a long while, and so in the days leading up to the exhibition, Febail had caught a certain imperial princess between classes.

“ Julia. Are you busy this weekend? Let’s look around the festival a bit. ”

The longer he doesn’t talk with her after their kiss, the more awkward it’d be. Best to try and invite her to hang out then, and this festival provided the best opportunity for that.

And so the day came, and there he was waiting in the school’s courtyard, dressed up in costume to fit the festive atmosphere. Was it cheesy to dress up as a fairytale character? Well, it wasn’t any more over the top than what people wore for the Day of the Twelve at least. Hopefully Julia wouldn’t mind too much.

Speaking of which, there she was. He waves her over to where he stood there against one of the pillars, calling out,  “ Julia, over here! ”  // @lafilledenaga

[lafilledenaga]

September Activity Check

Status: Passed!

Points Gained:

Activity Check - Any+1

Allocation: +1 in reason

Changes:

Reason: C --> C+

[lafilledenaga]

vermilique​:

—    𝐁𝐄𝐋𝐀𝐓𝐄𝐃 𝐌𝐔𝐍𝐃𝐀𝐘 ; 𝐈𝐅 𝐓𝐎𝐀 𝐖𝐀𝐒 𝐀 𝐌𝐅𝐑𝐏 …

if toa was a multifandom rp group, who would you write for? ( reblog and put your answer in the tags! )

[lafilledenaga]

i don’t need to hold hands

yewfallen​:

    “ I— Th-That’s good, yeah. ”  Every word that comes out of him feels dumb. It’s not as if he was the smoothest when it comes to these kinds of things to begin with, but Julia’s own awkwardness is contagious, spreading to him until he’s tongue-tied too.

The moment is over, but there’s still a bit of the fire stoked within him— something he hadn’t expected. The first time he had kissed her upon her forehead, it hadn’t been anything at all. It was just a whim, encouraged by drink.

The second time he kissed her, it had been out of some kind of concern. It was the first real kiss by all means, but it wasn’t the one that had started this chain of events. It was supposed to be just a peck and nothing more, but then it became more.

Second turns to third, and it wasn’t just a whim; it was a want. She had invited him in, and now he wonders if he has gotten himself ensnared in something deeper than he had bargained for.

The beat of his heart resounds in his ears as he stammers,  “ I-I should go. ”  The moment he’s said it, it sounds incredibly dumb. It’s his room they’re in. But still, he works with it.  “ I’ve got somewhere to go in a little bit, so… ”

One thing was certain: a kiss on the forehead was not comparable to a kiss on the lips— or whatever it was that they had done. Stories filled with romance never mentioned anything to do with the tongue! …At least not the ones she’s read.

What was she supposed to say now? Could she ask if he enjoyed it as well? No— that would be weird, wouldn’t it? He had only done this so she could get used to it…so that when she was kissed by another man she wouldn’t panic.

The thought made her stomach sink. It was best to not think about it.

“Oh.” She forgets for a moment that they’re in his room, nodding dumbly before finally realizing what he was saying. He was asking her to leave— or maybe he really did have somewhere to go. “R-right— I’ll leave you, then…”

Julia is on her feet in a matter of seconds, scurrying towards the door and turning back to the archer. “I— thank you— I’ll…um…I’ll see you around?” It’s awkward and it feels as if there’s a hand on her throat, squeezing the breath out of her as she speaks. Her mouth opens one more time, intending to say more, but quickly decides against it, rushing out of the door and closing it behind her.

‘We should do this again sometime,’ is what she wanted to say— but no, she couldn’t. It was selfish of her to want more. It was a one time thing, something he did just to help her— it didn’t mean anything.

Right…nothing at all.

                                                                         — end.

[lafilledenaga]

She doesn’t say a word, simply nodding and closing her eyes just as he said. The kiss starts off the same, though that sense of familiarity is soon broken when she feels his hand in her hair. There’s something different about how he kisses her— she isn’t sure what it is, but she certainly doesn’t mind, matching his enthusiasm. It was…quite a lot for what was basically her second kiss. She had no idea what was coming over her.

And when she feels his teeth against her lips, she gasps. What happens next is…new and unexpected— but not unwanted.

She’s completely lost in their own little world, barely noticing just how long they’ve been kissing until she’s on her back and struggling to breathe. All she can do is stare up at him, a mixture of wonder and anxiety in her eyes. “O-oh— no it’s— it’s okay! I’m fine…you didn’t…”

Julia sits herself up, eyes darting from Febail to just about anywhere else in the room. It’s hard to believe that she did that— she was her own adult now, but if her father found out about this she’s sure he would not be happy. “…I…um…I enjoyed it…thank you…”

Bragi, what was she even supposed to say?

i don’t need to hold hands

lafilledenaga​:

Febail pulls away, and Julia can do nothing but stare, eyes wide and breathless from just an innocent kiss. It was nothing she’s ever felt before— and she can’t help but wonder if it’s the kiss in general, or the man who kissed her.

“I…yes— I wasn’t…I didn’t want you to stop,” she almost wishes he would kiss her again just so she couldn’t keep embarrassing herself like this. “I’ll push you if I want you to stop…but I— I was enjoying it…”

   “ Oh. I-I see… ”  He feels his adam’s apple bob as he takes in Julia’s admission. She… She wanted the kiss to continue.  “ Alright. Close your eyes again. ”  

And once more, he brings their mouths together, hand reaching around to cup the back of her head instead. Silver tresses weave around his fingers, his kiss more needy this time as he ventures more boldly. A bit of his teeth lightly graze her lower lip, and it is in the opening she gives that his tongue darts forward to play with hers.

For the time their kiss lasts, the world fades away and he is caught up in her surprising eagerness to go along with his movements, the passion that sweeps them both away.

That is, until she tips back and falls against his bed, hair splayed all across his sheets. He stops himself from falling atop her, palm firmly planted on the mattress beside her, and in the moments after that where they are both catching their breath, he is broken from his reverie.

“ Shit. ”  His eyes grow wide, and he pulls himself away from her, standing upright once more as he tries to cool his head off.  “ Sorry, I took that too far. You alright? ”

[lafilledenaga]

Febail pulls away, and Julia can do nothing but stare, eyes wide and breathless from just an innocent kiss. It was nothing she’s ever felt before— and she can’t help but wonder if it’s the kiss in general, or the man who kissed her.

“I…yes— I wasn’t…I didn’t want you to stop,” she almost wishes he would kiss her again just so she couldn’t keep embarrassing herself like this. “I’ll push you if I want you to stop…but I— I was enjoying it…”

i don’t need to hold hands

lafilledenaga​:

Julia nods, eyes trained on him as he leans forward. Her mind is racing, and it feels as if time is going both slow and fast at the same time. Has he ever done this before with anyone else? Why would he be okay with this? It didn’t make much sense, but it was a bit late to ask questions now.

Even though she tries to prepare herself for it, she still tenses once their lips meet. It doesn’t last long, however, before she relaxes into it and her hand instinctively goes to rest on one of his own against her cheek. has no idea on what she should be doing, or how long they should be doing this for. She would just have to follow his lead, praying that he knew more about this than she did.

   It’s Julia’s touch on his hand that causes his eyes to open and for him to pull away. It was certainly a chaste kiss by all means, but his face is still on fire for it as he averts his gaze.

“ Touch me like that, and you’ll make me think you want me to kiss you more than I did… ”  Or was that her signal to tell him to stop?  “ If you don’t like something, you’re better off pushing against my chest, y'hear me? ”

[lafilledenaga]

Julia nods, eyes trained on him as he leans forward. Her mind is racing, and it feels as if time is going both slow and fast at the same time. Has he ever done this before with anyone else? Why would he be okay with this? It didn’t make much sense, but it was a bit late to ask questions now.

Even though she tries to prepare herself for it, she still tenses once their lips meet. It doesn’t last long, however, before she relaxes into it and her hand instinctively goes to rest on one of his own against her cheek. has no idea on what she should be doing, or how long they should be doing this for. She would just have to follow his lead, praying that he knew more about this than she did.

i don’t need to hold hands

lafilledenaga​:

“No– I just…wasn’t expecting it…” She didn’t think Febail of all people would kiss her, admittedly. Though unexpected as it was, it made her happy. Happier than the idea of kissing the other men in her life. “I just…want to apologize if…it makes you uncomfortable, is all.” His words don’t completely register at first, slowly nodding before realizing what he was suggesting.

“…Huh!?” Her hands fly to her mouth, hiding her shocked expression. “I…I don’t want to make you do that, Febail! I’d…I’d feel bad…if it wasn’t something you really wanted…”

She falls silent for a moment before slowly looking up at him, hands no longer obscuring her face. “…I…I…I would like to, though– have my first kiss with you, I mean…”

   “ It’s fine. I… I don’t mind. As long as you’re fine with it. ”  His voice grows quiet against the way his heart beats loudly.  “ …Push me away if you start not liking it, okay? ”

Febail rises to meet her at eye-level, reaching his hand out to sweep her silver locks out of the way. He tucks it behind her ear, cups her face and leans in.

His lips meet hers, a kiss that tests the waters. It is not featherlight nor is it demanding, but there is no denying that it is his lips on hers— that some line between them has been crossed.

[lafilledenaga]

i don’t need to hold hands

yewfallen​:

    What seemed like nothing at the time dawns to him as more and more significant with each reaction Julia gives, and he knows he’s probably blushing right now too. How was she able to make him react like this to something he had done so nonchalantly?!

He takes a deep exhale, crossing the room until he was right in front of her. Then, he kneeled down, trying to get in Julia’s line of sight.

“ I— Listen. You don’t have to apologize to me for liking something. I was only saying sorry cause I thought I might’ve freaked you out by the way you were actin’… ”

A pause.

“ And… uh… look. If you want to get it over with so you don’t have to flip out about it in the future, I’m fine with being your first kiss. You’re probably gonna get people chasin’ after you, and you shouldn’t be getting all riled up over things like that every time it happens. ”

This way, it could at least be with someone she didn’t hate.

“No-- I just...wasn’t expecting it...” She didn’t think Febail of all people would kiss her, admittedly. Though unexpected as it was, it made her happy. Happier than the idea of kissing the other men in her life. “I just...want to apologize if...it makes you uncomfortable, is all.” His words don’t completely register at first, slowly nodding before realizing what he was suggesting.

“...Huh!?” Her hands fly to her mouth, hiding her shocked expression. “I...I don’t want to make you do that, Febail! I’d...I’d feel bad...if it wasn’t something you really wanted...”

She falls silent for a moment before slowly looking up at him, hands no longer obscuring her face. “...I...I...I would like to, though-- have my first kiss with you, I mean...”

[lafilledenaga]

i don’t need to hold hands

yewfallen​:

    He had done it without thinking anything odd of it. It had been the most natural seeming thing in the world to him, so much so that its peculiarity only hits him when Julia asks him his motive, clearly having let the topic eat away at her as she recounts it.

Oh. Oh gods.

Fumbling to think of a rational answer, he realizes there really isn’t any, but he can’t get away with just saying nothing, can he? She sits there on his bed, looking across the room at him expectantly, and after a few moments of agonizing silence, Febail at last answers,  “ …I don’t know. I just felt like doing it at the time. ”  

Should he be apologizing? Or would that make her feel worse? In the end, he decides,  “ Look. Sorry if you didn’t like it. ”

It...is far from a satisfying answer, but it was an answer at least. “N-no! No, that’s not it! I...I liked it...” As embarrassing as it was to admit, Julia really did enjoy it. Even if it was just a kiss on the forehead...it made her heart race.

“I just...have never been kissed before-- I know it as only on the forehead, but...I just...wasn’t expecting it...” She grips the fabric of her skirt tightly, looking down at her lap. “I’m sorry if...me liking it was odd...”

[lafilledenaga]

i don’t need to hold hands

yewfallen​:

    “ Oh… right. ”  Between work, classes, and reuniting with his mother, there had been little time to really dwell on the events surrounding the Void Heart. It had been so much, but it had been over with, and the reprecussions had been taken care of if the sight of the deceased now walking amongst them one more was anything to gauge. He had stored all that away, focusing on the mountain of overwhelming topics in the here and now that it takes Julia’s questioning to remind him.

And now that she had, embarrassment floods him too.

“ Even if I had been, it’s all in the past now, yeah? ”  he says, trying to evade the truth. It’s still not one of his proudest moments, being inebriated whilst on the job, and though he knows Julia only worries for him sincerely, he’s in no mood to confess his shortcomings to her.  “ Look at me now. I’m right as rain. There’s nothing to worry about. ”

She feels bad after the words leave her mouth, wondering if perhaps it would’ve been better to just not bring it up at all. It was slowly driving her mad, but was that a worthy enough reason to force him to remember it all?

“I...I suppose so-- and I’m happy to see that you’re well! I am...” It felt as if her heart would beat out of her chest at this rate. She was slowly losing the nerve to ask the question she had on her mind-- the entire purpose of this conversation.

“Febail...I..” Julia takes a deep breath, doing her best to look him in the eyes as she spoke. “Why...why did you kiss me back there?”

[lafilledenaga]

the nature of faith

elegiac-boar​:

Dimitri was no stranger to superstition. The word alone was like walking on eggs in Faerghus- as deeply religious as it was, if used wrongly it could easily cost one their head. The Western Church was surviving proof of it- eagerly trying to rupture from the Central Church, claiming that it was a disgustingly heretical cult and that the Archbishop was an apostate who bit more than she could chew. It was troublesome, and Dimitri has still fresh memories of rows of sympathizers of the Western Church lining up to receive divine punishment in the form of a blade.

Some called the Goddess the ‘Mother’. The thought of a mother so eagerly killing her children the moment they turned their backs against her made his blood run cold. No, this was getting all wrong.

He wasn’t too sure of who to run to. The Goddess no longer heard his pleas, and those who claimed to act on her behalf just made her look like a twisted, cold deity.

If his thoughts were to be voiced out, Dimitri would’ve been killed long ago. For sure. For the Crown Prince to have such beliefs and doubts about the Goddess? A scandal.

A gentle voice snapped him out of his grim thoughts- surprisingly, one that called out his name, rather than his title. It warmed his heart slightly. “Oh…Julia. It is lovely to see you.” Memories flash before his eyes- Julia wounded, trying to heal those around her as the titanus crushed more of their teammates. The choking silence that followed their enemies’ defeat. “…I say the same.” I am glad that you lived. “Although it has been…difficult, admittedly.” I still see them when I close my eyes.

He shook his head slightly. “Ah yes, the trees are truly beautiful…I needed to clear my head just a bit, so I figured appreciating nature’s craft would be of help. What about you?”

Blue eyes caught on a small detail- in some of the trees, amidst the pink leaves and petals, were tied pink ribbons. A seasonal tradition, perhaps?

@lafilledenaga​​

While it was under very different circumstances, Julia truly did understand how Dimitri felt. The loss of a loved one happening in front of your face, being unable to stop it...she knew that feeling all too well. The sight of her mother dying to protect her still haunted her, even more so now that she was here, and watching her newfound friends fall was no different.

Just as her mother did, they walked among the living yet again.

“...I understand-- I would like to think so, anyway...” Her smile is a sad one, eyes cast off to the side. “I...haven’t been able to relax since, so I thought I would take some time to myself.” Deep down she knew that being alone would be even worse for her mind, but it felt so hard to approach others. She didn’t want to make them remember.

Before Julia is able to comment on the ribbons further, a young woman walks up to the duo-- where had she come from?-- ribbons in hand. “Hello, you two! Would you like to make a wish?” She gestures to the tree, smiling proudly. “Those who tie their ribbons to the tree have their wishes come true-- fate, fortune...perhaps love, for the lovely couple?” Julia’s cheeks heat up at the comment, staring in silence as both Dimitri and herself are given ribbons of their own.

“Go ahead! Everyone deserves to have their wishes heard!” And then she was off, skipping away to Bragi knows where while Julia remained stunned into silence. “I...well-- I...suppose it...wouldn’t hurt,” she giggles nervously, “shall we then, Dimitri?”

[lafilledenaga]

Spring Break

crestbound​:

…Yeah; no matter how he looks at it, it’s a fishing vessel. It’s a nice one, sure, but still: fishing vessel. It’s never going to be his first choice for a beautiful, ocean-cruising date. 

Still, they’re not left with much choice. The actual boat he’d anticipated—or remembered, really—being here is gone, supposedly because the captain had fallen ill and allowed his nephew to use it for whatever purposes he wished. He and Julia had already arrived by the time the announcement letter arrived at the Academy.

“It’s going to be a little fishy,” Sylvain laughs, “but yeah; I guess we don’t really have any other choice. I meant it when I said I wanted to show you the ocean, and the view out there’s different than from the shore.”

He steps onto the boat first. In truth, Sylvain’s never really liked the way it rocks; he likes it better when the ground is steadier beneath his feet. But a promise is a promise, and it isn’t as if they’re going to be out there for any longer than two or three hours… if the fishermen are to be believed.

“C’mon,” he urges, and holds out a hand to help her on. “You can hold onto me if it helps you feel steadier on your feet.”

To Julia this was all a new experience, regardless of whether it was a sailing or fishing vessel. She wasn’t exactly excited to be surrounded by dead fish (how sad...), but it would still be a fun trip! They would just have to make the most of it. 

“It’s alright...I’m just happy to be with you, Sylvain.” She meant it completely platonically-- it didn’t hurt to lean into the whole ‘date’ thing, though. This was a chance to let loose, something she’s never had the chance of doing before. She didn’t have to be the bearer of the brand of Naga all the time-- she could just be Julia for now. 

The boat rocks as he boards, and Julia can’t help but feel a little nervous. The vessel to Fódlan was much larger, meaning it was much sturdier in comparison to the fishing boat. “Oh-- I’d...yes, please. I’m a bit nervous...”

She takes his hand and slowly places a foot on the boat. It bobs even under the slightest of weight, and Julia feels herself panic from the sudden change in footing, jumping onto the boat and into Sylvain. Her arms wrap around his torso, chest heaving as she attempts to calm herself. “S...sorry-- I thought I would fall...”

[lafilledenaga]

A date.

How on Earth did she manage to get two dates after something so horrible. It made no sense, but she found it hard to say no. Perhaps it would be fun— it wasn’t something she ever got to do back home. Men did attempt to court her, but calling those moments dates was a stretch.

The academy provided uniforms, so Julia’s closet was lightly stocked with dresses meant only for special occasions. She was sure this would count as a special occasion— it certainly wasn’t something she planned to do often! She tried her best to get ready in as little time as possible, dreading the idea of keeping him waiting. Thankfully she’s there just before him, waving in his direction once he’s in sight.

“Oh! Hello, Inigo.” She smiles, accepting the bouquet graciously. “Ah, really…? I’ve been excited as well…ehe…” A day out in the town, flowers, tea and pastries…was this how it felt to be just a normal everyday girl? How freeing…

“I think chamomile would be my favourite…but a cup of peppermint tea is always refreshing.” Though she smiles, there is still the smallest hint of tension in her body. It was so foreign— what if she said or did something wrong? She wouldn’t be able to forgive herself if she ruined a new friendship so soon.

“You— you look quite handsome today— I meant to tell you but I…” She pauses before laughing nervously. “Sorry, I’ve never done this before…”

What’s on the menu? Me-n-u

>starter for @lafilledenaga 

Inigo is a lot of things. Dancer. Flirt. Mercenary. Soldier. He is not, however, a man to go back on his word. 

Especially when a pretty girl gets involved. He only survived that dark hellscape because of Julia; she’s owed more than tea and pastries. A lovely new dress, maybe, or some ribbons. Inigo adjusts his grip on the flower bouquet. She doesn’t strike him as the type to want a lot of things like clothes or jewels. Tea and pastries and flowers will have to suffice for now. 

“Hel-lo Julia! My, you’re looking beautiful!” He hands her the bouquet with a grin. “I’ve been looking forward to our date for ages!” Planning a time when he’s not wooing another girl is hard work. Today, Julia commands all of his attention! 

“A cup of tea tastes even better when shared, no?” Inigo pushes pink bangs away from his face. “What’s your favorite kind of tea? I’ve always been partial to peppermint.” The crowds are thinner than usual on their walk into town. Most everyone must be at that carnival he’d heard about—should all go well, they could extend their little date into the evening. 

The thought gets neatly tucked away in the back of his head. He’s learned to take things a bit slower. Enough rejected dates will really make a man stop and think how to adjust his strategy.