#[ Forde | renaisguy ]

[taguelbunnyboy]

🎄 "Huh." Someone's been hanging plants all over the place. "Do you know what this is?"

"You.. can't eat them. I tried last year, they are... not edible, to say the least."

Yarne sighs, looking away, pink gracing his face, as seems to keep happening whenever he sees his blonde-haired friend.

"They're... something romantic. I think. If you stand under it with someone, you kis-"

Yarne pales for a moment as he recognizes the context, then shoots SCARLET.

"You kiss the other person. And I don't... know everything about it? I... I imagine there's some way to get out if you... wouldn't want to..."

He nervously chuckles, looking anywhere, everywhere, except Forde's face.

"If you... if you..."

Yarne's words are failing him. He wants to say that if Forde wants to leave, he can. Which he totally can! Yarne wouldn't blame him for a second, but...

Why can't he get himself to say it?

[princessmacedon]

"It's not as good as the last time we shared a room, but it's manageable." Forde tries to lighten the dingy bunker's mood, but it does little to help. "Are you doing alright?"

"Hee hee..." There's as much worth in gentle humor as in vengeance here, or so Maria believes; they need to carry more than just their broken hearts with them to survive. Disentangling her fingers from her hair (a clump of dried blood now separated and disguised), she brushes back sanguine locks and turns a wondrous gaze over the room.

"You're right -- the ambiance just doesn't compare!" She jokes back, her smile touching her eyes and tucking their corners in mirth. Her chin takes its rest on her knuckles, faux-appraising eye returned to their new lodgings. A beat held; she shakes her head playfully, but when her gaze rises it's with a smile.

"I'm okay," the little cleric reassures him. Fingers brush against the tear in her shirt, though her now-bandaged shoulder protests even this. At least she had been seen to rather quickly; it's a favor she'll be sure to repay once she's taken enough rest. She ought to take her own advice sometimes, after all! Even if it might chafe.

"I'm here," she murmurs. Her back straightens, her faint smile held in warmth. "I'm alive. There's still something I can do for them, for everyone -- for you, too! But, if I could ask you two things..." A pause; a hum. "Are you okay, too? And, hmm... What's your favorite color?"

She grins at that. "In whatever order you like better!"

[nohrslittleflower]

[ Wish ] “Woah, look at the stars…” Forde says to no one in particular, gazing up at the night’s sky. He notices a young girl nearby, in a beautiful dress. “My brother and I used to make wishes on shooting stars, back when we were kids…” These days Forde was so content with life, he didn’t have anything big to wish for.

“They say wishes don’t come true if you tell someone…” And for some reason, Forde wants to test that. He holds out a white feather to the girl. “What if I said my wish was for you to take my brooch?”

Nohr doesn’t have stars. At least, as far as Elise has ever known. The most she’s ever seen from her room’s window has been the moon — and the most she’d ever seen of the sky from outside the castle had been the underside of the city streets above the real city of Nohr, and then only on the occasions she would manage to sneak out. 

Even though the stars above the ball now are only a magic-based creation, they’re about as real as it gets. To her, at least. They’re as mesmerizing as she assumes the real thing must be, considering how distracted they made her to not even notice the other person nearby until he began to speak.

“Really?” She doesn’t know much about wishing on stars, despite their common prominence in stories. But one would think she’d at least hear of it if there was some sort of ‘rule’ like that. It doesn’t even make sense! Why would telling people about your dreams or whatever make them less likely to happen?! There’s no way that’s true. 

Elise smiles brightly, removing a small bell from her brooch to offer in return. “Then I’d say my wish is for you to take mine, hehe! I’m Elise, by the way. It’s nice to meet you!”

[pridelessdaydreamer]

💤

mimimimimi.......... (the kitty cat is contented.)

[solarsbrace]

"Happy holidays Prince Ephraim!" Forde holds out a medium sized painting. "I was looking through my works, and I found this old one I did of Renais castle. I thought you might like it..." He smiles, "If you can find room for it that is."

brisk air that chilled his lungs when he inhaled reminded him that it was, in fact, time for festivities. renais had been rich in culture, with many festivals to celebrate each and every part of it. he had loathed every moment of them, always 'encouraged' to attend by his father and seth. a young fool that prince was not to understand the importance of them... a happy people was a happy country, after all. now, his country was in no such position to celebrate or make happy.

at least here in fodlan, such pleasant distractions were still in full swing for the winter. the monastery was littered with decoration and strangely clad people. even now, he could not stomach this kind of atmosphere, but he could grow to tolerate it. ephraim understood it's importance now, not that bright lights and wishes of joy brought him any. even still, he needed no encouragement this time to participate in whatever the students and faculty had planned. a hermit-like king did not raise morale, not did it instill confidence in his people...

it wasn't all bad, after all, ephraim could spot familiar faces, and ensure his sister was enjoying herself. perhaps gifts and wishes did not bring him joy, but these simpler actions did seem to ease his discomfort. among those he spied, forde was among them, bounding to him with a smile. ephraim pushed himself off the wall he had been relaxing against, realigning himself to meet his knight with a half-smile. it isn't until they are face to face that he notices the parchment that occupies his hand. with a sigh of recognition, he began, "seasons greetings to you, forde. i'm glad that you're well."

the king was not want for gifts, and he was full ready to turn the knight down to save him the hassle. it isn't until the parchment is displayed before him, that he begins to hesitate. perfect paint strokes brought alive the image of a castle he had not seen in many moons. he took the gift from forde's hands delicately, as if his callous hands might ruin it at any moment. even still, fingers traced the walls of what was once a beloved home to him. the scars of war were deep in magvel, and nothing was truly as it was before... not even the best of his country could fix what grado had broken.

he returns his sights on the man before him, unsure of exactly what words would express his gratitude. if it was as last minute as he had described, surely his knight had not thought of the significance this would hold. "it's an impressive painting, forde, i'd be happy to take it off your hands. i'll be sure to take good care of it."

"perhaps all your lazing about has finally paid off, huh?" ephraim let loose a smirk, ready to be done with sentimentality.

[bxldrsdraumar]

"Sir Sigurd, happy holidays!" He hands him a box of chocolates, wrapped in a blue ribbon. "And thanks again for holding that party, I had a ton of fun."

"Ah! Young Forde!" Sigurd had enjoyed seeing the young man in their training exercise, and in the dining hall during his feast only a few weeks past. Relaxed and friendly, he could not help but think of knights that he had had in his household - and, in part, of himself, at that age.

Clapping him on the shoulder, Sigurd took the chocolates with a smile. "I'm pleased to hear you enjoyed yourself - then the party was a success, by all accounts!"

He shook the box gently, and laughed. "Thank you, lad, for the gift. A happy holiday to you as well. Go on, then - I hope you find the time to spend with your friends."

[fluxrspar]

[ Chocolate fountain ] Forde eyes the chocolate fountain, then looks down at his newly clean white suit. Going near that would be a disaster… but it looks delicious. “Excuse me!” He taps a nearby woman on the shoulder “I’ll give you my brooch if you get me a couple of chocolate covered strawbe-” He pauses, as he looks at her more closely. She seems familiar, but he can’t place her. “Hey, you don’t happen to be from Magvel, do you?”

“Oh?”

Fluorspar turns her head when her shoulder is tapped, finding herself face-to-face with a young man, green eyes—shaped familiar, though she cannot place exactly how. (They have not crossed paths at the Academy before, have they? Selena ought to remember if so…)

“O-Oh.” (She understands now—the way one can recognize their kin in a sea of strangers, Grado is of Magvel, and Magvel is her home.) “Yes. Yes, I am.”

Turning away to face the fountain once again, she then takes some of the nearby strawberries, covering them in chocolate—just as he had asked.

“Here,” she extends, the two on a plate as Selena deems it to be more hygienic that way. Then adding on one of her own strings of pearls, she adds, “To make it a fair trade.”

[ofdusk]

✧ ⁺ - @renaisguy asked:

[ Pomegranate ] Good work Forde. He'd seen the pomegranate seeds, and without trying just one to see if he'd like them, he'd filled a plate with them. Turns out, he didn't like them. "Hey!" He taps the shoulder of a random woman. "Would you be interested in trying these?" Perhaps if he pretends to be a waiter, he can pawn them off somewhere.

Corrin turns with a start, wide eyed as she takes in the man and his... strange platter. She blinks, considers a moment, and then decides that he was too kind to be told no about something so silly.

"Sure," comes her agreement, followed closely by a seed being plucked between her thumb and index finger. It glitters an odd, rich shade of red that she has never seen in a fruit before. With a hum, she plops it onto her tongue.

It's surprisingly sweet, and cracks loudly between her teeth when she bites down. Corrin hums. "Not too bad! Thank you."

From her collar she unpins a bell, smiling as she offers it in an open palm. "A fair exchange, then!"

[obsidiendo]

[ Champagne ] "Evening." Forde raises his glass as he sees Duessel. "Enjoying the ball, Sir?" Forde takes a sip, it's better than he expected. "If it's not too cheeky to ask, sir, could we swap brooches?" Forde holds out a white feather. "I'm close to getting all five, you see."

Duessel nods as he takes his own champagne glass and raises it in greeting. "Good evening to you as well," he says before he sips. Though professors are not barred from having more than one drink, he's choosing to only have one tonight.

(He might end up needing to babysit Fogado if he continues to 'hit griddles' or whatever such nonsense.)

He offers his brooch in return for Forde's own, one step closer to completing his set. "I'm quite behind on my collection," he looks down at his hand-- only a string of pearls to speak for his search. "I appreciate this, thank you. I'm enjoying myself otherwise, how about yourself?"

[stellalimned]

The beast and its handlers fall to the onslaught, allowing us free access into the rest of the academy and monastery grounds. Up ahead, I note that the golem that had stood just beyond the reception hall has fallen, and as we traverse the hall, I step around its fallen carcass and the rubble surrounding it.

So much mess... what a far cry from the monastery I remember. I did not get a chance to register the full scope of destruction during the invasion, and now as I look around, the image of a cracked doll comes to mind at the state of the place. It can be repaired, with hard work and dedication, but it will never be exactly the same. I do not know what to think about it... save, perhaps, that it is good we have survived long enough that we may get to see this through. And I am struck with the sense that I see myself identifying with this place. Like Professor Lambert, like me, Garreg Mach fell, was likely destined to be destroyed; yet here we are, fighting on its behalf to grant it a second chance at life. Something clenches in my chest at the notion, and I turn away, focusing on the banter of my allies.

The lancer of the two blond cavaliers asks a question, and I tilt my head in thought. "In the long-term, I am anticipating returning to classes. While this situation has been an excellent test of practical application, I am ready to continue studying theory and completing schoolwork assignments. As for the short-term..." I pause and glance in the direction of the dorms, then the dining hall, "... a clean and new set of clothes would be appreciated, and... perhaps some fresh sweet buns, as I have not had any since we were forced out... such an indulgence would be appropriate in the face of victory, correct?"

Player Unit 8 moves up 1 node. No enemies left!

To the Man Who Sold the World: 🖕

TOA Epiphany finale | Unit 8

[taguelbunnyboy]

"Happy birthday Yarne!" Forde approaches the bunny between classes. "Congrats on making it through another year." He smiles, and hands Yarne a piece of paper. "I was looking through some old sketches the other day and found this. It's is the one I was drawing the night we first met." A nighttime view of the fishing pond, and a figure by the waterside. "That handsome fella is you."

Yarne was used to his birthday being just another day - if you're likely to die from making loud noises, a party, gifts, everything of that nature, was just a beacon for a Risen strike that takes out an entire group of friends - Yarne had seen that firsthand. There was a reason he hadn't found most of his allies celebrating their birthdays. So... this? This... meant a lot. Like, a lot a lot.

"Oh, so it... so it is!" Yarne looks at the drawing - Forde had a nice artstyle - Yarne wasn't used to seeing many drawings, not exactly something people had time for, but... Yarne could get used to it. He looks away at that last comment, cheeks a little redder than usual - handsome? Really? He was... able to survive. But he had found that meant little in terms of handsome to his eyes, and... well, there wasn't any taguel anymore who'd be able to distinguish his desirability in taguel terms but his mother, and... well, that felt weird.

"And... I don't know exactly if 'handsome' is the word? I mean, I've had no luck in terms of getting anything to continuing the taguel... I think that's part of why Mom sent me here..."

Yarne blinks, before he realizes he's blushing, looking even further away, but still partially wanting to keep eye contact - maybe it's selfish to try and feel close to a friend, but, well, Forde was a friend. In a place that, while more homely by the day, still felt foreign, meant a lot.

"But... thanks? I.. sorry, words are kind of mixing up for me right now..."

He bites the inside of his cheek, shaming himself for not giving a better thank you. Someone you care about gives you something? Return it better!

"No, wait, seriously; means a lot. Thanks."

That was... better. Oh Naga, Yarne's just embarrassing himself more and more.

[bxldrsdraumar]

"Evening sir." Forde holds a hand out to his new teammate. "My name is Forde, I don't think we've met." He flashes a smile, sizing up the man. He seems strong, perhaps strong enough to do Forde's share of the work. "I look forward to fighting alongside you."

"Oh? Well met, lad." Sigurd returns the smile easily, taking the hand to shake.

It warmed his heart, he thought, to see that no matter where he went, there were young men so eager to test their mettle in battle - training event or no, he thought he had a good sense for these things, and this Forde held the comfortable, familiar aura of a fellow cavalryman.

"I trust that we will face much hardship in the coming hours," he added with mock seriousness, winking. "I shall be putting my faith in you to have my back."

[pryings]

a quiet hum buzzes through the dining hall as those assembled are shuffled in. this 'psychological experiment' or 'speed dating game' or 'social gathering' or whatever it is has been prepared. in place of the long dining tables, the hall is filled with numerous small, round tables, each with a number placed upon them. you are to find your assigned tables, chat with your partner, and hopefully make some kind of connection.

the goal of this exercise is somewhat vague, but knoll and hubert seem poised to take notes. so that's interesting.

schedule:

12pm. EST Feb 14 - 11:59pm Feb 15 ROUND ONE. 12pm. EST Feb 16 - 11:59pm Feb 17 ROUND TWO. 12pm. EST Feb 18 - 11:59pm Feb 19 ROUND THREE. 12pm. EST Feb 20 LAST WORDS.

please tag all interactions #toaLoveHypothesis2024. you will receive an ask from hubert or knoll within the next few hours asking if you like or dislike your partner. unanswered asks default to a 'no.' please answer it at any point before the round ends.

rounds will be 36 hours long, but should narratively simulate the speed dating experience of only having a few minutes to talk. it should feel rushed. interactions can be asks or short threads, please communicate with your partner to determine what works best. you can continue an incomplete interaction after a round concludes if you wish, but please note that you need to vote by the round's end!

the questions provided are only suggestions. if your muse would not want to discuss this topic, feel free to talk about whatever you wish.

forrest (@bruniatrobaire) & forde (@renaisguy) topic: you have been stranded in the desert. assuming you have the foresight to have chosen two items to help you, which would you bring?

tormod (@arcelerity) & leif (@diadic) topic: discuss your hometown.

dwyer (@apathynoir) & poe (@loveevangelist) topic: critique the other’s personal style.

elise (@nohrslittleflower) & niamh (@boundlesschaos) topic: if you could speak to one animal, which would you choose?

petra (@calderosea) & edward (@justices-blade) topic: how would you save your current conversation partner if you were in a sandpit together, getting slowly pulled down into the abyss? or would you prioritize yourself?

sothe (@nevassan) & faye (@fiberflxwer) topic: the ideal combination of pastries and beverages.

ike (@ofradiances) & raven (@peerlessscowl) topic: fear.

sylvain (@gauldheri) & goldmary (@flaurum) topic: choose between money, love, and power.

xander (@chevaleri) & farina (@making-dough) topic: tea or coffee? why?

nils (@carmennivis) & freyja (@foreversnightmare) topic: preferred ways to pass the time.

seliph (@virtuoustyrfing) & rosado (@rozyrne) topic: favorite flower

andrei (@ulircursed) & saizo (@saizov) topic: there are twelve orphans in a burning building. there are five adults who have a proven history of enacting positive social change that are being attacked by ruffians. you may only save one. choose.

erk (@adalrikr) & sothis (@sublimeflowoftime) topic: saints. yes or no?

duessel (@obsidiendo) & eremiya (@motheruin) topic: cleanliness of your room and your person.

(tumblr has set a limit on the number of people that can be tagged in one post, so this had to be split into two, if you do not see your muse's name, check the other post)

[heliacalrisings]

Innes was in love with him.

A stack of missives laid on his desk, correspondences from Renais. Inquiries and reports that needed his approval. They had laid ignored for several hours now.

Innes was in love with him.

Candle light flickered along his wall, the wick now short from the hours spent. instead of sitting at his desk, Ephraim was pacing his room, boots thudding softly as he moved. He spared not one glance toward his desk.

Innes was in love with him.

Ephraim ran his hand through his cerulean hair and let out a long sigh.

For a time as a child, he'd strived to earn Innes's friendship. Their competitions had always been good fun, but at some point he realized that Innes didn't see it the same way. For many years his only close confidants, outside of his sister, had been Forde, Kyle, and Seth; people that were so close that they were all but obligated to be his friend. He valued these relationships, but Innes had been the first boy outside his circle he wanted to befriend. That, due to Innes's similar station, he could befriend.

When he became friends with Lyon, he realized just how far the gap stretched between he and Innes. At some point, he'd simply stopped trying to be his friend, at least not in the way he was with others, and taken their rivalry as it was even if he thought he'd never understand Innes's ire.

Well, now he did.

It was a shock at first, almost unbelievable, the information still registering even as Innes stalked out of the escape room. It wasn't until the other day that they got the chance to speak again. That encounter had somehow turned out more awkward but at least the matter had been settled. Mostly.

By all reasoning, this shouldn't matter to Ephraim, at least not as much as it felt it did. This frothing swirl of emotions had thrown off his focus, now too restless to sit and too irritated to do his work. Not at Innes, but also at Innes, and at himself, and at this situation. At how he'd tried for years to be his friend and felt the sting from falling short. He was too old to be thinking this way, had too many responsibilities to contend with. He wasn't some child waiting for a playmate anymore.

Ephraim suddenly stood, grabbed Reginleif, and exited his room. It didn't take long to find the familiar blonde ponytail that belonged to his friend.

"Forde," he called, "train with me." Assuming the other would follow, he stalked past him with a hellbent focus on doing anything to rid himself of these feelings.

@renaisguy !

the things we lost

[pryings]

once again, there comes a signal that it is time to change tables once more. the last round is about to begin.

12PM. EST FEB 18 - 11:59PM FEB 19 ROUND THREE.

knoll and hubert help people along, assisting stragglers with finding their seats.

"this time, we will be testing the efficacy of questions that, in prior rounds, resulted in mutual approval," knoll says. "you will not be assigned a question you got before, but rather, one that elicited a good response from someone else. please do your best with these topics."

"be sure not to disappoint us," hubert adds.

niamh (@boundlesschaos) & sara (@shadoll) topic: you have been stranded in the desert. assuming you have the foresight to have chosen two items to help you, which would you bring?

deirdre (@nagaficat) & duessel (@obsidiendo)  topic: choose between money, love, and power.

louis (@etrefleurbleues) & lachesis (@pridedprincess) topic: cleanliness of your room and your person.

edward (@justices-blade) & forrest (@bruniatrobaire) topic: what does the word love mean to you?

sothe (@nevassan) & arval (@laruarva) topic: what is justice?

sylvain (@gauldheri) & dimitri (@blaiddllodi) topic: you have no idea what’s at stake here, do you? will you fight, or will you perish on your knees like the rest of them?

shez (@partnerindestiny) & yarne (@taguelbunnyboy) topic: favorite place to unwind.

elise (@nohrslittleflower) & tormod (@arcelerity) topic: critique the other’s personal style.

forde (@renaisguy) & andrei (@ulircursed) topic: what are the socio-economic consequences of increased banditry? pros and cons, please.

forsyth (@viridescent-lance) & goldmary (@flaurum) topic: if tasked with healing an injured stranger, how would you respond?

hilda (@delicatevalentine) & jakob (@indevouement) topic: describe your ideal vacation.

rosado (@rozyrne) & caspar (@berglietz) topic: is it important for a couple to have similar ideals?

eremiya (@motheruin) & farina (@making-dough) topic: would you be a good parent? why or why not?

(per usual, if you don't see your muse's name, check the other half of this post!)

[pryings]

as the first round comes to an end and conversations begin to die out around you, you are shuffled quickly and efficiently to a new set of tables, facing a new conversation partner.

"you've done very well," knoll says, trying to sound encouraging.

hubert's words are perhaps less encouraging. "you have exceeded expectations. we've been provided data that we can no doubt use."

either way, round two is about to begin. take a look at your partners, and read your conversation topic.

12pm. EST Feb 16 - 11:59pm Feb 17 ROUND TWO.

we hope you are enjoying your stay.

ike (@ofradiances) & deirdre (@nagaficat) topic: what does the word love mean to you?

mark (@allyphase) & hilda (@delicatevalentine) topic: your favorite opening move in a game of chess.

sakura (@gentlenekomata) & andrei (@ulircursed) topic: how many pets you would be willing to adopt, assuming you had the time and space?

forsyth (@viridescent-lance) & l’arachel (@aglaean) topic: would you be a good parent? why or why not?

edward (@justices-blade) & arval (@laruarva) topic: you have no idea what’s at stake here, do you? will you fight, or will you perish on your knees like the rest of them?

elincia (@amitieos) & eitri (@grimkkr) topic: if you could change one thing about your assigned partner's appearance, what would it be?

denning (@beholdenning) & laslow (@laslow) topic: what are the socio-economic consequences of increased banditry? pros and cons, please.

erk (@adalrikr) & petra (@calderosea) topic: are morals universal?

duessel (@obsidiendo) & saizo (@saizov) topic: favorite place to unwind.

niamh (@boundlesschaos) & elffin (@moriddyn) topic: preferred ways to pass the time.

elise (@nohrslittleflower) & dimitri (@blaiddllodi) topic: lady edelgard (and other esteemed leaders).

caspar (@berglietz) & faye (@fiberflxwer) topic: you and a sentient snail are both given enough money to purchase anything you wish, without any fear of it running out. you both become immortal, but you will die if the snail touches you. what do you do within this situation? note: the snail always knows where you are, and is always crawling towards you.

leif (@diadic) & lucius (@semperiuvare) topic: horses

farina (@making-dough) & forde (@renaisguy) topic: total monsters you have vanquished.

(as with last time, this had to be split into two posts. if you don't see your muse's name on this one, refer here.)