#blades and bows 🪃

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Needed to figure out a dress for reasons

Reasons, being that my insert marries Malik up in his home country, which is super cold, and so it's basically a wintery frosty Christmas kind of wedding.

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The text if it's hard to read:

Another party member: " Malik? Are you... hugging her?"

Malik: "hm? She clung to me. She's cold."

Evelyn" *shivering

.

Evelyn found the northern kingdom of Fendel too cold. Thankfully, Malik is basically a space heater, and lets her snuggle close.

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Backrubs

A completely wholesome tale and happening that poor Cheria takes the wrong way because of a closed door.

Malik Ceasar X my insert

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Cheria looked about the hall, thinking aloud to herself. “Hm… perhaps I should ask the Captain what I should prepare for tomorrow's lunch. We're going to be traveling a lot again, so it should be something.” She started to walk down to his room., “I'm guessing he's already in his room.”

She went to the door, lifting her hand to knock, and paused at the sound of talking. She recognized the deep calm voice of the captain as he spoke, but was unable understand what he was saying

“Oh, he must be busy?” She wondered, and lowered her hand. “Maybe I should come back later-”

She yelped, startled at the sudden sound of a moan from behind the door. It was feminine, and sounded like Evelyn. Cheria's face turned red and she turned away.

“N-No, that can't be what I think it is!” She muttered to herself. She brought her hands up to her blushing face. “I mean… He's an adult, and I think that sounded like the princess… b-but…” she squeaked at the sound of another moan, followed by a low chuckle from the captain. ‘I'll just go ask someone else what they want for lunch tomorrow,’ she thought to herself with tightly closed eyes.

“Cheria, is something the matter?” Hubert's blunt tone pulled her back to reality, and she looked at him. “Your face is bright red.”

“Well, I… but then- and-” she stumbled along her words, gesturing to the door. Hubert shook his head.

“You want to talk with the Captain? Just knock.”

“I can't! He's…” she went silent, unable to finish her sentence.

“Then I will.” Hubert knocked briskly. “Captain? Permission to enter?”

“Come on in.” Malik responded.

Hubert began to open the door, almost hesitating at the sound of another moan. Cheria covered her face again.

“What's going on in here?” Hubert questioned loudly, swinging open the door the rest of the way.

Malik looked over from the bed, his arms around Evelyn, who was straddling his lap. She was half limp against him, eyes lidded and mouth open slightly in a look of ecstasy.

Sitting in a chair nearby, Sophie looked over. “Oh. Hi Hubert, Cheria.”

“Hah?” Cheria peeked in. “Sophie?! W-What are you doing in here.

“The Captain and I were having our normal story time.” She stated.

“And somebody here came in because she wanted a back rub.” Malik added. His hand went along Evelyn's shoulders, and she leaned against him all the more, whimpering.

“THAT'S a backrub?” Hubert exclaimed.

“Trust me, if I had her facing the other way, Evelyn would have fallen off the bed a long time ago.”

“Captain?” Sophie turned to him. “What would Hubert think you were doing if it wasn't a back rub?”

He chuckled, smiling at her. “Perhaps that's an explanation for another night.”

“So you weren't…” Cheria sighed, leaning heavily against the doorframe. “Oh goodness…”

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Desert Date

The name doesn't quite work, but... it works enough. Evelyn struggles to keep in the shade in the desert.

(S/I) X Malik Ceasar

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Evelyn squinted up at the sun, its powerful rays beating down upon the party.

“It's sooo hot…” Cheria whined, a sentiment everyone was feeling at this point. She shielded her eyes and looked around at the rest. Pascal was no longer bright and chipper, speaking only in hushed mumbles. Sophie leaned heavily against Asbel, and he and Heubert stood with sweat glistening on their brows. And Malik stood as stoic as ever, sweat beading on his arms and exposed chest. She watched as Evelyn slunk a half step  closer to him, and was now under his shadow.

“I bet the captain makes for some nice shade, doesn't he Princess Evelyn?” She commented with a smile. Evelyn glanced away, her face read, possibly from the heat.

“Yeah. I mean, he's tall enough and broad enough for me at least.” She pushed up her glasses.

“You've been standing in his shadow almost the entire time we've been in Strata, haven't you?” Asbel tilted his head. Cheria nodded.

“Now that you mention it, Asbel, she has!” 

“I don't want to get sunburnt,” Evelyn stated. “And I burn really easily.”

“Well the captain won't be able to help you much in a few hours.” Heubert crossed his arms. “The sun will only get stronger as it goes higher, and soon our shadows will be directly below us.”

“Heccudahumadm…” Pascal mumbled.

“What?” Cheria and Sophie both wandered closer to the girl, leaning close to her slumped figure.

“Heccudahumadm…”

Cheria's eyes widened, “Pascal, they can't do that! It would be impractical and…” her voice trailed off.

“Do what?” Heubert raised a brow. Cheria shook her head, blushing.

“She said the Captain could just drap himself over her to shade her then.” Sopie translated.

“Like this?” Malik stepped behind Evelyn, putting his arms around her. He leaned forward and rested his chin on her head. Evelyn's face reddened further. “It would work… but I can't say it would be ideal for travel or battle.”

“Yeah…” Evelyn closed her eyes and leaned back against him. “I'd hit your gut if I tried to draw my bow, and I don't even know how you'd throw your blade.”

“I suppose I'd have to hold you in one arm, and you'd have to move with me when I throw. And you'd be limited to your magic.”

“Wait, they're actually planning to work like this?!” Heubert exclaimed, and watched as the two further discussed their plans.

“Looks like it.” Asbel nods. “But I guess that's the Captain and Evelyn for you. They work so well together.”

“...yes, I suppose you could say that.”

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(The Words)

Panel 1, Malik: "I'm not so sure about this outfit... What do you think?"

Panel 2, Pascal: "Looks snazzy! Right, Ev? ...Ev?"

So... there's this outfit Malik has in the game, and dammit he looks like my stereotypical type of man. The glasses, the gentleman look! I just... I need it.

Below the cut, you can see my poor snap of him in-game (ignore the halo and wings. Those are extra). There's also a closeup of my insert cause I'm loving the shameless nosebleed.

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I should not be thinking how good of a dad Malik would be. I should not be thinking of him being a father. I should not be thinking of him with children of his own. I should not-

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A little cuddle (could have put more work into this, but it was a quick sketch while waiting for bro to get up so we can play more of his source material! XD)

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Quiet Conversation

I wrote this last night, but only now getting around to posting it.

Summary: On a boat up north to the country of Fendel, Malik grows more quiet and distant. Malik × self insert

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“That expression again.” Evelyn's voice was soft as she approached the tall man, and stopped beside him. She rested her arms against the ship railing before them. Her eyes didn't fall upon the dark freezing waters, nor the sun that sunk halfway into the depths. She looked at Malik beside her, and studied his tired eyes and furrowed brows. “I know that look.” She looked down. “It's loss… isn't it…”

Malik remained silent for a moment, his own gaze out into the water. “...Yes.” He murmured. “It was years ago, but going to this place reminds me of someone from a long time ago.”

Evelyn nodded in understanding. “Who were they?”

“A friend.” He sighed, and there was hesitation as he spoke. “We spent a lot of time together along with another friend. Long nights, good and bad. We held high dreams and hopes. But then…”

Silence fell, replaced only with the quiet whistle of a cold wind that picked up. Pale flurries began to fall, dusting their hair with white.

Evelyn shook her head. “You don't need to tell me any more than you want to. It's alright.” She shivered, and the wind danced through her hair and clothing. She had never been so far north before, and the frigid cold of Fendel pierced her flesh.

Suddenly, thick fabric fell across her shoulders, already warm. She quietly drew the coat around herself, and looked up at Malik, who crossed his bare arms and looked out to the water again.

“You should go to your cabin and get some sleep.” He stated. “It'll be a long and cold day tomorrow.”

“You're probably not getting your coat back, I'm sure you know.” Evelyn remarked, and a smirk formed on Malik's face for the first time that evening.

“We'll get you something warmer for our time in Fendel. But until then, you need it a lot more than I do.”

“I suppose I'll sleep with your coat on, then,” she smiled, and allowed him to take her hand in his own. “It should be enough.”

He drew her hand up to his lips, and pressed a gentle kiss. “But if you still find yourself too cold, you know where my own room is.”

“Oh, how scandalous.” She giggled, and when he let go of her hand, she gave him a curtsy. “Good night, dear captain.” He bowed.

“My princess.”

She turned to the door and walked off, and Malik’s gaze followed her. The smile she had brought to his lips faded as he lost sight of her, and he sighed.

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I've been writing Malik as a bit of a smooth talker at times, but like... his fake flirting, at least, is atrocious. Is he actually just really bad at this stuff?

He legit, when formulating a way to get another two characters to date already (the schemers felt there had to be a love rival to get the ball rolling) felt just telling the girl "hey, let's make out" was a proper strategy.

Like... dude... noo...

This man is more of an idiot sometimes than I make him out to be.

I'm sure he can smooth talk, but I gotta Himbo him more.

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It's cold outside for real so... BEACH TIME

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That's a normal way to hold a person... right?

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Tales of Graces insert: Evelyn, Princess of Windor

Close up:

Here she is, the "official" character artwork.

Below is official artwork of some other characters for reference. I'm pretty proud of how similar I got the style!

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Am I writing my insert's history like it's one of the character wiki articles?...

Yes. Yes I am.

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The first 5 questions for Malik!

Okay!~

1. nose kisses or forehead kisses?

Forehead kisses

2. neck kisses or thigh kisses?

Thigh kisses cause.... reasons...

3. heavy, hot, and passionate kisses or soft, sweet, and tender kisses?

I mean, both happen a lot, but heavy, hot, and passionate fits better.

4. spooning or one person laying their head on the other’s chest?

Spooning. Malik's of course the big spoon.

5. hugs from behind or hugs from the front?

hugs from behind. It kinda goes had in hand with the spooning

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Hey, look at what I totally definitely found from the official Fandom wiki of this totally legit character

And definitely not me just wanting to write her stuff like this. Heheh.

Evelyn (Tales of Graces)

Evelyn is the elder sister of Richard, and princess of Windor. She is a sort of mentor to Asbel Lhant, alongside Malik Caesar, a close friend and ally.

History

Early childhood

Evelyn was born the first child of the king and queen of Windor. Being a girl, however, she was not meant to be the next in line for the throne. In her youth she was tutored in many subjects, including using a bow, and magic. When she was 9, and Richard was born, she was basically set aside, now a princess just to be married off one day. She did not resent her brother for this fate, instead caring deeply for him and being very close the times they were actually together.

Eventually, Evelyn was sent off to Gralesyde, a nobleman found for her to be married. She doesn't reveal anything about this man, but it's clear she wanted nothing to do with him, and begged to do anything with her life rather than marry him. She returned to Barona a month later and, at the age of 18, went to the Knight's Academy.

She proved to be a promising knight, trained under and with Malik Ceasar, and seemed to adjust well to this new life.

Game Prologue 

Asbel meets Evelyn when he runs away to the Knight's Academy. She often assists Malik in training students, and he often sees her alongside him.

War for Windor

Seven years later (she is now 28) Evelyn and Richard's father, the King of Windor, is murdered by their uncle, Cedric. Cedric, taking command of the knights, attempts to murder Richard as well, and Evelyn defects to protect her brother. She escapes with him into the Barona Catacombs, meeting Asbel and Sophie there. They all flee to Gralesyde to gain more allies and begin reclaiming the kingdom from their uncle.

She shows concern for Richard as the party infiltrates Wallbridge fortress and Windor Castle, questioning his sudden and extreme brutality towards the knights simply following orders

After the War

Evelyn requests to go with Asbel and the party to Lhant, and proceeds to stay with them as they travel.

Lineages and Legacies (6 months after the main story)

Evelyn is found to be engaged to Malik, traveling with him with his new job as Fendel's Ambassador. She is happy and quick to join the party as they find the reason for more monster attacks.

Appearance and Personality 

Evelyn is a seemingly elegant and put together young woman. She has long golden hair that falls to her lower back, but keeps it up in a bun held by a hair stick. She's average height, but still the tallest female in the party. her eyes are bright blue grey. She wears a light grey dress with purple and blue details similar in fashion to Richard's garb. The dress has one flowing sleeve and one tighter, and a slit along the side of the skirt. Underneath she wears dark teal leggings and black thigh high boots. She also wears a golden collar necklace, embellished with a bright green gem.

She usually acts calm and relaxed, letting this “what will be will be” personality calm others as well. Occasionally however, this slips, showing an anxious and highly emotional nature. In various quests and skits, shown to be very protective, especially towards children. She also shows a passion for bad jokes and puns, many which garner little laughter from the party.

Evelyn clearly shows romantic feelings towards Malik, but their relationship status is hazy for most of the game. She openly flirts with him, and seems the most expressive when talking to him. It's safe to assume however, that by the 3rd act of the game, the two are romantically involved.

Fighting Style

Evelyn is an all out ranged fighter and support character, utilizing a bow for her Assault Artes, and a wide variety of elemental magic and buffs for Burst Artes. Her magic is powerful, but deals damage to single or extremely close together targets, making her suited for long distance sniping and fleeing. She has extremely low defenses, but moves quickly, able to cast with extreme speed as well.

In Tales of Graces F, Evelyn's Accelerate Mode is called “Royal blessing”. The party receives a heal for 25% health, and her Burst Artes (both offensive and support) gain a larger range for damage until her Accelerate Mode wears down. This makes her more useful in a pinch when more damage needs to be done, or if the party is falling low on health and buffs.